Fortresses and Blue Streets: 48 Hours in Jodhpur

Planning Your Trip Last Minute?

Booking hotels in Jodhpur: Booking.com is our go-to platform to search for amazing hotels. Here are the top hotels in Jodhpur.

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Mid-Range

Suraj Haveli

High-End

RAAS Jodhpur

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Booking tours in Jodhpur: Viator and GetYourGuide offer great tours that make exploring easy, from guided walks to cooking classes. Here are the top experiences you can book today.

1. Private Cooking Workshop (Best Seller)
2. Desert Camel Safari Day Trip (Excellent Value)
3. Private Jodhpur Blue City Tour (Highly Rated)

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Don’t forget travel insurance! Get 5% off your policy with Heymondo, just for being our reader.

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From Fort to City

Perched on the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rathore chief, as the capital of the Marwar Region. 

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Before Jodhpur, the Rathores ruled from nearby Mandore, but Rao Jodha sought a safer, more defensible location. So he chose a rocky hilltop and built Mehrangarh Fort, around which the city grew. Over time, protective walls and gates were added, and Jodhpur expanded beyond them to become Rajasthan’s second-largest city.

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Jodhpur Tourist Map

Make the most of your 2 days in Jodhpur with our detailed map, highlighting the best places to visit as well as recommended places to eat and stay.

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2-Day Jodhpur Itinerary

Unlike Jaipur, Jodhpur doesn’t have a large number of places to see, so two days is plenty of time to cover the city’s highlights. This itinerary lets you explore the Blue City at a relaxed pace while still having time to enjoy the other experiences beyond the old town.

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Day 1: Fort, Temples & Blue City

Start your first day in Jodhpur exploring the city’s iconic monuments, followed by an afternoon wandering through the old walled city.

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Short on time? Focus on these highlights for a perfect one-day tour.

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Mehrangarh Fort

Opening Hours: 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: ₹800 ($9)

Elevator (one-way): ₹50 ($0.50)

Location: Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur

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Begin your morning at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur’s crown jewel and one of India’s most impressive forts.

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Built by Rao Jodha in the 15th century atop a sandstone hill, the fort offers sweeping views, majestic palaces, and a grandeur that makes it worth lingering for hours.

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We spent about three hours exploring its dazzling rooms and striking courtyards, all beautifully maintained and filled with an impressive collection of artifacts.

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Foreign visitors receive an audio tour with their ticket, but nothing beats exploring Mehrangarh Fort with a local guide. Book this highly recommended private guide for the full experience.

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Jaswant Thada

Opening Hours: 9am-5pm

Entrance Fee: ₹50 ($0.50)

Location: Lawaran, Jodhpur

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About 800 meters northeast of Mehrangarh Fort stands Jaswant Thada, a striking white marble cenotaph built in honor of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Once the cremation ground for the Marwar rulers, it glows beautifully under sunlight and is often called the “Taj Mahal of Marwar.”

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Set among manicured gardens and a small lake that mirrors its facade, the memorial feels as peaceful as it is graceful. Step inside to find portraits of Marwar rulers, or simply sit outside and enjoy the serenity. Its proximity to the fort makes it a convenient and worthwhile stop on your morning itinerary.

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Read: Things to Do in Agra Beyond the Taj Mahal

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Blue City

No visit to Jodhpur is complete without wandering the famous blue-painted neighborhoods. Thanks to its indigo-painted houses and winding alleys, the Blue City has become one of the most photographed sights in Rajasthan.

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Start at Ghanta Ghar, the lively clock tower at the heart of the market, where stalls overflow with spices, textiles, and sweets. From there, walk towards Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi, an ancient stepwell where locals still gather, before exploring the labyrinth of blue-painted lanes.

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Note: Some alleys are shared with friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) dogs. Give them space and walk calmly.

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To truly understand Jodhpur, explore it with someone who calls it home. Book a local guide who knows every corner, alley, and legend of the Blue City. We recommend Mr. Rishi for an unforgettable experience!

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Pachetia Hill

Location: Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur

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As the day winds down, climb to Pachetia Hill for sweeping views of the city bathed in golden light. From here, you’ll see a sea of indigo houses stretching below with Mehrangarh Fort towering above.

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A few years back, you could slip through to the Hindu temple at the edge of the hill for the best sunset view, but that path has since been closed. The best viewpoint today is from Pachetia Sunset Point Cafe, a small rooftop spot serving parathas and maggi, as well as coffee and tea.

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Note: Flying drones here is prohibited and fines are steep!

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Day 2: Parks & Gardens

On day two, venture beyond Jodhpur’s main highlights to explore its lesser-known attractions. Start the morning with a tuk-tuk ride out of the city center to nearby sights, then return in the afternoon to wander through the old town’s colorful bazaars.

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Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park

Opening Hours: 7am-6pm

Entrance Fee: ₹100 ($1)

Location: Kabir Nagar, Jodhpur

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Begin your morning with a guided walk through the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, located at the foothills of Mehrangarh Fort.

