Located at the edge of the Thar Desert in western Rajasthan, Jodhpur continues to be a global tourist magnet. Jodhpur has been awarded several epithets like Blue City and Sun City. The Rajasthanis fondly address it as Jodhana. Home to Rajasthan’s biggest fort and several grand palaces, temples, gardens, and markets filled with old-world charm, the erstwhile capital of the Marwar kingdom makes for an amazing travel experience. Here, we feature the best things to do in Jodhpur. By Karan Kaushik
Things to do in Jodhpur
Walk through the pages of history at Mehrangarh Fort
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Often touted as the Citadel of the Sun, Mehrangarh stands tall and proud as Rajasthan’s biggest fort. It was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha. Perched on a perpendicular cliff 400 feet above the city, this burnished red sandstone structure comes backed by many tales. Its beauty has beckoned many admirers, such as Rudyard Kipling; he dubbed it “the work of giants.” Today, it is widely regarded as one of India’s best-preserved forts. The prime attraction of the fort is its museum. On display here are miniature paintings, palanquins, arms, and precious memorabilia of the royals. The main spots in the fort include Sangar Chowki, Zenana Mahal, and Phool Mahal.
Go Ziplining over the Blue City
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The Flying Fox Zipline Tour in Jodhpur is a thrilling experience that will stay with you forever. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described this zipline as Jodhpur’s best part. “The zipwires send you like Batman around the moats and the crenellations,” he had said. The zipline takes you over two desert lakes and Rao Jodha eco-park while serving stunning views of Mehrangarh and the Blue City.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
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Couched near the famous Mehrangarh Fort, this 72-hectares-big ecologically restored desert came back to life in 2006 following careful reconstruction. Once an arid, decaying, barren vegetation land, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park now boasts of a native plant nursery, small shop and a cafe. Visitors can even walk on trails amid the 250 species of native plants here, and embark on a mission to spot several reptile species and over 200 birds along the way.
Luxuriate at the Umaid Bhawan Palace
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The magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace has hosted prolific personalities from the world over in the last few decades. A fine specimen of the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, the palace is named after and built by Maharaja Umaid Singh. It is also known as the Chittar Palace, thanks to the use of Chittar sandstone in its construction. Interestingly, no mortar has been used in the entire construction. Instead, manually chiselled sandstone blocks have been interlocked together. Today, a section of the palace doubles as a hotel, while the other houses model aeroplanes, weapons, antique clocks, and priceless crockery for public viewing.
Appreciate Rajasthan’s architecture at Mandore Garden
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Like Jodhpur itself, Mandore Garden, too, has many names. Maddodara, Mandowar, and Mandavyapura-Durga are some of its oldest names, each of which is believed to have been derived from Rishi Mandavya. Locals believe that the gardens were initially looked after by Nagas, followed by Pratiharas, Chahamanas, Sultans of Delhi, and finally, Rathores. Today, the garden is grounds for many magnificent ancient temples, memorials, and high-rock terraces. The monoliths here date back to the early fifth century. In fact, two elaborately carved monoliths depicting scenes of Krishna Leela were excavated in 1909-10. On the other hand, the hilltop Mandore Palace and Fort here date back to the sixth century. However, the highlight at Mandore Gardens is the government-run museum that houses artefacts and relics of historic importance.
Explore the twin lakes of Ranisar-Padamsar
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Considered twin lakes of Jodhpur, these interconnected pristine waters are located near the Mehrangarh Fort. Dating to 1459, both the lakes were built with the intention of natural water conservation. Despite being located in a largely deserted state, these lakes have a very unique quality — they rarely run out of water. Head here at the peak of dawn to catch the waters in all their glory, and watch the towering fort dance in the waves.
Take gram-worthy pictures at Jaswant Thada
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Dating back to 1899, Jaswant Thada is a famous cenotaph. While today it serves as a cremation ground for the royal Rajput family of Marwar, it was originally built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The cenotaph is built entirely with thin and intricately carved marble sheets. They’ve been polished so as to radiate under the summer sun. The main cenotaph—Maharaja Jaswant Singh’s—is surrounded by portraits of rulers. Moreover, the grounds of Jaswant Thada feature gazebos, a tiered garden, three other cenotaphs, and a small lake as well.
Shop at Clock Tower Market
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No trip to Jodhpur will be complete without going on a shopping spree. Savour piping hot pyaz kachoris and mirchi vadas before you begin splurging on all things Rajasthani. The Sardar Market in Girdikot is set around the iconic Ghantaghar or Clock Tower. The market sells everything from Jodhpuri mojaris to lehariya sarees, dupattas, safas, ethnic jewellery, and more.
Plan a detour to Osian
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Osian or Osiyan is an oasis town located in the Jodhpur district’s Thar desert. Often dubbed the Khajuraho of Rajasthan, this historic town is famous for Hindu and Jain temples. When here, visit the Jain Mahavira Temple, which houses an idol of Mahavira made of cow’s milk, mud, and a coat of gold. Then there’s the Sachayee Mata Mandir, the most important Hindu temple in Osian. You can also fancy a camel safari or an ATV ride in the sandy terrain of Osian.
Feature image credit: Shutterstock; hero image credit: Makm Photography/Unsplash
Related: Looking For A Cultural Vacation? Head Straight To Rajasthan!
