Ghanta Ghar and Sardar Market, Jodhpur

The Ghanta Ghar clock tower is the landmark of Jodhpur's old city, and Sardar Market around it is the main place to shop for spices, textiles and handicrafts.

Ghanta Ghar, the clock tower, stands at the centre of Jodhpur's old city and is said to mark the start of the old town. Incredible India states that Maharaja Sardar Singh built it between 1880 and 1911. It is a five-tiered sandstone structure with an ornate dome, carved stone balconies called jharokhas and a gallery of arches and pillars at the top. Its clock was reportedly sourced from the UK, from the same maker as the clock of London's famous tower.

Around the tower, the Sardar Market, named for the Maharaja, spreads through the lanes with stalls of handicrafts, textiles and spices. Incredible India says visitors can climb the winding stairs to see the clock mechanism and look out over the city through stone lattice work, though no hours or ticket details were given. The market is a public street area with no entrance fee as such, and individual shops set their own hours.

The tower is close to Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Toorji Ka Jhalra, so it fits easily into a walking day in the old city. Go in the morning or at dusk when it is cooler, keep an eye on your belongings in the crowds and agree prices before buying.