Jodhpur, also known as “Blue City,” is a popular tourist destination nestled within the desert landscapes of Rajasthan. It’s a piece of India’s past grandeur and splendour. And you can get a glimpse of that in the tourist places to visit in and around Jodhpur.
As you walk through the narrow lanes of old Jodhpur, you’ll discover a place that has preserved its royal heritage. It has a rich culture and an enchanting history. It’s a refreshing reflection of the royal past of the country.
Check this list of places to visit in Jodhpur to plan your visit. With its magnificent architectural marvels, Jodhpur offers a journey through time.
The old charm of Jodhpur is wonderfully embedded in its art, architecture and infrastructure. It’s like looking back at India's royal, princely era.
1. Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is on the top of a hill, guarded by massive walls. It was constructed by Rao Jodha in the 1450s. The fort has opulent palaces such as Sheesh Mahal and Phool Mahal and several galleries to display royal artefacts.
This majestic structure is considered one of the largest forts in the country. It has seven entry gates, each constructed to commemorate a different event. And its architectural brilliance draws tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world.
The location of Mehrangarh Fort at the top of a hill also allows you to enjoy a majestic view of Jodhpur. It’s literally one of the top places to visit in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
- Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 12 km from city centre
2. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is a biodiversity park near Mehrangarh Fort. It’s said to be the wish of Maharaja Umaid Singh to convert this dry land into nature’s paradise. But the park was built only in 2006, long after his death.
It’s built on a large wasteland, showcasing the unique flora and fauna of the desert. This rocky park is one of the few places where you can see the real terrain and vegetation of the Thar Desert in its natural environment.
It has long walking trails with different varieties of plants and trees to explore. Apart from rocks and trees, Rao Jodha Park is home to many birds, too.
- Entry Fee: ₹100 per person
- Timings: 7 AM – 6.30 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 11 km from city centre
3. Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture placed amidst serene surroundings. It's one of the popular places to visit in Jodhpur near Fort Mehrangarh.
The monument, made of white marble, is considered one of the finest creations in India. It has a beautifully maintained garden which you can explore along with the monument. Inside, you can see the portraits of famous Rathore rulers.
Jaswant Thada resembles a temple, and its beauty is unmatched. Because of its resemblance to Agra’s Taj Mahal, it’s also nicknamed the Taj Mahal of Marwar.
- Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
- Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 10 km from city centre
4. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace is a grand palace turned into a museum. And it offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle and royal grandeur. The palace is divided into three parts, one of which has been set up as a museum open to the public.
The palace is popular for its location, architecture as well as historical heritage. It’s a blend of Indian and Western architectural styles. It has been well maintained, and the museum has many antiques belonging to the Maharajas.
Maharaja Umaid Singh built it to employ thousands of distressed villagers due to droughts. An interesting fact about the palace is that the current royal family of Jodhpur still lives here.
- Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
- Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 10 km from city centre
5. Clock Tower
Clock Tower (or Ghanta Ghar) is one of the most popular landmarks in Blue City Jodhpur. It’s in a crowded area, in the bustling old Jodhpur, surrounded by street markets.
It’s a great place to visit if you want to witness the culture of Jodhpur and buy ethnic artefacts from the nearby market. You can see local people going about their daily lives. You can walk up to the balcony at the top and get a brilliant panoramic view of the city.
This tall, colossal tower was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh. It comes to life at night when it’s all lit up with beautiful lights.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 9 km from city centre
6. Sardar Market
Sardar Market is a vibrant marketplace and one of the must-visit places near Jodhpur Ghanta Ghar. It’s one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur for shopping, attracting people from all parts of Jodhpur.
It’s the largest and busiest marketplace in Jodhpur. Here, you can find almost everything you need in your day-to-day life. You can also try out the local delicacies of Jodhpur around here.
It’s also the best place to buy souvenirs and traditional Rajasthani items. Exquisite Rajasthani bangles, handmade bags and local footwear like jootis and mojris are some famous things to buy in Jodhpur.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 7 AM – 9.30 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 9 km from city centre
7. Toorji Ka Jhalra
Toorji ka Jhalra is an ancient stepwell in the heart of the city. It’s one of the offbeat places to visit in Jodhpur, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance.
This magnificent structure was built in the 1740s by the consort of Maharaja Abhay Singh. It was constructed to continue an age-old tradition of constructing ponds or wells by Jodhpur’s royal women. And it’s one of the few remaining traditional water sources in the region.
