Jodhpur sits at the edge of the Thar desert, its old city painted in shades of indigo below one of India's most imposing forts. It is a natural stop between Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur.
Things to Do
Mehrangarh Fort
Rising 120 m above the city, Mehrangarh is one of the largest forts in India. Its museum displays palanquins, armour, miniature paintings and royal cradles. Rent the audio guide – it is excellent. For thrills, the Flying Fox zipline runs over the fort's ramparts.
Jaswant Thada
A white marble cenotaph with lovely views of the fort, a short drive away.
The Blue City
Walk the lanes of Brahmpuri and Navchokiya below the fort. The blue houses traditionally belonged to Brahmin families; today they make for some of Rajasthan's best street photography.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built in the 1920s–40s, part is a luxury hotel, part the royal residence and part a museum open to visitors.
Clock Tower and Sardar Market
Spices, textiles, bandhej fabrics and the famous omelette shop. Try mirchi vada, pyaaz kachori and makhaniya lassi.
Mandore Gardens and Bishnoi Villages
Mandore has cenotaphs of Marwar rulers. A Bishnoi village safari shows a community known for protecting blackbuck and chinkara.
2-Day Plan
- Day 1: Mehrangarh in the morning, Jaswant Thada, blue city walk, sunset rooftop dinner.
- Day 2: Umaid Bhawan museum, Mandore, Bishnoi village; evening at the Clock Tower market.
How to Reach
Jodhpur has an airport with flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, and good rail links. By road it is about 5.5–6 hours from Jaipur and 5 hours from Jaisalmer.
Best Time
October to March; the Marwar Festival is usually held in October and the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) at Mehrangarh around the same time.
Jodhpur Tours
- Rajasthan Forts & Desert – Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh & Jaisalmer, 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Rajasthan Desert Trail – Jaipur, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer, 5 Nights / 6 Days
- Royal Rajasthan – Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur & Jaisalmer, 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Rajasthan Heritage Circuit – Jaipur, Jodhpur & Udaipur, 5 Nights / 6 Days
- Jodhpur & Jaisalmer Desert Break – 3 Nights / 4 Days
See all Rajasthan tours.
Related reading: Rajasthan 7-day itinerary · Jaisalmer desert camp guide · Best time to visit Rajasthan
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jodhpur called the Blue City?
Many homes in the old city are painted blue – traditionally linked to Brahmin households and also said to keep houses cool.
How many days are enough for Jodhpur?
One full day covers the highlights; two days is relaxed.
Is the Mehrangarh zipline safe?
It is run by a professional operator with safety gear and briefings.
How far is Jaisalmer from Jodhpur?
About 285 km, roughly 5 hours by road.
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