Balsamand Lake and Gardens About 5 km from Jodhpur is the Balsamand Lake and Gardens, a splendid spot for excursions. This pretty lake was built in AD 1159. The beautiful summer palace that stands by the side of the lake is another place worth visiting. Note: For more info on other gardens or lakes etc, see below.

Clock Tower The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city near the Sardar Market and narrow alleys lead from here to bazaars selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver and handicrafts. It is a great place to ramble around at leisure.

Government Museum (Jodphur Museum) The Sardar Government Museum, library and the zoo are located in the pleasant Umaid Gardens of Jodhpur. If you are travelling with children then a visit to the museum is a must, as here you and your kids will be able to see stuffed animals as well as a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars.

Girdikot and Sardar Markets Located in the heart of Jodhpur, these colourful markets throb with activity. Tiny shops dot the narrow lanes and a wide range of handicrafts make this an especially charming area.

Jaswant Thada This white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II is a short distance from the fort, just off the fort road. The cenotaph, built in 1899, was followed by the royal crematorium and three other cenotaphs which stand nearby. There is some beautiful marble jali work and fine views from the terrace in front of the cenotaph.

Mandore Before the foundation of Jodhpur was laid, Mandore was the established capital of the old Marwar Kingdom. Just 9 km away, Mandore is a fascinating complex of sprawling gardens, massive cenotaphs, temples, ruins and sculpture. The several cenotaphs in memory of the Jodhpur Maharajas are intricately carved, peaked, temple-like structures, with entirely sculpted facades. Gods, goddesses, animals, lotuses, adorn the walls and pillars of old yellow sandstone. The largest and most noteworthy cenotaph is dedicated to Maharaja Ajit Singh. In a hall are relief sculptures of various deities and rulers, brightly coloured and mounted on horses. In little corners of temples are rows of excellent ceramic art, some depicting Lord Rama or Lord Krishna. Alsi in Mandore are some gardens worth seeing.

Mehrangarh Fort Situated at an altitude of about 125m, the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur is spread over an area of 5 sq. km in the heart of the city of Jodhpur. Besides being a landmark in Jodhpur, Mehrangarh fort is a must visit for all visitors to the city. To enter the fort, seven gates have to be crossed. Some of these gates still bear marks of numerous sieges which this fort withstood. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvellously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. Noteworthy of these are the Moti Mahal, the Phool Mahal, the Sheesh Mahal, the Sileh Khana and the Daulat Khana. These palaces house a fabulous collection of trappings of Indian royalty including a superb collection of palanquins, elephant howdahs, and miniature paintings of various schools, musical instruments, costumes and furniture. Open daily 9am to 1pm and 2 -5pm.

Old Fort Museum Amongst the must see exhibits here are palanquins, lavishly upholstered royal howdahs, a golden throne, shoes with pearls, paintings, mirrors, cribs weapons and a magnificently embroidered royal tent.

Rai-ka-Bag Palace is situated near Rai-ka-Bag palace railway station. It was constructed in 1663 by Hadiji, queen of king Jaswant Singh-I. King Jaswant Singh-II liked it very much and he stayed in the octagonal bungalow when in residence. In 1883 when Swami Dayanand Saraswati came to Jodhpur, his sermons were arranged for the public in the public grounds here. Even Jaswant Singh used to listen to Swami Dayanand here.

Salawas is a handicraft centre, famous for weaving durries (Indian carpets). The durries have intricate designs and great colour schemes. One can also find hand-woven and block-printed cloth for bed sheets. If you want a bargain, this is the place to go.

Sur Sagar Palaces are built on rectangular platforms made of white Makrana Marble. Two palaces opposite each other belong one each to ladies and gents. The palace for men was used by the king and other royal men, while the ladies' palace was used by queens and their friends. Two large halls were constructed on the sides of the palaces, which were used by the maids and servants. The security walls made around the palaces, carved domes and arches are proof of the fine architecture of the medieval period. Open grounds outside were used to house elephants and horses. When Marwar entered in an agreement with British Government in 1817, these palaces were converted into the residence and office of the British Ambassador in 1838. Jodhpur's 1st Post Office was opened in the meeting halls of these palaces.

Umaid Bhawan Palace is the only palace to be built in the mid 20th century and was meant to be a famine relief project which gave employment to citizens for 16 long years. The royal family still occupies part of it. An enormous and impressive sandstone structure is presently the residence of the former rulers with part of it running as hotel and part as a museum. Thus, Umed Bhawan is not just a place to visit and a place to see in Jodhpur but a place to stay. The museum displays weapons, antique-clocks, crockery and hunting trophies belonging to the Maharaja. The museum opens from 9am to 5pm.

Zoo This small zoo is worth visiting if you like animals or have kids travelling with you, but is nothing particularly special otherwise. It is located in the pleasant Umaid Gardens of Jodhpur. Give the place a call on 342001 for more information.