Jodhpur “The Suncity / Bluecity of Rajasthan”

Jodhpur is no doubt is also a city of royals and used to be the capital kingdom and was the land of the Marwari. The city was always famous for its forts, temples, and palaces and is settled amidst the Thar Desert’s golden sands. Jodhpur is also named as the " Sun City" for its bright and sunny days and indeed for the hotness. The city has some of the major royal architectures of the nation such as the Mehrangarh Fort and the Umaid Bhawan Palace and these are the status of Jodhpur. People from all over the world come to this city of Rajasthan to explore the beautiful Thar. People love to see this city for its unique architectures and its lovely buildings and the city was founded by Rao Jodha in the year 1459 and was named after him.

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh, also known as Mehran Fort was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 in Jodhpur, is one of the largest forts in the country. It is situated at the top of a 410 feet elevated hill and guarded by massive walls. One of the most easily recognisable forts in Jodhpur, it has appeared in many Hollywood and Bollywood productions such as The Lion King, The Dark Knight Rises, and the more recent - Thugs of Hindostan. The entrance of the fort, atop a hill, is majestic and has seven gates. These are called Victory Gate, Fateh Gate, Gopal Gate, Bhairon Gate, Dedh Kamgra Gate, Marti Gate and finally Loha Gate. Each of these was built at different times and serves a very specific purpose. While one still has marks of cannon balls being hit on it, the other has spikes that can protect it from elephant and animal attacks. However, Victory Gate was built to commemorate the win of Maharaja Man Singh over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. The fort also has opulent palaces such as the Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) and Phool Mahal (Rose Palace).

• Highlights : Several festivals are held at Mehrangarh Fort, including Rajasthan International Folk Festival in October and World Sacred Spirit Festival in February, giving you a sneak peek about Rajasthani culture.
• Timings : 9 AM – 5 PM
• Ticket Price : 100 INR (approx.) for Indians, 600 INR (approx.) for foreigners.
• Best Time to Visit Mehrangarh Fort : October – March, and early summer and monsoon.

Note :Photography, videography, audio guide charges extra.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Voted as the Best Hotel in the world, Umaid Bhawan Palace is also a major tourist attraction in Jodhpur. Apart from being a heritage hotel, it is a museum and the residence of the Royal Family of the present owner, Raja Gaj Singh. Because of its location on the highest point in Jodhpur, the Chittar Hill, it is also referred to as the Chittar Palace. Built-in 1943, the palace was commissioned in 1929, was built in order to provide employment to the drought and grief-stricken farmers of the area and thus took longer to complete. Umaid Bhavan Palace offers amazing hospitality along with heritage walks to unforgettable dining experiences. It was recently in the news for being the site of the Bollywood Superstar Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas - a renowned Pop Star from the Band - One Direction.

• Highlights :Umaid Bhawan is the last royal palace built in India before Independence. It is one of the best heritage hotels for a destination wedding in India.
• Venue Options : 4 indoor and 6 outdoor

Toorji Ka Jhalra

Constructed in 1740, Toorji Ka Jhalra, commonly called stepwell of Jodhpur, is an intricate design of stepwell, one of the few remaining structures depicting the traditional water management systems of Jodhpur. This architectural wonder was built by the queen-consort of Maharaja Abhaya Singh, a sign of the age-old tradition of the region where royal women were in charge of overseeing the public water works. The design and structure help onlookers comprehend the lifestyle of the earlier generations who had used it in its prime, with the site serving as the local watering hole for its time.
This 250-year-old structure was made using the famous rose-red sandstone found in Jodhpur. More than 200 feet in depth, it was once adorned with intricate carvings of dancing elephants, medieval lions, cow waterspouts, and niches that showed various deities. There were two levels of access and a separate tank which were meant to receive water from the wheel system powered by the bullocks. Its impressive design attracts many tourists, and is regarded as a fun place by locals and visitors to engage in harmless, recreational water games in order to beat the heat.

