As part of a 3-week tour of India, I spent 2 days in Jodphur. I had a list of the best things to do in Jodphur and I was determined to see as much of the city as possible.

Isn’t it funny how your mind plays tricks on you? I had heard some much about the “Blue City” in India that I naturally imagined a city where everything was painted blue. Silly me! It’s attractive, but it was nowhere near as blue as I had imagined. I soon found out that not the entire city is painted blue, but only the old town near the Mehrangarh Fort.

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Where is Jodhpur, India?

Jodhpur is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, which is in northwest India.

Why visit Jodhpur?

There’s more to Jodhpur than just its famous color scheme.

Why is Jodphur called the Blue City?

You can take your pick from any of these reasons as there appears to be no specific explanation. You can decide which of these you prefer.

Jodhpur in Rajasthan is a desert territory and the heat can be extreme in summer. Blue reflects light and helps keep the houses cool.
It was a beautiful view for the rulers who looked down on the city
It attracted traders travelling through the city.
Blue is associated with Lord Shiva who drank poison to save the world. His body turned blue and since then his followers look at it as a sacred colour. There are many of his followers in the town and hence to blue colour as a mark of respect.
Blue is a status symbol. Historically the Brahmins, who were priests, painted their houses blue to differentiate themselves from the lower castes.
To keep bugs away. The paint is a mixture of copper sulphate and limestone which the bugs don’t like.
There are indigo plants grown in the area which could have produced a blue colour.

Jodphur the Blue city in India — The Blue City of Jodphur

The best things to do in Jodhpur

1. Explore the Mehrangarh Fort

The main place to see in Jodhpur, perched on a wall of rock the Mehrangarh Fort is one of the most impressive in India and a must-visit when it comes to your list of things to do in Jodhpur. It is one of the most famous places in Jodhpur.

You can’t help but be in awe of its sheer battlements that vary in height from around 6 metres to a whopping 36 metres. Built in 1459 by the 15^th Rathore ruler, who also founded the city, this vast fort has many tales to tell.

You don’t need a ticket to visit the fort, but you will need one if you plan to go to the museum section. The museum has some wonderful royal memorabilia. The walk up the hill is steep and hot so come prepared.

If you are looking for the perfect shot the best time is sunrise and sunset when the walls glow and the stone’s colour intensifies as the sunlight hits it.

There are a few shops and cafes inside the fort, but I think that you will be paying over the odds for whatever you buy, but that is normal wherever you are visiting a tourist spot anywhere in the world.

A fun fact: This is where the cave scenes of the Dark Knight Rises were filmed.

Tip: If you have very fair skin as I do, be prepared for people to ask to take selfies or hold their babies. I am not sure what this is about but I came across it all over India and in Vietnam as well.

Tickets prices: International Guests (includes the audio) – Rs 600 or around (£6.50)

View from the Mehrangarh Fort Jodphur — Mehrangarh Fort

2. The Flying Fox at Mehrangarh Fort

If you are an adrenaline junkie then you will enjoy the zip lines. Its one of the fun things to do in Jodphur. There are 6 cables to choose from. You will have an instructor with you at all times. The cables span the fortress walls and you can whizz across the battlements or glide across 2 desert lakes while you enjoy stunning views of the city below. Allow 45 – 90 minutes for this activity.

3. Jaswant Thada

This ivory marble cenotaph is just a short walk from the fort It was built in 1899, by the royal family, as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. It is often and one of the places in Jodhpur to visit that you should not miss. It is often described as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar”.

It has the characteristic white marble lattice screens and a number of fanciful domes. Inside you will find portraits of the ruler. It is worth a quick visit to enjoy the gazebo, the lake and the peace and quiet that surround it.

Taj Mahal of Marwar — Jaswant Thada Jodhpur

4. Rao Jodha Desert Park

The park was created in 2006 right next to the Mehrangarh Fort. The ground surrounding the fort was a large rocky wasteland infested with alien vegetation that came from Central America about a century ago.

It was decided to make a determined effort to eradicate the Baavlia shrub and restore the natural ecology of the area. Plants from the Thar desert were identified as the perfect fit and propagation of the plants began. By 2008 there were 80 species were planted.

You can start your tour at the visitor’s centre where there is an outdoor café. From there you step into an ancient stormwater aqueduct that was hewn directly from the rock. At the end of it, you will be treated to stunning views of the fort and the blue city in the distance.

If you want to find out more about the plants you can hire a naturalist for a guided walk at a cost of Rs.200.

5. Shop at the Sadar Market and see the clock tower

I just had to visit the market in the heart of town. Markets are always at the top of my list of things to see in India. It is a fascinating place to wander around and has an imposing clock tower in the middle of it. Your sightseeing at Jodhpur has to include a stop at the market.

The traditional market is a bit chaotic and a feast for the eyes with vibrant colours everywhere. Its a wonderful place for shopping in Jodphur. There is everything imaginable for sale, but I was particularly fascinated by the cookware items.

The pashminas and silky scarves were piled everywhere and the prices were very good as well, so I couldn’t resist buying a few of those for gifts and naturally a couple for myself. It is also one of the best places to go in Jodphur for exciting photo ops.

