Travelling and shopping are almost a perfect match, especially when you are visiting a place like Jodhpur. It is well-known for its rich culture, vibrant atmosphere, friendly people, and traditional artefacts.
In this article I am going to tell you about Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) which is Jodhpur’s main landmark, nearby attractions and Some of the best markets for shopping in Jodhpur such as Clock Tower market (Ghanta Ghar), Nai sarak Tripolia market, and Sarafa Bazar.
Also Read- Popular Couple-Friendly Places in Jodhpur Rajasthan
An Overview Of Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur
Around 200 years ago, Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur constructed the majestic clock tower known as the Ghanta Ghar in the heart of the Blue city. The Tower is massive with a height of 100 feet. It is a well-known structure that marks the beginning of Old Jodhpur and is referred to as the clock tower of Rajasthan. From the top of the tower, you can get a fantastic panoramic view of the blue city. The area surrounding this impressive building is crowded with residents selling a wide variety of goods and services, making it Jodhpur’s busiest and largest bazaar. For those who want to experience the colours, culture, Hospitality and flavours of Jodhpur, the marketplaces, clock tower and other nearby places are the must-see locations.
The stepwell (Toorji ka jhalra) and Gulab Sagar are also at a walking distance from Ghanta Ghar. Mehrangarh Fort can also be seen from a distance. Because the place is usually very crowded, walking is the best way to explore it. The streets, as well as the clock tower, are illuminated at night, making it even more beautiful.
Best Time To Visit Ghanta Ghar
Jodhpur Ghanta Ghar is located in a busy area that is visited by millions of people, locals as well as tourists every day. As a result, there is no special day or event to visit this magnificent clock tower. It is open at all hours of the day and year.
But I recommend you to visit jodhpur in winter from September to march because the summers are very hot and harsh in Rajasthan but the weather in winter is pleasing and it will be best for you to explore.
Clock Tower Timings – 10 am to 8 pm Everyday
Sardar Market Jodhpur Timings – 7 am to 9:30 pm Everyday
Ghanta Ghar, Jodhpur Photos
9 Must Try Street Food Items In Jodhpur
Along with its extensive history, contributions to the fashion industry, and maze of vivid blue homes, Jodhpur is well known for its delicious street foods and traditional cuisines, since it provides you with a combination of spiciness from its street cuisine and sweetness from its desserts. which is particularly well-liked by both visitors and locals.
Here is the list of must-try food items:
- The Makhaniya Lassi
It is a rich, creamy buttermilk mixture that has flavours like saffron, cardamom, and rose water, among others. Large dollops of hanging curd and yoghurt cream are placed on top.
- Malai Ghevar
Ghevar is a sweet cake in the shape of a doughnut that is made from all-purpose flour and served with Chasni, or sugar syrup. The malai Ghevar is the most well-known type of ghevar in Jodhpur among the other variations, including plain Ghevar, mawa ghevar, and ghevar.
- Dahi Chaat
Boiling peas and potatoes are placed on top of the crisp, fried bread. Among the ingredients are chaat masala, yoghurt, chutney, coriander & chopped onion.
There are numerous variations of this snack, including Dahi Papdi Chaat and Dahi Puri Chaat.
- Dal Bati Churma
You can nearly always find Dal Bati Churma in Jodhpur, a favourite Rajasthani dish. Spice-infused yellow lentils are cooked in ghee and then served with additional ghee. Small pieces of flaky bread that have been slowly cooked in a traditional oven over firewood are served with this dish. Even though it is a traditional dish, the tastiest street food in Jodhpur may be found at any roadside stall.
- Mirchi Bada
Mirchi bada is chilly packed with flavorful potato or cauliflower stuffing, dipped in gram flour batter, then deep-fried till it becomes golden and crispy. The traditional accompaniments for mirchi bada are tomato sauce or green chutney. Every gathering in Jodhpur serves this salty, hot food, especially in the winter. They typically taste the finest when served with a steaming cup of chai. If you’re in the mood for some real street food in Jodhpur, Clock Tower Road is reportedly one of the best spots to eat in Jodhpur.
- Kadhi Kachori & Pyaaz Kachori
In India, kachori is a widely consumed street snack. They are circular, fluffy fritters that have a masala and other ingredients within. Kachoris come in a variety in Jodhpur. The Jodhpuri kadhi kachori is a combination of kadhi with a kachori cut into pieces and mixed with kadhi. Another unique variety of kachori is the Mawa kachori, which is only available here. This Kachori is served with chasni and features Mawa, dry fruits. It is very rich and heavy, and finishing it in one sitting might be difficult for one person.
- Matka Kulfi
This frozen treat is made by slowly boiling and evaporating milk that has been sweetened and flavour-infused. After that, the semi-condensed mixture is frozen in matkas and kept in ice that has been salt-infused. These kulfis are locally known as Matka kulfi.
- Shahi Samosa
Shahi Samosa is a popular Jodhpur street food that you will fall in love with with every bite. The Shahi samosa is a full meal in itself. It has potato, paneer, cashew nuts, and raisins inside. The stuffing has a delicious combination of sweet, spicy, and sour flavours that will leave you wanting more.
