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There was something about Jodhpur that made our trip to the blue city of Rajasthan extremely special. Was it the sight of locals and foreigners making enthusiastic high dives into the ancient step well? Or was it the magnificent aura of the iconic Mehrangarh Fort? Or the delectable flavors of the local cuisine? Or was it the blue walls of the old town?
As I ponder over it, I realize it was a bit of every little experience we had, which made Jodhpur one of our favorite destinations in India. Yes, after having traveled to 25+ destinations within the country, I can confidently say the blue city is among my top 3 experiences.
So, in this article, I will take you through the must-visit places in Jodhpur, the delicious food we tried, cultural experiences to have in the heritage city, and a lot more.
Contents
Brief History Of Jodhpur
Jodhpur was established by the Rathore chief, Rao Jodha in 1459. Called Marwar back then, the place was eventually named after Rao Jodha. Later, during the rule of Maharaja Umed Singh and British Raj, Jodhpur flourished into a contemporary city. The Marwari merchants of Jodhpur eventually became important players in India’s trade scene. After India’s independence from British rule, Jodhpur became the second largest city of the Rajasthan state.
Best Places To Visit In Jodhpur
Toor Ji Ka Jhalra
Despite being renowned for its magnificent forts and palaces, it’s surprising how the other side of Jodhpur held a stronger position in my heart. One of the main reasons behind this is Toor Ji Ka Jhalra, a stepwell built in the 1740s by Maharaja Abhay Singh’s queen.
Located in the older part of Jodhpur called Makrana Mohalla, Toor Ji Ka Jhalra offers one of the most unique and fun cultural experiences of Rajasthan. Here, the young locals of Jodhpur get along with foreign tourists to repeatedly high dive into the stepwell as a leisure activity.
It is such an interesting sight to watch, as the intricately carved sandstone step well, surrounded by eye-pleasing blue buildings, gets flocked by a huge crowd of tourists and locals, who gather here just to watch the dive party.
We literally sat here for almost an hour to watch the activity. The place has a very distinct vibe and feel altogether.
It’s a sight to behold as you enter the Clock Tower Market (Ghanta Ghar) and spot the gigantic Mehrangarh Fort standing royally atop a distant hill. Majestic is an understatement for this fort. Only those who have actually witnessed its opulent splendor and magnificence will probably understand what I mean.
One of the tallest and largest forts of India, the Mehrangarh Fort stands 400 feet above the rest of Jodhpur city, at a height of 120 feet and width of 500 meters. The National Geological Monument spreads across a whopping 1200 acres with 70 feet thick walls!
As we kept exploring each floor of the fort, relishing the beauty of the latticed windows and intricate interiors of the Sheesh Mahal and Moti Mahal, we stumbled upon a little Makhania Lassi stall. My husband tried a glass and described it to be one of the creamiest and most delicious versions he has ever had.
The fort also has a lovely cafe at the bottom level, where we tried the famous Jodhpuri Kachori and it was incredibly delicious — crisp and flaky on the outside with a soft onion masala filling! You can also purchase souvenirs at a boutique store opposite the cafe.
Don’t miss the various galleries within the fort as they offer a sneak peek into the garments, transport systems, treasure boxes and thrones of the royal families who lived in the fort back then. Adventure enthusiasts can also try Zip Lining within the fort.
Entry: INR 100 for Indians & INR 600 for foreigners; INR 50 for Indian students & INR 400 for foreign students
The entire Mehrangarh Fort and its palaces took 500 years to build! Its construction started in the mid-15th century. Thus, the fort offers glimpses of changing designs and architecture of various times of that era.
Global star Priyanka Chopra chose this palace for her wedding for a reason. Built in the Indo-European art deco style by British architect HV Lanchester, the sprawling golden sandstone palace looks like a grand modern piece of art. It is nestled atop the Chittar Hill, offering a magnificent view from several parts of Jodhpur.
Commissioned by Maharaja Umed Singh in 1929 to offer employment to the drought-hit villagers, the Umaid Bhavan Palace took 16 years to build! Back then it was known as the largest residence in the world.
