Clock Tower & Sardar Market

The 19th-century Clock Tower stands at the centre of Jodhpur's old city and serves as the anchor for Sardar Market — a sprawling bazaar that is the most authentic shopping experience in the region. Stalls sell Rajasthani spices (especially the city's famous 'Jodhpuri mirchi'), silver jewellery, block-printed textiles, mojari leather shoes, and lac bangles.

The upper storey of the market overlooks the rooftops and the fort, making it one of the better vantage points in the city. The area is at its most vivid in the evening when the market runs until 9–10 PM and the fort is illuminated — the combination of the lit sandstone and the activity of the bazaar below is one of Jodhpur's signature sights.

Sardar Market is also where Jodhpur's food culture concentrates in the evenings. Makhania lassi — a thick, flavoured yoghurt drink specific to the region — is sold from a cluster of shops at the market's edge, and the mirchi bada (deep-fried chilli fritters) here are considered the best in the city.

Tips for Visiting

• →Bargaining is expected — start at 50–60% of the opening price
• →The spice vendors near the base of the Clock Tower are the best in the city
• →Avoid auto-rickshaw tours that route you to fixed-price commission shops
• →Visit in the evening for the most atmosphere — the fort lights come on around 7 PM