Jodhpur
The former capital of the Marwar region, Jodhpur, is the second-biggest city in Rajasthan. It is referred to as “the Blue City” because of its blue walls and homes, which give the city an entirely blue appearance when viewed from above. Jodhpur is mainly known for its lakes, temples, and snacks; the stunning Mehrangarh Fort is the primary draw.
The ancient city of Jodhpur, which encircles the formidable Mehrangarh, is where the city’s magic is found. It’s a lively, chirpy town with hundreds of stores, guesthouses, restaurants, and sellers, especially around the iconic clock tower and Sardar Market. Beyond Mehrangarh is Jodhpur, the new and contemporary city. Among the most popular sites in Jodhpur are also the nearby Jaswant Tada and Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Jodhpur every year from all over the world since it is featured in several films, the most well-known of which is The Dark Knight Rises. It is also ideally situated in Rajasthan’s center, making it the starting point for excursions to neighboring locations.
Destinations in Jodhpur
1. Mehrangarh Fort
Built by Rao Jodha in Jodhpur in 1459, Mehrangarh, also known as Mehran Fort, is one of the largest forts in the country. It is located on top of a 410-meter-high mountain and is protected by a huge wall. It is one of the most famous castles in Jodhpur and has been featured in many Hollywood and Bollywood productions such as The Lion King, The Dark Knight Rises, and most recently Thugs of Hindostan. The entrance to the castle on the hill is very beautiful and has seven gates. These are called Victory Gate, Fateh Gate, Gopal Gate, Bhairon Gate, Dedh Kamgra Gate, Marti Gate, and finally Loha.
Each of these is made for different situations and serves a specific purpose. One has traces of bombs, while the other has heads that will protect it from the attacks of elephants and wild animals. However, the Victory Gate was built to commemorate Maharaja Man Singh’s victory over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner. The fort also has beautiful palaces such as Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace)and Phool Mahal (Rose Palace).
2. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Voted the best hotel in the world, Umaid Bhawan Palace is also a tourist attraction in Jodhpur. Apart from being a heritage hotel, it is also a museum and the residence of the royal family of its owner, Raja Gaj Singh. It is also called Chittar Palace due to its location on Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur. The palace was built in 1943 and opened in 1929. It took a long time to complete because it was built to employ farmers suffering from drought and distress in the region. Umaid Bhavan Palace offers excellent hospitality and heritage tours for an unforgettable experience. Recently in the news was the website of Bollywood superstar Priyanka Chopra and the famous pop singer of the band One Direction Nick Jonas.
The 347-room palace is currently split into three halves. The royal family’s mansion is one section that is off-limits to visitors. The second is home to a museum that features an extensive collection of royal family artifacts, including clocks, weapons, plush animals, and photos. The palace’s third section has been transformed into a five-star hotel that provides its guests with the most luxurious amenities. It is among Jodhpur’s most well-known hotels. This palace, also known as the Chittar Palace, is perched atop the powerful Chittar Hill. The palace’s exterior features a lovely garden with a variety of flowers and lush vegetation that enhances its appeal.
3. Jaswant Thada
The magnificent marble cenotaph structure Jaswant Thada, which doubles as a mausoleum for the Marwari monarchs, is located in the royal state of Jodhpur. The Marwar Royal Family continues to utilize the memorial as a place of cremation. It was constructed in 1899 by his son, Maharaja Sardar Singh, in honor and remembrance of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The elaborately carved marble of the magnificent structure contrasts vividly with the scarlet steps leading up to the entryway. Everyone should see the Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur, which is regarded as an architectural monument. Visitors are entertained by local musicians and folk dancers on the steps leading up to the monument.
Along with the monument, visitors can explore the immaculately kept garden at the Cenotaph. The cut marbles allow you to examine the detailed artistry. The thin marble sheets that have been expertly cut are beautiful to look at. The entire building has the unparalleled splendor of a temple. It is sometimes referred to as the Taj Mahal of Marwar and is a popular travel destination worldwide.
4. Mandore Garden
Situated in Mandore, the former reigning seat of the Pratihara dynasty, just 9 kilometers from Jodhpur, is the famous royal cenotaph known as Mandore Garden. The garden is a component of the larger Mehrangarh Fort, which also has the renowned Hall of Heroes and the Three Hundred Million Gods temple. There is also a Government Museum in the garden, which is stocked with antiques and artifacts.
The exquisite cenotaphs, or “dewals,” that are strewn around the Mandore Gardens are its most outstanding feature. Without a doubt, Maharaja Ajit Singh’s cenotaph is the most exquisite and well-known of all. The most remarkable aspect of the garden is its construction; the Hall of Heroes, for example, features sixteen warrior sculptures carved from a single rock.
5. Om Banna Temple
Known by most as “Bullet Baba Temple,” Om Banna is a unique temple located close to Chotila village on NH65, midway between Pali and Jodhpur. This memorial honors the memory of traveler Om Banna, who died at this location, as well as his 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle. Situated 20 miles from Pali and 50 km from Jodhpur, this shrine is a popular destination for visitors and travelers because of its historical significance. Neighbors and devotees visit it daily to offer prayers for safe travels. Those who love Royal Enfield motorcycles are particularly fond of this temple.
The Om Banna temple, which is located where the accident occurred, has a glass display containing Om Banna’s bullet. Within the temple is a bust of Om Banna as well. Devotees continue to pray to the tree that Om Banna collided with, the motorcycle, and the statue to guarantee safe passage over the highway. Travelers who do not stop by this temple to pay their respects are thought to be cursed to a dangerous voyage, as hundreds of devotees from adjacent villages come here every day to ensure that they are safeguarded. Flowers, prayer strings, and drinks are offered to the bike as offerings.
6. Sardar Market
The name of Jodhpur’s busiest and biggest market, Sardar Market, comes from Maharaja Sardar Singh, the ruler who oversaw the construction of the Ghanta Ghar, which is located next to the market. This is Jodhpur’s most well-known retail area, drawing visitors from all around Rajasthan, India, Jodhpur, and the globe. The market is brimming with everything a consumer could want to purchase, with residents offering a wide range of goods for sale, including vegetables, cereals, spices, marble, pottery, jewelry made of clay, local cloth, and many more items.
This region is where one may find Rajasthani traditional items. Travelers can enjoy the most genuine Rajasthani market experience thanks to the abundance of food and drink options available. To enhance your trip to this state, it is recommended that you sample some of the local cuisine. If eating and shopping aren’t enough to draw you in, you can come to this marketplace just to see how different people are from one another. People from all walks of life, whether they are sellers, tourists, or customers, can be seen wearing colorful clothing around the neighborhood. This is the vitality and liveliness of this place. Beyond the market sits the magnificent Ghanta Ghar, often known as the Rajasthani clock tower.
Popular Packages for Jodhpur
| Packages | Price | Days | Inclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur | ₹ 22,560* | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals, Other | |
| Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Udaipur | ₹ 31,300* | 8 Nights / 9 Days | Hotels, Bus/Train, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Jodhpur, Jaisalmer | ₹ 16,000* | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner | ₹ 27,430* | 6 Nights / 7 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Jaisalmer, Jodhpur | ₹ 16,050* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals |
Ideal Time to Travel to Jodhpur
The ideal months to visit Jodhpur are November through February, even though these months are extremely cold—temperatures in January can drop below zero. The weather is suitable for visiting Jodhpur’s forts. March and October are also good months to visit Jodhpur due to the beautiful weather. But because Rajasthan and Jodhpur are in a desert region, the summer months there are scorching, thus April through September should be avoided.