Though the palace is still inhabited by Jodhpur’s royal family, parts of it has been converted into a luxury hotel and the rest is a government museum that tourists can visit.
At the museum, you’ll find royal paintings, cutlery collections, vintage cars, garment collections and more, including a giant flag gifted by the late Queen Victoria.
Entry: INR 30 for Indians & INR 100 for foreign tourists; INR 10 for kids
If you thought the entire Jodhpur is blue in color, it is not. The newer parts of the city feature all kinds of colors, with both modern buildings and traditional ones built with sandstone.
But when you go to Pachetia Hills and Nauchowkia (old Jodhpur), your eyes will be bathed in the blue palette. A majority of the buildings here are painted in blue hues, particularly a lighter shade of the color done with indigo and blue lime.
A walk through these lanes was an absolute visual treat, with some walls in solid blue and some featuring beautiful paintings of Rajasthani village life.
After some asking around, I found out that the buildings here have been painted this way for a reason. As per their ancestor’s beliefs, the blue color helps protect the buildings from the heat of the region and keeps termites away.
Wish to explore the blue parts of Jodhpur on a guided walking tour? Click here!
Balsamand Lake
Located around the outskirts on the Jodhpur-Mandore road, the Balsamand Lake is spread across 200 acres. The 13th century lake is surrounded by lush green gardens and houses the Balsamand Lake Palace, which has been turned into a hotel now. The landscaping of the lake was done by the same architect who created Umaid Bhavan Palace – HV Lanchester.
You can opt for a tranquil boat ride across the lake when you visit or simply take a stroll to soak in the surroundings.
Note: Though the lank bank also houses a zoo and offers animal rides, we do not support or recommend any kind of animal abuse, including captivity and joy rides.
Located close to Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada is an intricately-designed milky white marble memorial. Built in the 19th century in memory of Jodhpur’s king Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, the cenotaph features exquisite Rajasthani lattices, jharokhas and domes that are an architectural treat to gaze at.
While the facade of the building glimmers as sunlight falls on it during the day, you’ll find stories of Jodhpur’s history inside in the form of paintings featuring Jodhpur’s royals.
Situated at a walkable distance from the Mehrangarh Fort, the Rao Jodha Desert Park is a unique structure brimming with sandstone formations, ravines and canyons. Spread across over 170 acres, the rocky park was built in 2006 to protect and revive the ecology of this part of the Thar desert.
You will find a wide variety of rare flora and fauna that is specific to the region. The park also houses a museum where you can learn about the history of the desert.
Entry: INR 100; INR 200 for guided tour
Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm (all days-October to March); 7 am to 6:30 pm (all days-April to September)
Intricately-carved temples, cenotaphs and a fort juxtaposed between lush green gardens, this place is an architectural beauty and a must-visit when in Jodhpur. Just around 15 minutes away from Jodhpur’s main market, the Mandore Gardens houses ruins of the 6th century Mandore Fort, a temple of 300 million gods, 16 statues of Rajasthan’s heroes created with one rock, a government museum and a Ravana temple.
While Jodhpur is a well developed city with several cafes and restaurants serving global cuisines, here are the eateries we visited to taste authentic Rajasthani food:
Jodhpur Sweets
This has to be one of your must-visits when in Jodhpur, as they are considered the best sweet shop of the city, confirmed by at least 3-4 different locals we asked. Besides sweets, they also offer savories like Pyaz Kachori and Dhokla that we absolutely fell in love with.
Especially for someone who has never been a fan of Kachori, I went in for a second plate as they were so delicately flaky and crispy yet soft. They were filled with a flavorful onion masala.
My husband also tried Rabdi Ghevar here. He couldn’t stop raving about it for days. Before leaving, we bought snacks like Navratan Mixture and Namak Para to take back home and the entire family appreciated their taste and quality.
TWT Tip: They have an outlet at Jodhpur airport as well. However, the prices of the same items are much higher at the airport compared to the stores in the city. So you might want to make your sweet and snack purchases in the city outlets.
