Mehrangarh; Fort of the Sun| There is a lot more to see in Jodhpur

You all must have heard of the Mehrangarh fort of Jodhpur. It is also known as the “Fort of the Sun“. But there is a lot more to see in Jodhpur than just the fort of Mehrangarh. Here are the top 10 places you must visit when in Jodhpur.

All of us know about the “Pink City“, Jaipur but have you ever heard of a “Blue City” in India and that too in Rajasthan? Located at a distance of 334 km from Jaipur, Jodhpur is the second biggest City in Rajasthan. Jodhpur, also known as the “Blue City”, is famous for its blue-painted homes. It is also known by the name of “Jodhana“. Also, Jodhpur has another name of being the “Sun City” because of the fact that the Marwar rulers worshipped Surya Deva (Sun God). This was the capital city of the Marwar Kingdom. Jodhpur got its name on the basis of its founding Rajputana Ruler, Rao Jodha in 1459.

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From the Mehrangarh fort to the Umaid Bhawan palace, there is a lot more to see in the city of Jodhpur. There are places like Mandore Garden which has its mention even in Ramayana. The Mandore Garden has temples that house 33 crores of Gods and Goddesses. The Mahamandir Temple standing upon 84 pillars attracts art and craft lovers because of its unique designs. The Machia Biological park houses a number of species including Lion, Tiger, Bear, Crocodile, Ostrich and much more.

Along with Mehrangarh Fort, these are the top 10 places to visit in Jodhpur

1. Mehrangarh Fort, Fort of the Sun

Mehrangarh Fort is the best tourist spot and a must-visit place in Jodhpur. It was built in 1460 by Maharaja Rao Jodha Ji. The name ‘Mehrangarh’ means the “Fort of the Sun”. It was the Headquarters of the Rathore dynasty. Presently Maharaja Gaj Singh II is the owner and ruler of the fort. You can view the whole of Jodhpur from here. Inside the Mehrangarh Fort, there is the newly opened museum which has a variety of things to offer to tourists. For some tourists, Mehrangarh Fort may give a creepy, haunted feeling although there are no such evidential things about this fort.

Mehargarh Fort Timings and Entry Fees:

• Timings: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day.
• Best Times to visit: Morning and Evening
• Entry fee: ₹100 for Indian tourists. ₹600 for International Tourists. ₹100 for the camera. ₹50 for the one-way elevator. ₹120 for a tour guide.

2. Umaid Bhawan Palace, a Taj group of Hotels and a Museum

This is the newest palace of Jodhpur, built between 1928 – 1943 yet an amazing place to visit in Jodhpur. The palace is now converted into a private hotel and some rooms have been turned into a museum. The hotel is run by the Taj Group of Hotels and it is a 4-star hotel. The price range for a room in Umaid Bhawan Palace starts from ₹90,000 onwards. Tourists are allowed to only visit the museum without planning a stay.

Umaid Bhawan palace Timings and Entry Fees:

• Timings: 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Museum is closed on Sunday.
• Best Time to visit: Daytime
• Entry fee: ₹30 for Indian tourists. ₹100 for International Tourists.

3. Jaswant Thada, Taj of Marwar

Jaswant Thada is also known as the “Taj of Thar” and the “Taj of Marwar“. Maharaja Sardar Singh built this memorial in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. This is completely made out of marble and has a very charming view. These marbles are the same as those used in the construction of the Taj Mahal. It is only 1 km away from the must-visit site in Jodhpur, the Mehrangarh Fort.

Jaswant Thada Timings and Entry Fee:

• Timings – 9 a.m to 5 p.m
• Best Time to visit: Sunset
• Entry fee – ₹30 for Indian tourists. ₹50 for International Tourists.

4. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Restoring the Wasteland

This is a restored park built in the year 2006. It is situated below the amazing tourist attraction Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. This park aims at restoring the wasteland and turning it into a green vegetative site. This site is famous for its trek activities and is the best hiking and trekking location in Jodhpur.

