The start of Old Jodhpur

Towering majestically over the bustling market of Jodhpur, the iconic Ghanta Ghar, or the Clock Tower, is a time machine into Jodhpur's rich past, captivating the hearts of all who encounter it.

Built in between 1880 and 1911 by Maharaja Sardar Singh, the Ghanta Ghar was erected as a prime landmark close to the legendary Mehrangarh Fort.

This imposing structure is said to signify the start of Old Jodhpur. The origins were sparked by the melodic chimes of its clock and the intricate architectural details that soon made it a beloved gathering place. As the years passed, the tower's surrounding area blossomed into one of Jodhpur's flourishing commercial hubs, establishing the Sardar Market – named in honour of the Maharaja.

From the colourful stalls of the surrounding Sardar Market, where shops decked with handicrafts, textiles, and spices unfold before your eyes, to the warm camaraderie shared among the local inhabitants, the Ghanta Ghar weaves a unique and enchanting story that invites you to experience the very essence of Jodhpur's captivating culture and history firsthand.

A five-tiered masterpiece

As you approach Ghanta Ghar, its sheer architectural brilliance catches your attention. A prime example of 19th-century stone masonry, the Ghanta Ghar stands in perfect harmony with the nearby Mehrangarh Fort, both structures sharing the distinctive sandstone that has become a hallmark of Jodhpur's architectural legacy.

The clock adorning the tower's apex was sourced from the UK and is believed to have been purchased from the company that made the iconic Clock Tower in London.

The tower, meanwhile, rises in a captivating five-tiered structure crowned by a magnificent dome at its sixth and final level. The ground floor presents a broader, square-shaped base adorned with ornate patios and jharokhas – intricately carved stone balconies. This level is encircled by octagonal stone fencing, transforming the Ghanta Ghar into a commanding roundabout and centrepiece of the city.

Ascending upwards, the first and second tiers boast elaborately carved stone jharokhas, while the fourth tier proudly displays the iconic clock that has become synonymous with the tower's name.

At the pinnacle, the fifth tier features a delicate chhatri or gallery with arches and pillars, a testament to the skilled craftsmanship that has endured through the ages.

Ascend the winding stairs and get inside to marvel at the towering clockwork's mechanics, still precisely ticking after years. Glimpse royal craftsmen's ingenuity through stone lattices as gears turn, transcending the modern world outside.

Beyond the clock tower

As one stands in the shadow of the majestic Ghanta Ghar, the temptation to venture forth and uncover the wealth of attractions that surround this beloved landmark becomes almost irresistible. After all, Jodhpur is a city steeped in regal history and cultural richness. If you want to feel the pulse of local life, start exploring by shopping at the Sardar Market, where the air is alive with the lively shops and chattering vendors. Just a short distance from the tower, the awe-inspiring Mehrangarh Fort rises like a sentinel. Visiting here will offer you a tantalising glimpse into the splendour of the Rathore dynasty.

Indeed, the Ghanta Ghar reflects the spirit of Jodhpur, a city that blends its storied past with the progressive energy of the present, offering an experience that leaves you with enriching experiences and cherished memories.