Clock Tower & Sardar Market
Iconic clock tower with bustling Sardar Market selling textiles, spices, and handicrafts
Overview
The Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar), built by Maharaja Sardar Singh, stands in the heart of Jodhpur's old city and is surrounded by the vibrant Sardar Market. This bustling market is the heartbeat of old Jodhpur, packed with shops selling textiles, antiques, handicrafts, spices, vegetables, and street food. The narrow lanes around the tower are filled with vendors selling colorful Rajasthani tie-dye fabrics, silver jewelry, mojari shoes, leather goods, puppets, and local snacks. The market offers an authentic glimpse into daily life with locals shopping alongside tourists. The atmosphere is chaotic, colorful, and quintessentially Indian. Evenings are especially lively when the market is fully active and streets illuminated.
Highlights
Iconic Clock Tower landmark
Textile shops - Bandhani tie-dye and block prints
Spice market with colorful displays
Silver jewelry and antique shops
Mojari (traditional shoes) stores
Street food - Mirchi Vada, Mawa Kachori, Lassi
Clock Tower Market Experience
Clock Tower Arrival
Orient yourself at clock tower. Market radiates in all directions. Take landmark photo
Textile Shopping
Explore fabric shops. Bandhani (tie-dye), block prints, dupattas, scarves. Bargain hard - start 50% of asking price
Spice Market
Colorful spice displays. Buy saffron, cardamom, local blends. Great for photos and gifts
Street Food Break
Try famous Mirchi Vada or Mawa Kachori. Makhaniya Lassi at Shahi Samosa shop (iconic since 1960s)
Handicrafts & Souvenirs
Browse puppets, leather goods, antiques, blue pottery, miniature paintings
Mojari Shoe Shopping
Traditional Rajasthani embroidered shoes. Custom fitting available. ₹300-1500 per pair
Evening Market Ambiance
Market fully lit and most active. Locals shopping, vibrant chaos. Best photography time
Visiting Information
Entry Fee:
Free - public market
Timings:
Market: 10 AM to 9 PM. Most active 4-8 PM
Recommended Duration:
1.5-2 hours for shopping and exploring
Best Time to Visit
October to March. Visit 4-7 PM when market is most active and lit up. Avoid midday heat
Getting There
Via Air Force Area Road to old city (20 min). Narrow streets, park outside and walk
Public Transport:
Central location in old city, easy to reach
Travel Tips
- •Bargain aggressively - vendors expect it. Start at 40-50% of asking price
- •Best textiles at fixed-price government emporium near market (no bargaining but fair)
- •Try Makhaniya Lassi at Shahi Samosa shop - Jodhpur institution since 1960s
- •Mirchi Vada VERY spicy - ask for mild version if sensitive
- •Keep valuables secure - crowded market, pickpockets possible