6. Indulge Your Taste Buds

One of the fun things to do in Jodhpur is to visit the omelette shop in the market. It probably wasn’t on your list of things to do in Jodhpur but it is worth a stop if you are in the area.

If you are feeling peckish be sure to try one of the twenty-plus varieties that are available. It’s cheap and delicious and comes with bread on the side as well. Pull up a plastic chair and enjoy a local snack, while you watch the world go by.

omelette shop in Jodhpur market — The omelette shop

7. Take a cooking class

I thoroughly enjoyed my cooking class in this tiny shop run by a lovely husband and wife team. The classes are popular so it is advisable to book early. Not only will you learn to cook some delicious traditional Indian food, but you will also be able to buy a variety of high-quality spices and a range of unique spice blends. My recommendations are the chai tea spice and the South Indian veg curry spice.

Clock Tower Rd, Rawaton Ka Bass, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001, India +91 94609 57995

indian spices star anise, roses, cinnamon, nutmeg — Spice Paradise

8. Go on a food tour

If you want to learn more about Indian food, or are uncertain about eating street food in India, then book a food tour. They will take you to the best local spots in town. I love going on food tours as I always learn so much not only about the food, but the culture as well.

This tour is such a bargain! Your guide will take you to the best foodie spots in town. You also get to visit the oldest food shop in Jodhpur, where you can watch traditional desserts being prepared.

Recommended: Jodhpur: Guided Street Food Crawl

9. Where are the blue houses?

I must warn you that this is not quite as romantic as it sounds, but if you want photographs of blue houses then this is where you have to go. Head to Brahmpuri just behind the Mehrangarh fort.

There are narrow lanes and the houses are painted with blue colours. It is one of the unique things to do in India and it is possible to do a guided tour if it makes you feel more comfortable. That way you will also learn a bit about the history of the area as well.

Recommended: Jodhpur: Blue City Walking Tour – a 2-hour tour that will take you to beautiful temples, busy markets, and the famous blue Havelis.

10. Visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace

This beautiful Palace is now a hotel. If you want to live like a royal then this is the place to do it The 26-acre gardens are lush and pretty spectacular when you consider that Jodphur is on the edge of the Thar desert. A part of the Palace is still home to the former Royal family. The other two parts make up the hotel and the museum.

The museum is open to the public where you can admire a variety of vintage cars and an interesting collection of clocks. The hotel is out of bounds unless you are a guest.

Check availability or book a stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace here

11. Visit the local weavers

If you want to do something a bit different then this was one of the things to do in Jodhpur that I really enjoyed. Depending on where you are going when you leave the city you could always stop on the way. This is a family-run co-operative for weaving rugs on the outskirts of the town, in a village called Salawas.

I was given an interesting impromptu tour when I arrived. It was fascinating to watch the weavers at work. Each rug is unique, and many patterns are handed down from father to son. I loved the colourful patterns and ended up buying a rug in a vibrant blue, to remind me of my visit to the blue city.

12. Have dinner at Indique with a view of the Mehrangarh Fort

I stayed at Pal Haveli which has a fabulous rooftop restaurant. The fort is impressive during the day, but towards sunset, the light changes and the fort takes on a magical appearance.

The restaurant can get crowded so if you want a table with a view drop in and reserve a table on the terrace. I enjoyed the Laal Maas Lamb curry which is typical of the food in Rajasthan, but a word of warning, it is spicy so you may want to order cooling sambal.

13. Explore The abandoned Mandore Gardens

You should try and include the Mandore Gadens in your sightseeing of Jodhpur plans. They are a beautiful and eerie sight. The gardens, which once boasted a lush garden and manicured lawns, are now overgrown with shrubs and trees. Mandore was the old royal capital. It was abandoned when the Maharajas of Jodhpur moved to Mehrangarh Fort.

In some ways, it reminded me of Angor Wat in Cambodia but obviously on a very much smaller scale.

Temples in Mandore Garden near blue city, Jodhpur, india — Temples in Mandore Garden

14. Feeling hungry? Have a samosa or three!

One of the slightly different places in Jodhpur to visit is Shahi Samosas . Samosas are a hugely popular Indian snack. There are always streams of locals popping into the shop which to my mind is a good sign. The turnover of food is fast and super fresh. You will find them near the clock tower. Pop in if you are feeling peckish. You won’t be disappointed.

15. The Stepwells

The Stepwells are interesting places to see Jodhpur. There are a few ancient stepwells in and around the city. The steps lead down to a very deep, carved-out pool that once served as an essential source of water for the people of Jodhpur. They also help prevent flooding in the rainy season.

The stepwells are a great place to cool down and one of the totally unique things to do in Jodhpur. It’s fun to jump off the steps into the pool below.

The Jodhpur Stepwell is located only 350 meters from the Clocktower Market

When is the best time to visit Jodhpur?

The best time of the year to visit Jodphur is in the winter months. In summer, when it is hot, the city is very dusty and the heat is unbearable. Below is a handy chart with a breakdown of the temperature in Jodhpur throughout the year.

