The Famous Opium Ceremony of Jodhpur & Other Tourist Attractions

From the famous Opium Ceremony of Jodhpur to vibrant culture, magnificent forts, iconic bazaars, and fascinating festivals, the second largest city of Rajasthan have many points of interest for the tourists. Despite all the urbanization in this erstwhile Marwar kingdom, some age-old traditions, blue facades, palaces, forts, and temples stayed glorified in the sandy folds of the Thar Desert. So here’s a tour to the Blue City which is no less than a visual treat. Take a dekko!

Opium Ceremony Of Jodhpur

A unique blend of age-old traditions and celebration of bonds, the Opium ceremony aka Amal Sabha is one of the most fascinating experiences for travelers. This traditional Opium ceremony of Jodhpur dates back to 1000 years and is still practiced by the tribal community of Bishnoi village despite Opium being banned in India. Being the intrinsic culture of Jodhpur, the ceremony is held even today with the sole purpose of carrying the legacy of celebrating camaraderie.

During the ceremony, a soaked filtered opiate is offered to Lord Shiva and then to family members and visitors. The prominent feature of this ceremony is sipping the opium water from the palm of the eldest member of the group. The ceremony is held between the men of the family and women are completely barred from consuming this filtered opium water. Tourists from all over the world take a tour of Bishnoi village to experience the cultural extravaganza of the tribal community. From discovering their simpleton lifestyle to relishing the delectable local delicacies, a day spent with the folks of Bishnoi village is totally enriching. Village safaris are the best way to delve into diverse cultures. Don’t you agree?

Other Tourist Attractions Of Jodhpur

Check out the list of top tourist attractions of Jodhpur that make up for a true Rajasthani experience!

1. Mehrangarh Fort

One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort is the pride and symbol of Jodhpur. The massive fort complex houses royal apartments, Havelis, and palaces that display architectural brilliance and oriental opulence. The gold filigree ceilings, motifs of peacocks, flowers, and birds painted beautifully on the walls, strategic placements of mirrors to keep the rooms lighted till the last ray of sun, and stained glass windows are some of the elements that reflect the royalty of the Marwar kingdom. The top ramparts of the fort give a panoramic view of the city and beautifully adorned Jaswant Thada which is yet another iconic place to explore in Jodhpur.  

2. Umaid Bhawan Palace

One of the world's largest private residences, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a landmark that has always been among the must-visit places in Jodhpur. Built between 1928 and 1943, this Renaissance-designed yellow sandstone Palace was commissioned by H. H. Maharaja Umaid Singh. Spreading over a sprawling area of 26 acres, this royal home has been managed by the Taj Group of Hotels & Palaces since 2005. Keeping the rich legacy of culture and tradition, the guests at this royal residency are pampered with world-class hospitality like a private butler on service, a vintage car tour to the city, strolling through the private museum, dining at the candlelit palace grounds, etc. The splendid palace indeed will treat you like a king and queen.

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3. Jaswant Thada

A cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, Jaswant Thada is one of the top places to visit in Jodhpur. Built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899, the beautifully designed marble mausoleum is known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar because of its unmatched beauty. The main hall of Jaswant Thada is designed like a temple where the ancestors of the Marwar kingdom are worshipped. The intricately carved marble sheets are elevated with red color jaalis which makes it even more appealing. This architectural masterpiece of Jodhpur fascinates tourists with its beauty which is a feast for the eyes. 

Also Read: Famous Places To Visit In Rajasthan: Best Itinerary

4. Masuria Hill Garden

Also known as Vir Durga Das Garden, this attraction of Jodhpur offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Perched on Masuria hill, this sprawling garden houses a statue of Veer Durgadas Rathore, the temple of Baba Ramdev, the biggest TV tower in India, a restaurant, and a playground which together make it an ideal picnic spot in Jodhpur for locals and tourists alike. Offering spectacular vantage points and a serene sunset view, Masuria Hill Garden is a wonderful place for photoshoots and having a day off from the cacophony of city life.

5. Kaylana Lake

A popular man-made lake, Kaylana lake is one of the top places to visit in Jodhpur. Built by Sardar Pratap Singh, the lake is constructed on the ruins of the gardens and palaces of Bhim Singh and Takhat Singh who were the famous rulers of Jodhpur in ancient times. This pristine lake is sprawling over an area of 8 km and is a perfect spot to catch the view of the sun going down. The tranquil vibe of Kaylana Lake attracts people to spend some time basking in the glory of nature.

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6. Pal Haveli

The royal residence of the Thakurs of Pal, Pal Haveli is one of the finest and beautifully maintained heritage properties of Jodhpur that has an in-house fine dining restaurant. The strategic location overlooking the landmark property, Mehrangarh Fort has been one of the reasons why the Indique Restaurant at Pal Haveli has gained so much popularity among tourists. Scrumptious Rajasthani meals, royal hospitality along with extraordinary vistas, what else you can ask for. A great place to treat yourself, Pal Haveli is certainly amongst the unmissable places in Jodhpur.

7. Desert Safari

The Jeep or the camel-back safari, Jodhpur is the best place to revel in the golden sand of the Thar desert. The blue city has a lot of amazement for the desert lovers and adventure enthusiasts. One of the best things to do in Jodhpur, a desert safari will add extra memories to an unforgettable trip to this land. Enjoy the sand dunes, spot blackbucks, foxes, and blue bulls, and catch the sight of the most beautiful sunset as you pass through the expansive pool of sand. Make memories for a lifetime with the fulfilling desert safari of Jodhpur.

Frequently Asked Questions about Opium Ceremony of Jodhpur

Q 1. What is the significance of the opium ceremony?

A 1. Opium Ceremony is celebrated amongst the male members of the Bishnoi Community as a sign of fostering and celebrating camaraderie, a celebration of friendship and brotherhood. Opium is also offered as a sign of honor and regard for each other.

Q 2. What are the highlights of the Opium Ceremony in Jodhpur?

A 2. During the ceremony, a soaked filtered opiate is offered to Lord Shiva and then to family members and visitors. The prominent feature of this ceremony is sipping the opium water from the palm of the eldest member of the group. The ceremony is held between the men of the family and women are completely barred from consuming this filtered opium water.

Q 3. How to reach Jodhpur to attend the famous Opium Ceremony in Jodhpur?

A 3. Jodhpur is well-connected with different modes of transport. Flights from different parts of the country arrive at Jodhpur Airport. The Jodhpur Railway Station is one of the prominent railway stations in Rajasthan connected with several major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, etc. State buses ply their services from different parts of the state.

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Q 4. Where is Bishnoi Village situated?

A 4. Bishnoi Village is situated approximately 22 km away from Jodhpur City.

Q 5. Which state does Bishnoi belong to?

A 5. Bishnois belong to the state of Rajasthan.

Reckoned as one of the top tourist destinations, it's invigorating to wake up to the finest Rajputana hospitality and the endless beauty of this desert town. Don’t you agree? Hurry! Book your dream vacation with Adotrip and get unmatched deals!