Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur: History, Location, Timings, and more

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur is a massive, splendid clock tower situated in the bustling Sardar Market. If you have ever explored or experienced Rajasthan then you would know this tourist attraction in Jodhpur, offering travelers a great shopping experience combined with scenic beauty. 

The clock tower stands at a height of 95 feet, marking the beginning of the old city of Jodhpur. You can enjoy a grand panoramic view from the top of the tower and get lost in the aesthetics of the blue city.

Planning your trip to Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur? Here’s a detailed travel guide covering its historical significance, the specialties of the famous clock tower market, and tourist places near this landmark.

History of Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur

The Ghanta Ghar/clock tower Jodhpur is a historical landmark in the city. It was built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the ruler of the city, Maharaja Sardar Singh. Famous for its architecture, the tower is a perfect blend of European and Rajput architectural styles.

Ghanta Ghar is located near the famous Mehrangarh Fort and serves as the central point for residents and visitors to view the time. Many believe that the clock of the tower was outsourced from the same company that made the London clock tower. Known for its magnificent architecture, it is a significant blend of tradition and modernization in Jodhpur. 

Let’s delve deeper into the architectural intricacies of Ghanta Ghar.

Architecture of Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur

The architecture of Ghanta Ghar is a testament to Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. Made entirely of red sandstone, the structure stands tall near the Mehrangarh Fort. It is a five-tier structure with a distinctive dome at the sixth level. 

With a broad, white, square-shaped structure, the tower looks sturdy, standing on a strong foundation. And, you’ll notice that the ground level has fencing, making the structure a pretty neat roundabout. With fancy windows on the first and second levels and the stone clock on the fourth level, the monument is a treat to the eyes of visitors. The fifth level is a beautiful pavilion-like structure with arches and pillars completing the tower. 

How to Reach Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur?

Ghanta Ghar is located in Nai Sadak, close to ghanta ghar market. The monument is just 4 km away from the city center, making the location convenient for different transport modes. 

Let’s take a look at some important pointers on how to reach Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur:

• Jodhpur airport is only 6 km away from Ghanta Ghar, making it a maximum of a 20-minute auto-rickshaw ride.

• Local buses, taxis, and auto rickshaws are easily accessible in the city.

• Jodhpur railway station is also located in proximity to ghanta ghar, about 1.5 km.

 

Clock Tower Jodhpur and Sardar Market Timings 

While there are no official timings for both the clock tower and Sardar Market, the market operates from late mornings to late evenings, around 10 am to 8 pm every day. Different shops in the market have their own opening hours.

If you are visiting for photography, mornings are the best time for you. With fewer crowds and soft natural lighting, mornings are considered the golden time for photographers.

Evenings and late afternoons are perfect for witnessing the lively bustling market of Ghanta Ghar with shops and stalls for textiles, jewelry, spices, and most importantly, street food, among others. Additionally, visiting during colder months, from October to March, is advisable for a more comfortable experience. 

What to Buy at Ghanta Ghar Market Jodhpur?

Years after the building of Ghanta Ghar, vendors came and set up their stalls around the tower, gradually forming a market. The market expanded with time and is known by several names today, such as Ghanta Ghar market, Clock Tower market, and Sardar market (named after the ruler). 

The clock tower market is one of the most famous tourist spots in Jodhpur. With various goods, the market is a heaven for regular shoppers. 

Let’s take a look at various things you can buy at Ghanta Ghar market:

• Textiles – Traditional bandhani sarees and dupattas are a major attraction in the market. Additionally, block-printed fabrics and colorful scarves at a relatively cheaper price are also popular.

• Spices –  Known especially for Mathaniya’s red chilies, the market also offers good-quality spices and herbs such as turmeric, cardamom, and saffron, among others.

• Jewelry –  Traditional Rajasthani jewelry, along with silver ornaments and lac bangles, attracts female shoppers. There are also specific shops selling handcrafted tribal or local aesthetic jewelry. 

• Tea – The market is a heaven for tea lovers, too. Other than the famous masala chai, flavored teas, including Kashmiri Kahwa, Assam tea, and Darjeeling tea, are also popular.

• Footwear – Traditional Jodhpuri jootis and mojris are another attraction in the Ghanta Ghar market. Along with this, the market also has shops selling modern footwear.

• Handicrafts and Decorative Items – While in the market, you can also find handicrafts and decorative items, including traditional Rajasthani pottery and various antiques for home decor. 

Famous Street Food at Ghanta Ghar Market Jodhpur

Ghanta Ghar market is also known for its variety of street food, as it is surrounded by various vendors selling traditional delicacies. The aroma from stalls and shops will make you stop then and there. 