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park Timings and Entry Fees:

• Timings: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during summers (April to September) and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during winters (October to March).
• Best Time to visit: Morning
• Entry fee: ₹100 per person. ₹200 for a guided tour. Entry is free for School Students.

5. Mandore Garden, home to temples of 33 crore deities

It is a garden whose history dates back to the 6th century and can tell a lot about the history of Jodhpur. This place is mentioned in the epic text Ramayana. The mighty king of Lanka (present-day Sri Lanka), Ravana married his wife Mandodari here, which suggests the history of its name. The history of the Rajputana rulers can be still seen and felt at Mandore Garden. One of the best parts about visiting Mandore Garden in Jodhpur is visiting the temple which houses 33 crores of Gods and Goddesses. The Bhairav Temple is the prominent one and the destroyed Mandore Fort is also housed inside the complex. The Hall of Heroes Museum gives a glimpse of the valour and courage of the Rajputana kings.

Mandore Garden, Timings and Entry Fees:

• Timings: 8 a.m to 8 p.m every day
• Best Times to visit: Afternoon and Evening
• Entry Fee: Free. ₹50 for Museum

6. Toorji ka Jhalra, a red sandstone stepwell

The Queen of Maharaja Abhay Singh Rathore, Rani Tawarji built one of the best historical step-wells in Jodhpur in the 1740s. The characteristic features of this stepwell are the carvings on the walls which makes it an amazing tourist attraction in Jodhpur. Tourists love the carvings which feature dancing elephants, mediaeval lions & cows and sculptures of deities, placed in the niches. The most beautiful aspect of Toorji Ka Jhalra is the red sandstone which is a fine example of Rajputana architecture.

Toorji Ka Jhalra Timings and Entry Fees:

• Timings: 9 a.m to 5 p.m
• Best Time to visit: Morning
• Entry fee: Free

7. Kayalana Lake, just for adventurists

This is an artificial lake famous for birdwatching, the best location for couples and nature lovers in Jodhpur. It was built in 1872 by Maharaja Pratap Singh. Adventure sports activities are conducted here such as speed boat, jet skiing, motorboat and zip lining. Nature enthusiasts, photographers and adventure seekers must visit this place while you’re in Jodhpur.

Kayalana Lake Timings and Entry Fees:

• Timings: 8 a.m to 6 p.m every day.
• Best Times to visit: Morning and Evening
• Entry fee: Free. You have to pay for the adventure activities.

8. Mahamandir Temple, the 84 pillars temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in 1812. The temple is famous for its unique and supreme architecture. 84 pillars have been used to support this temple. Various intricate designs and carvings, yogic postures, and motifs are beautifully decorated in this architectural masterpiece. There is also a yoga hall where yoga classes are conducted.

Mahamandir Temple Timings and Entry Fees:

• Timings: 5 a.m to 12 p.m and 4 p.m to 9 p.m
• Best Times to visit: Morning and Evening
• Entry fee: Free.

9. Ghanta Ghar, a landmark in Jodhpur

This is the clock tower which connects the new city to the old city. Maharaja Sardar Singh built this tower in 1911. It is situated right next to the Sardar Market where you can find everything from shopping to food. It is a landmark destination of Jodhpur. On some days the top floor of the tower is open to tourists.

Ghanta Ghar Timings and Entry Fees

• Timings: 10 a.m to 6 p.m every day.
• Best Time to visit: Evening
• Entry fee: Free.

10. Machia Biological Park, great for Wildlife lovers

One of the best attractions in Jodhpur for families is Machia Biological Park, also known as Machia Safari Park. Housing a number of species including Lion, Tiger, Bear, Crocodile, Ostrich, Monitor Lizard, Desert fox, Blue Bull, Wild Cat etc, it is a must-visit location for wildlife lovers in Jodhpur. Inside the complex of Machia Biological park, there is an exhibition gallery consisting of herbs and weeds. The ruins of the Machiya Fort are also inside the Park.

