The second-largest city in Rajasthan, the Blue City, and the Gateway to Thar. This is Jodhpur. In our itinerary for Jodhpur, we explore Jodhpur’s must-visits and a few off-beat destinations if you wish to extend your trip.
Our itinerary for Jodhpur highlights are:
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Jaswant Thada Temple
- Mandore Garden
- Kaylana Lake
You have landed on the right page if you are looking for answers to the questions below:
- Where is Jodhpur?
- How can I spend 2 days in Jodhpur?
- When is the best time to visit Jodhpur?
- How far is the desert from Jodhpur?
- Is Jodhpur an expensive city?
- What can we buy in Jodhpur?
- Is Jodhpur worth seeing?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Jodhpur
Let’s begin!
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Where is Jodhpur?
Jodhpur or Jodhana as it is known to locals is a strategic city located on the western side of Rajasthan and is about 250 kilometers from Pakistan. Other than tourism, Jodhpur is famous for its sweets with Jodhpur Sweets being a household name in the city.
Being the Gateway of Thar, many nomadic tribes, known as Banjare have made Jodhpur their home. With its beautiful and charming location, it is no wonder that this city has been featured in many movies.
Christopher Nolan directed The Dark Knight Rises while Kung Fu Yoga starring Jackie Chan, Sonu Sood, and Disha Patani was all filmed in Jodhpur.
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Jodhpur is also known for its food. While you are there, don’t forget to try the makhaniya lassi from Sri Mishrilal Hotel at the Clock Tower Market. After that, try the matka kulfi at Mahadev Matka Kulfi.
For savory food, try the Mirchi Bada from Shahi Samosa at the Clock Tower Road. After that, try the Dal Bati Churma which is a traditional Rajasthani dish you can find all over Jodhpur.
History
The earliest known inhabitants were the Abhiras from the Marwar Kingdom. However, it was Rao Jodha, who laid the foundation for the modern city of Jodhpur in 1459 and began the construction of Mehrangarh Fort.
As Jodhpur was strategically located between Delhi and Gujarat, the trade of copper, silk, sandalwood, opium, and dates began to flourish. By 1583, the Marwar Kingdom had submitted to the Mughal Emperor Akhbar.
During the British Colonial Period, Jodhpur had the largest land area and enjoyed immense peace and stability. The Marwari merchants flourished and occupied trade dominance across India during that time.
Post independent India, the Marwar State became part of the Indian Union and by 1956, Jodhpur was included in the state of Rajasthan.
Why is Jodhpur called the Blue City?
According to local legend, the color is associated with Lord Shiva who swallowed a deadly poison during the Churning of the Ocean. From this, his neck turned blue. Due to its sacredness, the residents began painting their houses blue.
Keeps house cool
Another reason why the houses are painted blue is that blue is a good reflector against the intense heat that bears upon the city and keeps home cool.
Easy availability of limestone and copper sulfate
The easy availability of limestone and copper sulfate makes these materials the cheapest for the construction of homes. However, mixing these two materials would result in a blue color that is painted on the walls of the homes.
Termite-free homes
The blue color from the mixture of copper sulfate and limestone is a known insect repellant where the blue color kept insects away and the homes. However, this technique can only be found in the Old City where this method was used and maintained to date.
How can I spend 2 days in Jodhpur?
Our itinerary for Jodhpur takes you through the must-visits of the Old City and the lesser-known areas which are suitable for a day trip from Jaipur.
Day 1: Old City of Jodhpur
The Old Walled City of Jodhpur with its many lanes and blue homes has the Mehrangarh Fort standing majestically in the background. The Old City is known for its medieval charm, ancient stepwell, and traditional haveli’s.
Mehrangarh Fort
The first in our itinerary for Jodhpur is Mehrangarh Fort. This fort is located on a hill about 122 meters above the plains of Jodhpur. This fort was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha. “Mehrangarh” is from the word, “Mihir” which means “sun” and “Garh” which means “fort” or “home”.
There are seven gates to enter the fort with the most famous gates being “Jai Pol” or “Victory Gate” and “Loha Pol” where the 15 sati handprints of the Rani’s who immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of Maharaj Man Singh can be seen.
Why is Mehrangarh Fort so famous?
Mehrangarh Fort is famous for its beautiful architecture, formidable walls, and one of the most beautiful forts in India. Rudyard Kipling describes Mehrangarh as a fort “as a palace that may be built by Titans and colored by the morning sun”.
What is the story of Mehrangarh Fort?