• Timings :24 hours
• Entry Fee : Free of cost

Jaswant Thada

In the royal state of Jodhpur lies Jaswant Thada, a splendid marble cenotaph monument that is also a mausoleum for the kings of Marwar. The memorial was built in the honour and memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II by his son Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899 and is still used by the Marwar Royal Family as cremation grounds. The beautiful edifice is made out of intricately carved marble that is offset vibrantly against the red steps that lead up to the entrance. Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur is considered as an architectural landmark and must be seen by one and all. On the steps leading up to the monument, one can see local musicians and folk dancers entertain the visitors.
The cenotaph also has a beautifully maintained garden which the tourists can explore along with the monument. You can explore the intricate artistry on the carved marbles. The skilfully carved thin sheets of marble are worth appreciating. The entire structure resembles a temple with unmatched beauty. It is also called the Taj Mahal of Marwar and attracts tourists from all over the world.

• Highlights : Jaswant Thada is known as the Taj Mahal of Rajasthan because it is entirely built with white marble and lovely domes.
• Timings : 9 AM – 6 PM
• Ticket Price : 30 INR (approx.) for Indians, 50 INR (approx.) for foreigners.
• Best Time to Visit Jaswant Thada : October – March, and July to September

Note : Video camera and still camera charges extra.

Mandore Garden

Famous royal cenotaphs, Mandore Garden is located just 9 kilometres away from Jodhpur in Mandore which was once the ruling seat of the Pratihara dynasty. The garden is a part of the more massive Mehrangarh Fort, and also houses the famous Hall of Heroes and the temple of Three Hundred Million Gods. The garden also has a Government Museum, which is full of artefacts and old relics.

The most striking feature of the garden is the gorgeous cenotaphs or 'dewals' that can be found spread all across the Mandore Gardens. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful and famous of these cenotaphs is the one that belongs to Maharaja Ajit Singh. The structures inside the garden are undoubtedly its most striking feature, the Hall of Heroes for instance - has 16 figures of warriors carved from a single rock.

Shastri Circle

If you’re looking for a place to chill after a long day of sightseeing, then Shastri Circle should be a place on your list. A lively and vibrant part of the city, it is considered a relaxing hangout spot by the locals. The evenings see a musical fountain show with lights to jazz it up. There are many eateries surrounding this area and a playground with swings and parks for children. This is an ideal spot for travellers to take a break from all the tourist spots and just enjoy a relaxed and entertaining evening when in the city of Jodhpur.
Post 6:30 PM, there is an entry charge as the light show and musical fountains are organised as entertainment. There is also horse riding and a walking track.

Masuriya Hill Garden

Spread across the top of the Masuriya hills is the beautiful Masuriya Hill Garden, a delightful location providing travellers with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city of Jodhpur. Inside, one can find a statue of Veer Durgadas Rathore, a prominent hero amongst the Marwari community. The area is also host to a temple of Baba Ramdev, a local deity. This marvellous vantage point is also home to one of the largest TV towers in India. The famous Mehrangarh fort can be seen at a distance, situated on the opposite side of the city. The garden lies in aesthetically appealing contrast to the rugged rocks located along the road up the hill.
Situated well within the city limits, it is a favourite spot among locals for its panoramic view and amazing sunset experience. The area also houses a restaurant and a playground to keep its guests engaged and refreshed during their visit. The silence can be attractive to those looking for a slice of peace in an otherwise busy city.

Kaylana Lake

Located 8 km to the west of Jodhpur, the Kaylana Lake is a massive manmade lake, covering a surface of 84 square km. Constructed in 1872 by Pratap Singh, it serves as the primary resource for drinking water for the citizens of Jodhpur and other neighbouring settlements. A peaceful location, this lake is a must visit for most travellers who are road tripping between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. It also serves as an excellent viewpoint for sunsets in Jodhpur.
The pristine lake is surrounded by Babul trees, hills, and rock formations, granting travellers many picturesque sights across its boundaries. A favourite among bird watchers, one can find a variety of bird species beating the heat of Rajasthan while enjoying the cool breeze of the lake. The Siberian Crane can also be spotted here during Winter. Visitors may avail boating services to truly explore the area or can have picnics by the lake if they are looking to relax in a serene and calm environment.