In its prime, it served as the source of water for the local people. It’s over 200 ft deep.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Jodhpur: 9 km from city centre
8. Rai Ka Bag Palace
Rai ka Bag Palace is one of the less-crowded Jodhpur points of interest. It was built in the 1660s, during the rule of King Jaswant Singh 1. The palace was built by one of the queens named Hadiji. And it’s believed that the king spent much of his time here.
The palace was also called as Aath Pehlu by the local people due to its octagonal shape. And it’s considered one of the best of ancient attractions in Jodhpur. The monument is known for its intricate carvings and dome-style architecture.
Although Rai ka Bag Palace is in use by the state government, you can visit it to explore its architecture. The marble finishes in the rooms are worth seeing.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 10 km from city centre
9. Mandore Gardens
Mandore Gardens is a beautiful garden with cenotaphs of the rulers of Marwar. Each cenotaph has a unique design and architecture. The most beautiful of them is said to be that of Maharaja Ajit Singh.
It also houses a temple, a museum and a memorial. Lush greenery, beautiful flowers and towering trees make it a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.
The temple is dedicated to 33 crore gods and goddesses, making it a must-visit tourist point in Jodhpur. The museum, with an impressive collection of old relics, is also worth exploring. And the Hall of Heroes memorial has 16 figures carved from a single rock.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 17 km from city centre
10. Sardar Government Museum
Sardar Government Museum is an old museum. Visiting it is nothing less than walking back in time to explore Jodhpur’s past. Some of the old exhibits and historical things displayed in the museum date back to almost the 6th century. It provides the best insights into the culture and history of Jodhpur.
The museum is on the premises of Umed Garden public park. It’s divided into different galleries containing the armory, arts and crafts and archaeological objects. You can find different stone sculptures, inscriptions, miniature paintings and other things here.
Umed Garden also has a library and zoo apart from the museum. It’s one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur with friends.
- Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
- Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on Friday)
- Distance from Jodhpur: 9 km from city centre
11. Tripolia Market
Tripolia Market is a popular street market in Jodhpur. If you love chaotic, narrow streets and bargain shopping, it’s a must-see. The shops sell the best of Rajasthani traditional clothes, including handicrafts and accessories.
It’s an ideal shopping hub to do bulk shopping. It has a large variety of quality products at very reasonable rates. You can find reasonable price tags for almost every traditional item you buy.
Wooden handicrafts, brass items and marble statues are available here. Bandhej fabrics, batik sarees and mojris are some of the other famous items in Jodhpur. Lac bangles are also a speciality of Tripolia Market.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 9 km from city centre
12. Ranisar Lake
Ranisar Lake is a water reservoir near Jodhpur built for natural water conservation. Queen Jasmade Hadi, wife of Rao Jodha, had this lake constructed in the 1450s. And it rarely runs out of water, even if surrounded by the dry landscape of Rajasthan.
The lake is close to Mehrangarh Fort, and you can see the majestic monument looming in the backdrop. It’s a popular destination for nature sightseeing and photography in Jodhpur. The morning views are especially spectacular, with the sun coming up from behind the fort.
It’s among the best places to visit in Jodhpur with family. You can enjoy some relaxing time with them.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 9 km from city centre
13. Padamsar Lake
Padamsar Lake is another water reservoir, adjacent to Ranisar Lake, known for its peaceful surroundings. This lake was constructed by Queen Padmini, the daughter of Rana Sanga of Mewar. It was built around the same time in the 1450s.
This perennial lake is popular for its natural scenic beauty. The stark contrast in the landscape offered by Mehrangarh Fort in the backdrop makes it a sight to behold.
The serene atmosphere makes it an excellent place to enjoy some quality time with family and friends. It balances the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 9 km from city centre
14. Bishnoi Village
Bishnoi Village is one of the top places to visit in Jodhpur and nearby. This small village near Jodhpur is best known for its cultural activities. It’s where you can experience a traditional village-style life in Rajasthan.
It offers a number of activities, including camel trek and desert excursion. You’ll also find birds and animals living in harmony with humans. The Bishnoi people worship nature like a god.
You can also take a village walk to explore the artistic activities happening in the area. The trip allows you to witness activities like weaving and pottery. And you have the opportunity to learn these local arts and crafts and buy the finely-crafted products manufactured here.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Jodhpur: 20 km from city centre
15. Flying Fox
Flying Fox is an adventure destination near Mehrangarh Fort, and it’s one of the thrilling places to visit in Jodhpur city. It offers several zipline tours to have a panoramic view of different parts of the city. The place has six zip lines, including one that takes you around the fort.
