The majestic land of Jodhpur holds ancient forts, royal palaces, a vibrant culture, and historic events. Every corner, from the enchanting hues of the Blue City to the golden sands of the Thar Desert, exudes an undeniable charm. Not only does Jodhpur have all the ingredients to make a delicious trip, but this city is also surrounded by a number of beautiful destinations that add to its allure. Here, we list the 11 best places to visit near Jodhpur –
Best Places To Visit Near Jodhpur
1. Khimsar Village
Khimsar, located in the Nagaur district of Rajasthan, is a little slice of paradise renowned for its tranquil nature, beautiful sunsets, rich culture, and sand dunes. This village represents a perfect blend of modern art, rural charm, historic architectural style, and Rajasthani culture. However, the highlight of this village is the Khimsar sand dunes.
Surrounded by eco-friendly huts and lush green trees, this man-made oasis can only be accessed by jeep, camel, or horseback. The lake situated in the middle of the dunes adds to the spectacle with its ducks and fishes, while the golden sunrise and sunset are not to be missed.
- Places to visit – Khimsar fort, Panchala black buck reserve, Sand dunes, and Nagaur.
- Distance for Jodhpur – 90 KM
- How to reach – To reach Khimsar from Jodhpur, you can opt for various transportation options. One of the most convenient ways is to take a bus, as there are numerous buses plying between Jodhpur and Khimsar village. Alternatively, you can consider renting a car or driving your own vehicle for a more personalized journey.
2. Nagaur
Nagaur, unlike Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, or Bikaner, is not a popular tourist attraction. However, it still has plenty to offer. From the architectural beauty of Nagaur Fort to the piquancy of red chili spices, and from lip-smacking dishes to the vibrant Nagaur Cattle Fair, there are a number of things to enjoy.
Away from modern urbanization, the simple, laid-back lifestyle of Nagaur transports you to the era of the 90s, where mornings begin with the chirping of birds and the gentle embrace of the golden rays of the sun, rather than the glow of a smartphone.
- Places to visit – Nagaur fort, Deepak Mahal, Akbari Mahal, Tarkeen Dargah, Amar Singh’s Cenotaph, Jain Glass Temple and Haldi Rani Mahal.
- Distance from Jodhpur – 144 KM
- How to reach – Bus and train are the 2 most easiest way to reach Nagaur from Jodhpur.
3. Khichan
Khichan, located in the Phalodi region of the Jodhpur district, is the ideal destination for bird enthusiasts. If you’re someone like me, who loves birds, then Khichan is the perfect place to visit near Jodhpur. This area serves as a temporary home for migratory birds, hosting thousands of birds from October to March, seeking refuge from the harsh winters of Europe, Africa, Mongolia, Ukraine, North & South America, Poland, and the Black Sea Region. The primary species you can spot there are the Kurjan, Karkara, and Kunch birds.
During the October to March period, the region attracts thousands of national and international bird watchers, all eager to catch a glimpse of the 20,000 Demoiselle Cranes that frequent the area every year.
- Places to visit – Khichan Bird Sanctuary
- Distance from Jodhpur – 144 KM
- How to reach – Train is the most easiest way to reach Khichan from Jodhpur. The nearest railway station of Khichan is in Phalodi which is just 4 KM away.
4. Osian Village
Whenever we hear about Rajasthan, the first thing that comes to mind is sand dunes. Jaisalmer is considered the best place to enjoy these sand dunes, but there is a lesser-known and less explored place near Jodhpur called Osian, which offers a unique desert experience.
Situated on the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Highway, Osian is a hidden gem renowned for its sand dunes and cluster of ruined Hindu and Jain temples.
Just 1.5 hours from Jodhpur, this offbeat destination is perfect for desert camping, quad biking, camel safari, dune bashing, and experiencing the unique desert life.
Due to the intricate architecture and sculptures on the Sun Temple, this place is also known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan. Overall, Osian is a great place to visit for history buffs and adventure lovers.
- Places to visit in Osian – Osian Sand Dunes, Osian Mata Temple, Harihara Temple II, Osian Mataji Temple, Surya Temple, Kali Temple, and Osian Desert Camps.
- Distance from Jodhpur – 70 KM
- How to reach – Government buses and private vehicles are the best way to reach Osian from Jodhpur.
5. Goram Ghat – Hidden Paradise of Rajasthan
Goram Ghat, often referred to as the “Darjeeling of Mewar” and the “Kashmir of Rajasthan,” is a picturesque hill station situated in the Rajasmad district of Rajasthan. Tucked amidst the verdant Aravalli hills, Goram Ghat can only be accessed by train.
Contrasting with the harsh climate of Rajasthan, the pleasant weather conditions of Goram Ghat, coupled with its cloudy surroundings, provide a pure sense of bliss for nature enthusiasts.
In addition to its natural beauty, the primary attraction of this location is the Gorakhnathji Temple trek. The path leading to the Gorakhnath temple is narrow, offering breathtaking views of the valley. However, the panoramic vistas from the temple provide a pure blessing for photographers.
Note – The path leads to the temple is quite narrow and slippery.
- Distance from Jodhpur – 128 KM
- Top tourist attractions – Gorakh Nath Ji Temple and Goram Ghat Waterfall
- How to reach -To reach Goram Ghat, the only available mode of transportation is by rail. Three trains connect Goram Ghat to various parts of India: one originating from Marwar Junction, another from Malvi Junction, and the third from Fular Junction.
