Things To Do
in Merta
Merta is a small historic town in Rajasthan, nestled near Nagaur and Jodhpur. It blends Rajput heritage with vibrant rural life, visible in its forts, temples, and bustling markets. Visitors can explore traditional crafts, desert landscapes, and warm local hospitality.
The climate ranges from scorching summers to mild winters, making winter and early spring ideal for exploring the area.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Merta and settle into your accommodation, soaking in the local atmosphere. Take a short walk around the town to get a feel for the vibrant culture and architecture. Visit the stunning Merta City Fort, which offers a glimpse into the region's history.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Afterward, explore the bustling markets, where you can shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the opportunity to interact with local artisans and learn about their crafts.
As the sun sets, take a stroll around the serene fields outside the city. Settle down for a tranquil evening while enjoying a traditional Rajasthani dinner under the starlit sky. Reflect on the day's adventures as you experience the peacefulness of rural Merta.
Start your day with a visit to the famous Kantaji Ki Haveli, an architectural marvel showcasing exquisite carvings and designs. Engage with knowledgeable guides to learn about the rich heritage and history of the place. Capture beautiful photographs of the intricately designed structures.
Visit the nearby Ajmer, just a short drive from Merta, to explore the famous Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery before heading back to Merta. Take part in a cultural workshop, learning traditional crafts or music.
Relax in a cozy café while enjoying local snacks and refreshments. Attend a performance showcasing folk music and dance forms that are characteristic of Rajasthan. Wind down your day by mingling with locals and sharing stories over a warm cup of chai.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🥗Vegetarian thali or plate | $2-5 |
| 🚍Local bus fare (single ride) | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room (night) | $12-25 |
| 🧃Bottled water (1 liter) | $0.25-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and architecture
- Friendly locals and value-for-money experiences
- Limited nightlife and big-city amenities
- Hot summers and longer travel times to major airports
- "Namaste" - Hello
- "Shukriya" - Thank you
- "Kripya" - Please
- "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
- "Aap kaise ho?" - How are you?
Places to Visit in Merta
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunlit sandstone walls rising above the desert horizon, offering dramatic silhouettes during sunrise and golden hour.
Intricate carvings, colorful courtyards, and daily market life provide rich texture and candid portraits.
Rustic lanes, thatched homes, and agricultural fields capture the essence of rural Rajasthan.
Soft, warm light over crops and distant hills creates timeless landscape shots.
Textured staircases and bustling shop fronts offer dynamic backdrops for street photography.
Food in Merta
Merta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Rajasthan dish featuring baked dough balls (baati) served with dal and a sweet crumbled churma; widely available at dhabas and family-run eateries.
Must-Try!
A crispy pastry stuffed with spiced onion filling; a popular street-food snack best enjoyed with tangy chutneys.
Gram-flour dumplings in a tangy curry served with coarse bajra rotis, a comforting desert-district staple.
Traditional desert vegetables (ker and sangri) cooked with spices; a distinctive, hearty dish often paired with bajra or chapati.
Spiced mutton curry that showcases bold Rajasthan flavors; available at select non-vegetarian-friendly eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can sample kachori, samosa, masala chai, and fresh produce; great for observing daily life and negotiating prices.
Stalls selling textiles, pottery, leather goods, and jewelry; ideal for souvenirs and observing artisans at work.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect local customs by covering shoulders and knees, especially in temples and rural areas.
Greet with Namaste or Ram Ram; use polite forms like Sir/Ma’am when addressing elders or officials.
Ask before photographing people or religious spaces; some places may prohibit photography inside temples.
Safety
Tipping in Merta
Ensure a smooth experience
Leave a small tip (about 5-10%) in restaurants for good service; tip hotel staff and guides based on service level.
Cash is widely used; many shops accept cards in larger towns; mobile wallets are increasingly common for everyday purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with temperatures frequently above 40°C; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, carry water, and seek shade regularly.
Occasional rainfall with higher humidity; some rural roads may become muddy; bring a light rain jacket and footwear suited for slick surfaces.
Cool to mild temperatures, especially at night; daytime stays comfortable for sightseeing, with chilly evenings requiring light layers.
Merta at Night
Hiking in Merta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, scenic hikes offering views of valleys, fields, and distant settlements.
Flat to gently rolling terrain along the desert fringe, ideal for sunset walks and photography.
Airports
How to reach Merta by plane.
Closest major airport with domestic flights; accessible by road with several travel options.
A larger international gateway; longer drive but good for international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily local language and culture with strong Rajasthani traditions.
Predominant agrarian and warrior-lineage groups contributing to the social fabric.
Cottage industries in textiles, pottery, leatherwork, and metal crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The predominant sport across households and schools, with local matches and informal games common in evenings.
A traditional contact sport played in village gatherings and festivals.
Popular in schools and local clubs; informal matches frequently organized in town spaces.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Merta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes are vegetarian by default; to navigate safely, ask for no meat or egg, and confirm whether ghee is used if you avoid dairy.