If flying high over buildings excites you, Flying Fox is an absolute must-visit. It’s an adrenaline-pumping way to admire the art and architecture of the city. The activity offers some of the best bird’s-eye-views from high above.
From breathtaking views of the city to stunning aerial views of the nearby lakes and the desert park, the zipline ride creates many memories.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 9.30 AM – 5 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 10 km from city centre
16. Fun World Water Park
Fun World Water Park (or Splash Water Park) is a part of the luxurious Fun World Resort. It’s nestled amidst lush green tropical plants and trees, offering fun water rides to people of all ages. It’s an excellent place to shred the stress and dive into fun and madness.
The resort has gardens and manicured lawns for relaxation. It also has restaurants where you can relish various dishes and calm your hunger. Fun World Water Park is the ultimate family entertainment destination in Jodhpur.
You can also book a room in the resort for a fun weekend. It has cottage rooms and deluxe suits to make for a comfortable stay.
- Entry Fee: ₹600 per person
- Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 9 km from city centre
17. Balsamand Lake
Balsamand Lake is a serene and peaceful destination on the outskirts of Jodhpur. It’s a man-made reservoir that was built to serve as a water source for the village of Mandore.
The gardens around boast different trees, like mango, papaya and guava. The water from the reservoir reaches the gardens through a small waterfall, which looks beautiful in the greenery. A sheet of verdant greenery surrounds the lake, adding its own charm to the place.
It’s among the best places to visit in Jodhpur in the evening. It’s an idyllic location for sunset views and family picnics. The heritage hotel and restaurant nearby create a royal environment.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Jodhpur: 18 km from city centre
18. Kaylana Lake
Kaylana Lake is another picturesque artificial lake on the outskirts of Jodhpur. Being home to several exotic bird species, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise. The lake is surrounded by lush trees, and it’s considered one of the most visited lake destinations in Rajasthan.
You can get the best sunrise and sunset views of the city at Kaylana Lake. It’s a popular picnic spot. Boating opportunities are also available here.
The surrounding landscape has several hills and rock formations, creating a picturesque sight. It attracts many photographs for their nature shoots.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Distance from Jodhpur: 11 km from city centre
19. Machia Biological Park
Machia Biological Park is a tourist destination located near Kaylana Lake. It’s a preferred spot for admirers of nature and wildlife. The place is home to various species of plants and animals, including endangered species.
The park houses wild animals, like desert fox, monitor lizard and deer. Other animals like rabbits, cats and tortoises are also kept here. They are in separate enclosures that mirror their natural habitats. It has a birdwatching point, too, for avid birdwatchers.
Apart from the animal enclosures, the premises also houses a veterinary hospital and a nature interpretation centre. It’s a good place to get an in-depth experience of the region’s biodiversity.
- Entry Fee: ₹30 per person
- Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 12 km from city centre
20. Bullet Baba Temple
Bullet Baba Temple (also known as Om Banna Temple) is one of the most unique places to visit in Jodhpur. It’s one of a kind temple in which the deity is a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet.
As per the legends, a person named Om Singh Rathore met with an accident at this site. Police took the motorcycle to the police station, but it was later found at this accident site. So, it was encased in a glass case and put at the site of the accident.
Local people religiously pray to the motorcycle for their safety before embarking on a journey. The tree that Om Banna crashed in is also present here.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 45 km from city centre
21. Sardar Samand Lake
Sardar Samand Lake is a place of unparalleled serenity and calmness. It’s an artificial lake that offers an idyllic weekend retreat to anyone looking for an escape from the maddening crowds of the city.
The lake and nearby areas are surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a habitat for migratory birds, including cranes, flamingos and pelicans. Exotic animals like black bucks and other deer species are also seen here occasionally.
If you wish to enjoy a calming retreat, book your stay in the Sardar Samand Lake Palace Hotel nearby. It offers several activities like fishing, boating and horse riding for entertainment.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Jodhpur: 49 km from city centre
Jodhpur is a city rich in history and culture. It has architectural wonders, markets and many other good places to visit. Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace are among the famous places to visit in Jodhpur. They’re the memento of the past royal era.
The lakes, gardens and old markets have a charm that attracts everyone to visit them. You can feel as if time stops in Jodhpur.
Spend your winter in Jodhpur and you’ll be able to enjoy a calming getaway. From November to February, the weather is the best to explore all the Jodhpur places to visit.
