Known as the "Blue City" due to the buildings painted in a light shade of blue, Jodhpur attracts visitors thanks to its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture and vibrant local traditions. The city's strategic location makes it the perfect gateway for exploring the Thar Desert and nearby historical towns like Jaisalmer and Bikaner. The charming desert landscape—where you can embark on camel rides and desert safaris—and villages like Bishnoi and Kuldhara, which provide immersive experiences of Rajasthani life, make Jodhpur the top travel destination for Indians and international travellers alike.
If you have already done the rounds of the Mandore Gardens and the Umaid Bhawan Palace, here are five offbeat places to visit in Jodhpur.
The Umaid Heritage Art School was established in 1984 in Jalori Bari, Jodhpur. Located in the heart of the city, it is a famous institution and gallery that focuses on imparting knowledge on miniature paintings, sketching and more such art techniques to its students. For lovers of art, it is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur. Visitors can experience the colours and contours of traditional Rajasthani art during a visit here, and buy prints and paintings from their website. The school is the ideal platform for budding artists as it emphasises traditional techniques that make use of natural pigments and brushes made from squirrel hair to create fine, detailed paintings.
Kalyana Lake is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur nature lovers. This artificial lake was built in 1872 and features many hiking trails, hills, temples and small ponds that abound with flora like khejri trees and fauna like jackals, jungle cats and chinkara, among other species. Visitors can enjoy a round of boating or simply relax and watch the migratory birds that come here during the winter. Don’t miss the breathtaking sunsets of the lake either.
Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1933, this lake palace is about 60 kilometres from Jodhpur and provides a peaceful ride over the Sardar Samand Lake. The former royal hunting lodge has now been converted into a heritage hotel, allowing visitors to enjoy regal luxury while exploring the serene lake. The Sardar Samand Lake Palace has its own "Oriental Garden," which is built according to the existing topography, vegetation and climate. It also features a boat house, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, which visitors will enjoy exploring and playing in. The lake is also a birdwatcher's paradise where people can see flamingoes, white pelicans and a variety of migratory birds.
Built by Maharaja Abhay Singh's queen in 1740, the Toorji ka Jhalra is a hidden treasure of Jodhpur and one of the top offbeat places to visit in the city. Located in the old district, this ancient stepwell mesmerises travellers with its architectural beauty, descending steps and water-filled chambers. The site gives visitors a glimpse into the water conservation systems of old Rajasthan and is a perfect place for photography and personal reflection.
Located about an hour’s drive from Jodhpur is Osian Village, known for its ancient temples and desert landscape. It features stunning Hindu and Jain shrines from the 8th to the 11th centuries, such as the famous Sachiya Mata Temple. The best way to see the village is with a camel safari, but visitors should also take advantage of the desert camp experience which provides a more adventurous and peaceful tour of the region when compared to the busyness of Jaisalmer.