In 1459, Rao Jodha wanted to build Mehrangarh Fort on a hill known as Bhakurcheeria or “hill of birds”. However, the sole occupant of the hill was a saint known as Chidiya Baba who was known to feed and tend to the birds.
The hermit refused to move and Maharaj Rao Jodha sought the help of Shri Karni Mata who came on the Maharaj’s request. Upon seeing Shri Karni Mata, Chidiya Baba left the hill and cursed the land.
To ensure the land remained favorable, a commoner volunteered to be buried alive as the foundation of the fort was laid. The commoner’s family was given land and to this day, the descendants of the commoner are being taken care of by the Maharaj of Jodhpur’s Royal Family.
Who is the owner of Mehrangarh Fort?
The current owner of Mehrangarh Fort is Maharaj Gaj Singh II who is also the current head of the Rathore Clan. He has converted the fort into the Mehrangarh Museum Trust as a means to preserve and protect the legacy of his ancestors as well as being a repository for the artistic and cultural heritage of the Marwar-Jodhpur Kingdom.
How much time does it take to visit Mehrangarh Fort?
You can expect to spend a maximum of 3 hours at Mehrangarh as there are plenty of places for a photo and if you want to appreciate the fort in its beauty.
How much is the entry fee to Mehrangarh Fort?
The entry fee to Mehrangarh Fort is ₹600 ($8) for international tourists and ₹400 ($6) for international student tourists. The official guide rates are shown in the table below:
| Number of Persons | Rates |
| 1 – 4 pax | ₹500 ($7) |
| 5 – 15 pax | ₹600 ($8) |
| 16 – 30 pax | ₹800 ($11) |
| 31 – 50 pax | ₹1,000 ($14) |
The Guide Rates are inclusive of GST.
Umaid Bhawan
The second in our itinerary for Jodhpur is Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum. This is one of the world’s largest private residences and was named after Maharaj Umaid Singh, the grandfather of the present Maharaj of Jodhpur.
The palace is divided into three areas. The first area is the royal residence while the second area is the luxurious hotel managed by Taj Hotels. The third area is the Umaid Bhawan Museum which is open to the public. The hotel is off-limits unless you are a guest staying there.
The construction of the palace is related to the curse that was placed when Mehrangarh Fort was built. As Jodhpur was struck with drought and famine, the palace was built at a slow pace to employ the local villagers.
Why is the Umaid Bhawan famous?
Umaid Bhawan is the last royal palace that was built before India’s independence. It is also the largest private residence in the world with 347 rooms, several courtyards, and a banquet hall that can accommodate 300 persons.
Can we visit Umaid Bhawan Palace for free?
As Umaid Bhawan is part palace, part hotel, and part museum, it is not possible to visit any part of the palace for free. The entrance fee for the museum is ₹100 ($1.35¢) for international tourists and ₹10 ($0.13¢) for children between the ages of 5 years till 11 years.
Jaswant Thada
The third in our itinerary for Jodhpur is Jaswant Thada. This beautiful monument is often called the “Taj Mahal of the Marwars” as it is made entirely from white marble. The white marble is the same one that was used to build the Taj Mahal.
Maharaja Sardar Singh built this cenotaph in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaj Jaswant Singh II and several other cenotaphs were added much later. The main hall of the cenotaph is built like a temple where daily prayers are performed.
The area is filled with gazebos and a lake and makes a perfect place for relaxation. Jaswant Thada is managed by the Mehrangarh Fort Museum Trust and is open daily.
How much is the entry fee at Jaswant Thada?
The entrance fee to Jaswant Thada is ₹50 ($0.67¢) for international tourists. The official guide rates are:-
| Number of Persons | Rates |
| 1 – 4 pax | ₹100 ($1.35¢) |
| 4 – 15 pax | ₹135 ($1.82¢) |
| 16 – 30 pax | ₹170 ($2.30¢) |
| 31 – 50 pax | ₹225 ($3.04¢) |
Ghanta Ghar
The fourth in our itinerary for Jodhpur is Ghanta Ghar. This iconic landmark was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh. The Clock Tower Market is within walking distance of this tower. This landmark also signifies the start of the Old City of Jodhpur.
The clock tower was built with a mix of Rajput and Gothic architectural styles. There is NO ENTRY FEE to visit the tower and is open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm daily.
Which is the oldest clocktower in India?
The oldest clock tower in India is the Husainabad Clock Tower in the city of Lucknow. This clock tower was built in 1881 and is located near other major landmarks such as the Bada Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, and Teele Wali Masjid.