Khaas Bagh
This is one of the top rated restaurants in Jodhpur. So we visited for lunch and were left impressed by their food, regal outdoor seating area and the staff’s politeness.
As a vegan, I’d requested them to suggest Rajasthani delicacies that can be made dairy-free.
The staff handled our order with utmost sensitivity and recommended us to try Ker Sangri, a tomato-based curry made with local wild beans and a berry that is only found in the Rajasthani desserts.
It is hard to find this dish in other states, which made the experience quite exclusive. We paired the delicious tangy curry with Bajre Ki Roti and Tandoori Roti and were in awe of its distinct flavors and textures.
The restaurant is part of a haveli-style hotel where you can also stay during your trip.
Located at the ground floor of the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, the cafe offers Rajasthani thalis, snacks and refreshing beverages. We just tried the Pyaaz Kachori here one more time and it turned out to be as delectable as the one in Jodhpur Sweets. The only difference was that here, it was served with a curd-based gravy.
Some of the other famous local dishes of Jodhpur are:
Mawa Kachori
Makhania Lassi
Gulab Jamun Ki Sabzi
Rabdi Ghevar
Jalebi
Dal Bati Churma
Shahi Samosa
Rajasthani thali
A few other popular and top-rated eateries in Jodhpur are:
The Grand Turf
Bhaati Dal Bati Bhojanalay
Indique
Jantawala Sweets & Restaurant
Shree Mishrilal Hotel
The Filos
Cafe 651
Kalinga
Pillars (Umaid Bhawan Palace)
Risala (Umaid Bhawan Palace)
Trophy Bar (Umaid Bhawan Palace)
Where To Shop In Jodhpur?
Jodhpur is globally known for its rich cultural heritage, bandhani fabrics, juttis and handicrafts. Here are some of the most popular stores and markets to shop at:
Baba Art Emporium – Traditional jackets, clothes, carpets
Sarafa Bazar – Silver jewelry and traditional artifacts
Kapra Bazar – Rajasthani fabrics, garments and shoes
Tripolia Bazar – Wall hangings, wooden crafts, marble products
Stay options in Jodhpur
Jodhpur is known to attract a huge number of foreign tourists as well as Indian locals. So you will find stays catering to various budget needs, ranging from 5-star hotels to affordable hostels.
We stayed at the Hotel Indana Palace, which was a beautiful property built in traditional Rajasthani haveli-style. If you’re interested to know how our experience was, you can check out our review of Indana Palace Jodhpur.
Jodhpur is a culturally-rich city with several traditional musical gharanas, artisans, weavers and Rajasthani folk dancers still thriving. They perform at various venues in the city throughout the year.
Most major hotels and resorts organize evening folk shows for guests while also offering a platform to the artistes. However, if your hotel isn’t hosting any show or if would like to witness particular forms of Jodhpur’s traditional art and culture, here are some must-have cultural experiences in the blue city:
Jodhpur RIFF
Rajasthan International Folk Festival, popularly known as Jodhpur RIFF, is an annual international roots music festival held in and around Mehrangarh Fort. It is synchronized with Sharad Purnima, the brightest full moon of the year in North India, which usually occurs in the month of October.
A non-profit initiative by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, the festival celebrates 250+ local folk artistes as well as acclaimed international musicians. Its core objective is to bring about a positive transformation in the lives of traditional performers in Rajasthan. Time your Jodhpur trip around the time of the festival to witness a grand celebration of Rajasthani folk performers.
TWT Tip: The festival tickets are usually quite expensive, ranging between INR 5000-14,500. However, the Day 1 of the program is usually open to all at no charge. Thus, if you have budget constraints, you can attend the first day of the festival. Tickets can be purchased from the official website for a single day or the entire festival.
Bishnoi Village Safari
If you are a culture enthusiast, the Bishnoi Village Safari is a must-do in your Jodhpur trip. Started by the royals of Jodhpur, the safari offers a sneak peek into the lives of the Bishnoi sect, who are worshippers of nature and strict protectors of the region’s wildlife and flora.