Some of the famous street foods of Ghanta Ghar market are listed below:

S.NO.	Name	Picture	Description
1.	Makhania Lassi		The most famous drink of Jodhpur near the clock tower is Makhania Lassi. Made with yogurt, the lassi has a creamy texture and is topped with butter and nuts. This sweet, refreshing drink will take all your tiredness away on a hot day.
2.	Shahi Samosas		Shahi Samosas of the famous shop, Shahi Samosas Arora Namkeen, are highly known for their taste. These samosas are flaky and made with authentic spices, serving as a local delicacy of the region.
3.	Kachoris		Another famous street food of Ghanta Ghar market is kachoris. Along with crispy, spicy pyaaz kachoris, sweet mawa kachoris filled with khoya and dry fruits are also a must-try in Jodhpur.
4.	Mirchi Bada		These are basically large hari (green) mirchi pakoras filled with spicy mashed potatoes. Served with mint and tamarind chutney. These are also a famous vegetarian street snack of the city.
5.	Sweets		Sweets, especially Jalebi and Gulab Jamun, are also famous street foods in Jodhpur. While the gulab jamuns are soft and juicy balls of heaven, Jodhpuri jalebis are crispier and sweeter in taste.

List of Things to do at Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur

Visiting the clock tower, trying local delicacies, and shopping are some of the things you should definitely do in Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur. So let’s dig into the details.

• Local Delicacies – The streets of Ghanta Ghar are filled with stalls of various street foods and local delicacies. Not trying their flaky kachoris, crispy shahi samosas, creamy makhania lassi, sweets, and flavorful street chaats is an absolute crime.

• Clock Tower – A visit to this magnificent structure is a must when you are in Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur. From the top of the tower, you will get a panoramic view of the entire blue city and Mehrangarh Fort.

• Shopping – The place is famous for its various products, including textiles, handbags, footwear, jewelry, and handicrafts, among others. All of them reflect on the rich cultural heritage of the state. Just roaming around the narrow streets of Sardar market will leave you in awe of the city’s life.

• Photography – Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur is famous for its architectural beauty as well as the bustling market. Both these things are worth getting captured in your cameras. 

Tourist Places Near Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur

There are various tourist attractions near Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur. These include Mehrangarh Fort, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Toorji Ka Jhalra, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Mahamandir Temple, and Mandore Gardens. You can explore Rajasthan tour package to visit all these places and make your trip pocket-friendly.

It is one of the largest forts and a popular historical place of India, built by the Rathore ruler Rao Jodha in 1459. The fort has various palaces, intricate carvings, and a museum, making it one of the most popular tourist places in Jodhpur. It is managed by a trust run by descendants of the Rathore clan.

The park was established for ecological restoration and is home to a diverse array of desert vegetation and plants. It serves as a perfect example of sustainable development and conversion. Additionally, the park also offers a splendid view of the Mehrangarh Fort and the Blue City.

It is a stepwell constructed in the 1740s during the reign of Maharaja Abhay Singh of Marwar, showing the architectural brilliance of that time. In addition to being a major water source for the local community, it also served as a social and cultural exchange center.

The palace is a symbol of new Jodhpur and the heritage of Rajasthan. It consists of a royal palace hotel and a museum, making it a tourist attraction. Being one of the largest royal residences in the world, the palace offers its guests the experience of living like a king.

Popularly known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Marwar,’ Jawant Thada was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Jaswant Singh II. It serves as the royal cremation ground of Jodhpur, remembering the deceased Rathore rulers. Built with white marble, the structure is a significant blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, serving as a prominent site of worship for Hindus. It is a peaceful site, attracting both worshipers and yoga practitioners seeking solace. With intricate carvings of yoga poses and motifs, the Mahamandir Temple is a popular tourist attraction.

Located a little away from Jodhpur, these gardens are known for their lush green beauty and are home to cenotaphs of former rulers. The garden also features a ‘hall of heroes’ and a temple dedicated to 330 million gods, including a temple dedicated to the demon king, Ravana. 

To Sum Up

Ghanta Ghar Jodhpur, including both the clock tower and the market surrounding it, is an important part of the history of Rajasthan. The architecture of this massive structure is undoubtedly a treat to the eyes of the visitors. Surrounded by the Ghanta Ghar market, the tower is a testament to the beauty of the blue city. 

Given the central location of Ghanta Ghar Jodhpura, along with good transportation throughout the city, it is easier for tourists to reach there. Additionally, various other tourist places near the tower make the experience memorable for visitors.