Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur is a place everyone reads about in history books. From Maharajas, Ranis, forts, palaces, temples and havelis to the breathtaking landscapes of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur has been popular among tourists all over the country, as well as outside the country. The elusive blue-inked architecture, the dominating view of the strapping fort atop the hill, the amazing white marble cenotaph, the age-old lakes and their stories and legends that are closer to truth and many more interesting places – a Jodhpur vacation tour can fulfil your dream of visiting a historical place with amazing stories.
Famously called ‘Blue City,’ Jodhpur was founded by a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan, Rao Jodha, after whom the city is named. The kingdom was previously known as Marwar, the capital of Mandore and that’s why the people of Jodhpur were named ‘Marwari’. The old city was centred around Mehrangarh Fort, bounded by a ten-kilometre wall with eight gates around. Over the past decades, a new city started building outside the wall. A bird’s eye view from Mehrangarh Fort is enough to realise that the whole city seems to wear a uniform colour, blue.
As legend has it, the houses are coloured with copper sulphur to repel the insects, which turns out to be blue in certain weather conditions. And, that’s how Jodhpur gets its name ‘Blue City’. There are innumerable top things to do in Jodhpur. A day trip in the city starts with a steaming cup of ‘masala chai’ as you start walking the alleys of the blue town. As you pass across the busy roads full of colourful shops selling souvenirs, clothes, snacks and many more, you will get glimpses of Mehrangarh Fort above Jodhpur’s skyline.
As a contrast, there comes the white-marble adorned Jaswant Thada, at the foothills of the gigantic fort. After finishing the trip to the fortress and the palaces inside it, make sure to visit Umaid Bhawan Palace, the world’s largest private palace made in the 20th century. If that does not satiate your trip in Jodhpur Tour Packages, then head towards Bishnoi Village and Osian, two worth-visiting villages near the city.
Mehrangarh Fort
Amongst the best Jodhpur tourist places to visit, it was built around 1460 A.D. by Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort is listed among the most magnificent hill forts of Rajasthan. No wonder, it is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Standing almost 100 feet above the city skyline, the fort is built so flawlessly that you won’t be able to make out where the hill ends and the walls begin making it one of the best places to see in Jodhpur. Unbeatable and impressive, this grandeur in red sandstone is wrapped in an eccentric beauty.
Needless to say, when travellers look forward to the most remarkable tourist attractions in Jodhpur, this fort is the foremost choice. Its huge, thick walls surprise you with grand palaces inside that are ornamented with intricate carvings. The colossal structure also boasts of a museum that displays fascinating and precious artworks of great historical value.
One of the most beautiful things to see in Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort invites you to an experience of a lifetime with its several cultural festivals such as the annual Rajasthan International Folk Festival in October and the World Sufi Spirit Festival in February. So, while making your list of Jodhpur tourist attractions, missing out on this splendour in stone is a No-No Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Entry fee:
- International Tourists (Includes the Audio) – INR 600 per person
- Domestic Tourists – INR 70 per person
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fast fact: Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is a popular site for movies’ sets. It was one of the locations to shoot the movie – The Dark Knight Rises, released in June 2012.
Built in: 1459
Built by: Jodhpur Royal Family
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 Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Entry fee:
- International Tourists (Includes the audio): INR 30 per person
- Domestic Tourists: INR 15 per person
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fast fact: The Pond of the Gods at Jaswant Thada, is known to be the traditional cremation ground for the Jodhpur royals.
Built in: 1899
Built by: Maharaja Sardar Singh
Toorji Ka Jhalra
Another popular step well in Jodhpur is Toorji ka jhalra. The step well plays a significant role during the festival of Gangaur, which is a women’s festival. Currently, there are numerous shops and cafes at the spot, making it one of the most popular places to see in Jodhpur.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Opening hours: 24 hours
Fast fact: The magnificent infrastructure of this step well exhibits the true Rajasthani-style architecture.
Built in: 1740
Built by: Maharaja Abhay Singh’s Consort
Umaid Bhavan Palace
Umaid Bhavan Palace is one of the visited places in Jodhpur when it comes to witnessing the luxurious side of the city. Step into scrumptious luxury at Umaid Bhavan Palace Jodhpur – a celebrated destination when it comes to famous places in Jodhpur. Among the largest private residences on the globe, this palace is named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the current owner Gaj Singh. Crowned with several features that make it an exquisite structure, the palace has 347 rooms and a part of it is operated by the Taj Group of Hotels.
