Things To Do In Jodhpur
In the wake of dawn, the sun offers its first greetings to Surya Nagri (Sun City)!
Be it the ethereal aura of the city tinted in blue. Be it the stark fusion of traditionality and contemporaneity of the Marwar Raj. Be it the winsome charm of the Rangeelo Rajasthan (Colourful Rajasthan). Jodhpur, the second-largest city in Rajasthan, shall indeed take you in awe!
Adorned with a zillion imprints of chivalry, architectural prowess, and fine beauty, Jodhpur invites you on a quest to behold the glory of the past. Mansions, forts, shrines, museums, and lush meadows provide innumerable things to do in Jodhpur.
Yet you await—but why?
Come with us on this trip to the majestic Gateway of Thar, Jodhpur!
Khamma Ghani! … Greetings!
Highlights
- The entire city is built around the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, home to architectural marvels like the imperial Umaid Bhawan Palace, the picturesque Jaswant Thada, and more.
- Away from the humdrum, the countryside of Jodhpur welcomes you with open arms! Unwind yourself in Chandelao, catch the wildlife in the Guda Bishnoi village, and chant the holy hymns in Ranakpur.
- Sign up for a culinary class at the Spice Emporium, Spice Paradise!
- The soul of Jodhpur resides in the streets of the city. Walk around the bustling shops, vendors, hotels, and food joints, and interact with the chirpy locals.
- Enjoy the fun-filled festivals commemorated with great pomp and show in the City of the Royals! Oh, to the memories you’d make!
We and our certified expert in Jodhpur, Mr. Sunny Singh, are at your service.
Sounds wonderful ?
Put on your comfy shoes, and let’s walk around these wonders, shall we?
What makes Jodhpur special are its regal forts and palaces. Let’s start our list of things to do in Jodhpur by exploring some mainstream gems!
Mehrangarh Fort (The Fort Of The Sun)
Image Source– Mr.Sunny Singh
Sitting 400 feet above the landscape, the colossal Mehrangarh Fort has stark history and legends etched on its walls. Built over 5 centuries, this impregnable fort bears testimony to the sublime era of the erstwhile ruling dynasty.
The intricate carvings on the prodigious walls, ceilings, panels, doors, and windows of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal offer a splendid tactile experience to the spectators. Moreover, it houses arguably the best museum in Rajasthan, exhibiting paintings, armory, textiles, and other prized relics. Try not to be transported to a different era altogether! Touring the expansive courtyards and other areas of the fort demands quite a bit of time.
𝘚𝘰, 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰 𝘵𝘪𝘱: 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘴.
Check out our detailed column, Exploring Mehrangarh Fort: The Skyline of Jodhpur.
Umaid Bhawan Palace (The Art Deco From Jodhpur’s Gilded Age)
Image Source– Mr.Sunny Singh
How can you visit Jodhpur and not the grand Umaid Bhawan?
This manor is one of the largest private residences in the world.
Perched atop Chittar Hill, Umaid Bhawan Palace is inspired by the exotic views of the Blue City. Still, partly home to the current Maharaja of Jodhpur, it has been a heritage hotel since 1972.
To spend a night or two here amid the incredible old-world luxury is to take a sip of Jodhpur’s treasured glory!
Be it the blend of Indo-Western style suites Be it the lush, landscaped lawn occasionally visited by the preening peacocks. Soak in the bona fide architecture of a bygone era.
Jaswant Thada (The Taj Mahal Of Thar)
Image Source– Mr.Sunny Singh
The royal state of Jodhpur is home to yet another quintessential Indian architectural gem, Jaswant Thada. Nestling on the banks of a lake at a tad distance from the Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada is a beauteous marble mausoleum for the majesties of Marwar.
The intricately carved marble edifice offset vibrantly against the red steps leading up to the entrance is a visual delight! When the sun’s rays fall across the surface of the ivory marble, it radiates a warm golden glow—a sight to behold!