During the safari, you will get to see potters, durry (rug) makers and block printing craftsmen at work in the village. You can also spot animals like black buck, desert foxes and chinkara. Don’t miss stopping by the serene Guda Lake and its stunning inhabitants – the demoiselle cranes.
Another fascinating experience to have in the village is to visit the Amal Sabha, a traditional ceremony in which opium is brewed while chanting prayers and then every man present in the ceremony drinks the brew from the eldest member’s palms. Though women of the community are not allowed at this event, they occasionally let in female tourists who are interested to attend the ceremony.
The ceremony is especially interesting, as opium is banned in India. It is only allowed to grow by certain communities that have been using it for their religious rituals since time immemorial.
Warning: Hurting or killing any animal or plant is strictly banned in the Bishnoi village.
The Marwar Festival is a 2-day annual celebration, which pays a grand tribute to Rajasthan’s valiant kings. Their stories are showcased through Marwar’s folk songs and dance, held at various venues like Mehrangarh Fort and Osian’s Sand Dunes.
You can look forward to traditional Rajasthani dance performances such as Ghoomar, Dandi Gair, and Kalbeliya. It also hosts turban tying competitions, matka race, tug of war and more.
The festival is usually celebrated in the month of September or October.
Sacred Spirit Festival
Courtesy: Facebook
Withover 200 musical legends from more than 10 countries, the Sacred Spirit Festival is an initiative of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust to evoke spirituality through music. The performances are held at various venues across Jodhpur, including the Mehrangarh Fort.
Some of the artistes who perform include Shubha Mudgal, Amaan & Ayaan Ali Bangash, Juan Carmona, and Lobsang Chonzor. Usually held in February, the festival offers devotional renditions of various forms.
Adventure Activities In Jodhpur
The blue city offers ample adventure activities for those seeking some adrenaline rush. Here are some of the most popular adventures to try out in Jodhpur:
Ziplining in Mehrangarh Fort
Camping in Thar Desert
Paragliding
Rapelling in Soorsagar
Camping & jeep safari at Osian Desert
Hiking in the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Best Time To Visit Jodhpur
As Rajasthan is a hot state with average day temperatures ranging between 26-41 degrees Celsius, winter is the best time to enjoy the architectural beauty of Jodhpur.
However, you might want to carry a sweater or jacket as nights can get quite chilly between November and February. During the day though, Jodhpur is hot even in the colder months.
The summer months may be ideal for those looking for budget-friendly travel, as mid-March to May is considered off-season for tourism in Rajasthan.
TWT Tip: Gulp down enough water and liquids when traveling in Jodhpur or any parts of Rajasthan, to prevent dehydration. You might also want to protect your skin and eyes with sun block, sunglasses and caps.
How To Reach Jodhpur?
Jodhpur has an international airport that is well connected with most major cities of India and the world. If you’re looking to travel by train or bus, you can reach the Jodhpur Junction Railway Station or the Jodhpur bus stand respectively.
In case you’re coming in from nearby cities like Jaipur, Udaipur or Jaisalmer, taking a taxi would be the best option.
Where Can You Exchange Foreign Currency In Jodhpur?
There are several currency exchange stores near the Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace, such as Travel Masters, Vaidik Forex, Thomas Cook and Western Union. You can also order a money exchange online on platforms such as BookMyForex.
3-Day Itinerary Of Jodhpur
Day 1
Start your day with a piping hot breakfast of Kachoris and Jalebis at Jodhpur Sweets.
Reach the clock tower market area and walk to Navchowkia to view the traditional blue houses of Jodhpur.
Next, walk to Toorji Ka Jhalra to experience a unique cultural experience that brings together locals and foreigners. You can sit and relax at the stepwell for an hour.
Have lunch at one of the cafes near the stepwell.
Post lunch, visit Jaswant Thada and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, where you can easily spend 2-3 hours before the fort closes at 5 pm.
Very close to the fort, the Rao Jodha Desert Park can be your next stop.
In the evening, indulge in some shopping at the clock tower market before retiring for the day. This way, you would have covered the major spots in Old Jodhpur on your first day.
Visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and then shop at the palace market for home decor and souvenirs.
