7 Must See Places In Jodhpur Rajasthan

Mehrangarh Fort

This overwhelming fort stands a few hundred feet above the rest of Jodhpur. Centuries rolled by before the imposing structure completed construction. Diverse influences of varying architectural periods during construction are noted, and Mehrangarh Fort symbolizes sheer power of the erstwhile ruling dynasty.

The Mehrangarh Fort itself stands atop a hill, with towering embattlements reaching up to 36 metres! Seven gates lead you into the fort which is among the largest in India, and houses many palaces, temples, and even a museum.These gates were built by different rulers to commemorate their victories over the invading armies from Jaipur and Bikaner.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

One of the largest private residences in the world, the humungous Umaid Bhawan Palace has a mind-boggling 372 rooms! The principal residence of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family, the magnificent structure was architected by Henry Lanchester and shows a mixture of both Western and Eastern influences. While the massive dome draws from the Renaissance, the high towers on the sides are derived from the Rajput architecture tradition. Sightseeing in Jodhpur is incomplete without a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Besides the royal residence, there are two other functional parts—a luxury hotel and a museum dedicated to the 20th century history of the Jodhpur royal family.

Kaylana Lake

The artificial lake constructed in 1872 sprawls over 84 square kilometres, and is the best place to unwind in leisure after a sultry day of Jodhpur sightseeing. Palaces and gardens of two preceding rulers had been replaced by Pratap Singh to make way for the lake—which remains a source of drinking water for Jodhpur and its surrounding towns and villages. Come winter, tourists flock to Jodhpur and so do a wide variety of migratory birds like the Siberian Crane. An exciting prospect for bird-watchers indeed.

The sunsets behind the rocky hillocks at Kaylana Lake take ethereal form, with the skies draped in changing hues with every passing minute. The Kaylana Lake also goes by the name Pratap Sagar, and offers boating facilities. However swimming is strongly discouraged in the bewitching waters.

It is said that the lake’s vicinity was full of wild bears, and was a popular secured hunting ground for the members of Jodhpur’s royal family. A short visit in the evenings will accustom you to just the most perfect sunsets you’d have seen in a long time. The placid Kaylana Lake in the desert is a nice way to ponder over the riches of Rajasthan’s second largest city.

Arna-Jharna: Desert Museum of Rajasthan

Meaning ‘forest’ and ‘spring’, Arna-Jharna re-imagines the experience of visiting a museum and tries to expand the confines of a traditional museum to include the open spaces of the desert. Introducing you to the biodiversity of the place it is situated in, Arna-Jharna attempts to link diverse disciplines. Focusing on a panorama of brooms linked to different cultural contexts, the museum introduces you to the culture of rural Rajasthan.

Once a sandstone mine, the crater left behind is filled with water through rainwater harvesting to create a reservoir. A host of birds flock to the place, and provides an informative slice of Jodhpur sightseeing.

Ghanta Ghar

The eye-catching clock tower built almost a century ago stands to this day as a prominent landmark in Jodhpur. Built by Sardar Singh in 1880, the Mehrangarh fort looms as a backdrop. The tower provides beautiful views of the old city of Jodhpur, and overlooks a thriving open bazaar adjacent to it. The narrow lanes of Jodhpur start branching out from here. The Sardar Market greets you with triple gateways at both ends, and comprises of alleys selling traditional Rajasthani wares.

Strolling around the crowded alleyways of the bazaar, which sell everything from handicrafts to spices to silverwares to sweets is a charming way to introduce yourselves to the vibrant Marwar culture. The heart of the old city is a haven for foodies. Mawa Kachori, Pyaaz ki Kachori, Mirchi Bada and scores of other delectable delicacies of Jodhpur are sure to leave you reeling, even as you sink into the views of the city. In the evenings, the clock tower is lit and looks fabulous against the lively market and the night sky.

Jodhpur sightseeing is lent a certain medieval chaos by the Ghanta Ghar and the Sardar Market, which lies a mere two kilometres away from the nearest railway station.

Machiya Safari Park

Less than two kilometres away from Kaylana Lake, and on the way to Jaisalmer is the Machiya Safari Park. An abode of wild animals, wildlife enthusiasts will be excited as it figures on most popular Jodhpur sightseeing packages. Nilgai, desert fox, monitor lizard, deer, wild cat and many other fascinating animals have made the Machiya Safari Park their natural habitat; and spotting them can be a fun-filled affair with family.

An assigned bird point inside the park is tailor-made for bird-watching enthusiasts, as a number of exotic birds migrate here during winter. Perfect timing, you must admit.Enclosed within its premises is a fort, which further adds to the disarming nature of the reserve. The sunset from atop the fort matches the resplendent views from other more-celebrated forts in Jodhpur—the Sun City.

Mahamandir Temple

Built in 1812 and located a mere two kilometres away from Jodhpur, this intricately carved temple complex is one of the prime attractions on the Jodhpur sightseeing tour. The 84 ornately etched pillars are a sight to behold, and remain prominent due to the varying postures of Yoga carved onto them. Also locally known as Nath Ji ka Mandir, getting to the Mahamandir Temple through a labyrinth of winding alleys is a tedious experience. One which subsides in the sights of the wonderful architecture.

The premises of the temple have several other shrines that date back to the ancient. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, and remains uncrowded and tranquil. After a long day of Jodhpur’s sightseeing packages, this place of worship is bound to soothe your nerves because of the quaint ambiance. The 14 main pillars supporting the structure hold unbelievable carvings for you to bask in their beauty, and is open on all days of the week with no entry fee whatsoever. The best time to revel in Mahamandir Temple’s architectural marvel is during the winter months. Located off Mandore Road, the temple is well connected by buses and cabs.

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