Local musicians and folk singers sit on the steps of the monument to greet visitors with some soulful Rajasthani melodies.
Some parts are uncannily akin to the iconic Taj Mahal; therefore, the nickname ‘Taj Mahal of Marwar.’
The dreamy open terrace preceding the cenotaph windows gives a panoramic view of the well-maintained meadow for exploration. Scattered around the memorial grounds, you are greeted by the tiny residents—squirrels, and birds!
You ought to visit Jaswant Thada!
On your drive there, you can also enjoy the sublime views of the lake and mighty hills along the way.
Away from the land of mainstream royalty, the heart of Jodhpur nestles in its countryside. We have you covered if you want to dip into the simple, slow, and humble life! Next, on our index of things to do in Jodhpur, we take you away from the hubbub to the village of Jodhpur.
Chandelao Village (Unwind And Be One With Nature)
image source
If you are looking to sit back and let your hair down, Chandelao Garh welcomes you wholeheartedly! This fortress-style ancestral home-turned-homestay offers a sterling experience of traditional Rajasthani hospitality in a placid countryside setting.
An evening stroll around the village lets you treasure the sights and sounds of an Indian village: local craftspeople work their trade, animals graze in the narrow village streets, ladies in vibrant native dresses fetch water from the lakes, and kids play in the streets.
Don’t hesitate to say hi; everyone greets visitors with great love!
Guda Bishnoi Village (Where Nature And Humans Coexist)
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If you are a fellow green panther or a wildlife photographer, Guda Bishnoi Village is no less than a treat! Inhabited by the Bishnoi community, the village is known for its vivid range of exotic wildlife and Nature. It is a habitat for hundreds of migratory birds and animals. One can often catch them frolicking at the Guda Bishnoi Lake, an artificial lake making for an oasis in the land of heat and sandstorms.
Besides wildlife, this hamlet offers an immersive one-on-one lesson on pottery and hand weaving by their talented home-grown potters and weavers.
So, are you excited to try your hands at it? I bet you are.
If you happen to make a friendly rapport with the natives, they may also let you indulge in the village chores and learn a thing or two about Rajasthani cooking. You can also relish a simple yet rich meal flavored with warmth and compassion by the locals.
Ranakpur (A Spiritual Oasis In Aravalli)
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Ranakpur is a small quaint town nestled amid the secluded valley of the Aravalli Ranges in Rajasthan. Rightfully nicknamed ‘a spiritual oasis’, Ranakpur is a significant pilgrimage for Jain pilgrims. Home to a sterling collection of Jain temples, it reverberates the pristine architectural brilliance of Jain artistry and sculpting.
Besides being a spiritual paradise, Ranakpur is an ideal resort for green panthers! Blessed to be nestled in profuse greenery, this tranquil village is enclosed by the misty blue Aravalli mountains. The abundance of nature in the wildlife sanctuaries and picturesque waterfalls and lakes makes for incredible nature therapy!
If you want to know more about rural Jodhpur, head to our column, Jodhpur Village Safari,” where we have just enough information!
A place is never quite explored if you don’t explore its inhabitants and their daily lives. Take a sip of the local charm of Jodhpur!
Walk Down The Iridescent Blue Alleys Of Neel Shahar (Blue City)!
Stroll around the poetic sea of boxy indigo houses stretching far and beyond! This will give you great insight into the princely city, its exuberant history, vivid culture, and warm souls.
Now we understand that navigating through the maze of lanes is oftentimes tricky-
but we’ve got you!
Our local guide, Mr. Sunny Singh, helps our travelers navigate tricky paths and shortcuts. So, take a walk with him through the paths less trodden and discover the hidden charms that only the natives have the key to. Discover the vibrant temples, listen to the sacred tales and untold stories, immerse yourself in the rituals of their daily lives, check out the graffiti and paintings on the blue walls, and more.
Do not miss the sunset from one of the rocky outcrop viewpoints!
