Things to Do in Jodhpur

Jodhpur is not just about forts, palaces and deserts, but is also about activities and adventures that make this city a worth explore. As a part of things to do in Jodhpur, you can find some adventure activities to have fun and take up the challenge. Some of adventure activities to do are:

Wander through Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park:

If exploring the rock-loving foliage is your love, then Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is your destination. It was developed in 2006 to restore the charm of natural ecology and greenery around. It also boosts 80 native species.

Ziplining and Paragliding:

Take up the challenge of ziplining and paragliding. Both give the pano view of the city with the backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort. If you are a photography junkie, then it can be a bonus. Fees for per person are Rs 1500 per adult and Rs 1250 per student.

Sand Dunes:

Driving through the parched landscape of Jodhpur is the most off-beat thing you can enjoy as a part of adventure in Jodhpur. Osian and Khimsar are the best place to explore this adventure. Enjoy the soothing sunset and dinner with the overnight stay in the desert camp.

Jodhpur offers many options to do with family and friends. From adventure activities to exploring palaces, there are many things to do. Below are the options:

• Exploring Mehrangarh Fort
• Exploring Umaid Bhavan Palace
• Visiting Mandore Garden
• Participating in Flying Fox, Sand Dunes, Paragliding
• Camel Safari
• City Markets to buy accessories
• Bishnoi Village Safari
• Attend Traditional Opium Ceremony
• Cycling Tour in Jodhpur
• Desert Safari to Osian
• Desert Camping
• Blue City Walking Experience
• Bird Watching in Kicchan
• Yoga Trekking in Jodhpur
• Rappelling in Soorsagar

Wildlife tour in Jodhpur is the certainly an experience to enjoy. The city is the home of various species that are worth exploring and getting close to. Surrounded by the Aravali Hills, the city is backed with some dense wildlife that attracts tourists from the globe. Some of the well-known wildlife sanctuaries in Jodhpur are:

• Desert National Park, Gajner
• Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Machiya Safari Park
• Kheechan Natural Bird Sanctuary

Jodhpur cannot only be explored through walks or driving, but also through trains. There are some special luxury trains that run through Rajasthan passing Jodhpur. These train rides resembled the lavish and classy lifestyles of Maharajas who ruled this city. It takes you to every corner of the city and gives the glimpse of golden era.

Some of the luxury trains are:

Palace on Wheels:

Came into the operation in 1982, it is the best luxury train in Rajasthan. The train offers royal treatment for its passengers which is the symbol of opulence of the kings.

The train covers destination like- Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Agra. Guests will be able to visit- Jantar Mantar, Ranthambore National Park, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and others.

Maharaja's Express:

Launched in 2012, this train has won number of awards for its excellent on board accommodation and services along with the off-train excursions. It covers major travel destinations of Jodhpur and passes through other cities of Rajasthan.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels:

Lunched in 2009, the train covers heritage and wildlife destinations in Rajasthan. It covers all the major locations of Jodhpur and passes through Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh and other locations.

Deccan Odyssey:

Also known as the Indian Maharaja, it passes through Konkan region of Maharashtra and then covering Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur and other northern locations.

Bheem Bhadak near Jodhpur is the best rock climbing location. If you're taking up the adventure activity, then it will cost around Rs 1000 per adult, which includes pickup and drop facilities.

With arts and culture, you can explore the richness of the Jodhpur city. These cultural attractions are really fruitful. From historical monuments to cultural festivals in deserts, each is worth witnessing. Some of the places to explore art and culture of Jodhpur are:

• Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
• Umaid Bhawan Art School
• Pukhraj Durry Udhyog
• Gems and Art Plaza
• Oriental Art Gallery
• Cultural Tour of Jodhpur

You can get the Udaipur to Jodhpur bike tour from reputed tour companies like Art of Bicycle Trips. With 4 days and 3 nights duration, you will pass through undulating sand dunes flanked by the Aravalli mountain range and the typical bucolic countryside. Moreover, you will also pass through tribal villages and spend some time at the Thar Desert. You will also meet some nomadic herdsmen who wander from village to village. Throughout the journey, you will witness the changing geography.

Visiting villages of Jodhpur is worth exploring that gives the real picture of the heritage and long lasting culture. The Full Day Village Safari will take you through traditional village witnessing local handicrafts like Shoe Makers, Pottery Hand Weaving & Also Men in Their Traditional Attire, Women Clad with Ancestral Silver Jewellery, etc.

The Bishnoi Village Safari is the most famous village safari in Jodhpur. Through the safari, you will come across scenic beauty marked with Khejri trees and deer.

The Guda Bishnoi Lake, the natural lake is the perfect picnic spot. If you're interested in exotic wild life & nature, then this is the perfect village. Blackbucks, Chinkaras and other wild animals can be spotted easily.