• Highlights : You will find it hard to control your temptation for a boat ride in the crystal clear water.
• Timings : 8 AM – 6 PM
• Best Time to Visit : October – March, and early summers

Ghanta Ghar

The Ghanta Ghar in Jodhpur is a magnificent clock tower in the centre of the city, built by Maharaja Sardar Singh about 200 years ago. Known as the clock tower of Rajasthan, it is a popular landmark that signifies the start of Old Jodhpur. The tower offers a brilliant panoramic view of the city from the top. The area surrounding this imposing structure is bustling with locals presenting all sorts of products and services, making it the busiest and largest marketplace of Jodhpur. The markets and the tower are a must visit for travellers who want to witness and experience the culture and people of Jodhpur.

• Timings : 10 AM – 8 PM
• Entry Fee : Free of cost
• Things to Buy : Fabric work, Rajasthani sarees, carpets, and gemstones.

Machia Biological Park

Machia Biological Park is an essential part of the agenda for nature lovers travelling to Jodhpur. Located about 8.5 km from the city, this biological wonderland is a part of the vast Machia forest block, situated close to the Kaylana Lake. It is a host to varied species of flora and fauna as well as a nature interpretation centre and the Machia Fort. Along with the enclosures for the animals, one can also find a birdwatching point, proof of the site's fantastic biodiversity.

• Timings : 8:30 AM – 5 PM (approx.)
• Ticket Price : 30 INR (approx.) for Indians and 300 INR (approx.) for foreigners.
• Best Time to Visit Machia Biological Park : October – March, and early summer and monsoon

Fort Chanwa

Situated in Luni near Jodhpur in Rajasthani, Fort Chanwa is an excellent example of elegance, royalty and architecture of the last century. Constructed by Maharaja Manish Soni hundreds of years ago, the fort has lately been converted into a luxury heritage hotel by its owners Maharaja Dalip Singh and Rani Madhu Devi. Set in the backdrop of the Thar Desert, the fort stands as a testimony to the regalia and royalty of the bygone era with its elaborate parapets, manicured gardens, carved lattice work friezes and Jharokas (or balconies). With a perfect amalgamation of modern-day facilities and a tinge of the old-world charm, the hotel provides you with a traditional Rajasthani experience.

Ranisar Padamsar

The Ranisar and Padamsar lakes are two adjoining lakes in the city of Jodhpur built over 500 years ago. They are situated at the rear of the Mehrangarh Fort, near the Fateh Pol. These scenic lakes were created to conserve water, as Jodhpur falls under a desert region where water is scarce. The tranquillity of these adjacent lakes is complemented brilliantly by the stark contrast of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, making it a sight to behold. The clear waters have been preserved and maintained for centuries, providing a serene vibe and an almost identical reflection of the grand fort on its surface.

Balsamand Lake

Famous for being the site of the Bal Samand Lake Palace, a heritage hotel, Balsamand Lake was built way back in the 12th century. Located just 5km away from Jodhpur, it is a world away from the crowds and hustle of the city. The lake was created in 1159 AD by the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers to save the city of Jodhpur from droughts. The Maharaja Sur Singh, who was the creator of this artificial lake, was honoured by the title of Sawai Raja in turn for his impeccable services. Surrounded by lush gardens, it contains a large variety of trees like mango, papaya, pomegranate, etc. Balsamand Palace, built in the 17th century on the lake, is a red sandstone architectural marvel which overlooks the lake.

• Timings of Lake and Garden : 6 AM – 8 PM
• Entry Fee : Free of cost