With the soulful echoes of the chirping birds and the evening Azaan, the sight of the sun bidding farewell to the Blue City is breathtaking! One who captures it with their lens is one who hits the jackpot! This tranquil spot invites you to do a little soul-searching while overlooking the quaint landscape.
While looking at things to do in Jodhpur, how can we look away from the vibrant shops in the royal city? Rajasthani flashy fabrics, chic mojaris, authentic antiques, classic handicrafts, and traditional jewelry, to name a few.
Let’s look at some options sure to spoil you for choice and boost your shopping spree.
Grab your wallet, carry a shopping bag, and splurge!
Bazaars of Jodhpur (a colorful sojourn).
Baba Art Emporium.
Image Source- Mr.Sunny Singh
Situated in the lively Sadar Bazaar (market), the Baba Art Emporium is a renowned handicraft, antique and textile shop. The shop has on display vivid ethnic and modern clothes. Dealing in fine quality block printed indigo bedding, Bandhani scarves, exquisite carpets, poufs, and other home décor accessories and antiques.
Mochi Bazaar
Image Source– Mr.Sunny Singh
This market is no less than a paradise for footwear lovers! Find yourself a pair or two of eminent Jodhpuri Juttis, known as Mojaris. You will surely be mind-boggled by the wide range of colors, patterns, and materials!
Adorning you from hand to toe, you can shop for junk jewelry and lac bangles here. However distinctive your taste might be, they have something for everyone!
Lalji Handicrafts. Enough of garments
Are you looking for sturdy, vintage Rajasthani furniture and artifacts? Look no further. From their rich inventory of sophisticated items like a chest of drawers, archaic and contemporary decorative pieces, intricately designed furniture, and home décor. You will want to buy everything!
Ghanta Ghar Market
Image Source– Mr.Sunny Singh
Your shopping spree in Jodhpur can only be completed by walking around the Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) area – Jodhpur’s busiest and largest marketplace. We did save the best for the last! You might have tasted a plethora of spices before- but none like Jodhpur! Trust us on this.
Their finest variety of spices, especially Mathaniya’s red chili, is one of a kind!
Other stuff you can buy here includes handicrafts, flavored teas, and antiques.
𝘗𝘳𝘰 𝘵𝘪𝘱- 𝘋𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘨𝘰 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴’ 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘋𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦.
The historic city is home to one of the most exuberant markets nationwide. Although we shed light on a limited option, you should explore it for yourself! Together with Mr. Sunny Singh, who is a native himself, lay your hands on some of the rare finds!
Sigh!
Enough shopping for a day?
Are you a fellow foodie?
Sign up for a culinary class at Spice Paradise!
Spice Paradise, as evident from the name, is a cooking school and spice emporium run by the matriarch, master chef Rekha Sharma. She welcomes you with her special masala chai. Under her kind expertise, you learn to prepare flavorsome dishes such as rice biryani, naan chapati, and raita, and you learn about a plethora of Indian spices and some insane home remedies!
Attending a cooking class at Spice Paradise definitely counts among the most interesting things to do in the actual Spice Paradise, Jodhpur!
A special mention goes to the fun festivals and celebrations that are an intrinsic part of Jodhpur’s social fabric. The exuberant colors, zestful dance, fervent music, and gleesome ambiance are the ones to witness!
Our recommendations –
Image Source- cascoly2
- Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival (January).
- Marwar Festival (September to October).
- Rajasthan International Folk Festival (October).
As we are at the end of our cheat sheet of the best things to do in Jodhpur, cherry-picked by our team of travel experts, we encourage you to go beyond the aforementioned and cultivate the manifold delights that Jodhpur has in store! Trust us; the city will not disappoint you. So buckle up to ride through the glowing dunes, savor local relishes, indulge in adventures, and behold the cultural grandeur of Jodhpur!
Khamma Ghani! Padharo Sa!
Greetings! Welcome!
