Jodhpur is like a live bright blue postcard. The city mixes old stories, warm smiles, and colorful streets in a way that you will never forget. If you’re planning your trip and searching for the best things to do in Jodhpur, this guide will help you enjoy the city with ease.
As part of my India travel series, this blog takes you through the top sights, simple local experiences, and small moments that make Jodhpur unforgettable. If this is the first city you visit in India, you might be a bit intimidated by its frenziness at the beginning, but don’t worry you will soon change your mind. Let this guide help you discover what makes Jodhpur so charming.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT JODHPUR
Before we jump into the must-visit places in Jodhpur, here are some interesting facts about the city. These will help you understand how Jodhpur blends history, colour, and daily life.
- Jodhpur is known as the Blue City because many houses in the old town are painted in soft shades of blue. Some people say the colour keeps the homes cool, while others believe it began as a mark of Brahmin families. Brahmin (also spelled Brahman) i s the highest-ranking of India’s four castes or varnas, hereditary Hindu social classes.
- The city is also called the Sun City because it enjoys bright sunshine for most of the year.
- Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief from the Rathore clan. He was responsible for building the Mehrangarh Fort, which still stands a the heart of the city.
- Jodhpur also has one of the largest private residences in the world, Umaid Bhawan Palace, which still has a royal family in part of it.
HOW TO GET TO JODHPUR?
Jodhpur is easy to reach, and there are plenty of options depending on your travel style and where you are traveling from.
BY PLANE
Jodhpur has a small airport, Jodhpur Airport. The airport only serves national traffic but it has regular flights from many important cities in the country such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Ahmedabad.
The airport is quite close to the city, so you can reach your hotel fast in just a short drive with a taxi.
Book your flights with Skyscanner.
BY TRAIN
If you prefer to travel by train, Jodhpur Junction is one fo the main railway stations in Rajasthan. It connects well with major cities across India, and the trains are comfortable and budget friendly.
It is recommended to book your tickets in advance if you want to travel in a particular class. You can book your tickets with 12Go.
BY CAR
Hiring a car with a private driver is another super convenient way to travel around India. This was actually our preferred way of exploring the country, and I have to say it was quite comfortable and very affordable.
Tip: When booking your car, make sure to insist that the car has seatbelts installed. It is not always the case.
We mostly booked our car the day before at the local offices, which made it quite affordable and flexible. However, if you prefer to have it more organised, it is also possible to book it in advance at 12Go.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO VISIT JODHPUR?
You can explore the main sights of Jodhpur in two to three days. If you want to do all the things listed in the blog without rushing, I would say three days is the ideal number of days. The city is compact, so you can move around easily and enjoy a relaxed pace.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT JODHPUR?
The best time to visit Jodhpur is from October to March. The weather stays cool and pleasant during these months, which makes sightseeing easy and enjoyable. The mornings are fresh, the days feel mild and the evenings are perfect for rooftop dinners with views of the Blue City.
April to June can feel very hot, and the strong sun can make long walks tiring. The monsoon season (June to September) brings short showers, but the humidity rises.
If you love clear skies, colourful festivals and comfortable travel days, the winter months are the ideal choice for exploring Jodhpur.
THE 9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN JODHPUR
Let’s not wait any longer and begin with the list of the 9 best things to do in Jodhpur. These are in no particular order, so depending on how much time you have, just choose those that interest you the most!
All the places mentioned throughout this post are pinned on the map at the end of this post.
1. EXPLORE mehrangarh fort
Mehrangarh Fort is one of the highlights of Jodhpur and one of the grandest fortresses in India. This impressive fort sits 400 feet above the Blue City giving you one of the best views over the city.
The fort’s construction began in 1459 under the orders of Rajput Rao Jodha and was built in a classic style with yellow sandstone walls and domed arches. From the outside, it looks grand and majestic but it is even more impressive when you walk through its strong gates and quiet courtyards.
Inside the fort is a treasure trove of Rajput grandeur. Think delicated windows, opulent palaces, and gilded rooms filled with artifacts from another era. The museum is beautifully curated, showcasing everything from royal cradles to armor, and the stories behind them bring Rajasthan’s regal history to life.
If you climb to the top terraces, you will get wide beautiful views over the city. The houses below look like a sea of soft blue shades.
Practical information
- Price. Entry to Mehrangarh Fort cost 500 INR per person (price in 2025).
- Opening Hours. The fort is open between 9:00 and 17:00.
- Book your tickets online. It is possible to book your tickets in advance here.
2. VISIT JASWANT THADA, THE TAJ MAHAL OF MARWAR
Another impressive site in Jodhpur, Jaswant Thada. This beautiful palace is often called the Taj Mahal of Marwar. This is a serene marble cenotaph that feels like a calm breath after the grandeur of Mehrangarh Fort. It was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and its a beautiful construction that glows with a soft pearly light under the Rajasthani sun.
Jaswant Thada is set against the rugged backdrop of the fort and overlooking a peaceful lake. Strolling through its gardens, listening to the gentle rustle of the wind and the distant sounds of the city below, you can’t help but feel a sense of timeless grace. It’s a beautiful place to just pause, reflect, and simply enjoy the slower rhythm of Rajasthan.
