Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan (albeit
pleasingly unspoilt by haphazard development), has a fascinating past. In case
you were wondering, yes, it is where jodhpurs got their name from! These
unusual pants were designed by the Maharaja of Jodhpur's son, Pratap Singh, and
worn by his polo team when visiting the Queen of England in 1897. Jodhpur is
famous for its blue buildings, which were originally painted to signify that
they were occupied by Brahmins (the highest caste in India). These 10 Jodhpur
attractions and places to visit will give you a diverse experience of the city.
10
Attractions & Places to visit in Jodhpur
1.
Mehrangarh Fort
The impregnable Mehrangarh Fort, which rises above the city,
is one of the largest forts in India. As impressive as it is, as a well
preserved heritage structure, there's so much more to discover inside. One of
the highlights is the museum, which houses an outstanding collection of fine
and applied arts from the Mughal period of Indian history. It even has the only
professional museum shop in India. The Fort's ramparts are lined with antique
artillery and offer a panoramic view of the "Blue City". Do allow
plenty of time to visit the Fort -- you can spend hours wandering through it.
Want a romantic evening dinner? The Chokelao Mahal Terrace restaurant serves
traditional Rajasthani cuisine, while the city sparkles below. The Fort is also
an evocative setting for music festivals. Don't miss the annual Rajasthan
International Folk Festival in October and World Sufi Spirit Festival in
February.
Location: Above the Old City. The main entrance is at the
northeast gate, Jaipol.
Entry Cost: 400 rupees for foreigners and 60 rupees for
Indians (discounts offered for students and senior citizens), plus 100 rupees
for a still camera and 200 rupees for a video camera.
Opening Hours: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily.
2. Jodhpur Flying
Fox
Adventure lovers can't pass up the unique opportunity to go
zip-lining with Mehrangarh Fort as the backdrop. The circuit has six zip lines
and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. Groups of up to 12 people depart at
appointed times.
Location: North side of Mehrangarh Fort.
Entry Cost: Book online up to three days in advance and get
discounted rates of 1,199 rupees for adults and 1,000 rupees for students.
Opening Hours: Mid July until the end of May. Tours start
daily at 9.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 2.30 p.m., 3.30 p.m., 4.30 p.m.,
and 5.00 p.m.
3. Jaswant
Thada
This intricately crafted cenotaph (empty commemorative tomb)
was built in 1899, in honor of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It features white
marble lattice screens and whimsical domes. The inside is adorned with
portraits of Ranthore rulers. It's a peaceful place to relax and enjoy stunning
views of the Fort and city. Many a tired tourist sprawls on the front lawn to
recuperate after sightseeing!
Location: 1 kilometer northeast of Mehrangarh Fort.
Entry Cost: 30 rupees for foreigners and 15 rupees for
Indians, plus 25 rupees for a still camera and 50 rupees for a video camera.
Opening Hours: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily.
4. Rao
Jodha Desert Rock Park
The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was developed in 2006, with
the aim of restoring the natural ecology of a large rocky wasteland area next
to the Fort. Neglected for many years, it was overrun by an invasive thorny
shrub. After the shrub was eradicated, over 80 native species of rock-loving
plants from the Thar desert were grown there. The Park extends across 70
hectares (around 200 acres) of rehabilitated land and has a walking trail. It's
interesting to explore at different times of the year, as its foliage changes
with the seasons.
Location: At the foot of Mehrangarh Fort. Enter from the
Visitors' Center, 800 meters from the Fort's main gate.
Entry Cost: 30 rupees for adults, 10 rupees for students.
Opening Hours: 9.00 a.m. to 5.25 p.m. daily.
5. Clock
Tower and Old City Markets
A trip to Jodhpur wouldn't be complete without visiting the
bustling Old City (many people choose to stay in it as well, as some of the
best budget hotels in Jodhpur are located there and have fabulous Fort views).