Summer	April to June	24°c – 45°c
Monsoon	July to Sep	21°c – 35°c
Winter	Oct to March	10°c – 27°c

How to get to Jodhpur

Jodhpur is easily accessible by road, train and air.

By Air: You can fly from Delhi and Mumbai on a direct flight. If you fly from other destinations they usually include a stop in either Delhi or Mumbai depending on where you are coming from. If you book early enough and depending on the time of year you can usually find flights for around £50.

By Train: India has an extensive train network and it’s convenient and inexpensive, but it is an experience travelling on a train. I used a travel agent to book my 1st class ticket when I travelled to Hampi. First class is not as fancy as it sounds in India so depending on what your expectations are I recommend that you book first-class tickets. The trains fill up quickly so you need to book early.

By Bus: There are a considerable number of buses running to Jodhpur from most of the major cities. Once again it is quite difficult to book online as most sites will only accept an Indian bank card so head off to a travel agent if you plan to use the bus.

Drawing Cash in Jodhpur

I struggled in India in general when it came to drawing cash. Some ATMs would happily accept my bank card while others wouldn’t. It was a bit hit and miss, but don’t have a heart attack if the first ATM that you try declines your card. Also, be aware that there are fees attached to a withdrawal.

Getting around Jodphur

‍Use Uber or Ola: both uber and ola are available in Jodhpur, so use them to get to where you need to be. You seem to have to haggle about the price for everything in India and quite frankly I find it quite exhausting. It’s much easier to know what you need to pay in advance and they already have the destination so that way you don’t end up somewhere else.
Use rickshaws: if you don’t have access to the internet. It is easy to get ripped off so ask your hotel what a fair price is for where you want to go.You could also buy a sim card and airtime quite cheaply if you want access to the internet.
Walk: It is easy to walk around much of the city. Just wear comfortable shoes!

The best day trips from Jodphur

Guided Day Trip to Osian with Camel Safari

Start your tour by exploring the Sachiya Mata Temple. If you want to experience the real Rajasthan desert then this is a good way to do it. You also get to ride a camel and spend 1-2 hours exploring the dunes of the Thar Desert. Doesn’t that sound like fun?

Book: Day Trip to Osian with Camel Safari

Camels in the Thar desert — Thar desert safari

Bishnoi Village Safari Private Half Day Tour

Visit the Bishnoi Villages where you can look out for the black buck, chinkara, blue desert foxes, hares or partridges. During September and March, if you are lucky, you might even get to see the thousands of migratory demoiselle cranes near Guda Lake. This is a 4 hour tour.

Book: Private Bishnoi Village Safari Private Half Day Tour

Transfers to Jodphur

If you are staying in either Udaipur or Jaipur and need a transfer to Jodphur these can be easily booked as a private transfer.

From Jaipur: Private Transfer to Jodhpur, Delhi or Agra

From Udaipur: Private Transfer to Jodhpur via Ranakpur – The bonus on this transfer is that it includes a stop at the spectacular Jain Temple in Ranakpur

The best places to stay in Jodhpur

There are Havelis all over Rajasthan that have been restored and converted into accommodation. They are mostly grand old houses with authentic fixtures, fittings and décor.

⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars

Raas Jodhpur is a stylish haveli in the centre of town. It has a swimming pool and a rooftop restaurant with beautiful views of the fort, especially at night. The comfortable rooms have contemporary fittings, a balcony, and aircon. It is often sold out in peak season so book your stay early to avoid disappointment

✅- Book it! OR Check Prices or Availability

⭐️ RATING: 3 Stars

Ratan Vilas was built in 1920 and has rooms that are modern and elegant. The property is set back from the road ensuring a peaceful stay. The hotel restaurant serves both local and international food. Ratan Vilas is one of the top-rated hotels in Jodhpur. Choose a room with a veranda overlooking the pool and the garden or one of the courtyard rooms.

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⭐️ RATING: 5 Stars

The Ajit Bhawan Palace Resort is the residence younger brother of the late Maharaja of Jodhpur. The rooms are comfortable with their own individual style. There are beautiful gardens to explore, a pool to cool off in and a restaurant that serves regional specialities. You can even have a meal in the garden in you prefer. If you are travelling as a family there is ample room for the kids to enjoy. What about spending a night in a luxury tent? If you prefer, you can, of course, book a more traditional room.

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⭐️ RATING: 3 Stars

The Jodhpur Heritage Haveli Guest House is the ideal place to stay on a budget and offers excellent value for money. It is in a central location and the view of the fort from the rooftop is wonderful. The rooms are spacious and decorated with vibrant colours.

The rooftop restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and in between, offering a wide range of Indian and Nepalese food

✅- Book it! OR Check Prices or Availability

As you can see there are loads of things to do in Jodhpur, whether you want to explore the charming old town or take enjoy the local cuisine. Be sure to add Jodphur in Rajasthan to your itinerary!

It is totally different from the other cities in the region and old and new sit comfortably side by side, but it’s the old part that I enjoyed most.