Practical information
- Price. Entry to Jaswant Thada cost 100 INR per person (price in 2025).
- Opening Hours. The palace is open between 9:00 and 17:00.
- Book your tickets online. It is possible to book your tickets in advance here.
3. WALK THROUGH THE BLUE CITY
Another must-do activity is to explore Jodhpur’s old town and its cute blue houses. You can do this on your own, or joing a guided tour depending how comfortable you feel on walking on your own throughout the old town.
In our case, since it was our first day in India, we decided to join a guided tour and we were very happy with our choice. The tour was really nice and informative and had a great time exploring and learning why the city is painted blue.
For us, it was the perfect way to get to know the city, since we were still not very familiar with India. Looking back on the trip, we could have perfectly explored the city on our own as it felt quite safe but the tricky part is knowing where to go to see the blue houses and alleys.
You can join the same tour as we did here:
4. WATCH SUNSET AT PACHETIA HILL
Pachetia Hill is the best place to catch sunset in Jodhpur. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a breathtaking view over the hundreds of houses painted in different shades of blue while the sun sets.
5. VISIT GHANTA GHAR AND SHOP AT ITS BUSTLING MARKET
Ghanta Ghar is the old Clock Tower of Jodhpur and another popular landmark of the city. It was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the 19th century to provide employment to the famine-stricken population of Jodhpur City.
It is possible to climb up the tower but I only found about this after we left Jodhpur. I can’t really tell you if it is worth the effort or not.
Practical information
- Price. Entry to Ghanta Ghar costs 25 INR per person (price in 2025).
- Opening Hours. The tower is open daily between 7:00 and 14:00 and between 15:00 and 22:00.
The tower sits right in the middle of a bustling market. It is full of smells, vibrant colours and noises. Make sure to wander through the different stalls and discover what there is to buy. It is impossible to leave the market without buying something.
6. VISIT TOORJI KA JAHLRA
In the heart of Jodhpur’s old town you’ll find Toorji ka Jhalra, or Jodhpur’s stepwell. This place is one of those unexpected gems that perfectly blends history and everyday life. Built in the 1740s, this stunning sandstone structure once served as a vital water source. Today, it’s a peacefull spot where locals like to gather to escape the desert heat. It is very common to find kids jumping into the water from the stairs.
The symmetrical steps descend dramatically into the deep water, creating a mesmerizing geometric pattern that photographers absolutely love.
Around it, you’ll find charming cafés and boutiques like the Stepwell Café where we had lunch while we observed the kids play in the well.
7. EXPLORE UMAID BHAWAN PALACE
Umaid Bhawan Palace is a stunning blend of royal opulence and Art Deco elegance. Built in the 20th century by Maharaja Umaid Singh, it’s one of the last great palaces ever constructed in India.
These days it is part royal residence, part luxury hotel, and part museum. The museum displays vintage cars, regal artifacts, and portraits that tell the story of a dynasty gracefully bridging the old and new worlds. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, visiting Umaid Bhawan is worth it for the sheer spectacle and the sweeping views of the Blue City below.
Practical information
- Price. Entry to Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum costs 100 INR per person (price in 2025).
- Opening hours. The museum is open daily between 9:00 and 17:00.
8. WALK THROUGH RAO JHODA DESERT PARK
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is located at the foot of Mehrangarh Fort and is the perfect break from the busy streets of Jodhpur. The park was created to bring back native plants that belong to this rocky desert land.
Within the park, there are different trails that are easy to follow, and each one shows you a new side of the desert. You can spot hardy shrubs, small flowers and interesting rock formations. The information boards explain the plants in simple words, so you learn as you explore.
Practical information
- Price. Tickets to visit the park cost 100 INR (price in 2025).
- Opening Hours. The park is open from March to September between 6:30 and 19:00 and from October to February between 7:30 and 18:00.
9. EXPLORE THE THAR DESERT
A day trip to the desert is another must-do activity in Jodhpur. Most day trips take you to the area around Osian, which is a small desert town about an hour from Jodhpur. The drive ride is easy and gives you views of sandy fields, small farms and herds of camels walking in the distance.
Once in the desert, you can join a camel ride or a short jeep safari to see the landscape from a different angle. Most tours stay until sunset. The sky turns godl and pink, and the desert glows in soft colours.
ACCOMMODATION IN JODHPUR
Looking for accommodation in Jodhpur? Here is the hotel we stayed at, which was amazing.
Jodhpur - Baijoo Niwas Boutique Hotel
Baijoo Niwas is a very cute boutique hotel located in a prime spot in Jodhpur. The hotel is very nicely decorated and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. The staff was also very helpful with plenty of recommendations and they helped us book the car with a driver to take us to our next destination. I definitely recommend staying in this hotel if you visit Jodhpur.
MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the star next to the map title to add this map to your google maps account. To view it on your phone while traveling, open Google Maps, click on the menu button and go to “Your Places”, click on Maps and you’ll see this map in your list.
CONCLUSION
And this is it for my blog about the 9 best things to do in Jodhpur. I hope you liked it and it encouraged you to visit this beautiful city in India.
Have you been or are you planning to visit Jodhpur? Do you think of any additional places that you have to visit? Let me know what you think in the comment section.
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