Machia Biological park Timings and Entry Fees

• Timings: 8:30 a.m 5 p.m everyday. Tuesday is closed.
• Best Time to visit: Morning
• Entry fee: ₹30 for Indian tourists. ₹300 for International Tourists. ₹80 for the camera. ₹200 for the Video camera

Apart from the famous Mehrangarh Fort and Mandore Garden, these are some best places for local sightseeing in Jodhpur

• Blue City Walking Tour
• Panchkund Chattri
• Gayatri Shaktipeeth Shree Chamunda Mata Temple
• Lalji Handicrafts
• Arna Jharna
• Bal Samand Lake
• Bhim Bhidak temple

Some Offbeat Places to visit near Jodhpur within 50kms

• Ratnada temple
• Ranisar Talab
• Padmasar Talab
• Siddhanath temple
• Singariya Coin Museum
• Osiyan Sand Dunes
• Bishnoi and Guda Village
• Bilara Aai Mata Temple
• Pabuji Maharaj
• Kadam Kandi Waterfalls
• Khejarla Fort

Jodhpur, The Handicrafts hub of India

Apart from the well-known Mehargharh Fort and Mandore Garden, Jodhpur is also known as the Handicrafts Hub of India. It is famous for its heavenly collection of sweets and other local delicacies. The magnificent palaces, ancient temples, old architecture and Rajputana-style architecture of Jodhpur are sure to leave you awestruck. So, let us go and check out some of the best places to visit in Jodhpur.

FAQ’S =》

Q1. How to reach Jodhpur?

Ans – Jodhpur is well connected by Rail, Roads and Air. Direct and Indirect Railways and Buses are available from all major cities. Jodhpur International Airport has regular flights from all major cities in India and abroad.

Q2. What is the name of Jodhpur Airport?

Ans – Jodhpur airport is known as the Jodhpur International Airport (JDH).

Q3. What is the best time to visit Jodhpur?

Ans – October to March is the best time to visit Jodhpur as the weather remains calm and cool rather than the usual hot weather.

Q4. What are the best things to do in Jodhpur?

Ans – It totally depends on you. You can go sightseeing, food adventure or visit the tourist spots and if you are an adventure seeker then you must go for the adventure activities. Zip lining, Rope Walking, Rock Climbing, Trekking, Jet Skiing, motorboats, Speed boats etc are some of the activities which you might want to try.

Q5. What are the things to do in Jodhpur at night?

Ans – There are not a lot of things to do in Jodhpur at night. But there are many things that you try to make your nightlife in Jodhpur fun. You can try dining at rooftop restaurants or cafes which are near the tourist spots. Also, You can go desert camping at night and have an amazing time enjoying the folk performances and eating out in the desert. You can also go on a desert safari at night or even shopping.

Q6. Is Jodhpur safe?

Ans – Yes. Jodhpur is quite a safe and secure place. Especially for solo female travellers, there is no need to worry about safety when you come to Jodhpur.

Q7. How many days are required to explore Jodhpur?

Ans – 3 days are generally considered ideal to explore Jodhpur. But it depends on your itinerary and planning if you want a slow or fast-paced trip.

Q8. How to dress in Jodhpur?

Ans. Being located in the Thar desert, Jodhpur is generally hot throughout the year. In winter the days are pleasant and warm but the nights can get very chilly. One more thing, the locals of Jodhpur are quite conservative.  So pack your things accordingly.

Q9. What to eat in Jodhpur?

Ans – Jodhpur is famous for its sweets. Gatte ki khichdi/Ram Pulao, Mawa Kachori, Pyaaz Kachori, Makhaniya Lassi, Panchkuta, Mirchi bada, Dal Baati Choorma etc. are some of the foods to try in Jodhpur.

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