The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur – the Blue City or the Sun City is widely renowned for its magnificent forts and palaces that invite you to step back into the past and behold the unparalleled charisma of the bygone era. It has a kind of charm that will surely leave you awestruck with its architectural wonders every time you come to pay a visit to these places. Combine all this with fascinating shrines, museums, and gardens and we bet that you would surely love your time here.
While the old side of the city impresses you with its rich cultural heritage, the new side has hundreds of colorful streets and eateries, making it a bustling place for both locals and tourists alike. You can also hog the must-try items like Mirchi Bada, Pyaaz Kachori, and Mawa Kachori to discover the real essence of Jodhpur on your visit.
Try planning your getaway during September month to enjoy the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. It is an annual event that is organized every year to raise awareness of traditional dance and music among tourists over there.
In case you need any help with your Jodhpur tour, get in touch with our professionals. We at Jodhpur Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, present a variety of all-inclusive Jodhpur tour packages that can be customized to suit your varied holiday duration, budget, and other needs. Right from booking the flight tickets to shortlisting the accommodation of your choice to curating an itinerary that helps you cover the top sightseeing places in Jodhpur to pick up and drop services, our team of experts offers everything under one roof.
What matters to us the most is your happiness and we leave no stone unturned to bring a smile to your face. Don’t forget to leverage the benefits of discounts available with us to enjoy your trip at reasonable prices. Please fill out the Contact Us form to learn more about us.
History of Jodhpur
Jodhpur has a vibrant history attached to its origin. It is said that the city was founded by Rao Jodha, the Rajput chief of the Rathore clan in 1459. Initially, it was known as Marwar which means "the land of death," but the name was later changed to Jodhpur in honor of its founder.
According to legends, the Rathors were forced to leave their homeland by Afghans. They thought of settling down in Pali, a city close to Jodhpur. After this, Rathore Siahaji decided to marry the sister of a local prince there, which helped them maintain a strong position in that particular region.
Later, they defended the Pratiharas of Mandore and made Mandore their capital city. After a few years, Rathors thought of forming a new city as their capital and this is how the city of Jodhpur came into the picture.
The Rathore clan ruled Jodhpur for many centuries, and the city became an important center of trade and commerce in Rajasthan. The city also played a significant role in the struggle against the Mughal Empire and was known for its fierce warriors and skilled generals.
During the British Raj, Jodhpur became a princely state under the protection of the British. The city continued to prosper under the rule of the Rathore kings who built many impressive palaces, forts, and other structures in and around the city.
Today, Jodhpur is a major tourist destination known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant markets. The city is also home to several prestigious educational institutions including the Indian Institute of Technology and the National Law University.
Places to Visit in Jodhpur
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature admirer, a sightseeing explorer, a wanderer, a foodie, or a shopaholic, you’ll surely find several things of interest in Jodhpur. Start your trip with a visit to the Mehrangarh Fort. It’s a historical monument that boasts stunning architecture to draw the attention of people interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
From there, you can head to Jaswant Thada to soak in the enchanting beauty of this white marble structure constructed in the 19th century. The next tourist attraction that deserves your attention is the Umaid Bhavan Palace. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, the Umaid Bhavan Palace is one of the largest private residences in the world that is widely renowned for its opulence and grandeur. It has lush green gardens on all sides and is located on a hilltop, offering a 360-degree view of Jodhpur.
Lying only 4 km away from Umaid Bhavan Palace is the Clock Tower which receives a huge crowd of people due to its proximity to the famous Sardar Market. You can enjoy a delightful time while experiencing the best of the retail therapy at the Sardar Market, popular for selling a wide range of items at reasonable prices. There is also a Tripolia Market for people interested in checking out an amazing collection of Jodhpuri-style outfits and footwear.
For people who wish to be close to Mother Nature, the city has Kaylana Lake, Sardar Samand Lake, and Balsamand Lake. For people looking to surround themselves with lush greenery, the city has Chokelao Bagh, Rai Ka Bagh Palace, Masuria Hills Garden, Mandore Gardens, and Umed Gardens.
For people seeking to be spiritually enlightened on their Jodhpur tour, the city has Chamunda Mata Temple, Jain Mahavira Temple, and Mahamandir Temple. For people who fancy spending some time with wildlife animals, the city offers Machai Safari Park which provides shelter to a diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
Don’t forget to pay heed to Jodhpur Government Museum if you want to enjoy your visit to the fullest. The Jodhpur Government Museum houses a large collection of art, artifacts, and other items of historical and cultural significance. Some of the highlights of the collection include royal portraits, weapons, textiles, miniature paintings, and manuscripts.
Other sightseeing places in Jodhpur that are worth your time are Phool Mahal, Khichan Bird Sanctuary, Guda Lake, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Flying Fox, Khejarla Fort, Om Banna Temple, Sheesh Mahal, Bishnoi Village, Moti Mahal, Fort Chanwa, and more. You can also take some time out for Splash Water Park to fill your day with unlimited fun, thrill, and enjoyment. The entry fee to visit Splash Water Park is INR 600 per person for adults and INR 500 per person for children.
How to Reach Jodhpur?
Board a direct flight to Jodhpur Airport to experience a hassle-free commute to the city. This airport is well-served by various domestic flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Kullu, Udaipur, Raipur, Surat, Leh, etc., on an everyday basis. For international travelers, the Indira Gandhi International Airport is the most convenient option.
The next feasible option is via railways. Jodhpur has its own railway station that receives various short and long-distance trains from the neighboring cities of Rajasthan and the rest of the metro regions of India for your ease. Not only is it a pocket-friendly way but is also a safe mode of transport for people of all age groups.
Lastly, if you like road traveling, you can catch a private or state-owned bus run by the Rajasthan government from the various parts of the state. In case it’s an overnight journey for you, you can plan to travel in deluxe coaches that come with an AC facility. Make sure to get the booking done in advance if you’re traveling during the peak season. Once you’re there in the city, book a cab from the list of top car rental companies in Jodhpur to enjoy roaming within the city at your utmost comfort.