6. Guda Bishnoi Village
Guda Bishnoi, a tribal village located just 25 KM from Jodhpur, is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, traditional culture, exotic wildlife, and remarkable hospitality. The villagers still reside in huts and hold reverence for nature in all its forms, including trees and animals, taking necessary measures to protect the environment.
The village boasts an artificial lake, also known as Guda Bishnoi Lake, which serves as an excellent spot for observing exotic wildlife. Additionally, it serves as a significant hub for migratory birds. All in all, Guda Bishnoi offers a perfect retreat for those yearning to step back in time and embrace a simpler way of life.
- Distance from Jodhpur – 25 KM
- Top tourist attraction – Guda Bishnoi Lake
7. Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread over an area of 150 sq. km, Dhawa Dholi Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected region known for its diverse range of flora and fauna, tranquilizing surroundings, vibrant meadows, and exciting treks. Away from the city life, amidst the arid ecosystem of the desert, this sanctuary is heaven for nature lovers.
Within the sanctuary, you can spot a variety of wildlife, including leopards, striped hyenas, jungle cats, nilgai, gazelles, Indian foxes, white-eyed vultures, crested serpent eagles, peafowls, blackbucks, cheetahs, sambars, Indian eagle owls, and many more. The sanctuary also boasts different species of trees, such as salai, neem, khair, tendu, and dhok.
- Distance from Jodhpur – 48 KM
- How to reach – Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the Jodhpur-Barmer road, is best reached by road from Jodhpur.
8. Ranakpur
If you’re traveling from Jodhpur to Udaipur, be sure not to miss the incredible town of Ranakpur, which is situated along the route. Renowned for its Jain temples, Ranakpur boasts architectural marvels that are considered among the best in the world. This place exudes a serene and peaceful ambiance, making it the perfect destination for a day trip from Jodhpur.
- Distance from Jodhpur – 156 KM
- Top tourist attractions – Ranakpur Jain temple, Ranakpur dam, Muchhal Mahavir temple, and Surya Narayan Temple
- How to reach – Private vehicles and government buses are the best way to reach Ranakpur from Jodhpur.
9. Kumbhalgarh
Situated at the top of the Aravalli hills, 3600 feet above sea level, Kumbhalgarh Fort stands as a testament to the legacy of the Rajput, encompassing a rich history of the legendary warrior Maharana Pratap’s birthplace. Representing the quintessence of this heritage, the town of Kumbhalgrah boasts an array of gigantic forts, monuments, temples, and palaces. Notably, the Kumbhalgrah Fort itself, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds a pivotal position as the second most significant fort in Marwar, following Chittorgarh.
A remarkable feature of this fort is its expansive 38-kilometer-long wall, recognized as the second longest wall globally after the Great Wall of China. Such is the scale of this fortification that traversing its length would demand an entire day. Undoubtedly, Kumbhalgrah emerges not just as a prominent destination near Jodhpur but as the primary attraction within the expanse of Rajasthan.
- Distance from Jodhpur – 174 KM
- Top tourist attractions – Kumbhalgrah fort, Mammadev temple, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Badal Mahal, and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
- How to reach – The most easiest way to reach Kumbhalgarh from Jodhpur is via taxi, government buses or private vehicle.
10. Pokhran
Tucked amidst the Thar Desert, Pokhran is a less popular place located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. The meaning of Pokhran is “land of five mirages” and it’s truly justified, as this place is surrounded by five large salt lakes from all sides. It is the remotest destination on our list. Pokhran first came into the limelight in 1974 when India conducted its first nuclear test there. Hence, it is a must-visit place for history buffs.
In addition to its historical significance, Pokhran is also known for its heritage sites, including the Pokhran Fort, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, and the Baba Ramdev Temple.
- Distance from Jodhpur – 172 KM
- How to reach – The best way to reach Pokhran is by train as the nearest railway station named Pokhran Ramdevara railway station is located 21 KM away.
11. Pushkar
Pushkar, known as the Rose Garden of Rajasthan, is one of the ancient cities of India, surrounded by the hills of the Aravalli range. It is often referred to as the King of pilgrim sites, and its attractions truly justify this title. Among these attractions is the Brahma Temple, the only Brahma temple in India.
Additionally, the popular Pushkar Lake with its 52 ghats and the presence of around 400 temples along its banks make it a significant tourist destination.
Just imagine the enchanting experience of sitting on the banks of the lake, surrounded by the reverberating sounds of hymns and mantras from these 400 temples. It is no wonder that this place is frequently visited by Hindu pilgrims.
In addition to its religious attractions, Pushkar is famous for the Camel Fair, which draws around 40,000 tourists from all over the world. This 5-day festival boasts over 11,000 cattle, camels, and horses.
- Distance from Jodhpur – 180 KM
- Top tourist attractions – Brahma Temple, Pushkar lake, Came Fair, Camel Safari, Rangji Temple, Man Mahal, Naga Pahar, and Camping.
- How to reach – The most convenient ways to reach Pushkar from Jodhpur are by train, bus, or private vehicle. Ajmer serves as the nearest railway station to Pushkar and is well-connected to several major cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and many more.
Now with this list, you make a perfect Jodhpur trip. If you know any other place then please do let us know in the below comment section. Also, don’t forget to share your Jodhpur trip experience. Until the next trip, peace!