In what may not be surprising for many, Jodhpur has been ranked 10 globally and third most attractive tourist spot in Asia by the Trip Advisor’s global ‘Travellers’ Choice awards for 2017. Every year lakhs of people travel to the second largest city in Rajasthan and fall in love with its magnificence. The report revealed that Jodhpur, which boasts of majestic forts, places, and remnants of the glorious past, is at number three in the list. This is the fifth year of the awards and Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise list.  The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is a reflection of the royal lineage it has witnessed for centuries. Majestic forts and Palaces, that are remnants of the glorious past, adorn the landscape of this popular tourist attraction.

There are many different reasons for the blue paint although no one knows the real reason; one reason is that Jodhpur gets really hot, so the blue color is soothing to the eyes as it appears cooler. Also, it’s appealing to thirsty merchants looking for a good trading destination. Another reason is that blue color was chosen to show that these are the homes of the Brahmins. Yet another possible reason is that copper sulfate in the paint which gives it the blue color is a termite repellent.Jodhpur is set at the edge of the Thar Desert. This imperial city echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. In the past, it was the capital of the Marwar state, founded in 1459 A.D. by RaoJodha – the chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs. A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city. It was once a major trade center. Jodhpur is now the second largest city of Rajasthan.

Regarding the Jodhpur culture, the Jodhpuri people are amongst the most hospitable people of India. They have a typical Marwari accent. The lifestyle in Jodhpur, India is quite fascinating. The folks there were nice and lovely multihued costumes. The women folk wear wide gathered skirts and a hip length jacket, with three quarter length sleeves, covering the front and back. Women also love to wear jewelry on many parts of their body. They particularly like to wear a specific type of jewelry like the ones worn on the feet, head, forehead, ear, nose, neck, arms, wrist, fingers, waist, etc. Another one of the unique features of the culture of Jodhpur, Rajasthan is the colorful turbans worn by men. The popular tight, horse riding trousers, ‘Jodhpurs’, took their name from this city only. The main languages spoken here are Hindi, Marwari, and Rajasthani.

The graceful palaces, forts, and temples are strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur of this city. Lending a romantic aura to Jodhpur, are its exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, folk music and the brightly attired people. The desert people are quite affable. With their sweet smiles and warm hospitality, they win the hearts of the tourists. The famous Marwar festival brings out the festive spirits of the people of this city. The bazaars of Jodhpur have a range of items from tie & dye textiles, embroidered leather shoes, lacquerware, antiques, carpets, and puppets to the exquisite Rajasthani textiles, clay figurines, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver jewelry.

Famous Places to Visit In Jodhpur : 25 Places to Visit in Jodhpur List

1. UdaiMandir

UdaiMandir is an architectural beauty. If you are an appreciator of architectural brilliance and quality then this place is for you.

Half of the temple entrance gate is made from the carved sandstone (Jodhpur is the hub of sandstone).

The main temple stands on a huge raised platform and is supported by 102 pillars.

Inside UdaiMandir there are beautiful wall paintings with 84 Yogasanas and the pictures of Nath Yogis made up with gold.

The temple has a GarbhGriha. The upper portion of the GarbhGriha is kept covered with cloth and is surrounded by gold pots. The gold polishing in UdaiMandir still has its original shine and quality.

2. Siddhanth Shiv Temple

Siddhanth Shiv temple is situated between TakhatSagar hills and Kalyana Lake. Its way is on Chopasani Road and it is about 10 Kms away from Jodhpur.

You can reach the temple only after crossing the hundreds of stairs made up by cutting rocks.

Once upon a time the place, exactly where the temple now stands, was completely a deserted area.

Siddhanth Shiv temple is believed to be built by GauriShanker (also called Nepali Baba, his real name was VeetragiNarain Swami) himself by cutting stones.

He was a handicapped saint who had only four fingers in each of his hand and foot.

