Must Explore Places in Jodhpur- ‘The Suncity’

Travelling is so much fun and a mode of rejuvenation for many of us.Isn’t it? Well,for me it is a major stress buster and excuse of exploring places as well as myself.

This article is about one of the beautiful and old cities of Rajasthan which I have literally fallen in love with.Tradition,culture,or be it rawness of this heritage city,it must be visited  atleast once to know what more Rajasthan holds other than worldwide popular Jaipur, Udaipur & Pushkar.So,let’s talk something more about Jodhpur.

Infused with history and rich heritage,this beautiful city – Jodhpur, is painted in blue.This sun-kissed city is popularly known as ‘Blue City’ or ‘Sun City’.

Jodhpur was founded in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha and the city earned its name after him. The second largest city in the state of Rajasthan is divided into old city and new city. Located on the foothill of a sandstone hillock, the city of Jodhpur seems like an oasis in the vast desert.

Home to the prosperous Marwari community of India, Jodhpur captures the essence of the colors, smells and sounds of India.
It is a popular tourist destination offering you unusual forts,lakes and sweets to be explored. Here in the list we have got you top 10 place that you must include in your itinerary when travelling to Jodhpur.

Read here to know to travel to Jodhpur

1. Mehrangarh Fort

A palace that might have been built by titans and colored by morning sun – Rudyard Kipling

Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptures.Built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and looking down 125 meters, presents a majestic view on city horizon enclosed by imposing thick walls.

Apart from carrying a rich heritage behind it and being magnificently built, this humongous fort is famous for most of the international festivals taking place here.

Timings: 09:00 hrs. Till 17:00 hrs

Read More About Mehrangarh Fort.

2. Umaid Bhawan Palace

Also known as Chittar Palace, this monument is divided into three areas, namely a heritage hotel, museum and the Maharaja’s royal residence.

One of the world’s largest private residences – principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since 1943 – opens Umaid Bhawan Palace is a golden-hued desert sandstone monument, set amidst 26 verdant acres of garden. Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the most exclusive hotels of Jodhpur. An architectural marvel, it is equipped with all modern facilities and offers a royal experience.
Visit the museum to see royal artifacts and armour, old clocks, glassware and other miniatures that are on display.

From Nita Ambani’s 50th birthday celebration to few celebrity weddings happening here,the majestic palace is topping the charts for many.

Timings: 09:00 hrs. Till 17:00 hrs

Read More About Umaid Bhawan Palace

3. Bal Samand Lake & Palace

Royal Palace,picturesque lake, lush green lawns and staggered terraced gardens,this old royal retreat is none other than Bal Samand Lake Palace.From heritage to dining everything is so perfect here.

A stone’s throw away from the ancient capital of Marwar, Mandore, and only 8 km from the city-center of Jodhpur, Bal Samand is a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The lake was engineered in the 12th Century but the exquisite red sand-stone palace came later; it was built by Maharaja Jaswant Singh I of Jodhpur in the 17th Century, at the very zenith of Rathore Rule under the umbrella of the Mughal Empire.

If you are a non-vegetarian,you must not miss on ‘Lal Maas'(Red Meat) in the Bal Samand Restaurant.

Read More About Bal Samand Lake & Palace

4. Jaswant Thada

The Jaswant Thada is an architectural landmark located in Jodhpur. It is a white marble memorial built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Often called as Taj Mahal of Marwar as built with white marble,this spectacular structure is a perfect example of Rajputana style of architecture. Its flawless design and anatomy is symbolic of the fine craftsmanship of the bygone era.

Opening hours: 09:00 hrs. Till 17:00 hrs

Read More About Jaswant Thada

5. Kaylana Lake

Kaylana Lake is located 8 km west of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India. It is an artificial lake, built by Pratap Singh in 1872.

It is one of the scenic site places in Jodhpur and one of the biggest lakes in Rajasthan. It supplies water to most part of the city.Garden along with lake attracts people a lot and that is why it is one of the crowded place in Jodhpur. Having a ride on parallel rode on a rainy day will take you to another world though little development and maintenance can do wonders for this small but pretty lake.

Read More About Kaylana Lake

6. Rao Jodha Park

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is located at the foot of Mehrangarh Fort. It was created in 2006 for restoration of natural ecology of rocky wasteland. This sandy desert park has rock loving plants which adapts to the arid surrounding.The Park extends across 70 hectares – about 200 acres – of rocky land surrounding the fort.

The park is criss-crossed with walking trails that take you up to the city walls, around Devkund Lake, spotting local birds, butterflies and reptiles. It is very well maintained and it is worth getting a tour guide to tell you about the plants and park. Red rocks,greenery and wildlife lures you? Then be sure to visit this park.

Visit in early in the morning or in the late afternoon for the most pleasant temperatures.

Read More About Rao Jodha Park

7. Mandore Garden

Mandore is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur. It was the former capital of Maharajas of Marwar.Its boundless Mandore garden, with high rock terrace, makes it most admired tourist and local attraction.

The temples and ancient structures are just worth being captured in your camera. If you have a guide, the history behind the statues of the gods is also amazing to hear and it’s a wonder how a calming place can be found near such hustle-bustle of the road.

Read More About Mandore Garden

8. Sardar Samand Lake Palace

Built on the banks of a beautiful lake by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933, The Sardar Samand Lake Palace is a magnificent Art Deco hunting lodge.

About an hour’s drive from Jodhpur and passing through a village of the Bishnoi tribe, the Sardar Samand Palace hotel is still an exquisite insider tip. The palace has its own Oriental Garden, boat-house, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts and its large grounds along the lake make for delightful walks. The lake itself is a bird-watcher’s paradise. Great view and the best chance to spot birds and wildlife animals around lake early morning.

Know More About Sardar Samand Lake Palace

9. Ranisar Padamsar

Looking for a calm,serene and unwinding spot? Nothing better than this lakeside. Not many tourist would know about it via reviews.As this place does not usually get a space to be placed on the list of must visit. But you must go there once.It is most beautiful when it’s raining.

Ranisar Padamsar lakes offer you their placidity to sooth and also revitalize your psyche.Created with an objective of conservation of natural water and is one of the best example of Heritage Water Storage System in Jodhpur.

Read More About Ranisar Padamsar

10. Clock Tower

The imposing century-old clock tower is an old city major landmark surrounded by the vibrant sounds, sights and smells of Sardar Market. This place will take you through the narrow winding lanes and crowded alleys selling everything from vegetables, spices and sweets to silver and exquisite handicrafts.

Read More About Clock Tower

I hope this post will help you in exploring Jodhpur in a better way and with less struggle. Share your experience if you visit the blue city.

Adios,Bagpacker & Travellers

xoxo