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Jodhpur is a city in the Thar desert, in the northwest part of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan after Barmer. Jodhpur is also known as the blue city as most of its houses are painted blue. Jodhpur was the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar in historic times. The old city of Jodhpur surrounds the famous Mehrangarh Fort and is bound by high walls. These walls were built in the city to protect the people in times of war.
The city of Jodhpur is a popular tourist attraction as it has quite a few palaces, forts, and temples against the backdrop of the Thar desert. If you are into history, and art or just want to chill, and are looking for the best places to visit in Jodhpur, this city has a little something for everybody.
Here are 10 of the most beautiful attractions that you should put on your itinerary when you visit Jodhpur:
1. Mehrangarh Fort
One of the most famous and must-visit tourist attractions in Jodhpur is Mehrangarh Fort. If you are a history enthusiast or not, this Fort will give you goosebumps.
It is elevated on a rock that overlooks the entire walled old city of Jodhpur and you can see all the iconic blue houses from the fort. The fort now has been turned into a museum that displays weapons used, paintings and royal palanquins.
The ideal time to visit the fort is during the day and do not miss the sunset on top of the fort over the horizon of the blue city.
Timings: 9am-5pm
2. Umaid Bhawan Palace
This is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations, especially after the famous Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra married her beaux here and the photos of the palace went viral. Well, even if people now know it better because of that, it has a history that dates to 1929 when Maharaja Umaid Singh built it to counter a famine that the state was suffering from at that time. It is the only palace built in the 20th century and is famously known as the largest private home. It was designed by a British architect and took 16 years to build. Now, it displays the royal family’s possessions in their museum for people to see. So, if you want to see a place with exquisite architecture and modern art-deco fused into one, you must visit this palace.
Timings: 9am-5pm
3. Moti Mahal
Moti Mahal, also known as the Pearl Palace, is where the royal families held their functions and events for their guests. The hall of the palace has windows with colourful glass that throws beautiful shades of colours inside the hall. The hall has nooks where the women of the royal family used to listen to court proceedings that took place in Sringar Chowk, The Royal Throne of Jodhpur. This Palace of Pearls is the largest, most stunning period room in the Mehrangarh Fort and is a photographer’s paradise.
Timings: 9am-5pm
4. Phool Mahal
One of the other places to visit when you are in the Mehrangarh Fort is the Phool Mahal. It is also known as the Palace of Flowers which was built by Maharaja Abhay Singh in the 18th century. The place is a room full of glass that was used by the Kings to hold private entertainment parties.
Timings: 9am-5pm
5. Ghanta Ghar
It is considered a landmark of the old Jodhpur in Sardar Market. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the 1880s. The area of Sardar Market is a must-visit place if you want to gorge on some amazing Rajasthani food and buy some traditional Rajasthani attire. Although it is in a crowded area, if you are a fan of the vintage style of architecture, this place is a must-visit.
Timings: 10am-8pm
6. Chamunda Mataji Temple
Chamunda Mataji was the Jodha of Madore’s favourite goddess and that is why the place was turned into a place of worship for the public. To date, the deity remains an adopted goddess for most of the rulers of the state. The temple sits at an elevation of 1173 feet and can be reached after climbing 620 steps. So, if you are a religious person or not, this place will give you the peace that your reckless soul has been seeking.
Timings: 9am-5pm
7. Toorji Ka Jhalra aka Toorji’s step well
The step well square can be a day tour on your itinerary. The well is in the centre of the square and has been submerged since the 1700s. The recent restoration uncovered this place that is hand craved and is an architectural treasure. You can spend time exploring the steps and the well and then head out to the small restaurants and cafes to dine and take in the Rajasthani culture.
Timings: 9am-5pm
8. Jaswant Thada
This Palace made of white marble stone was built for the leader Jaswant Singh, ruler of Jodhpur. The ruler did some great work like reducing dacoity and crime in the area, and built the railway and working towards building the economy of the State. The Palace has been turned into a museum displaying the Marwar ruler’s portraits and is open for public viewing.
Timings: 9am-5pm
9. Sardar Samand Lake and Palace
Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933, this place sits on the banks of Sardar Samand Lake. The lake and palace remain the royal family’s retreat and are home to a vast collection of original watercolour paintings and African trophies. If you are a bird watcher or a nature lover, this place is ideal for you as the lake attracts many migratory and local birds.
Timings: 8am-6pm
10. Mandore
This place is situated in the Northern part of the city and is the capital of Marwar. The structures here are mostly influenced by Hindu temples, unlike most of the other buildings and structures spread throughout the city. This place has major history and here you will find the cenotaphs of the former rulers of Jodhpur.
Timings: All day
Jodhpur is a big city and selecting a few tourist attractions among them is difficult. But these are our top picks that will quench your wanderlust and must be included on your list of places to visit in Jodhpur.
Photo: Shutterstock