Post lunch, head to Balsamand Lake and then cover Mandore Garden.
In the evening, enjoy a Rajasthani folk performance at your hotel or any of the major resorts or restaurants.
Day 3
Start your day with Bishnoi Village Safari. Here you can easily spend half a day witnessing craftsmen at work and understanding the unique lives and customs of the Bishnois.
After having a traditional meal at one of the villager’s homes, you can head to the Osian Sand Dunes and camp in the desert.
Enjoy folk performances in the desert in the evening.
TWT Experience Summary Of Jodhpur
With grand historical structures, rich cultural flavors and mouth watering culinary delights, Jodhpur is a mesmerizing city that must be visited at least once in a lifetime.
From the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort to the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Bishnoi Village Safari and Toorji Ka Jhalra, Jodhpur offers spectacular visual treats for both architectural and cultural enthusiasts. The blue city is also home to popular hotspots for shoppers and adventurists.
For us, Jodhpur turned out to be one of our most memorable travel experiences, and we are sure you will thank us after trying all our recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jodhpur
1. What are the best sightseeing places in Jodhpur?
The best sightseeing spots in Jodhpur are Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, Toorji Ka Jhalra and Rao Jodha Desert Park.
2. What are the top eateries in Jodhpur?
Some of the best places to eat in Jodhpur are Khaas Bagh, Jodhpur Sweets, Kalinga, Risala, Shri Mishrilal Hotel and Indique.
3. Why is Jodhpur famous?
Jodhpur is famous for its blue houses, architectural marvels such as Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpuri juttis, as well as its rich culinary and cultural history.
4. What are the top things to do in Jodhpur?
When in Jodhpur, visiting the Mehrangarh Fort, Toorji Ka Jhalra, Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum and Jaswant Thada are must-dos. You must also indulge in traditional Rajasthani dishes such as Kachori, Kair Sangri and Makhania Lassi besides shopping for traditional clothes, jewelry, antiques and juttis. Adventure enthusiasts must also try camping and jeep safari at Osian, along with ziplining at Mehrangarh Fort.
5. What are the most popular cultural festivals of Jodhpur?
Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival), Marwar Festival and Sacred Spirit Festival are the most popular annual cultural festivals of Jodhpur that bring together traditional folk musicians and dancers from various parts of the world.
6. What is the most affordable time to visit Jodhpur?
During summers (March to May), you would find the best deals and hotels at cheaper prices. This is because many tourists don’t prefer visiting Rajasthan around this time due to the scorching heat.
7. What are the best shops in Jodhpur for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts?
Lalji Handicrafts, Kapra Bazar, Baba Art Emporium, Clock Tower Market, and Nai Sarak are some of the best stores to buy traditional Rajasthani handicrafts in Jodhpur.
8. Are there any other places near Jodhpur that I can cover in a day?
You can easily cover the historical city of Mandore in a day. You can also visit the Osian Sand Dunes and come back to Jodhpur the same day. In terms of other cities, it takes just a few hours to reach Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bikaner and Pushkar from Jodhpur.
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Sharmistha, who also happens to be our founder, is an award-winning alumna of the Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media. During her 10-year stint as a journalist, she has worked for major newspapers, including the Times of India & The New Indian Express. She is also a certified travel writer, trained by the bestselling author Dave Fox and award-winning sustainable travel writer Shivya Nath. Sharmistha has traveled to over 25 destinations within India so far. Read More
Wow! It’s so wonderful to know this. I’m really glad I could help you have a great trip in my own small way. 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your valuable feedback.
8 thoughts on “Things To Do In Jodhpur: 3-Day Itinerary, Places To Visit, Culture, Cuisine & Shopping”
great guide, thanks
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Very nice informative article. Will be very useful for travelers.
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A good detailed article . covers various aspects and gives a decent account fo various places in jodhpur .
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Thanks Sharmistha …you were our virtual guide through our stay in Jodhpur…. truly informative
Wow! It’s so wonderful to know this. I’m really glad I could help you have a great trip in my own small way. 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your valuable feedback.