Overview
About Jodhpur
Jodhpur, the second-largest city in Rajasthan, was founded in the 15th century by Rao Jodha of the Rathore clan, who built a mighty fort on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the Thar Desert. That fort, Mehrangarh, still dominates the city, its sheer walls rising straight out of the rock high above the maze of houses below.
Many of the homes in the old city are painted shades of indigo and sky blue, which is why Jodhpur is known as the Blue City. Wandering the narrow lanes of Navchokiya and the areas below the fort reveals stepwells, small temples, havelis with carved balconies and rooftops with views straight up to the ramparts. It is also called the Sun City for its bright, sunny weather through most of the year.
Jodhpur makes a natural base for western Rajasthan. The busy Sardar Market around the Clock Tower is packed with spices, textiles and sweets, the art deco Umaid Bhawan Palace sits on a hill to the south, and short drives lead to Bishnoi villages, the temples of Osian and the gateway towards Jaisalmer and the dunes.
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Blue City lanes
- Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Mirchi vada
- Bandhani textiles
- Marwari culture
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur
Forts & Palaces
Mehrangarh Fort
One of the largest and best-preserved forts in India, with palace rooms full of paintings, palanquins, arms and textiles, and stunning views over the blue city.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
A grand art deco palace built of golden sandstone in the 20th century. Part of it remains a royal residence, and a section is open as a museum.
Monuments
Jaswant Thada
A white marble cenotaph near Mehrangarh built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, with a small lake and peaceful terraced gardens.
Toorji ka Jhalra
A beautifully restored stepwell in the old city, with deep carved steps leading down to the water and cafes around it.
Mandore Gardens
The former capital of the Marwar rulers, a few kilometres north of the city, with temple-like cenotaphs, a hall of heroes and gardens.
Blue City lanes
The blue-washed neighbourhoods below the fort, especially around Navchokiya and Brahmpuri, are best explored on foot in the early morning.
Markets
Clock Tower and Sardar Market
The bustling heart of the old city, where lanes radiating from the Ghanta Ghar sell spices, tie-dye fabrics, silver and street food.
Nature
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
An ecological park below Mehrangarh where native desert plants have been restored across volcanic rock, with marked walking trails.
Kaylana Lake
An artificial lake on the western edge of the city, popular for its sunset views and quiet surroundings.
Nearby Excursions
Osian
About 65 km away, Osian is known for its cluster of ancient Hindu and Jain temples and the Sachiya Mata Temple, with sand dunes nearby.
Bishnoi Villages
Village tours south of Jodhpur introduce the Bishnoi community, known for protecting blackbuck and trees, along with local potters and weavers.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Jodhpur
- 1
Explore Mehrangarh with an audio guide
The audio tour brings the palace rooms, battles and legends of the Rathores to life; allow at least half a day.
- 2
Walk the blue lanes
Take an early morning or late afternoon walk through the old city for photographs, temple bells and everyday life.
- 3
Eat street food at the Clock Tower
Try mirchi vada, pyaaz kachori and makhaniya lassi from the stalls around Sardar Market.
- 4
Watch the sunset from a rooftop
Many rooftop cafes in the old city look directly at Mehrangarh, which glows warm gold as the sun goes down.
- 5
Take a village safari
Spend a morning visiting Bishnoi and artisan villages, where you may spot blackbuck and chinkara in the open scrub.
- 6
Shop for bandhani and mojaris
Pick up tie-dye fabrics, leather footwear and handicrafts in the old city markets.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Jodhpur
The best time to visit Jodhpur is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
April to June
27°C to 45°C
Extremely hot and dry, with intense midday sun. Only plan sightseeing for early mornings and evenings if you visit now.
Monsoon
July to September
25°C to 36°C
Rain is limited, but showers bring some relief from the heat. It is a quiet season with fewer visitors.
Winter
October to March
10°C to 28°C
The best time to visit, with warm sunny days and cool nights. Festivals and cultural events add to the appeal, and it is also the busiest season.
Getting there
How to Reach Jodhpur
By Air
Jodhpur Airport is about 5 km from the city centre and has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and a few other cities. Taxis and autos are available at the terminal.
By Rail
Jodhpur Junction is a major railway station in western Rajasthan, with trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Jaisalmer. Bhagat ki Kothi station on the city's edge handles some long-distance trains.
By Road
Jodhpur is about 340 km from Jaipur, about 250 km from Udaipur and about 290 km from Jaisalmer by road. State and private buses run frequently, and taxis are easy to hire for longer journeys.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Jodhpur
Mirchi vada
Large green chillies stuffed with spiced potato, dipped in gram flour batter and deep fried; a Jodhpur signature.
Pyaaz kachori
A flaky fried pastry filled with a tangy onion mixture, sold fresh every morning.
Makhaniya lassi
A rich, thick lassi flavoured with saffron and cardamom and topped with butter or cream.
Mawa kachori
A sweet kachori stuffed with mawa and dry fruits and soaked in syrup, a speciality of Jodhpur.
Gatte ki sabzi
Steamed gram flour dumplings simmered in a spiced yoghurt curry, a staple of Marwari kitchens.
What to Buy in Jodhpur
- Bandhani tie-dye textiles
- Mojaris and leather goods
- Spices and dried chillies from Sardar Market
- Wooden furniture and antiques
- Silver jewellery
Travel Tips for Jodhpur
- The old city lanes are narrow and steep, so wear sturdy shoes and use autos rather than cars to get close to the fort.
- Carry sun protection and water at all times; the sun is strong even in winter.
- Respect residents' privacy when photographing homes and people in the blue lanes.
- Combine Jodhpur with Jaisalmer and Udaipur for a classic western Rajasthan circuit.
FAQs
Jodhpur Travel FAQs
Why is Jodhpur called the Blue City?
Many houses in Jodhpur's old city are painted in shades of blue, especially in the neighbourhoods below Mehrangarh Fort, which gives it the name Blue City.
What is the best time to visit Jodhpur?
October to March is the best time to visit Jodhpur, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. Summers are extremely hot.
How many days are enough for Jodhpur?
Two days are enough for Mehrangarh, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan and the old city. Add a day for Osian or a village safari.
What is Jodhpur famous for?
Jodhpur is famous for Mehrangarh Fort, its blue-painted old city, Umaid Bhawan Palace, mirchi vada, bandhani textiles and Marwari culture.
How far is Jodhpur from Jaipur?
Jodhpur is about 340 km from Jaipur. The drive takes roughly six hours, and several trains connect the two cities.
Is Mehrangarh Fort worth visiting?
Yes. Mehrangarh is one of the finest forts in India, with well-curated museum galleries, ornate palace rooms and some of the best views in Rajasthan.
