Top 10 Attractions in Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan is popularly known as the Blue City. The name is clearly befitting as most of the architecture – forts, palaces, temples, havelis and even houses are built in vivid shades of blue. The strapping forts that tower this magnificent city sum up to a spectacle you would not want to miss. The mammoth, imposing fortress of Mehrangarh has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of the fortress. The new city is located outside the structure. Jodhpur is also known for the rare breed of horses known as Marwari or Malani, which are only found here.
Jodhpur marks its origin back to the year of 1459 AD. The history of this prosperous city revolves around the Rathore clan. Rao Jodha, the chief of Rathore Clan is credited with the origin of Jodhpur in India. The city is known to be built in place of the ancient capital, Mandore of the state of Manwar. Hence, the people of Jodhpur and surrounding areas are commonly known as Marwaris. Also, it is believed that the relics of Mandore can still be witnessed in the Mandore Gardens.
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is the blue enigma of every Rajasthan holiday. Rudyard Kipling has said about Mehrangarh Fort that “the fort is the palace that might have been built by the Titans and colored by the morning sun.” Now you can guess why Mehrangarh Fort is one of the best tourist places to visit in Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Fort is a perfect place for those who love architecture and photography. It is one of the largest and arguably India’s best-maintained forts.
The fort sits on the rocky cliff at 410 ft (approx.) and provides majestic views of the Blue City. The fort was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha and is made of red sandstone. The walls of the Mehrangarh Fort tell the glory of the royal era as they stand strong even today after encountering so many battles in the past. A visit to Mehrangarh Fort is like stepping into the 500 years back time machine. Several mahals are within the fort.
There are a total of 7 gates, but the most talked-about ones are Jai Pol, Fateh Pol, Dedh Kangra Pol, and Loha Pol. The museum here is counted in the list of India’s famous museums. From the sword to the spear, from the attire of the kings to the utensils, you will get to see the sari items found in the king’s palace Jodhpur Tour Packages.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
You can guess the splendor of this lavish heritage hotel by knowing the fact that several celebrities host their wedding here. Umaid Bhawan Palace because it is a piece of magnificent Rajasthan heritage. It is the same luxurious heritage hotel where Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have exchanged their wedding vows. Umaid Bhawan Palace provides honeymooners the chance to romance in the erstwhile era of royals. Forget your usual hotel welcome. You will be welcomed with the rose petals floating from the terrace as you ascend the plush red-carpeted stairs on entry.
Umaid Bhawan is divided into three areas, and one of them is still owned by the royal family of Jodhpur city. The second part is a museum, and the third one is converted into a heritage hotel to provide the utmost royal experience. During your stay at Umaid Bhawan Palace, embrace the peacocks roaming in the gardens of the property. Take a tour to Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum to see vintage clocks and arts. The Umaid Bhawan Palace provides clear views of the glorious Mehrangarh Fort.
The palace built by Maharaja Umaid Singh is made of sandstone of at least 1 million square feet of marble and special methods. This sandstone is also called Chittar, and due to this, many people also know this palace as Chittar Mahal. You will have a full tour here in about three hours. There is also a beautiful antique thing market on the way here, you must go there too.
Jaswant Thada
Your Mehrangarh visit is coupled with a trip to Jaswant Thada that is certainly amongst the best Jodhpur tourist places to visit. Standing adjacent to Mehrangarh Fort, this is a cluster of majestic cenotaphs in white marble. Built in 1899 A.D. in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the main cenotaph of these holds portraits of various Rathore rulers. While visiting places in Jodhpur, at this place, you will feel tranquillity all around. Also, you will realize that it is more of a temple where deceased rulers are worshipped.
Also known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar, the carvings of this monument are beautifully intricate. A spectacular multi-level garden, a pond, and exquisitely carved gazebos manifold its charm. Visit it on a sunny day to behold its beauty in full bloom. When it is kissed by sun rays, the extremely thin marble sheets, of which it is made up, glow golden. Make a wish here. Locals believe that the monument grants your wishes.
Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi
Toorji ka Jhalra, or the Torrji Step Well, is another notable place among the places to visit in Jodhpur. The site is located within the city premises and can be easily reached by local transport. The step well was created in the 18th century by a Rajput queen consort. The step well has a rich red sandstone structure which goes well below 200 metres underground. Originally the well served as a public place for drawing water and bathing.
The fluctuating levels of water made it necessary for steps to be constructed when the water levels dropped way below the surface of the Earth. You can visit the well after the tour of Mehrangarh fort and enjoy the coolness of the clean water here.
Ghanta Ghar
Ghanta Ghar in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is a structure made during the British rule in India. The clock tower was constructed in the 19th century by Maharaja Sardar Singh. The clock tower is open to tourists, and you can climb up to its top quarters and observe the city below. It is located close to a bazaar, and you can witness the panoramic views of the beautiful shops and colourful goods. You can visit the clock tower when you go to Sardar market for shopping. It will be located only a few steps away from the main bazaar.
Kaylana Lake
Kaylana Lake in Jodhpur is a picturesque spot to visit with family. It is an artificial lake that was constructed by Pratap Singh in 1872. The area around Kaylana Lake is considered ideal for birdwatchers. The lake is enveloped with lush greenery worldwide and is one of the best tourist attractions in Jodhpur to witness the sunrise and sunset. You can explore the lake on a boating excursion and click pictures to amp up your social media game.
Sprawling to 84 sq km (approx.), the lake’s surroundings are known to house bears and other animals. During ancient times, it was the hunting ground for the royal kings. The cool breeze at the lake in the early winters is quite soothing and refreshing. Once the situation gets better for the travel, stop by these famous attractions and places to visit in Jodhpur for that ultimate royal, cultural, and historic affair.
Bal Samand Lake
This is yet another picnic place in Jodhpur, located outside 5 kilometers (approx.) from Jodhpur Mandore Road. As the name suggests, Bal Samand Lake is an artificial water body that was constructed back in 1159 AD by Balak Rao Parihar.
It was constructed to provide water to the people of Mandore. You will enjoy a good relaxing time at Bal Samand Lake as the place is embraced with the emerald greenery drenched with the trees of pomegranate, plum, and papaya. Keep your cameras ready because migratory birds and peacocks flock in the garden. One magnificent red sandstone summer palace perched on the lake shores, which is now a luxury heritage hotel. Give Bal Samand Lake a visit on your Jodhpur holidays.
Mandore Garden
Mandore garden is located only a few minutes away from the main city of Jodhpur. The abandoned was left behind in 1459 CE and is among the top Jodhpur places to visit. The garden used to house the Rajput kingdom before Rao Jodha shifted to Mehrangarh fort for better protection. The garden still has some well-preserved structures from the 6th century and is an ideal place to go if you want to explore the history of the Rajput kingdom Top 10 Attractions in Jodhpur.
You can avail of private vehicles which go to the site at budget costs. We recommend you spend some time here before leaving Jodhpur so that you can also learn the history of kings before they came to Jodhpur city.
Machia Biological Park
Watch Rajasthan’s well-preserved rich biodiversity at Machia Biological Park with your near or dear ones. This place is one of the best attractions and tourist places in Jodhpur to spot the majestic tigers, lions, jackals, and other wild resident members.
You can have a safari excursion inside the Machia Biological Park to enjoy the wildlife on wheels. Keep your cameras ready because it is also an excellent bird-watching point. You can observe the views of Kailana Lake from here. This place is relatively a newly established zoo in Jodhpur where unique animals like giraffes and zebras are found Top 10 Attractions in Jodhpur.
Balsamand Lake
Balsamand Lake in Jodhpur is an artificial lake built in the 12th century. The old lake used to be a reservoir for the people of Jodhpur and is now a part of a heritage resort. The lake is located only 5 kilometres away from Jodhpur on the Jodhpur-Mandore Road. Built by Balak Rao Pratihar, the lake is now a major tourist spot for people in and out of Jodhpur. This 1 km long lake is perfect for bird watching spots and a popular picnic place as well. You can take your children here and have a quick outing without travelling in the sun for long hours. The lakeside is pretty cool and perfect for watching the setting sun Top 10 Attractions in Jodhpur.