The Old City's famous landmark, the clock tower, stands at the heart of it --
and it's still working! Next to it, Sadar Market retains a traditional village
bazaar feel. It's chaotic and colorful, and sells almost everything (including
handicrafts, spices, saris and fabric). If you feel uncomfortable in crowds,
you might prefer to take a walking tour rather than explore the market area
yourself, as the congestion can be overwhelming.
6. Spice
Paradise Cooking Classes
Spice Paradise is a spice shop that's run by a kindhearted
husband and wife team (their special masala chai blend has been refined and
perfected over the years, and is highly recommended). They also conduct Indian
cooking classes, which are hugely popular with foreigners, in their humble
kitchen. Along with delicious recipes, you'll get to meet a lovely family and
gain priceless insight into Indian culture. If you don't have a lot of time in
Jodhpur, do book in advance as classes are often full.
Location: Girdi Kote, Amar Chowk, Jodhpur. It's just behind
the Clock Tower.
Cost: 1,000 rupees per person, for a three course meal.
Classes are around 3-4 hours long.
Contact: Email: anilkumar20042003@gmail.com
7. Janta
Sweet Home
If you love not just Indian sweets but all kinds of Indian
snacks, you'll definitely want to visit the iconic Janta Sweet Home, renowned
for making some of the best treats in Jodhpur. They're fresh and delicious, and
the range is huge. Try: the Mawa Kachori, a prestigious dish that originated
from Jodhpur.
Location: Nai Sarak, Ratanada, Jodhpur.
Phone: (0291) 263-6666.
Opening Hours: 6.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
8. Sambhali
Boutique
Sambhali Boutique is the perfect place to pick up some
gorgeous, top quality, Jodhpur handicrafts and clothing (both Indian and
western style), all made by underprivileged women who are taught and employed
by the Sambhali Trust. Items include silk and cotton camels and elephants,
block-printed scarves and curtains, and shoulder bags. Custom orders can also
be placed. If you're looking for cheap accommodations, the Sambhali Trust
operates from a very charming little guesthouse (the Durag Niwas Guest House)
that's a hit with backpackers. Long-term stays with all meals provided are
possible.
Location: 1 Old Public Park Lane, Near K. N. Hall Girls
College, RaiKa Bagh, Jodhpur.
Phone: (0)98 28 089293 or (0291) 251-2385.
Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
9. Umaid
Bhawan Palace
The magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace, completed in 1944, was one
of the last great palaces to be built in India. The royal family of Jodhpur
still occupies a section of it. Most of the remainder has been converted into a
luxurious palace hotel and unfortunately, it's off-limits to anyone who's not
staying there. If you can't afford $600+ per night for a room, you can still
get a glimpse inside the palace by having an expensive dinner at one of its
restaurants or visiting the museum. The museum mostly displays old photos of
the Maharaja and his family. There's a vintage watch and car collection as
well. If you're into that kind of thing, it's worthwhile going there.
Otherwise, you may be disappointed as you'll get to see very little of the
palace.
Location: Airport Road, Jodhpur.
Entry Cost: Museum entry fee is 50 rupees (free for hotel
guests). Camera fee 30 rupees.
Opening Hours: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily.
10. Mandore
and Mandore Gardens
Mandore was the capital of the Marwar region before Jodhpur
was founded but now it's in a sad state of disrepair. There's an old fort, as
well as an eclectic collection of temples and cenotaphs, and a small museum, in
the Mandore Gardens. It could be a really attractive tourist spot if it was properly
maintained. The monuments are in ruins and garbage is often scattered around.
It's still worth a visit though, for the amazing architecture and history of a
bygone era. The best time to go is during the week, when it's quietest. If you
love monkeys, you'll find plenty there!
Location: 8 kilometers north of Jodhpur.
Entry Cost: Gardens are free. Museum 50 rupees.
Opening Hours: Gardens, daily from sunrise to sunset. Museum,
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday to Thursday.)
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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