The Husainabad Clock Tower was built to replicate the Big Ben Tower in London. The tower stands at 67 meters in height and has both Victorian and Gothic influences in its architectural style.
Day 2: Gardens and Lakes
On Day 2 of our itinerary for Jodhpur, we relax along with the two famous landmarks in this beautiful city. These are the Mandore Garden and Kaylana Lake.
Mandore Gardens
The fifth in our itinerary for Jodhpur is Mandore Gardens. Mandore is an ancient city that is believed to be the birthplace of Ravana’s wife, Mandodari. This city is about 6 miles from Jodhpur and was the capital of the Pratiharas who ruled the region since the 6th century.
The Pratiharas allied with the Rathores of Jodhpur when Maharaja Rao Chunda married a Pratiharas princess. In 1459, Rao Jodha moved the city to its present Jodhpur.
What is Mandore Garden famous for?
Mandore Gardens are famous for its ancient temples, memorials, and rock terraces that are well preserved. The three main areas to look out for are the Cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Jaipur, the Hall of Heroes for those interested in Rajput folklore and stories.
The third area is the Temple of 33 Crore Gods in which the images of various Hindu deities are intricately carved. A Museum is also on-site which houses artifacts and relics from that bygone era.
How much is the entry fee to Mandore Gardens?
The entry fee to Mandore Gardens is ₹100 ($1.35¢) per person.
Kaylana Lake
The sixth and last in our itinerary for Jodhpur is Kaylana Lake. This artificial lake is 5 miles from Jodhpur and was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh. The lake has a depth of a maximum of 50 feet and is famous for bird watching and its beautiful scenery.
With the beautiful Aravalli Hills surrounding this lake, don’t forget to bring your camera. This lake is a perfect stopover if you are en route to Jaisalmer.
Other Places To Visit
If you have time to spare in your itinerary for Jodhpur, you can make a day trip to Osian or simply spend the day walking through the maze of blue walls, that is Jodhpur.
Walk the Alleys of the Blue City
The seventh and optional in our itinerary for Jodhpur is to walk the alleys of the Blue City. The blue-hued homes are located in the Old City, near Mehrangarh Fort. Their homes are in varying shades of blue, peppered with drawings that tell the stories of the families that live in the homes.
To get the best out of your walking trip, join the Jodhpur Blue City Walking Tour that takes you to Navchokiya where the narrow blue lanes are located. From there, the walk takes you to Ranisar Lake, a man-made lake within the Old City walls.
Osian Dunes
The eighth option in our itinerary for Jodhpur is the Osian Dunes. Osian is an ancient town about 43 miles from Jodhpur. The town is an oasis in the Thar Desert and is famous for its cluster of Hindu and Jain temple ruins that date back from the 8th to 12th centuries.
Osian Temple Ruins
The ninth option in our itinerary for Jodhpur is the Osian Temple Ruins. The two main pilgrimage temples for the Jain community are the Mahavira Jain Temple and the Sachiya Mata temple.
The Mahavira temple was built in 783 AD which makes it the oldest Jain temple in Western India. The existing structures of the temple are mostly from the 11th century with certain areas built during the 8th century.
The elaborate carvings of the Mahavira temple are often compared to the Ranakpur Jain Temple, Khajuraho, and the Parshvanatha Temple.
When is the best time to visit Jodhpur?
Jodhpur weather is hot semi-arid and dry with occasional bouts of rain during the monsoon months. There are three seasons which are winter, summer, and monsoon seasons.
The summer months are from April to July with the summer heat peaking during May. The daytime temperatures routinely exceed 40°C daily. During these months, there are fewer crowds as the summers are exhausting and harsh.
The monsoon season begins from July until September. During these months, the average humidity rises where the average highs of 35°C can be expected. Travel plans can be disrupted as flash floods may occur and dusty roads turn into muddy roads.
The last and best time to visit Jodhpur is during the winter season which begins in October and lasts through March. While the daylight hours are dry, the night turns chilly. It is essential to book your accommodations in advance if you plan on visiting during winter.
How far is the desert from Jodhpur?
The Thar Desert is about 228 miles from Jodhpur with a traveling time of about 6 hours by car. The nearest desert in Jodhpur is the Osian Dunes which are about 45 miles and are 2-hours by car.
Is Jodhpur an expensive city?