WIIFY:

• This place is quite and has natural air in it.
• The architecture is appreciating.
• Since it is on hills you will get clear view of natural beauty of Jodhpur and Machiya Safari Park (which is nearby to it).
• You there are natural scenes you can click amazing photographs.
• This place has been featured in a documentary of DD National (National TV channel of India) around three years ago.
• You should repeat the mantra ‘BhamBhamBhole here’.

3. Masuriya Hill Garden

Masuria hill garden is located on the Masuria hills of Jodhpur.

It has the Asia’s largest TV tower in it.

It is green lush garden with full and clear view of Jodhpur.

Earlier Mehrangarh fort was proposed to be made on Masuria hills but due to lack of water (at that time) Mehrangarh was made where it is at present.

WIIFY:

• A stone statue of RaoJodha with his horse is located in the garden.
• Asia’s largest TV tower ‘Masuria Tower of DD national India’ is located in the garden.
• It is the center hill of Jodhpur.
• You have best Jodhpur photograph opportunity here. Full view of every part of Jodhpur is clearly visible.

4. ArnaJharna

Arna-Jharna is a unique to approach to the way museums should be. Instead of being enclosed in a box, it enjoys the open space of the desert. Here you learn by exploring and enjoying with visuals.

WIIFY:

• It’s a place to learn about various traditions followed in music, various instruments used and how they came to be.
• The famous &colourful puppets of Rajasthan are on display.
• The location is very refreshing and gives you an look of a Desert.
• Carry your mineral water and some snacks for the journey.
• Best time to visit would be after breakfast so you can return back to the hotel for Lunch.
• School going children can learn and enjoy a lot from this place.
• They have created a clean and a nice ambiance of village and have Villagers home like structures that House the cultural belongings.
• They have a collection from Puppets to Musical Instruments to Brooms and to grasses of Jodhpur and nearby places.
• Real opportunities for photographers to click away the museum.
• Unique in its own way, you will hardly find places like this.

5. Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is one of the largest and most popular forts in India. The fort is located at the centre of the city and appears to command Jodhpur. Every visit to Mehrangarh is as exciting as before.

WIIFY:

• You will love to do the Flying Fox, it’s very exciting experience.
• Its architecture is fascinating and contains the work of artists of over 500 centuries.
• It contains two ancient temples of Jodhpur.
• It contains painting of Marwari style of Rajasthan.
• You will see every part of Jodhpur culture in the articles displayed.
• The museum houses an outstanding collection of fine and applied arts from the Mughal period of Indian history.
• Here is the chance for photographers to capture stunning views of whole Jodhpur from one place.
• At the gate you will be welcomed by musicians playing folk song.
• You will get tourist friendly facilities like audio guides, a lift to the top.

To know more read this article on Mehrangarh Fort.

6. JaswantThada

JaswantThada lies to the left of the Mehrangarh fort complex. It is a royal memorial made up of white marble and wonderful architecture piece of art.

WIIFY:

• It has wonderful architecture, some stones are extremely thin and polished such that they emit a warm glow when the sun’s rays dance across their surface.
• Some rare portraits of the former Rulers of Jodhpur are displayed in JaswantThada.
• The lawn in the garden is neat and clean with a nice fountains and flowers. You can chill and relax here freely.

7. RaoJodha Desert Rock Park

RaoJodha Desert Rock Park was created in 2006 and is situated next to Mehrangarh Fort.

There are plants in this park that are adapted to growing in arid, rocky areas of the Thar Desert.

RaoJodha Park is open throughout the year from 9 AM to 5:15 PM every day.

WIIFY:

• It is different from every other park of Jodhpur because of the fact that it is a type of Rock and Desert Park.
• A large variety of Plants and Trees.
• It is a place to take photographs of natural beauty.
• It’s an excellent way to learn about the geology, geography, flora & fauna of the region.

8.Ram Dwara

This is a temple of great Hindu god and leader of the epic Ramayana ‘Shree Ram’. It is located in the Chandpole (near Soorsagar) of Jodhpur.

Here the sages preach and practice principles of Hindu Dharma.

WIIFY:

• Peace, confidence, spirituality and things to do for a great life are found here.
• This place is famous for a stone which filters every kind of water which passes through it. It is a miracle and many scientists has wanted to find out why? There is a real story behind it. They still have the stone.
• You should repeat the mantra ‘Jai Shree Ram’ here.

