When you are traveling in this land of Kingdoms and Palaces, just one question rings in your mind - "What happened here?"
When you are in Jodhpur, the striking blue-colored walls, a full-fleged city developed around majestic palaces and the regular lifestyle amidst the scorching desert sun seems uncanny. However, it was here that Rao Jodha - who was the Chief of the Rathore Clan- came from his homeland Kanauj.
Jodhpur was previously known as 'Marwar'. After the Rathores came in, Jodhpur became the capital and the largest city of the Rajputana state.
Well, that was a long time ago. Today, all those palaces and forts have become an integral part of Jodhpur tourist destinations. Jodhpur greets you to a land of scorching sun dotted with historical landmarks and traditional cultures of Rajasthan that puts you in a state of wonderment. Suggested read: If you had one day in India to spend, where would you go?
Wondering why Jodhpur is called 'The blue city'?.Jodhpur is also called as Sun City or Surya Nagari, because of the harsh desert Sun shining over the city. And this is the reason all the homes here are painted in Blue, to keep out the Sun, and to keep the homes cool. In fact, this is the first thing, you'll notice when you are traveling in Jodhpur. The desert
Places to visit in Jodhpur
Traveling to Jodhpur is an experience that's unique and will cut you out from the rest of the world. Get acquainted with the city and check out the best places to visit in Jodhpur so that you don't get lost and confused.
Also read: Most Romantic Places in India to visit this Valentine's Day
#1. Mehrangarh Fort
Built by Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort is till date the largest fort in India and is one of the best historical places to visit in Jodhpur. It is 410 feet high on a hill and is guarded by walls. You get into the fort after crossing seven gates which are - Victory gate, Fateh gate, Gopal gate, Bhairon gate, Dedh Kamgra gate, Marti gate, and the Loha gate. All these gates were built on different occasions to commemorate different points of victory in history. The fort is one of Rajasthan's most popular museums.
There is Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, & Daulat Khana inside the palace.
Important Information:
- Video camera - Rs.200
- Still Camera - Rs.100
- Audio Guide - Rs.150
- Audio Guide for Senior Citizen and Student - Rs.100
- Mehrangarh Fort Jodhpur Entry Fee - Indians - Rs.60, Foreigners - Rs.400
- Mehrangarh Fort Timings - 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Daily)
Important Festivals:
- Dusherra is one of the most important festival here, where a procession is taken out from the fort.
- Rajasthan International Folk Festival is a popular music and dance festival where the music of Rajasthan and dances of Rajasthan are performed as a part of special concerts in Mehrangarh fort
- Gangaur is held in April where a procession of Gangaur Mata Ji is taken out from the fort.
#2. Jaswant Tada
Jaswant Tada or Jaswant Thada is a monument in Jodhpur. It's basically a cenotaph built in honor of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Even today it serves as a cremation ground for the Marwar Royal Family. The beautiful gardens of this cenotaph, the picturesque carved marbels are simply spell-binding. Located deep in the hills of Jodhpur - Jaswant Tada is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur during sunset as it reflects the golden hues of the Sun. It is also called the Taj Mahal of Marwar.
Important Information:
- You need to remove your shoes before entering as a mark of honor.
- Entry Fee - Rs. 15 for Indians, Rs.30 For Foreigners
- Camera - Rs. 25, Camcorder - Rs.50
- Timings - 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Daily)
#3. Umaid Bhawan Palace
One of the most promising places to visit in Jodhpur, this is the place where desi girl- Priyanka Chopra got hitched to American singer- Nick Jonas. The Palace was constructed as a way of employment for the locals. Today its a luxury hotel and is also awarded "The Best Hotel in the World" by the "Travelers Choice Award". Even today, the Jodhpur's royal Marwar family stays here. There are 347 rooms in the palace which are divided in three parts. One part is the museum, the second part is where the Royal family resides. Today Raja Gaj Singh and his family stays here. Tourists aren't allowed to enter here. The third part is a 5-Star hotel and is one of the best hotels in Jodhpur.
Important Information:
- Timings to Enter the Museum - 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
- Cost for Tour - Rs.30 for Indians, Rs. - 100 for Foreigners and Rs.10 for Children.
#4. Hanwant Mahal
One of the best sightseeing places in Jodhpur is Hanwant Mahal. This used to be the hunting place of the Rajas. They used to go for hunting here and then come back and relax and enjoyed a meal with friends. The first floor has been turned into a restaurant and the rest two floors are resorts for staying.
#5. Go for a Camel Safari
The best things to do in Jodhpur is going for a camel safari. Jodhpur is just on the edge of Thar desert and the camel safari will help you explore the city to the best.
#6. Shop at Sardar Market in Jodhpur
Also called as "Clock Tower Market", Sardar Market is the best place to peep into the everyday life of the people of Jodhpur. You can shop for traditional handicraft items, bargain for them and get them at half the original price. When you get tired of shopping munch on some Samosa or Chilli Bhaji.
#7. Khejarla Fort
This 400 year old fort built by the Maharaja or the King of Jodhpur gives you the perfect example of royal life which existed in Jodhpur. Today it is a popular Indian Heritage hotel. You can stay here and enjoy the royal hospitality. It is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur at night. The hotel also offers you a tour of the village. This gives you true experience of the inhabitants of the place.
#8. Mandore Garden
The Mandore garden is unlike the other umbrella shaped cenotaphs which are most commonly found in Rajasthan. These cenotaphs are just like Hindu temples. They are four storey high and are built on red sandstone. The shrine of 300 million Gods in a particular point of Interest here. You can also visit the Government museum at Mandore Gardens.
Important Information:
- Timings - 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM
- Cost for Tour - Garden - Nil, Museum - Rs.150
#9. Chamunda MataJi Temple
Chamunda Mataji Temple is one of the most pious places to visit in Jodhpur. This was built by Rao Jodha and is till date worshiped by the locals. It was actually built against a curse which caused drought in Jodhpur for three years. You get the best views of the Blue city and the Umaid Bhawan Palace from this Temple.
Important Information:
- Timings - 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM
- Tickets - No Charges
#10. Masuria Hills Garden
This is certainly one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur. You get the best views of the blue city from here. Also here you can get a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle from the city and talk to your soul or enjoy your solace.
Important Information:
- Camera - Allowed
- Tickets - No Charges
- Timings - Sunrise to Sunset
#11. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park | Image Source
Located near the Mehrangarh Fort, this is actually at the foot of the Fort. This is an attempt to restore and keep the desert vegetation alive. Once you visit this place and take some memorable photos you'll surely say that this is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur.
Important Information:
- Cost of Tour - Rs.30 Adults, Rs.10 - Childrens
- Timings - 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM (Daily)
#12. Clock Tower
One of the most popular landmarks of Jodhpur built by Maharaja Sardar Singh, this is actually in the middle of Sardar Market. You can shop at the Sardar Market and also enjoy delicious Jodhpur's street food here.
So, this was a brief list of the Best Places to visit in Jodhpur. I've tried my best to give you a glimpse of the city and bring to you the Popular Tourist places in Jodhpur, in a short and brief article. I hope you like it. ALso read these other articles, if you are Planning a Trip to Jodhpur:
Suggested Read:
Things to do in Jaipur - The Royal Pink City
Things to do in Udaipur - The Venice of the East
Happy travel to you!
.jpg#/media/File:Umaid-bhawan-jodhpur_(1).jpg){kind=link}