One of the best places to see in Jodhpur, this palace holds a prominent position among places to see in Jodhpur. A museum is also housed in a part of this magnificent structure. Don’t miss to see its galleries housing various regal items, one gallery dedicated to displaying a variety of an item. For instance, a gallery showcases a host of royal clocks and one of those displays royal vintage cars. Make sure, you visit the grandeur spread in every nook and corner of this palace. So, if you wish to see the best tourist attractions of Rajasthan, make sure to plan a vacay to Jodhpur and explore this magnificent spot Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Entry fee:
- Umaid Bhawan Palace: International Tourists – INR 50 per person / Domestic Tourists – INR 25
- Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum: International Tourists – INR 100 / Domestic Tourists- INR 30 (per adult), INR 10 (per child)
Opening hours:
- Umaid Bhawan Palace: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sunday to Saturday)
- Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Monday to Saturday)
Fast fact: Once upon a time Jodhpur, erstwhile Marwar was hit by famine in the 1920s. People approached Maharaja Umaid Singh for help. To provide employment to people, he generously commissioned a new palace. The venture resulted in helping people survive the tough time and emerged as a symbol of hope in times of trouble. Thus, the palace was built for a noble cause Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Built in: 1943
Built by: Umaid Singh
Kaylana Lake
Kaylana Lake is one of the most beautiful artificial lakes that is located in the west of Jodhpur. The lake is spread over an area of 84 square kilometres and welcomes visitors throughout the year. It is one of the best Jodhpur places to visit for a fun vacay Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Entry fee: No entry fee
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Fast fact: The lake was constructed by Pratap Singh and was the hunting ground back then.
Built in: 1872
Built by: Pratap Singh
Mandore Gardens
Mandore Gardens is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Jodhpur city. Jodhpur sightseeing is incomplete without visiting these gardens. Brimming with cenotaphs, old temples, and several other Madore Garden is another wonderful destination to take you for a trip back in time. The hall of heroes, dedicated to Rajput folk heroes and several deities, stands close to the cenotaphs. Their statues are carved in stone and flamboyant. The Shrine of the Three Hundred Million Gods is another attraction of this garden. Climb up the hill to have a look at the ruined city of Mandore with its old palace. And, beware of langur monkeys in this garden. They play around in hordes.
Entry fee: None
Opening hours:
- Garden: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (Sunday to Saturday)
- Museum: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Saturday to Thursday)
Fast fact: Mandore Garden is not just a garden but a complete all-in-one package for ardent tourists. Amidst serene garden setting, it offers you an opportunity to explore breathtaking memorials, an artistic temple, and a host of langur monkeys at play (just in case, you want some fun elements added to your visit).
Built in: 1793
Built by: Maharaja Ajit Singh
Osian Temples
For one of the best Jodhpur sightseeing experiences, here’s another on the list of places to visit in Jodhpur and around is Osian. This destination awaits you at a distance of 65 km from Jodhpur in the ancient desert town of Osian. Baptized as Osian Temples, these 15 beautifully sculpted Hindu and Jain temples invite you. Hailing from the 7th and 8th centuries, these sacred places prove the architectural proficiency of ancient India. Make sure that you visit Sun Temple here with other famous places in Jodhpur as it is the oldest of all Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Entry fee: NA
Opening hours: From early morning to evening
Fast fact: Enclosed within golden sand dunes and small villages, Osian offers the perfect setting to enjoy a camel safari in the desert. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled trip.
Built in: 783 A.D
Built by: Pratihar Raja Vaasta
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Spread over 72 hectares of land, the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park in Jodhpur is a park near the Mehrangarh Fort. The park was created in 2006 to restore the ecology of a rocky area and encourage the greenery around it. The Park features more than 80 different plant species from the popular Thar Desert. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Jodhpur. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the rawness of desert vegetation for the best Jodhpur sightseeing experience Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Entry fee:
- INR 30 per adult
- INR 10 per student
Opening hours: Sunday to Saturday – 9:00 hours to 5:25 pm
Fast fact: The park sits on an outcrop of a volcanic rock which is in the form of vertical columns. This unique characteristic of sight has won it the title of National Geological Monument Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Built In: 2006
Built by: NA
Bishnoi Village
Another interesting thing to explore in Jodhpur is planning a visit to Bishnoi Village. It is among the best places to see in Jodhpur. The village is known for its cultural activities and you can enjoy camel trek, cane spotting, desert excursion, village walk, etc. You must check out the amazing art and handicraft collection here.
Entry fee: Free entry
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fast fact: You will be catching a glimpse of real Marwar culture.
Built in: 1888
Built by: Guru Jambheshwar
Mahamandir
One of the best places to see in Jodhpur is Mahamandir temple. The temple is carved with 84 pillars that are the main reason for attracting so many tourists to the temple. Apart from marveling at its beauty, you can seek prayers at the temple and have a peaceful experience Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Fast fact: The temple has 84 pillars that are very fascinating
Built in: 1812
Built by: NA
Sardar Government Museum
Located in Umaid Bagh, Sardar Government Museum is one of the best tourist places in Jodhpur. This government museum offers an insight into the history of Jodhpur. You will find things like weapons, old sculptures, paintings and more that speak of the royal times of the city. The museum is segregated into four sections – archaeological, armoury, history and arts. You can visit them one by one and have a heartwarming experience Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Opening hours: 9:45 am to 5:15 pm
Fast fact: Witness the history of Jodhpur
Built in: 1909
Built by: Henry Vaughan Lanchester
Machia Biological Park
Located about 8 km from the city, Machia Biological Park is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur for nature lovers. It is home to multiple wild animals like wolves, lions, jackals, tigers, deer, sloth, leopards, gharial and porcupines. There is also a spot for bird watching. For the best experience, visit the park early in the morning Top 12 Places to Visit in Jodhpur.
Entry fee: INR 30 for adults and INR 15 for students
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (summers) and 8.30 am to 5:00 pm (winters)
Fast fact: A decent zoo and conservation project
Built in: 1935
Built by: Maharaja Umaid Singh
