What is Jodhpur best known for?
Jodhpur is the second-largest city located on the edge of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, which is called the “Blue City”. The royal city of Jodhpur resonates with tales of ancient times and reflects the royal heritage of Rajput Kings dating back to the 15th century. Jodhpur offers breathtaking views with the entire city painted blue. Jodhpur is popular for the historic forts, royal palaces, calm lakes and other interesting monuments having historical and cultural significance. Jodhpur is also known as the 'Gateway to the Thar'.
The best-known places in Jodhpur
- Umaid Bhawan - It was a magnificent palace made of pink sandstone and marble. A part of the palace has been converted into a hotel and museum. It is one of the world's largest private residences.
- Mehrangarh Fort - The fort was built by Rao Jodha in the year 1459 situated on a hilltop of 410 feet in height; Mehrangarh Fort is the finest and an invincible fort of Rajasthan. The traces of the fired artillery of the Army of Jaipur can be seen here. The intricate carvings, huge courtyards, museums and galleries on the walls of the fort attract tourists from all over the world.
- Jaswant Thada - It was built in honour and memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II by his son Maharaja Sardar Singh in 1899. It is made of intricate work of carved marble sheets. It is popularly known as the "Taj Mahal of Marwar" which is why it attracts tourists from across the globe.
- The Khejarla Fort - It is recognised as a magnificent palace of the royal kingdom of ancient India. Originally built by the Maharaja of Jodhpur in the 17th century, the 400-year-old building has been converted into a hotel made of granite stone and red sandstone preserving the Rajput architecture.
- Balsamand Lake - It is an artificial and beautiful reservoir surrounded by a green garden. It was built by the Gurjara Pratihara rulers in 1159 AD. Tourists can see the lake from Balsamand Lake Palace. Kailana Lake is another artificial lake famous for its picturesque view and beauty where you can enjoy with kids and family, boating in the lake making it a good picnic spot.
- Guda Bishnoi Village – It is a kind of desert oasis and unique rural community where the tribals of the natives worship nature in the forms of plants, green trees and animals such as gazelle and chinkara deer. One can spot numerous migratory sites at Guda Bishnoi Lake.
- Machia Safari Park - Wildlife lovers can spot some rare species, peacocks, black deer, deer, cranes, migratory birds, lizards, desert foxes, mongoose, rabbits, wild cats, blue bulls and monkeys at Machia Safari Park.
- Ghanta Ghar - The clock tower market of the city built by Maharaja Sardar Singh about 200 years ago owns Sardar Market and is a great way to wind up your journey with shopping in these brimming markets of Jodhpur for shopping brilliantly handcrafted artefacts, jewellery, carpets, embroidered shoes, marble statues and more.
- Mandore Garden - It is one of the best parks and the history dates back to the 6th century and is an excellent specimen of architecture.
Airport address: Jodhpur Airport, Civil Airport Road, Air Force Area, Ratanada, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342011
IATA code: JDH