Get your hand on the full day or half day Bishnoi Village Safari. Other options of village safari are- Guda Bishnoi Village, Khejarli Village Jodhpur, Singhasni Jodhpur and Salawas Durry Jodhpur.

You can enjoy Jeep Safari in Bishnoi Village with full day memorable outing. There are various Jeep Safari excursions that will take your through various areas of the city. Some of the best routes are:

• Khejarli Village
• Salawas Durry Weavers
• Singhasni (Potters Village)
• Wildlife Visits

When in Jodhpur, you can't miss the camel safari. One can enjoy the camel safari through the tour organized by tour companies. Thar Desert is the best place where you can enjoy this safari. Camel tours for varying budgets and time limits available. It is not just about sitting atop the camel, but visiting Chokhi Dhaani for an authentic Rajasthani food experience, you can meet localities and interact with people. Other activities involved are- dancing, singing, exploring age-old buildings of Jodhpur.

Some of the best places to enjoy the camel safari in Jodhpur are:

• Thar Desert
• Samsara
• Osian

Hiking is the most outdoor adventures activity to be done in Jodhpur. With some trails locations available, adventure lovers can execute their plan and explore the place closely. Some tour companies organise this hiking and trekking activities under the cost of Rs 1000- Rs 1500/-per head.

Throughout the hiking trails, you will come across some amazing trek region and beautiful landscape of Aravali hills. Some of the hiking trials are:

• Ranakpur to Thandiberi
• Bheem Badak
• Chaupansi Village
• Alwar

Jodhpur is blessed with some huge palaces and forts built centuries ago. These forts symbolizes the glorious past of Rajasthan. Rich history, marvellous architecture and grandeur are the features that make these forts worth a visit. There are number of forts including  Rohet Garh Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Fort Chanwa Luni etc. Atop of these forts, one can get the magnificent view of the city.

Some of the forts in Jodhpur are:

• Mehrangarh Fort
• The Jaswant Thada
• The Umaid Bhawan Palace
• The Rai ka Baag Palace
• Rohet Fort  

Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the major tourist attractions in Jodhpur. It was Maharaja Umed Singh, who is the grandfather of present owner of the palace. One of the largest palaces, it has private residences comprising 347 rooms. Also there is museum having huge collection of weapons, a banner presented by Queen Victoria and amazing clocks providing detailed information about the royal era.

The best time to visit is between October to March

Location: Umaid Bhawan Palace, Circuit House road, 7km away from Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Entry Fees:

Indians- INR 25

INR 50 per person (foreign tourists)

For palace museum: Indians- INR 10 per Child and INR 30 per Adult

Foreigner- INR 100  

If you are exploring Jodhpur during the honeymoon trip, then the city has many options to enjoy. From cultural extravaganza in Thar Desert to shopping for some handicraft work in the market and exploring forts and palaces.

Honeymoon couples will certainly have a great time together. Some of the options are:

• Visit Mehrangarh Fort
• Umaid Bhawan Palace
• Mandore Gardens
• Camel Safari in Thar Desert
• Village safari on open jeep
• Visit Chamunda Mata Temple
• Explore the Clock Tower
• Romantic Lake Excursion
• Stay at Vivanta by Taj- Hari Mahal
• Dinner at Ranbanka Palace

Shopping at Clock Tower Market, Nai Sarak, Mochi Bazaar, Umaid Bhawan Palace Market and others.

There are some famous markets in Jodhpur where you can buy some of the best handicraft products. Those Rajasthani flashy fabrics, chic mojaris, authentic antiques, classic handicrafts, and traditional jewelry are worth to explore. For instance, visit Clock Tower Market, here you can buy variety of spices. Also handicrafts, flavoured teas, hand-embroidered fabrics, and antiques. Then there is Nai Sarak to pack with bandhej suit pieces, sarees, dupattas, and turbans. At Mochi Bazaar,  you will find Jodhpuri juttis, popularly known as mojaris. You can even shop for junk jewelry and lac bangles.

Other famous markets are:

• Umaid Bhawan Palace Market
• Kapraa Bazaar
• Sarafa Bazaar
• Tripolia Bazaar

Jodhpur offers some beautiful pilgrimage temples which are worth visiting. Some famous temples are Chamundaji Temple, Udai Mandir, Siddhanth Shiv Temple, etc. Each of these temples is being visited by number of pilgrims. Beautiful architecture and view from atop  are also the major reasons of pulling huge crowd of pilgrims.

Some of the temples are:

• Chamundaji Temple
• Udai Mandir
• Siddhanth Shiv Temple
• Baba Ramdeo Temple
• Maha Mandir