Here are the Best things to do and best places to visit in Jodhpur on a weekend tour.
Palaces, forts, deserts, natural attractions and more are the best places to visit in Jodhpur to see in Jodhpur and adventure actions to do on a weekend.
When I read a news article that cried, “40 plus tourist attractions to see in Jodhpur”, I wondered how can there be so many places to see in a city that is bordered by the infamous Thar Desert?
A subtitle of the same news clip was, “The Blue City of India” welcomes you.
I knew the Pink City that is Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan but another city in the same state claims ‘blue’ color as its own?
And I browsed through the images of Jodhpur to see how it earned the description “blue city”. I think an aerial view could convince me and you; so, here is an image of Jodhpur’s blue buildings shot from a mountain top or from a chopper.
The majority of the houses’ walls painted in blue justifying Jodhpur’s description as ‘blue city’.
Well, join me on a virtual tour of best places to visit in Jodhpur that include:
- Palaces
- Forts
- Lakes
- Desert
- Wildlife
- Monuments
Buildings of immaculate architecture in Jodhpur:
If you could not take your eyes off the buildings built during the Roman-Gothic period and the British reign in India, then, you can turn your collar up because you are an admirer of fine arts.
15 Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Here are some of the buildings built with stunning architecture in Jodhpur:
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Absolutely awesome building! It is a typical Rajput/Marwari fort in India’s Rajasthan.
Shortly named “Mehran Fort”, it is dated back to 1459-60. It is a massive fort housing several temples inside and mini-mahals/palaces that include Glass Mahal and Rose Mahal.
Forts in India during the medieval period were always built on a hilltop as a defense measure. The Mehran Fort ‘s width is approximately 680 + feet!
The fort’s walls are huge and unscalable. As an extensive defense mechanism, the Jodhpur’s proud building has as many as 7 entrances.
When you look at the sprawling Jodhpur city from a height of 400 feet, the breathtaking aerial view will open your mouth in awe.
Umaid Bhavan Palace
Ah, the sheer beauty and appealing size of this palace in Jodhpur will make any Indian proud of their rich heritage and this is one of the Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur. Look at the architecture! Won’t it be neighbors’ envy?
Here is an interior view of Marwar Hall in the palace:
This Jodhpur’s tourist attraction was built about 100 years ago for the use of a royal family. There are 347 rooms that now function as rooms and suites for Taj Palace Hotel, Jodhpur. It is rated as one of the most beautiful hotels in the world.
Jaswant Thada
A ‘Thada’ is a ‘Cenotaph’ in English. I think the Indians took the meaning of cenotaph very seriously and built a large ‘Thada’ n Jodhpur.
Additionally, the aesthetic Rajputs enlarged the open space and built a beautiful garden studded with an artistic ‘gazebo’ which is meant a ‘pavilion’ in English. Look at the gazebo in Jodhpur’s Jaswant Thada.
Jaswant Thada is all marbles from outside and is a beautiful tourist attraction in the “Blue City”.
Jaswant Thada is located very close to Mehrangarh Fort. You need to spend a total of three hours to see both these historical monuments in Jodhpur.
As a tourist to Jodhpur, your guide will first take you to see these two Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur. In between, you can try out one or two local Rajasthani/Marwari street foods such as a spicy ‘kachori’ or a juicy ‘samosa’. Both these snacks are filling.
Toorji Ka Jhalra, Jodhpur
As you can see, it is a ‘stepwell’ meant as a royal bath for the Rajput kings and queens.
The architecture built with red stones is simply matchless and world-class. The intricately designed stepwell will lead you to 200 feet below where the water is perennially available even in this part of dry India, amidst the scorching desert. The ingenuity of the Rajput builders and designers should be etched in history forever.
In addition, this masterpiece of the building depicts the lifestyle of the Rajput royal families.
It is no doubt a wonderful tourist attraction of Jodhpur.
Natural Beauties and Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur
Let us now move on to the natural beauties and best places to visit in Jodhpur.
Kalyana Lake, Jodhpur
The setting of the lake is very picturesque. The wonder is the choice of the location of the Kalyana lake, a big tourist attraction in Jodhpur.
By ‘choice of location’, I meant this is a manmade lake and not a natural one.
Just by gazing at the lake, you cannot gauge its size, buddy; the Kalyana Lake occupies a sprawling 84 sq.km!
The surroundings are green, inviting migratory birds to breed and nest at the fringes of Kalyana Lake. The tranquil atmosphere, the cool water body make this place an ideal picnic spot.
A boating facility is available on Kalyana Lake, thus beckoning children especially. The boat ride is a major attraction to the tourists of Jodhpur.
Machia Biological Park, Jodhpur
By biological park, you can expect to see wild animals, birds, reptiles, and trees and plants. A mini zoo is anytime a major attraction for all age groups. Machia biological park is included in the itineraries of local tours of Jodhpur.
Kalyana Lake visit can be combined the Machia park as both are close to each other.
Wild animals housed in enclosures.
Which forest animals and other wildlife can you see in Machia Biological Park?
