Jodhpur Travel Guide
The Blue City -- where the mighty Mehrangarh Fort crowns a cliff above a sea of indigo houses, and the spirit of Marwar's warrior kings lives on in every stone.
Table of Contents
Your chapter-by-chapter guide to the Blue City
Welcome to the Blue City
Jodhpur, the Sun City and capital of the ancient Marwar kingdom, is Rajasthan at its most dramatic. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rathore Rajput chief, the city grew around the impregnable Mehrangarh Fort -- one of India's largest and most magnificent fortresses, perched 400 feet above the sprawling blue city on a sheer cliff of red sandstone. The old city below is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and indigo-painted houses that earned Jodhpur its famous nickname -- the Blue City. Originally, only Brahmin households painted their homes blue, but the practice spread as residents discovered that the lime-based blue wash repelled insects and kept interiors cool. Today, the aerial view from Mehrangarh's ramparts -- a sea of blue stretching to the horizon -- is one of India's most iconic sights. Jodhpur is also home to Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world's largest private residences, a stunning Art Deco masterpiece that took 15 years and 3,000 workers to build. The city's Clock Tower bazaar is a sensory explosion of spices, textiles, and handicrafts, while its food -- from the legendary Mirchi Bada to saffron-laced Makhaniya Lassi -- is among Rajasthan's finest.
Best Time to Visit Jodhpur
Visual month-by-month guide -- taller bars mean better visiting conditions
Top Attractions in Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort
One of India's largest forts, rising 400 feet above Jodhpur on a sheer cliff. Built in 1459 by Rao Jodha. Houses an outstanding museum with royal palanquins, armour, paintings, and instruments. The ramparts offer breathtaking views of the blue city below.
Jaswant Thada
An exquisite white marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar. The delicately carved marble sheets glow warmly at sunset. Peaceful gardens and a small lake add to the serenity.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
One of the world's largest private residences, built between 1929-1943. Part luxury hotel (Taj), part royal residence, part museum. Art Deco interiors, vintage cars, and royal memorabilia. A living testament to Jodhpur's regal heritage.
Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)
The heart of Jodhpur's old city, surrounded by the bustling Sardar Market. Built by Maharaja Sardar Singh. The vibrant bazaar sells spices, textiles, handicrafts, and street food. A sensory overload in the best possible way.
Mandore Gardens
The ancient capital of Marwar before Jodhpur, now a sprawling garden with royal cenotaphs (dewals) and a Hall of Heroes with carved figures. Beautiful red sandstone architecture set in lush gardens. Popular with locals and tourists alike.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
An ecological restoration project on 72 hectares of rocky wasteland next to Mehrangarh Fort. Native desert plants, walking trails, and stunning fort views. A refreshing contrast to the busy city. Best visited at sunrise or sunset.
Toorji Ka Jhalra (Stepwell)
A beautifully restored 18th-century stepwell in the heart of the old city. Intricate carvings, deep blue water, and atmospheric surroundings. Recently renovated and now a cultural hotspot with a cafe overlooking the ancient structure.
Bishnoi Village Safari
A cultural and wildlife excursion to Bishnoi tribal villages near Jodhpur. The Bishnoi people are India's original conservationists. See blackbuck antelopes, chinkaras, artisan potters, and traditional weavers in their natural setting.
Jodhpur Food Guide
Marwari cuisine at its fiery, flavourful best -- from street food to royal thalis
Mirchi Bada
Jodhpur's signature snack -- large green chillies stuffed with spicy potato filling, dipped in gram flour batter, and deep fried. The legendary Shahi Samosa shop near Clock Tower has served them since 1950.
Pyaaz Kachori
Crispy deep-fried pastry stuffed with spiced onion filling. A beloved Rajasthani breakfast staple. Jodhpur's versions are larger and crispier than anywhere else. Best from Rawat Mishtan Bhandar or Janta Sweet Home.
Mawa Kachori
A sweet version of kachori stuffed with mawa (milk solids), dry fruits, and sugar. Unique to Jodhpur and utterly addictive. Dipped in sugar syrup, it is the city's most famous sweet snack.
Dal Bati Churma
The quintessential Rajasthani meal -- hard wheat rolls (bati) baked over cow dung cakes, served with five-lentil dal and sweet crushed wheat (churma). Every Jodhpur restaurant serves its own version.
Makhaniya Lassi
Jodhpur's legendary saffron-flavoured lassi topped with a thick layer of malai (cream). Mishrilal Hotel near Clock Tower has served this iconic drink since 1927. Creamy, rich, and utterly refreshing.
Rajasthani Thali
A complete meal with dal, bati, churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, papad, bajra roti, and multiple sweets. Best experienced at On The Rocks, Indique, or the fort's Chokelao Mahal restaurant.
Shopping in Jodhpur
Bandhani Textiles
₹300 - ₹12,000Jodhpur's tie-dye tradition produces vibrant sarees, dupattas, and turbans in signature Rajasthani patterns. Nai Sarak and Tripolia Bazaar have the best selection of authentic Bandhani at wholesale prices.
