The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur has in recent decades emerged as a major tourist destination, thanks to its magnificent forts, palaces, and Havelis. A touch of Marwari warrior charm and chivalry adds further attraction to the region, Jodhpur still keeps a close touch with its strong traditions and culture.
The old Blue Quarter of the city with its stunning blue temples, houses, and bazaars, has become a big hit with influencers on Instagram, and other social media platforms.
Whether you are traveling solo, with your significant other and kids, or in a group, we have compiled a great list of the 11 best experiences and things to do in Jodhpur.
Like the Parthenon in Athens, the Mehrangarh Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) towers above the Blue City. This magnificent fort was built in the 15th century by the Rajput leader Rao Jodha. It is perched on a hill at a height of 400 ft (120m) from the rest of the city. It is arguably the greatest cultural and historical landmark of Jodhpur and the venue for many festivals like the Rajasthan International Folk Festival and the World Sacred Spirit Festival. The fort has seven gates, and inside it are several small palaces (Sheesha Mahal/Palace of Mirrors, Phool Mahal/Flower Palace, Moti Mahal/Pearl Palace) and the famous Chamunda Mataji Temple. Mehrangarh is among the top places to visit in Jodhpur.
The Jaswant Thada Cenotaphs were built by the Sardar Singh Maharaja of Jodhpur in memory of his father who they are named after in the 1890s. Splendidly carved out from Makrana Marble, these cenotaphs are often described as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar.” The Cenotaph Complex has a small lake, a manicured garden, and several prominent gazebos. The site is worth a visit on your Jodhpur trip.
When Maharaja Umaid Singh commissioned his grand palace in the late 1920s, he had grand plans. This was supposed to be the greatest of all royal palaces of Rajasthan. The residence is so huge that it ranks amongst the largest private residences in the world. It now has three sections. One is the residence of the royal family, another houses the Taj Palace Hotel, and in the last section, there is a museum that showcases the kingdom’s heritage and history. A trip to marvel at the beauty of Umaid Bhawan Palace is a must-do activity in Jodhpur.
The Flying Fox Zipline is a major hit with adventure-minded tourists to Jodhpur. The 6-course Zipline which starts at the fort covers a distance of over 1200 meters taking you over two beautiful lakes, and you are able to catch stunning views of the Blue City along the way. The Zipline uses state-of-the-art modern technology, and you are guided by two highly trained instructors. Note: Kids above 14 only can sign-up for this activity
Jodhpur is a land of exquisite Havelis that you can explore on a city walking tour. You can also check into a heritage Haveli hotel, and live like a nobility of the past. But one experience that we recommend highly is a fine dining experience in a heritage Haveli. Two chic eateries that we recommend are the Indique Restaurant in Pal Haveli and Raas’s in-house Baradari and Darikhana restaurants.
Jodhpur is a city of vibrant colors and hues, sparkling with life and heritage. But there’s no color that pervades through the city as the color Blue. A Walking Tour of the Blue City with an expert local guide is an absolute must for an immersive experience. You’ll discover the city’s beautiful temples, bustling markets, exquisite havelis, taste local foods, and take great Instagram-worth photos.
Jodhpur is not just about the regal palaces and Havelis. The region also has a charming countryside of quaint tribal villages with vibrant culture. One such place is the village of Bishnoi, a trip which gives you an authentic taste of rural Jodhpur. Dotted with Khejri trees and nestled on the banks of Guda Bishnoi Lake, the Bishnoi community lives in sync with nature and wildlife—both of which are considered sacred. Followers of Lord Vishnu and strict adherents of vegetarianism, the Bishnoi people revere and worship the plants and animals of their land. Bird lovers can spot rare birds and mammals like Cranes, Chinkaras, and Blackbucks.
No well-rounded trip to Jodhpur would ever be complete without a desert camping tour in the Thar Desert. One place we recommend to get the quintessential Thar Desert experience is Manvar—100 km (60 miles) outside of the city. Snuggled in an idyllic oasis of trees, the camp is a well-appointed property offering world-class amenities in its 30 luxury tents. You can go on a wildlife adventure on a jeep safari, or explore the desert on a camel. There’s a pool to enjoy a cool dip in. Be sure to enjoy the sunset in the dunes.
The Jodhpur Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) was built some 200 years ago in the city’s busy downtown in a five-tiered structure carved out of sandstone. Since then, a bustling busy bazaar has emerged around this historical landmark. Among the most prominent bazaar is the Sardar Market, which is named after the King who built the Clock Tower. Sweets, vegetables, fruits, garments, silver, handicrafts, jewelry, ethnic art pieces—the range of curious items you can find in this area is immense. Worth a visit.
The Mandore Gardens in Jaipur are built on a site that used to be an ancient city dating back to the 6th century AD—the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire. Authorities have now built a park around remnants of this area. The ruins of the ancient Mandore Fort and Mandore Temple add to the manicured lush green beauty of the gardens. Mandore is the site for many regional festivals like the Rao Festival, Hariyali Amavasya, and Naag Panchami. A sunset at the Mandore with the ancient Royal Cenotaph and Ek Thamba...
For those with a sweet tooth, visiting Jodhpur’s iconic Janta Sweet House is a must-visit place that has been around since the 1980s. The Janta Sweet House offers a range of over 100 sweets from Jodhpur and other parts of Rajasthan. We particularly recommend their Guru Giri Laddu, Ghewar, and Besan Chakki.