Jodhpur is an expensive city to visit. However, it is much cheaper when compared to Delhi and Mumbai. The average daily cost per person in Jodhpur is ₹2,334 ($31) which is about ₹16,339 ($217) for one week.
A double occupancy hotel room is ₹1,940 ($26) while meals for one day for one person is about ₹867 ($11) when dining out. Breakfast is usually cheaper than lunch or dinner. The cost of alcoholic beverages per person amounts to ₹683 ($9.06) for one day.
As the tap water in Jodhpur is not safe to drink, you can expect to spend about ₹50 ($0.65) on bottled water. In terms of entrance tickets and other fees, an average cost of ₹788 ($10) per person is expected.
Check out the travel price comparison between Jodhpur and Jaipur on Budget Your Trip to know more.
What are the best areas to shop in Jodhpur?
As always, we can’t leave our itinerary for Jodhpur without shopping for some souvenirs to take home. Each market or bazaar is known for specific items. We list the 8 markets and the items they are famous for, for your convenience.
- Ghant Ghar or Clock Tower Market is known for its finest variety of spices. From red chili, cumin, coriander, and turmeric powder, you can be assured that the spices here are fresh.
- Nai Sarak is famous for its variety of bandhani in all shapes and sizes. Bandhej or bandhani is Rajasthan’s famous tie and dye fabric that comes in vibrant colors and designs. You may need to pack an extra bag for all your purchases, as we always do.
- Sojati Gate Market is where you go for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, jewelry, bandhani, and souvenirs.
- Mochi Bazaar is a one-stop destination for juti’s or mojari. This market is also known as Cobbler’s Market as you get this footwear in a myriad of colors and for any occasion. You can also find bangles and jewelry here.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace Market is where you go for antiques, metal works, and designer furniture. You can also find handicrafts made from sequins, beadworks, pottery, marble, brass, copper, and paintings.
- Kapra Bazaar or Clothes Market is where you go for traditional Rajasthani fabric, the leheriya. This unique Jodhpuri print is beautifully done on dupattas, salwar kameez, and sarees. For all things clothes, this is the best place for clothes in Jodhpur.
- Sarafa Bazaar is where you go if you are looking for traditional silver jewelry. You can also find home decor items, trinkets, and a wide array of accessories here.
- Tripolia Bazaar is a one-stop shopper’s paradise. You can find almost anything and everything here. From wooden handicrafts to clothes and marble statues, you can get them here.
Travel Tip
Be sure to bargain before finalizing the prices for items purchased. Vendors would consistently inflate prices for tourists.
What can we buy in Jodhpur?
Now that we know where to shop, the next in our itinerary for Jodhpur is what can we buy there. Some of the items are:
Spices
If you can’t go to Jodhpur, you can always bring Jodhpur to you with Cpise 15 Indian Organic Spice Set. This set comes with a collection of 8 whole spices such as whole bay leaves, whole mustard seeds, and cloves. The 7 ground spices are garam masala, tikka masala, and turmeric powder.
Mojari
These Step and Style Mojari Juti are beautiful and are of excellent quality and comfortable to wear as it comes with a soft cushioned insole. These shoes are perfect for daily wear or any events with a traditional Indian setting.
Leheriya Kurti
The last item which you can find in Jodhpur is these leheriya kurti’s. Our choice is the Rytras Anarkali Embroidery Kurti which is made from cotton and is machine washable. The orange color makes this perfect for any occasion.
Is Jodhpur worth visiting?
Yes! Definitely!
Jodhpur is Rajasthan’s second-largest city, yet, it does have the massive tourist crowds of Jaipur. This means that you can explore the sights at your own relaxed pace. Other reasons why Jodhpur is a must-visit are:
- Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India that rises majestically above the Blue City. While the fort has been restored, the museum contains about 15,000 royal memorabilia from Maharaj Gaj Pratap Singh II’s collection.
- The bustling Old City is home to some of the best views of Mehrangarh Fort and several shopping bazaars.
- The Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last grand palace to be built before India’s independence. And, a portion of the palace is the residence of the current Maharaja of Jodhpur.
- A trip to Mandore Gardens would take you back in time when Mandore was the capital city of the Marwar Kingdom. Although most structures are in ruins, if these walls could talk, they would speak of a glorious bygone era that began in the 6th century.
- Jodhpur is also the few place where the Marwari language is spoken. Marwari shares about 65% similarity to the Hindi language with pronunciation being distinctly different. For example, “how are you?” is “kikan ho?” and “what are you doing?” is “tu kai karriyo hai?”.