- Gulab Halwa
Gulab Halwa, one of Jodhpur’s most well-liked desserts, is created from just pure milk and generous amounts of pistachios. The halwa has a high nutrient value in addition to looking delicious on the outside.
History & Architecture Of The Ghanta Ghar
Ghanta Ghar is an excellent example of stone masonry from the nineteenth century (1880-1911). It is entirely made of sandstone, matching the sandstone of the Mehrangarh Fort in the background. The tower has five levels, with a dome on the sixth level.
The clock in the tower was imported from London and is widely assumed to have been made by the same company that manufactured the Big Ben of London.
Following the installation of the clock in the tower, local shops began to sprout up around it, gradually transforming the desolate location into a community and business centre.
My experience about Ghanta Ghar & The Blue City
I went to jodhpur 3 months ago and it was by train. The train halted at the Jodhpur Junction, I took my luggage and got off my train. Outside the railway station, I took a rickshaw and reached my hotel. Don’t worry if you are travelling to Jodhpur for the first time, you can check our list of the best and most affordable hotels to stay in Jodhpur.
After getting fresh and ready I started my exploration from the Nai Sarak. There are many areas in the Ghanta Ghar (Sardar market) market around Nai Sarak called the Tripolia Bazar and Sarafa Bazar. You will have a lot to explore and a lot to experience there.
The time you need to explore the markets completely would take around 6-7 hours. Ghanta Ghar offers you the culture of Jodhpur in different attires, colours, smells and sounds. It wouldn’t be wrong if I say that if you want to learn about the culture of Jodhpur, Ghanta Ghar is one of the places. You will see shops featuring historical artefacts, boasting vibrant colours that decorate the traditional outfits and turbans, and handicrafts on display that praise the history, beauty and tradition of Jodhpur.
Ghanta Ghar is essentially a residential area with vivid blue houses coexisting with the market. It is remarkable how some of the streets are very noisy while others are full of silence. The only thing that you will hear is your footsteps, echoes of pigeons flapping their wings through the blue walls of Ghanta Ghar area streets.
I decided to explore the whole market area on foot because that gives you the real feel of exploration and first I reached the clock tower from nai Sarak Chouraha (circle) by a local taxi then after seeing the clock tower I started exploring the surrounding marketplace and other nearby attractions.
I was so intrigued by the thought that I wandered off randomly on the streets for a few minutes. Walking around aimlessly, and taking photos, I reached Toorji ka Jhalra (Step well). This place is almost always lively as I heard from a commoner. The Stepwell looks nothing special at first glance, but still attracts a lot of tourists, and I wondered why that is. I saw many foreigners taking photos and people swimming and diving into the well (which I found out to be around 300 ft deep). There were kids playing and performing stunts in the water and I was having a lot of fun just watching them. It was unexplainably peaceful and fun.
There was another place called Gulab Sagar close to where I was. So I decided to go to Gulab Sagar as suggested by a local. Gulab Sagar too was very pleasant and offered a lot more to explore. You will see many Havelis which were earlier, the home of ministers of the king and royal people of Jodhpur, which are now converted into hotels where you can stay and I suggest you to stay there if you have a good budget because the experience you will get there is priceless and it would be one in a lifetime experience. Conversing with people while walking around the place, it was recommended that I visit this place during the night. So I decided to revisit the place at night again and headed back. I came to know that on the opposite side of the step well Toorji ka Jhalra there are another markets called Sarafa Bazar and Tripolia Bazar where you will see the real colours and culture of Rajasthan in many things such as antique handcrafted items like elephants, camels and many more.
Revisiting Gulab Sagar at night was definitely a good choice. The beauty of this place at night is just indescribable. The scene was painted by lights from the hotels and streets that reflected off of the still surface of Gulab Sagar lake. From here you can see the Bhakar Chidiya crowned by the Fort of Mehrangarh glowing in gold, as if bragging about its remarkable beauty while being the tallest location of Jodhpur, looking down at everyone with an amiable sight.
How To Reach Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower), in Jodhpur?
In our last Blog we Have already discussed in detail About The Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur and how to reach there.
Here I will be focusing only on the details on how to reach Ghanta Ghar.
The Clock Tower is easily accessible from any part of the city thanks to its location in the heart of it.
Ghanta Ghar is located on Nai Sarak, close to the Ghanta Ghar Market (the Sardar Market). It is only 4 kilometres from the city centre.
Jodhpur has excellent public transportation.
Other than self-driven vehicles, auto rickshaws, local buses, and even cabs can be good options.
Travellers by road must take either the NH 62 – Ratanada Road or the NH 62 – Harish Joshi Marg route.
If you are staying at a hotel, you just need to get out and you’ll find an auto, if not a cab, wherever you are in Jodhpur. For a cheaper option you can use city buses, but that would be rather inconvenient and time consuming.
Distance Of Ghanta Ghar From Jodhpur Junction is 1.5 km
Distance Of Ghanta Ghar From Jodhpur Airport is 5.5 km
Distance Of Ghanta Ghar From Rai Ka Bagh Bus Stand is 2.8 km
Distance Of Ghanta Ghar From Mehrangarh Fort is 3 km
Distance Of Ghanta Ghar From Umaid Bhawan Palace is 5.5 km
Distance Of Ghanta Ghar From Mandore is 8.5 km