9. UmaidBhawan Palace

UmaidBhawan Palace is one of the world’s largest private residences. Taj Hotels manage a part of the palace.

It was named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja Gaj Singh II, this monument has 347 rooms and serves as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family.

A part of the palace has now been converted into a hotel and a museum.

WIIFY:

• It has museum which focuses on the 20th century history of the Jodhpur. The opening hours of this museum are 9 am to 5 pm.
• It is a luxury hotel.
• Outside the museum is a vintage car collection which is worth viewing.
• Palace hosts a whole lot of birds, so some nice photographs could be taken.

10. GhantaGhar or Clock Tower

GhantaGhar also known as the clock tower.

Beside the tower, there in the Sardar Market that is trusted by tourists for shopping.

From this market, you can purchase Rajasthani textiles, clay articles, miniature camels and elephants, marble inlay work and classic silver and gold jewelry.

WIIFY:

• Market place for traditional Jodhpur Articles and Jewelry.
• Tasty food stores around it.
• It is the best market for shopping in Jodhpur and reminds of the old times.

11. Sachiya Mata Temple

The Sachiya Mata Temple is located in Osian, near Jodhpur. Osian is 60-65 kms from Jodhpur.

In this Temple mother goddess Sachiya (Also called Indrani) is worshipped by many castes living in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and North India.

She is “Kul Devi” (a protector goddess of a community) of many of well-known communities.

This temple was built by the Parmar King Upendre for his “KulDevi“in the 9th to 10th century C.E.

WIIFY:

• Clean and beggar free Temple. The crowd here is disciplined.
• The marble carvings and intricate work of temple are mind-blowing. There are 1000 snake statue and also elephants.
• Evening Arti is refreshing.
• You can click pictures of sculptures.
• In the way from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, so it can be a part of your travel trip without much hastle.
• As we have talked in Jodhpur Food  aboutBada that they are a part of every winter festival and get-together. Bada of Osian are such a taste (Oh my god! water has come in my mouth J) that you should experience here. The shop is near Bus Station at Osian near this temple.
• There are 9 different temples around for the Devi. These are prayed during Navratri festival (Navratri festival lasts for 9 days, 9 days for 9 Goddesses).
• You should repeat the mantra ‘Jai Mata Di’ here.

12.Balsamand Lake and Garden

This lake is a popular picnic spot of Jodhpur. It was built in 1159 AD by BalakRaoParihar. It was constructed as a water reservoir to provide water to Mandore, the then capital of Jodhpur.

The Balsamand Lake is surrounded by green gardens and has trees like mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava and plum. This place is home for animals and birds like the jackal and peacock.

WIIFY:

1. This place is perfect for natural beauty lovers and morning walk is refreshing here.
2. Peacocks can be seen dancing in rainy season.
3. Here is opportunity for photographers to capture natural scenes.
4. It contains swimming pool for you to swim.
5. Only people who stays in the hotel has access to all these.

13. Chamunda Mata Temple

The ChamundaMataji Temple is situated in the southern end of the Mehrangarh Fort.

Chamunda Mata is worshipped by most of Jodhpur’s citizens and Kings themselves.

During Dussehra celebrations, Mehrangarh Fort is frequently visited by Jodhpurites to get a glimpse of Chamunda Devi.

WIIFY:

• Very calm place.
• You will get great view of the Jodhpur from this temple.
• Great architecture and marbel carvings.
• Wishes are believed to come true, so pray whole heartedly.
• You should repeat the mantra ‘Jai Mata Di’ here.

14. Ramdevra Temple

This temple is well known in India. People from all over India come walking to the temple in BhadwaBeej (A specific date in Indian Calender that is different in every year in English calendar but exact in Indian Calender).

It is a well-known fact that after visiting Baba Ramdev Temple of Jodhpur if you visit Baba Ramdev Temple in Ramdevra, Jaisalmer; your every wish is fulfilled.