As a colorful and culturally rich destination, a trip to Jodhpur, at least once in your lifetime, would be a memorable one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Jodhpur
These are other answers to some other questions which you may have on Jodhpur.
Why is Jodhpur so famous?
The Blue City of India is what makes Jodhpur famous. The distinctive blue color painted on the walls of homes is believed to repel insects and keep homes cool during the summer months.
How safe is Jodhpur?
While Jodhpur is comparatively safe, it would be wise to take extra precautions by walking in groups, not staying out too late, and keeping personal belongings close to you. NEVER leave any items unattended at all costs.
Is Jodhpur safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Jodhpur is safe for solo female travelers. Here are the 10 Reasons Why Rajasthan Is Perfect For Solo Travelers and Curiosity Runs Both Ways For Solo Female Traveler In India to know more.
What should I wear in Jodhpur?
The answer to this question depends on when you are arriving at Jodhpur. If you are in Jodhpur during the winter months of December to March, it’s best to packet a winter jacket and bring layered clothes as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day.
The summer months of April to June call for loose, airy, and long-sleeved clothing to prevent sunburn as the heat can be unbearable. For the monsoon months of July to August, pack loose clothes and a waterproof jacket for the rains.
The post-monsoon season of September to November calls for casual summer clothes and maybe a light jacket as the weather becomes cooler in November.
Is Jodhpur safe at night?
While Jodhpur is safe during the day, it is not safe at night, especially for solo female travelers. Some tips include:
- Do not venture out alone at night, especially for female travelers.
- Do not accept drinks or food from strangers as they may be laced with sleep-inducing drugs.
- Do not accept any rides from well-meaning strangers, especially at night.
- Dress conservatively at all times. Unlike major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur, Jodhpur is still conservative. Sleeveless tops may get you continuous stares.
- Do not wander around non-tourist areas, especially after dark.
- Make sure to purchase entrance tickets from ticket offices located at tourist sites. Do not buy from touts who may offer you a cheaper price for the tickets.
I hope you find these tips useful!
Is it cold in Jodhpur in January?
January is the coldest month in Jodhpur with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10.1°C (50.1°F) to a maximum of 25.6°C (78°F).
How can I get to Jodhpur?
There are three ways in which you can get to Jodhpur. This is either by air, car, or train. If you are coming by air, there is the Civil Defence Airport which is about 1.8 miles from the city center, 3.1 miles from the railway station, and 5.5 miles from the bus stand.
The local airport is small and only caters to flights from Delhi and Mumbai. The closest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
If you are coming by car, Jodhpur is well-connected to Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Mount Abu, and Jaipur.
Another option is if you are coming by train which is also the cheapest and most affordable way to reach Jodhpur. Trains to Jodhpur come from Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai with run all year round, seven days a week.
How is the road from Delhi to Jodhpur?
The road distance from Delhi to Jaipur is about 641 kilometers or 398 miles. The preferred route is Delhi to Jaipur to Ajmer to Bar and, finally to Jodhpur. The paved road is in good condition as it is a tolled road.
However, the road is not properly lit at all stretches. Hence, it would be better to spend a night at either Ajmer or Jaipur, before proceeding with your journey. Read Planning a Delhi-Ajmer-Jodhpur Road Trip to know more.
How is the road from Jaipur to Jodhpur?
The road distance between Jaipur to Jodhpur is 366 kilometers or 227 miles. The journey takes about 7 hours and is best to leave early. The fastest route is via the National Highway 48 which is a paved road.
The alternative route takes about 8 hours and covers 384 kilometers or 238 miles and is considered the longer and slower route as you will have to enter the city of Nagaur where you may encounter additional traffic, especially during peak hours.
How is the road from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer?
The road distance from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is 286 kilometers or 177 miles on National Highway 114 until Pokhran and proceed on National Highway 15 from Pokhran to Jaisalmer. The drive, without any stops, should not take more than 5 hours, although we recommend a few stops along the way.
The first stop is Mandore, which is the former capital city of the Maharajas of the Marwar Kingdom. The second stop would be Osian to see the dunes and two famous Jain temples.
Next, is Khichan Village, or the “village of migrating birds”, specifically, its 20,000 Demoiselle Cranes who fly from their breeding grounds in Mongolia.
Our last stop is Ramadevra Temple which is a temple dedicated to Saint Ramdevra. He was a 14th-century ruler who was believed to have miraculous powers. His devotees across India celebrate Ramdev Jayanti where it is a public holiday.
