Rising perpendicular and impregnable from a hill which is 125 metres above Jodhpur’s skyline is the Mehrangarh Fort. This historic fort is one of the most famous in India and is packed with history and legends. Mehrangarh Fort still bears the imprints of cannonball attacks courtesy the armies of Jaipur on its second gate. Chiselled and sturdy, the fort is known for its exquisite latticed windows, carved panels, intricately decorated windows and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal and Sheesh Mahal.

Moti Mahal, aptly named the Pearl Hall, was the place where the royal family held their audiences. This grand hall is famous for its glass windows and five hidden alcoves, which allowed the queens to discreetly listen to the events unfolding at the Sringar Chowki, the Royal Throne of Jodhpur.

True to its name, the Phool Mahal, or Flower Hall, is the most opulent of all the chambers in the palace. This exquisite room was designed as a pleasure retreat for the Maharajas. The gold used in its construction was sourced from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Situated near the Fateh Pole in Mehrangarh, the Ranisar and Padmasar lakes are twin bodies of water created in 1459. Ranisar Lake was commissioned by Queen Jasmade Hadi, the wife of Rao Jodha, while Padmasar Lake was built under the orders of Queen Padmini, the daughter of Rana Sanga of Mewar and wife of Rao Ganga.

This milky white memorial, constructed in the late 19th century to honor Jaswant Singh, is a major tourist attraction. Jaswant Singh, a ruler of Jodhpur, made significant contributions to his state, including reducing crime, suppressing bandits, building railways, and boosting the Marwar economy. Jaswant Thada is maintained by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust (MMT) and is open to the public. The Trust also operates a museum within Jaswant Thada, displaying portraits of Marwar rulers with informative descriptions that help visitors understand the region’s history through these depictions. The memorial’s peaceful grounds also host morning concerts during music festivals like the Rajasthan International Folk Festival and the World Sacred Spirit Festival.

Mahamandir, which translates to “Great Temple,” is a serene sanctuary where peace prevails. Located on Mandore Road, this temple is an architectural marvel, supported by 84 intricately carved pillars. Its walls are adorned with detailed designs and figures illustrating various yoga postures.

Constructed by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933 along the shores of Sardar Samand Lake, the Sardar Samand Lake Palace is a stunning hunting lodge. This exquisite retreat continues to be a favored getaway for the royal family and features an impressive collection of African trophies and original watercolors. The lake is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, drawing a variety of migratory and local species, including the yellow-legged green pigeon, Himalayan griffon, and Dalmatian pelican.

To the north of Jodhpur lies Mandore, the ancient capital of Marwar. This historically significant area is home to the dewals, or cenotaphs, of Jodhpur’s former rulers. Unlike the traditional umbrella-shaped cenotaphs typical of Rajasthani architecture, these are designed in the style of Hindu temples. The site also features a museum, a temple, and an art gallery. In the evenings, a light and sound show takes place in the gardens, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the erstwhile Marwar princely empire.

Balsamand Lake, located about 5 kilometers from Jodhpur on the Jodhpur-Mandore Road, was constructed in 1159 AD as a water reservoir for Mandore. Later, the Balsamand Lake Palace was built on its shore as a summer retreat. The lake is encircled by verdant gardens filled with trees like mango, papaya, pomegranate, guava, and plum, and is home to various animals and birds, including jackals and peacocks. Today, Balsamand Lake is a popular destination for picnics, enjoyed by both tourists and locals.