Handicapped people, poor people promise Baba Ramdev certain numbers of repeated walk visits and after those their wishes come true.

WIIFY:

• It is a great temple situated at Masuria Hills.
• You can sit here with peace of mind and you become worriless there.
• There is a sacred Kund (in Ramdevra, Jaisalmer) where all devotees take a bath to fulfill all their wishes and whenever you take a bath in this sacred pond your skin diseases get away from your body.
• You should repeat the mantra ‘Jai Baba Ri’ here.

15. Om Banna Temple

Om Banna Temple (also known Om Bana, Bullet Banna and Bullet baba Temple) is a temple located in Pali district near Jodhpur. It is located 20 Kms from Pali and 50 Kms. The motorcycle is a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet.

Om Bana, a local citizen, was riding the bike, it got unbalanced and hit the tree. He was dead immediately.

Police took motorcycle in the police station but next day bike was found under the same tree. Even after numerous attempts to take bike away, bike was found at the same place under the tree where the accident happened.

The bullet still lies there in an open enclosure. Many truck drivers and families stop by to visit the place and pray for their safe journey.

WIIFM:

• See the bike and location where the accident happened.
• Pray for your safe journey.

16. Mandore Gardens

The Mandoregardens have charming collection of temples and memorials and it’s on high rock terraces.

The gardens house the Chhatris (cenotaphs) of many rulers of the state of Marwar.

The Mandore Gardens also house a government museum, a ‘Hall of Heroes’ and ‘the temple to 33 crore Hindu Gods’ (The temple of 330 million Hindu Gods).

WIIFY:

• ‘Hall of Heroes’ contains stories of brave men of Jodhpur
• There is a temple of 330 million Hindu Gods, so you get to know the Hindu system.

17. Shri Ganesh Temple

It’s an ancient temple located at the Sandstone Hill. Its local name is Pahadi Ganesh Mandir. Lord Ganesh is worshipped by all the localites and visiting the temple on Wednesday is considered holy.

WIIFY:

• It’s located at uphill at Ratanada.
• Upside view is really nice and you can capture the whole view of Jodhpur here.
• It’s a refreshing temple.
• You can take the vehicle up and there is a lot of parking space.
• You should repeat the mantra ‘GanpatiBappaMorya’ here.

18. Santoshi Mata Temple

Lord Ganesha is the father of Santoshi Mata.

In Jodhpur there is a very old and famous lake, which is surrounded by mountains and is named as LalSagar Lake.

Here is a natural ancient temple of Santoshi Mata fulfilling the desires of all.

This temple is surrounded by various kinds of trees. In India, this is world class age old natural shrine, which has amazing specialty.

The mountain is elevated on santoshi Mata temple as if Sheshnag (a kind of snake) is giving its shadow to Mateshwari. There is an AmritKunda close to temple where an old tree is in the same shape from many years. Near that tree there is very lovely waterfall.

WIIFY:

• Visit this temple for your peace of mind and spirituality.
• Architecture is amazing.
• This is said to be world class age old natural shrine with incredible speciality.
• There is an AmritKunda close to temple where an old tree stands in the shape of Lord Sheshanag.
• There are footsteps of the goddess, one is full size foot print and other is partial. Everyone takes darshan of the foot prints of the mother.
• This is place where MaaSantoshi has given PrakatDarshan to one of her devotee about 40 years ago.
• This place is too much crowded on Fridays as this is the day for the goddess.
• You should repeat the mantra ‘Jai Mata Di’ here.

19. Sardar Market

Sardar Market is a full of busy Indian market containing riots of sight and sound. The clock tower (GhantaGhar) in the center of Sardar Market is a useful reference point (if you lose your way refer to it and start again  ).

You can spend hours in shops chatting with friendly owners who will offer a cup of masala chai (tea). This is the true highlight of Rajasthani hospitality.

You will find Jodhpur to be full of amiable and kind people who will be quick to offer you chai (tea) as a symbol of genuine hospitality first and foremost (not at all an attempt to coerce you to buy).