Antiques & Curios
₹500 - ₹100,000+Jodhpur is India's antique furniture capital. Carved doors, vintage cabinets, old architectural pieces, and colonial-era collectibles. The industrial area near MIA Road has massive antique warehouses.
Spices (Rajasthani Mirchi)
₹50 - ₹2,000The famous mathania red chillies, Rajasthani masala blends, and desert spices. Clock Tower market's spice shops are legendary. Vacuum-sealed packs available for travellers. Ask for the special laal maas masala.
Jodhpuri Mojaris & Shoes
₹200 - ₹4,000Traditional embroidered leather shoes (mojaris) in vibrant colours. Both men's and women's styles available. Sardar Market near Clock Tower has dozens of shops. Genuine leather with hand-stitched embroidery.
Getting Around Jodhpur
Triveni Cabs (Private Taxi)
RECOMMENDED₹1,800-3,000/day
AC car with driver. Essential for Bishnoi Village (25 km), Mandore Gardens, and outskirts. Delhi-Jodhpur one way from ₹8,000. Call 7668570551.
Auto-rickshaw
₹30-150/trip
Available everywhere in the city. Best for Clock Tower to fort trips. Always negotiate fare before boarding. Metered autos are rare.
E-Rickshaw
₹20-80/trip
Eco-friendly option for short distances in the old city. Slower but cheaper than autos. Good for exploring the blue city lanes at a leisurely pace.
City Bus / Shared Auto
₹10-30/trip
RSRTC buses connect major points. Shared autos run fixed routes. Very affordable but crowded. Limited comfort for tourists.
Where to Stay in Jodhpur
Old City (Near Fort)
₹500-6,000/nightThe most atmospheric stay with heritage havelis, blue-painted streets, and rooftop fort views. Budget to boutique options. Walking distance to Mehrangarh, Clock Tower, and Toorji Ka Jhalra. Can be noisy but full of character.
Station Road
₹800-4,000/nightConvenient mid-range area near the railway station. Good restaurants, travel agencies, and shops. 15-minute walk to Clock Tower. Modern hotels with reliable amenities.
Circuit House Area
₹2,000-10,000/nightUpscale residential neighbourhood with premium hotels. Quiet, clean, and well-connected. Near Umaid Bhawan Palace. Ideal for families and luxury travellers seeking peace.
PWD Road / Residency Road
₹1,500-8,000/nightModern commercial area with business hotels and serviced apartments. Good food options. Centrally located for all Jodhpur attractions. 10-minute drive to both fort and airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How many days do I need in Jodhpur?
2-3 days is ideal. Day 1: Mehrangarh Fort (half day), Jaswant Thada, Clock Tower market, evening blue city walk. Day 2: Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore Gardens, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park. Day 3: Bishnoi Village safari, Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell, shopping. Add a day for Osian temples (65 km).
Q2What is the best time to visit Jodhpur?
October to March is best with temperatures between 10-28 degrees. November to February is ideal for comfortable sightseeing. The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) in October at Mehrangarh is spectacular. April to June is extremely hot (40-45 degrees). Monsoon (July-September) is pleasant but humid.
Q3How do I reach Jodhpur from Delhi?
By train: Mandore Express (10 hrs), Rajdhani (8 hrs). By car: 600 km, 9 hours via NH48. Our cab costs ₹8,000-11,000 one way. By flight: 1.5 hours, multiple daily flights. From Jaipur: 335 km, 5 hours. We offer airport pickup and complete Rajasthan circuit tours.
Q4Why is Jodhpur called the Blue City?
The old city houses near Mehrangarh Fort are painted in shades of blue, originally by Brahmins to distinguish their homes. The blue colour also repels insects and keeps houses cool. The best view of the blue city is from Mehrangarh Fort ramparts. The contrast of blue houses against the golden fort is iconic.
Q5Is Mehrangarh Fort worth visiting?
Absolutely! Mehrangarh is one of India's largest and most magnificent forts, perched 400 feet above the city. The museum has an outstanding collection of royal palanquins, armour, paintings, and textiles. The audio guide (narrated by the royal family) is excellent. Allow 3-4 hours for a complete visit.
Q6What food is Jodhpur famous for?
Jodhpur is famous for Mirchi Bada (chilli fritters from Shahi Samosa shop), Pyaaz Kachori, Mawa Kachori (sweet stuffed pastry), Dal Bati Churma, and Makhaniya Lassi (saffron-flavoured). The Clock Tower area is a food paradise. Try the legendary Omelette Shop near the clock tower.
Q7What should I buy in Jodhpur?
Jodhpur is famous for Bandhani (tie-dye) textiles, antique furniture and curios, Rajasthani spices (especially mathania red chillies), Jodhpuri mojari shoes, and lac bangles. Clock Tower market, Nai Sarak, and Tripolia Bazaar are the best shopping areas.
Q8Is the Bishnoi Village safari worth it?
Yes, it is a unique cultural experience. The Bishnoi community are India's original environmentalists, protecting wildlife for over 500 years. The safari includes visits to Bishnoi villages, potters, weavers, and wildlife spotting (blackbuck, chinkaras, demoiselle cranes). Book through Triveni Cabs for reliable transport.
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