- Indian Wolf
- Lion
- Leopard
- Jackal
- Porcupine
- Desert Fox
- Black Buck
- Spotted Deer
- Feral cat
- Sloth Bear
- Spiny-lizard
- Crocodiles
- Tiger
With these natural attractions, Machia Biological Park is an important tourist landmark in Jodhpur.
Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur- Bal Ssamand Lake
The Bal Samand Lake in Jodhpur is very popular among local residents who are always parched by the hot sun. This lake is a place to cool their body and heels.
In the later years, the tourism department has developed a lovely garden and planted fruit trees among flowering trees.
Families come prepared with food and drinks, enjoy their picnic, stay for two hours and leave, thus refueling their spirit.
Masuriya Hill Garden, Jodhpur
If you want to have a bird’s eye view of the blue city Jodhpur, Masuriya Hill Garden is the best spot. Beautifully landscaped, Masuriya Hill Garden is a famous tourist spot in Jodhpur.
However, if you want to see these 8 tourist attractions mentioned thus far, you need more than one day. In fact, I have not finished yet with touring Jodhpur.
There are local markets, colorful festivals, Thar desert safari, shopping in Jodhpur and eating vegetarian food in Jodhpur that I intend to cover in this article. Therefore, brace yourself and plan for a full weekend at least if not a long weekend.
Adventure Trvel in Jodhpur
Flying Fox Zip Line experience in Jodhpur
Any big city located anywhere in the world should offer something to the young blood who are craving for some action outdoor.
Here is what you can do in this Jodhpur adventure sports.
Zip-lining in the area of Mehran Fort is an action sport urging the young onlookers to take part in this exciting few seconds of sliding through a rope from one point to another.
I think the preparations of making you a flying fox takes much more time than the actual action that lasts less than a minute.
Desert Safari, Jodhpur
Don’t assume there is nothing to see in a desert except a few reptiles such as snakes, lizards, and scorpions. There are mammals and birds that love to live or visit the hot and dry desert for food. Even feral cats can be spotted in the Thar desert.
If you are an avid bird watcher, you can easily spot the Great Indian Bustard and Spotted Eagle.
In the list of Jodhpur’s tourist attractions, a desert safari in the Thar desert is a thrilling experience.
Either you can go in a jeep or ride on camelback. The second option can be back-breaking!
I believe there are camps on offer for an overnight stay in the Thar Desert.
Paragliding in Jodhpur
Jodhpur’s rocky hills are ideal a for short 20 minutes expedition of paragliding. It is your best adventure sport and will be absolutely exciting.
This adventure sport in Jodhpur again involves more time-consuming preparation than the actual paragliding session.
Now, let us meet some wildlife in Jodhpur.
Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur: Bird watching near Gudha village
Without spending a few hours to see wildlife in any city you travel to, your trip is not complete. Jodhpur is not rich with diverse wildlife but still, you can spot a few common forest animals and wild birds.
In Gudha village, you need to go to the Gudha Lake where you will across birds such as:
- Peacock
- Siberia Crane (only during winter months)
You can spot the ubiquitous spotted deer and Black Buck.
Khichan bird sanctuary
This is located about 150 km from Jodhpur. Make it a point to go to this bird watching place in January and February. You will be amazed to see flocks of migratory cranes.
Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur Shopping Markets and Malls
Next, we move on to shopping in Jodhpur.
Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur: Tripolia Market
Wherever you go in Rajasthan, the brightly colored dresses of the Rajasthani women will catch your attention. Even in a remote village, the women folk wear colorful attires and wear elaborate ornaments.
You can buy some of them in the Tripolia Market in Jodhpur, the main tourist landmark.
You can shop for beautiful wooden toys, batik sarees and salwars, semi-precious gemstones, and silver jewelry.
If your luggage can accommodate, buy a beautifully woven floor carpet.
Sardar Market, One of the Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur
As soon as you enter the market street, you will be awestruck at the sight of colors everywhere. Color powders kept heaped on large aluminum bowls or hessian sacks. The color powders used to decorate the patio and portico.
One can shop for pure village products such as whole wheat grains.
For gifts and souvenirs, look for shops selling terracotta figurines and marble statues of miniature size.
If you are captivated by the lovely Rajasthani footwear, you can buy at very cheap rates.
Do not leave the Sardar market without buying a couple of bedspreads made of Rajasthani fabric.
Strings of beads of eye-catching colors will tempt you to buy for your neighbors back home. Just yield to your desires.
Try Jodhpuri street foods While Visiting Jodhpur Tourist Places
It’s time to try Jodhpuri street foods in Jodhpur:
Eating and drinking in Jodhpur
Rajasthani cuisine is the best in North India. The food will be predominantly vegetarian. You will find it hard to choose sweets displayed mouthwateringly in shops.
Eat Kabuli pulao. It is something out of the world. Then the ‘Dal Baati Churma’ is awesome. It is the local people’s favorite.
For sweet, try the famous Malpua and Ghevar.
Drink lassi-the sweet version, topped with a generous blob of fresh cream.
With this, I am winding off the various tourist attractions and best places to visit in Jodhpur on a weekend tour.