It is not uncommon for them to turn their shop upside down to show you all of their goods and many are quite proud of their businesses.

WIIFY:

1. Good place to enjoy street food and road side shopping.
2. Stuffs are available at very reasonable prices.
3. There are so many local food and drinks to try
4. You will get plenty of opportunities to click the shot.
5. You can find fresh food, traditional Indian clothing, jewelry and other goods, souvenirs, crafts.

20.Kaylana Lake

It is an artificial lake. It receives its water from HathiNehar (English: Elephant Canal), which is further connected to the Indira Gandhi canal.The natural vegetation here mostly consists of Babool trees (English: Acacia Nilotic), and various migratory birds such as Siberian cranes are seen here in the winter season.

The city of Jodhpur and all the surrounding towns and villages depend on Kaylana Lake as a source of drinking water.

WIIFY:

• Boating experience in the Kaylana Lake is incredible.
• If you are a natural beauty lover, then this place is made for you.
• You can swim if you would like to.
• In rainy season this place seems like heaven.
•  Restaurant near Kaylana Lake make it enjoy more freely.
• Foreign birds in Winters make it very beautiful place to visit.
• Machiya Safari Park is developing which will add more natural scenes to it.

21.JaswantSagar Dam

The JaswantSagar Dam lies in Pichiyak village between Bilara and Bhavi of Jodhpur district.

The water from JaswantSagar Dam is utilized for irrigation purposes in Jodhpur. The greenest part of Jodhpur receives water from this dam.

Boating facilities for tourists are available in this Dam. It is nice place for those who love boating or wading around in water. Good as educational trip for the children.

WIIFY:

• It is a place for those who love boating or wading around in water.
• Good for educational trip.

22. Sardar Government Museum

Sardar Government Museum is located in Public Park (Umed Garden). It was established in 1909 and formally opened to public on 17 March, 1936. The museum is named after Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur.

Timings of this museum is from 10 AM to 4 PM and it is closed on Friday. Entry fee is only Rs. 10.

WIIFY:

• The collection of this museum consists of 397 stone sculptures, 10 inscriptions, 1951 miniature paintings, 12 terracotta, 32 metallic objects, 178 arms, 111703.5 coins, 4107 miscellaneous objects displayed in Archaeological Section, armory, art & craft and historical section.

23. Umed Garden and Zoo

It is a popular garden of Jodhpur. Umed garden was developed by Maharaja Umed Singh. It was named after him.The garden has five separate gates around it to facilitate entry to the garden from different directions. It has green lawn with beautiful roses and other flowers.Inside the garden is a museum, Ashoka trees, artistically designed fountains, a library and a zoo. The zoo houses different types of birds, local, African and Australian parrots, ducks, rabbits etc. All the birds and animals are kept in their natural environment.

WIIFY:

• Zoo and museum makes it interesting to visit this park.
• Natural Beauty lies everywhere.
• Great place to click photographs.

24. MahaMandir

MahaMandir is a famous temple in Jodhpur. The temple was built in 1812. MahaMandir Temple is supported by 84 pillars. It contains detailed designs and figures of gurus describing various postures of Yoga. It is located at a distance of 2 km from Jodhpur on the road towards Mandore. Now a school is run in the premises. In the premises of the temple, there are many ancient shrines and houses that reflect intricate works of stone.

WIIFY:

• If you are a fan of Yoga (who is not  ), you will love this place.
• As per the gatekeeper in every night a diya is lit on the cenotaphs and noises are heard. The ghosts still lighting the diyas…
• Chances to click photographs.

25.Tripolia Market

It is a famous market of Jodhpur. It is a cloth market that resembles Delhi’s famous ChandniChowk. You will find Marwari style shops, where one has to sit on floors and bargain with the shopkeepers. Jodhpur is famous for its lahariyabandhini apparels and traditional footwear. You can shop here for local Handicrafts and Textiles, Kurtis, Churidar, Sarees etc. Choices are plenty and the prices are even better. You can find items for at least half the price at Delhi.

WIIFY:

• Very big market to explore.
• Very good prices with so many options. You can always bargain further.