Nicknamed the ‘Blue City’ due to the indigo-colored houses around the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is a vibrant and historic city located in the Thar desert state of Rajasthan, India. As one of the largest cities in Rajasthan, Jodhpur offers visitors a taste of the state’s rich culture, architecture, food, and handicrafts. With its towering fort, blue cubic houses, busy bazaars, mighty Mehrangarh Fort, ornate Jaswant Thada, and the Ghanta Ghar (clock tower) it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Jodhpur is during the winter months between October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summers are harsh with temperatures easily crossing over 40 degrees celsius. It is incredibly hot between April to July and not an ideal time for sightseeing. The monsoon months of July to September can disrupt travel plans due to heavy rainfall. During winters, the sky is clear, and the humidity levels are lower, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The weather is enjoyable for sightseeing and indulging in Jodhpur’s delectable food.
Reaching Jodhpur
By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur airport located about 5kms from the city center. It shares its space with Indian Airforce. There are daily flight options from all major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata etc.
By Train: Jodhpur railway station is well connected to other Indian cities through an extensive rail network. There are plenty of train options if you plan to travel by train.
By Road: Jodhpur is accessible by road. There are deluxe bus services from cities like Jaipur (335 km), Jaisalmer (286 km), Udaipur (275 km) and Mount Abu (264 km). One can also hire a cab to reach Jodhpur.
Top 7 things to do in Jodhpur:
- Explore the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort – This spectacular fort is located 410 feet above the city with imposing thick walls. Inside there are several palaces known for their exquisite carvings and expansive courtyards. There is a museum that houses an impressive collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniature paintings, turbans, musical instruments, and costumes. Don’t miss the bird’s eye view of the blue city from the top.
- Visit Jaswant Thada – An intricately carved white marble memorial built in 1899 to commemorate Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Its tranquil gardens and carved gazebos offer stunning views.
- Marvel at Umaid Bhawan Palace – A magnificent sandstone edifice featuring a blend of eastern and western architectural styles currently run as a museum, hotel and private residence for the royal family. View its vintage car and clock collections.
- Shop at the Sardar Market – Located near the iconic clock tower the Sardar market is a bustling bazaar and a top shopping haunt frequented by both locals and tourists. You will find rows of little shops selling textiles, antiques, handicrafts, metal figurines, miniature camels and elephants, traditional silver jewellery, colorful bandhani fabrics, Rajasthani mojris and more. Don’t forget to try the pyaaz ki kachori at a tiny hole-in-the-wall shop here.
- Take a heritage walk – Sign up for a heritage walk and meander through the atmospheric blue lanes of the old city area. Gape at the brilliant blue cuboid houses and mansions. Observe how the locals live while listening to intriguing stories from the guide about the various sites. The narrow winding alleys conceal many captivating havelis with impressive jharokas (windows).
- Visit majestic forts and palaces – In addition to the Mehrangarh fort, Jodhpur has other magnificent forts like the Umaid Bhawan Palace and Fort, Mandore Garden and Fort, Kaylana Lake, and Garden. Each has a unique history and regal Rajput architecture. Don’t miss a photo-op against the striking backdrop of these royal buildings.
- Indulge your taste buds – Foodies are guaranteed to have a delightful time enjoying Jodhpur’s diverse cuisine. Try the quintessential ‘Dal bati churma,’ spicy curries like laal maas, seasonal deserts like makhaniya lassi with jalebi and tempting street food like mirchi vadas or pyaaz kachori. Sip masala chai while snacking on crunchy kachoris.
Top 5 places to visit around Jodhpur:
- Osian – Known for its Hindu and Jain temples dating back to the 8th to 11th centuries. The sand dunes here are perfect for camel rides during sunset.
- Sardar Samand Lake and Palace – Scenic lake near a lake palace that hosts the Jodhpur RIFF music festival.
- Kumbhalgarh Fort – A 15th century hill fort with the second longest wall after the Great Wall of China.
- Ranakpur – Elaborate 15th century Jain temple complex famous for its intricate marble carvings.
- Jaisalmer – Also called India’s golden city, a must visit for its yellow sandstone architecture and desert festival.
Best Festivals:
International Folk Festival (Early October)
Nagaur Fair (Jan/Feb) – Cattle fair
Jodhpur Flamenco & Gypsy Festival (April)
Marwar Festival (September/October)
Food and Accommodation
Jodhpur offers stay options to suit all budgets right from deluxe 5-star properties to budget guesthouses. Mid-range haveli hotels with traditional architecture cost around INR 3000-4000. Guest houses have double rooms for INR 800-1200. Luxury tent properties are also available for a unique desert camping experience.
Local cuisine mainly consists of vegetarian fare though meat dishes are also popular. Royal cuisine is on the spicier side and loaded with ghee and spices. Must try dishes include pyaaj ki kachori, mirchi vada, makhani lassi, ker sangri and laal maas. On average, a daily food budget of INR 500-800 should sufficiently cover basic meals.
An estimated trip cost covering flight/train tickets, hotel stay, local transfers, food, sightseeing and shopping for a 4 night/5-day Jodhpur itinerary would be around INR 25,000 for a solo budget traveler, INR 40,000 per person for a couple and INR 60,000 for a family of four.
So, get ready to feast your eyes on Jodhpur’s magnificent monuments, shop at colorful bazaars and relish zesty Rajasthani cuisine in India’s blue city. With its royal heritage and desert landscape, Jodhpur offers visitors an unforgettable holiday amid history, architecture and culture. Let the blue city weave its magic on you!