Jodhpur, a prominent city in Rajasthan, is an intriguing destination offering a vibrant escape into the colorfulness and flamboyance of this eastern state. The city’s bustling roads blend the old with the new. Dealing in antiques, bandhinis, handicrafts, footwear, and red chilies, the shops of Sojati Gate, Station Road, and Tripolia Bazaar are filled with irresistible items to buy.

Jodhpur is also home to some marvelous historic, religious, and modern attractions, including:

Mehrangarh Fort: Built in 1460 by Rao Jodha, it is one of the largest forts in India. With its thick imposing walls, expansive courtyards, and intricate carvings, it stands as a testament to the glorious past of Jodhpur. The fort can be entered from seven different directions through massive gates commemorating the victories of its rulers. It is visible from anywhere in the city and has never been under siege. Access is via a winding road that requires walking in its final stretch. From this height, you can view the beautiful blue houses of the city, which is why Jodhpur is known as the Blue City. The first gate is Jaipol, where you can purchase tickets for the fort museum and hire a local guide. The fort is maintained by the Jodhpur royal family and features a well-stocked museum, gift shop, handicraft stalls, a temple, and a café.

Jaswant Thada: A marvelous monument built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, it is both an engineering marvel and a beautiful sight. Visiting it in the morning and wandering through the huge marble walls is an unforgettable experience. The walls emit a warm glow when sunlight passes through them. The monument can be reached by road and starts with a platform where you can enjoy folk singers and dancers performing for free. It is located to the left of Mehrangarh Fort and can be visited on the same day.

Balsamand Lake: Following the tradition of nearby Udaipur, Jodhpur has its own share of beautiful lakes. Although Balsamand Lake is now more famous due to the hotel of the same name, its natural beauty remains stunning. Slightly outside the city’s border on the Jodhpur-Mandore Road, the lake is around a kilometer long and was built in 1159 as a hunting and camping location for the royals.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: Originally the residence of the royal family of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan was partly converted into the luxurious Taj Hotel in 1972; another section became a museum, while the third still serves as the home of the owner's family. Construction began in 1929 and was completed in 1945. With around 350 rooms, it is one of the largest private residences in the world. Inside the palace, you can explore a gallery exhibiting the royals' customized automobiles. Audio headsets are available for a small fee for guided tours. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Kaylana Lake: This large body of water amid a desert offers beautiful scenery and a peaceful spot for a family outing. Built by Maharaja Sardar Singh to provide drinking water for Jodhpur, it continues to serve this purpose efficiently. Kaylana Lake is an excellent place for picturesque sunsets or bird-watching. There is no entry fee, and the lake is open from 9:00 am until sunset.

Aerial Adventure Activities: For a break from traditional sightseeing, try the aerial adventure activities near Mehrangarh Fort. Depending on your age and stamina, you can enjoy fifteen minutes to a few hours of thrilling experiences. The activities are safe and relatively inexpensive.

Safari Tours: Jodhpur offers various safari tours suitable for different age groups. Village, Camel, and Bishnoi Safaris are particularly popular, providing unique experiences including animal sightings, handicrafts, village huts, museums, and local cuisine. Consider home stay options to experience life with local families.

Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar): Another memorable addition to Jodhpur by Maharaja Sardar Singh, the Clock Tower is now part of an old but highly commercial market. Tourists looking to shop often flock to its streets in search of bargains. Popular items include handicrafts, bandhani clothes, juttis, local textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble works, and silver jewelry. The structure is particularly impressive at night, making it an excellent spot for combining shopping with sightseeing and dining.

Jodhpur has been famous for centuries, attracting travelers from India and abroad seeking an authentic taste of the Rajasthan we’ve all heard so much about. From its lakes to magnificent palaces, it offers something for every type of traveler. We offer customized Jodhpur vacation packages that can be combined with other destinations. To learn more about how we can enhance your holidays, Get in touch with us today.