Fort in the morning
See Mehrangarh while it is cool, then Jaswant Thada nearby, and come down into the old city in the late afternoon, when the market is busiest.
Rajasthan · The Blue City
Jodhpur, the Blue City
Mehrangarh Fort rises straight out of a rocky hill above Jodhpur, and from its ramparts the old city spreads out below in shades of blue. Jodhpur is compact enough to see in a day and a half, on the road west to Jaisalmer.
- Best: Nov–Feb
- 2 nights; 1 is enough if you are passing through to Jaisalmer or Udaipur.
Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan, founded Jodhpur in 1459 and began Mehrangarh the same year, moving his capital from Mandore a few kilometres to the north. Jodhpur became the capital of Marwar, one of the largest kingdoms of Rajputana, and is now Rajasthan's second-largest city.
Many houses below the fort are painted blue; explanations vary, from a tradition among Brahmin families to keeping houses cool. With its clock tower market, an old stepwell and its sweet shops, the old city is good to explore on foot.
What to see
Sights in Jodhpur
- 1
Mehrangarh Fort
Founded in 1459, Mehrangarh stands on a rock high above the city, with palace rooms such as the Phool Mahal and Sheesh Mahal inside. The museum shows palanquins, howdahs (elephant seats), arms and paintings, and its audio guide is worth taking.
- 2
Jaswant Thada
A white marble memorial built in 1899 for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, a short drive from Mehrangarh, with thin marble panels that glow in the sun.
- 3
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Completed in 1943 for Maharaja Umaid Singh, this sandstone palace on Chittar Hill is divided between the former royal family's residence, a hotel and a museum open to visitors.
- 4
The blue old city
The lanes below the fort, especially around Brahmpuri, are where the blue houses cluster. Walk them in the morning, when the light is soft and the lanes are quiet.
- 5
Clock tower and Sardar Market
The Ghanta Ghar (clock tower) stands at the centre of Sardar Market, where stalls sell spices, textiles, bangles and handicrafts.
- 6
Mandore Gardens
About 9 km north, Mandore was the capital of Marwar before Jodhpur. Its gardens hold the temple-like red-sandstone cenotaphs (memorials) of Jodhpur's rulers.
Things to do
Experiences in Jodhpur
An old-city walk
Start at the clock tower, cross to Toorji ka Jhalra, a stepwell built around 1740 and since restored, and climb through the blue lanes towards the fort. A local guide helps with the way and the stories.
Jodhpur's food
Try mirchi vada (a large stuffed chilli fritter), mawa kachori (a pastry filled with milk solids and dipped in syrup) and makhaniya lassi, thick and creamy, at the old city's sweet shops.
Bishnoi villages
A half-day drive south visits villages of the Bishnoi community, known for protecting trees and wildlife, with potters and dhurrie (flat-woven rug) weavers. Blackbuck and chinkara gazelles are often seen nearby, though sightings vary.
Jodhpur RIFF
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival brings folk musicians from Rajasthan and abroad to Mehrangarh each October, around the Sharad Purnima full moon; dates are announced each year.
When to go
- January: best time
- February: best time
- March: good, with caveats
- April: hard: heat, monsoon or closures
- May: hard: heat, monsoon or closures
- June: hard: heat, monsoon or closures
- July: hard: heat, monsoon or closures
- August: good, with caveats
- September: good, with caveats
- October: good, with caveats
- November: best time
- December: best time
November to February is the most comfortable time, with sunny days and cool to cold nights. October and March are warm, April to July is very hot, and August and September are humid with occasional showers.
Getting there
- By air: Jodhpur Airport (JDH), a short drive from the city centre, has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other Indian cities.
- By rail: Jodhpur Junction has trains to Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
- By road: About 340 km from Jaipur (5–6 hours by road), 285 km from Jaisalmer (about 5 hours), 260 km from Udaipur (5–6 hours) and 250 km from Bikaner (about 5 hours).
Local knowledge
Tips for Jodhpur
Wear good shoes
Mehrangarh has steep ramps and stairs, and the old-city lanes are uneven. There is usually a lift for part of the climb up to the fort.
Gateway to the desert
Jodhpur is the usual starting point for Jaisalmer, about five hours west, and the drive south to Udaipur can include the Ranakpur Jain temple.
Tours
Tours that include Jodhpur
8 days / 7 nightsClassic Rajasthan
Jaipur → Pushkar → Jodhpur → Udaipur
Eight days by private car through Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur and Udaipur, with a stop at the Jain temple at Ranakpur on the way.
- Families
- Couples
12 days / 11 nightsGrand Rajasthan
Jaipur → Bikaner → Jaisalmer → Jodhpur → Udaipur
Twelve days by private car from Jaipur through Shekhawati, Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur to Udaipur, with an optional night at a desert camp.
- Families
- International travellers
Questions
Jodhpur: FAQs
How many days do you need in Jodhpur?
One full day covers Jodhpur's main sights: Mehrangarh, Jaswant Thada and the clock tower market. Two nights allow time for the Umaid Bhawan museum, Mandore and a Bishnoi village visit.
Why is Jodhpur called the Blue City?
Jodhpur is called the Blue City because many houses in its old city, below Mehrangarh Fort, are painted blue. Explanations vary, from a tradition among Brahmin families to the idea that the colour keeps houses cool.
How far is Jodhpur from Jaisalmer?
Jodhpur is about 285 km from Jaisalmer, around five hours by road, and trains also run between the two cities.
Is Mehrangarh Fort suitable for older travellers?
Yes, at an unhurried pace. Mehrangarh Fort usually has a lift for part of the climb, but the museum route still involves ramps and stairs, so allow time for rests.
What is the best time to visit Jodhpur?
The best time to visit Jodhpur is November to February, when days are sunny and nights cool to cold. October and March are warm, and April to July is very hot.
Combine it with
Nearby destinations
Rajasthan
Jaisalmer
The Golden City
A lived-in sandstone fort in the Thar Desert, carved merchant havelis and nights at a desert camp.
Best: Nov–Feb
Rajasthan
Udaipur
The City of Lakes
Mewar's old capital: palaces on Lake Pichola, hills all around, and Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur and Chittorgarh within a day's drive.
Best: Nov–Feb
Rajasthan
Bikaner
A desert city with Junagarh Fort, red-sandstone palaces and havelis, the Karni Mata temple at Deshnoke and a camel research centre.
Best: Nov–Feb
Rajasthan
Pushkar
A small pilgrimage town around a sacred lake, with a rare Brahma temple, whitewashed ghats and the autumn camel fair.
Best: Nov–Feb
Let's plan your days in Jodhpur.
Share your dates, who's travelling and what you'd love to see. We'll reply with a day-by-day plan and an itemised quote — no obligation.