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For a small fee of ₹200 ($2), a knowledgeable naturalist will lead you around, sharing stories about the park’s history and the native trees and shrubs that thrive here.

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Of the four trails in the park, we chose the Devkund Trail, which leads to one of the best viewpoints: the Jaswant Thada in front of the towering Mehrangarh Fort and Jodhpur city stretching out below.

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Read More: How to Visit Rao Jodha Park

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Mandore Garden

Opening Hours: 6am-10pm

Entrance Fee: ₹25 ($0.30)

Location: Mandore, Jodhpur

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About 8 kilometers from the city center, Mandore Garden is a peaceful retreat and one of Jodhpur’s lesser-known highlights.

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Wander through the grounds to see ornate cenotaphs dedicated to Marwar’s kings and queens, built from red sandstone with intricately carved domes and pillars. Many of the structures are open to explore, but remember to remove your shoes before stepping inside.

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The gardens may not be as pristine as expected, but their history and calm atmosphere make them worth a visit.

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Read: How to Visit Jama Masjid in Delhi

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Umaid Bhawan Palace

Opening Hours: 10am-5pm

Entrance Fee: ₹100 ($1)

Location: Circuit House Rd, Jodhpur

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Perched on Chittar Hill, about 6 kilometers from the old city, Umaid Bhawan Palace was commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh in 1929 and still serves as a royal residence today.

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If you’re looking to splurge, part of the palace operates as a luxury hotel, offering a taste of royal living with its lush gardens and timeless grandeur. Otherwise, the museum section showcases artifacts and photos documenting the palace’s construction.

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Book your stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace here.

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Old Town Bazaars

Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs to take home or simply want to explore beyond the blue walls, the bazaars of the old city are the perfect place to end your trip.

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Weave through narrow lanes brimming with colorful textiles, bangles, and spices. Unlike Delhi’s chaotic markets, Jodhpur’s bazaars feel lively but welcoming, with women in bright saris adding even more color to the scene.

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Some of our favorite spots include Sardar Market near the clock tower, Kandoi Bazar, and Tripoliya Bazar.

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For a great selection of textiles and souvenirs, Student Shop offers good prices, friendly staff, and no pushy sales tactics.

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‍Read: Best Places to Visit in Delhi

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Top Tours in Jodhpur

While this Jodhpur itinerary is a great starting point for exploring on your own, these top-rated tours are perfect if you’d like a local’s insight or prefer someone else handle the planning.

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Eating & Drinking in Jodhpur

Sam's Art Cafe: Our go-to breakfast spot, located next to the stepwell, serving excellent coffee and pancakes. 8am-10pm

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Cafe The Station: Housed in Jhankar Haveli, this cozy garden-style restaurant offers home-cooked meals and live Rajasthani music in the evenings. Must-tries include chow mein noodles and cashew curry. 8am-11pm

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Vijay Restaurant: A local favorite known for its rich Rajasthani flavors, with dishes cooked in pure desi ghee. Specialties include Kabuli, Malai Roti, and Prem Pyala. 11am-11pm

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Plan Your Trip to Jodhpur

Whether you’re visiting forts, gardens, and palaces or simply want to get lost wandering the Blue City, here’s everything you need to plan your two-day visit to Jodhpur.

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Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Jodhpur is October to March, when the weather is cooler and perfect for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. From April to June, the city experiences peak summer heat, with temperatures soaring to 39–41°C (102–105°F). July to September bring monsoon rains and high humidity.

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Heading to Jaipur next? Check out our Amer Wall guide for the best viewpoint in the city.

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Where to Stay

If you’re deciding where to stay in Jodhpur, choose a spot as close to the old center as possible for easy access to the main attractions and restaurants. Explore the best places to stay in Jodhpur here.

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Mid-Range

Suraj Haveli

High-End

RAAS Jodhpur

How to Get There

Train: Jodhpur is well-connected by rail to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Kolkata. The Jaipur Railway Station, located about 1.6 kilometers from the old city, is easily accessible and served by multiple daily trains.

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Read: Guide to Train Travel in India

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Plane: Jodhpur Domestic Airport (JDH) is around 3 kilometers from the old city and offers regular connections to major airports across India.

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Skip the bargaining and waiting. Book your private transfer and enjoy a comfortable ride straight to your hotel or the airport.

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Getting Around

Walking: The best way to explore Jodhpur’s old city, especially the narrow lanes and lively bazaars. The streets can be dusty, so keep a mask handy.

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Rickshaw: Convenient for short trips around the city, as you’ll find them everywhere. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting your ride. On our recent trip, most rides around the city center cost about ₹200 ($2.30).

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Car: Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are widely available, perfect for longer trips outside the old city.

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‍Read: Best Way to Get Around India

And that’s the guide to the best places to visit in Jodhpur!

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From here, continue your Rajasthan journey to the Pink City of Jaipur, where grand palaces now serve as museums and ancient forts watch over the bustling streets.

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If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below!