Jodhpur City Guide-Embark on a Regal Journey

In this comprehensive Jodhpur city guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the must-visit places, the best time to explore them, delectable food joints to savor local cuisine, and a suggested itinerary for an unforgettable experience.

What to experience in Jodhpur

Nestled in the western part of Rajasthan, “Sun City” Jodhpur beckons with its vibrant history, mesmerizing architecture, and a rich cultural tapestry that unfolds at every corner. Known for its azure-hued buildings, Jodhpur altogether is a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering culturally rich experiences for every traveler. So without much ado, let’s go!

Jodhpur city guide: Places to visit

Mehrangarh Fort

Your trip to Jodhpur will not be complete without visiting the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, perched atop a rocky hill. To begin with, the fort offers panoramic views of the city, and its intricate architecture narrates tales of valour and grandeur. Nonetheless, the fort is huge, overlooking the crowded blue houses, precisely where the city gets its name from. However, Mehrangarh Fort is a private property of the royal family and not under ASI. Hence the entry fee is higher than all archaeological buildings in India. But, as you witness the rich collection of antiques and the maintenance of the fort, the ticket price seems justified. 

The best time to visit is during early morning or late afternoon, avoiding the scorching midday sun. It would take straight 2 hours to explore the fort.

Tip– Ditch your heels and wear flats. You would have to walk a lot here.

Jaswant Thada

A serene marble cenotaph near Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada is a peaceful escape adorned with intricate carvings and beautiful gardens. Built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph and a cremation ground for the royal family. Further, on the ground floor, you will be greeted by a row of gazebos, a fountain and a tiered garden. The main cenotaph is a temple hall decorated with pictures of royal family members and memoirs. When you shut the doors of the main hall, the marbles glow in sunlight! It is because sheets of Makrana marble with elaborate carvings were used to construct the cenotaph walls. When exposed to sunlight, these incredibly thin and polished sheets give off a warm glow.

Early morning or sunset is the ideal time to witness the ethereal beauty of this architectural gem. The imposing Mehrangarh fort in the backdrop with Jaswant Singh’s blue statue is indeed a visual treat, right outside the premises.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Experience royal living by visiting the Umaid Bhawan Palace, a splendid blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture. While parts of the palace are now a luxury hotel, the museum showcases the opulent lifestyle of the Maharajas. Nonetheless, the imperial lifestyle and family history of the current Maharaja, Gajah Singh is beautifully displayed for the public. The weapon collection, an assortment of opulent perfumes, jewellery, clothing and a myriad of décor items will leave you fascinated. Umaid Bhawan also displays the philanthropic work and development projects carried out by the Maharaja that put Jodhpur on the road to success. Besides, the splendid hotel alongside where public entry is prohibited remains occupied by international guests and celebrities. You might spot a few known faces during the wedding season.

And who doesn’t recognize Umaid Bhawan that was the wedding venue of Bollywood Star Priyanka Chopra.

Plan your visit during the daytime to explore both the museum and the lush palace grounds.

Tip- The palace ground has a vintage car collection which is free of cost.

Clock Tower and Sardar Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture at the bustling Clock Tower and Sardar Market. From colorful textiles to handicrafts, this market is a treasure trove for souvenir shopping. Additionally, the clock tower is a historic landmark of the blue city built by Maharaja Sardar Singh. The Ghanta Ghar, as referred in Hindi, is the Centre point of Jodhpur from where the marketplace starts.

Evenings are ideal for a stroll, as the market comes alive with the aroma of local spices and the vibrant hues of traditional attire.

Tip- Shop for Rajasthani handicrafts and memoirs from the Handloom associations at reasonable price. They do not use plastic packaging and that is a bonus.   

Old city and stepwells

Jodhpur gets its name blue city from this place. The old part of the city has house walls painted in blue. Some walls have mural paintings depicting Jodhpuri culture. As you keep walking into the labyrinth of the lanes, you will witness Jodhpur’s hidden gems. Rani ki baoli, Toor ji ka Jhalra and Gulab Sagar lie behind the impressive Mehrangarh Fort. The stepwells are examples of genius architecture of storing water in the arid region of Rajasthan. The quiet surroundings of these structures are only broken by the chirping birds and temple bells.     

Visit the old city during morning hours when there is no crowd. Hire an auto to reach the place and explore the city on foot.

Tip- Guided tours are available, but you can do the walk free of cost. There is no entry fee to the stepwells either.

Mandore Garden

Also called Ravana’s in-laws place, Mandore Garden gets its name from Mandodari, Ravana’s wife. The Mandore Gardens features a lovely assortment of temples and memorials as well as tall rock terraces. The Chhatris (cenotaphs) of numerous Jodhpur state kings are kept in the gardens. The chhatri of Maharaja Ajit Singh, constructed in 1793, is the most notable of them.

A Hindu temple dedicated to 33 crore gods, a government museum, and a “Hall of Heroes” are also located in the Mandore Gardens. The museum contains a variety of local antiquities and statuary. The popular folk heroes of the area are honored in the “Hall of Heroes.”

It is advisable to visit Mandore Gardens either in morning or in evening when the temperatures are mild.

Osian Temple

Venture beyond the city to explore the Osian Temple, often referred to as the ‘Khajuraho of Rajasthan.’ Located approximately 65 kilometers from Jodhpur, Osian is home to ancient temples boasting striking architecture and elaborate carvings. The temples date back to the 8th and 11th centuries, with heavenly and erotic figures on the walls. In summary, a day trip to Osian, provides a unique glimpse into Rajasthan’s religious and architectural heritage.

You can visit the temple any time from morning to evening. The heat will not bother you since the temple is covered and only some part is open to the sky.

Tip- You can hire a local guide to reach the mini desert and book a desert safari. Also, one can stay in Osian for a desert sunrise and camping experience.

Best Time to Visit Jodhpur

The best time to explore Jodhpur is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. In short, the scorching heat of the summer can be overwhelming, making it less favorable for extensive sightseeing.

Jodhpur city guide for food joints

1. Indique Restaurant: For a rooftop dining experience with a panoramic view of Mehrangarh Fort, head to Indique Restaurant. Savor traditional Rajasthani cuisine amidst a charming ambiance.
2. On the Rocks Bar & Kitchen: Indulge in a fusion of local and international flavors at On the Rocks Bar & Kitchen. The contemporary setting and diverse menu make it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
3. Janta Sweet Home: Treat your taste buds to local sweets and snacks at Janta Sweet Home, a popular eatery near Clock Tower. To sum up, don’t miss the famous Mirchi Bada and Mawa Kachori for an authentic culinary experience.
4. Renu’s Kitchen: If home-cooked food delights you, Renu’s kitchen is the place to try. Located in the busy Sardarpura Market, this restaurant serves great food on a budget. Overall, their lunch buffet is a must-try.

3-day itinerary for Jodhpur

Day 1

• Early morning tour of the old city (Blue lanes, step wells, and clock tower).
• Then return to your hotel. Post breakfast, leave for Osian (60 km away).
• Later, visit the Osian temple and explore the mini desert.

Day 2

• Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada in the first half of the day.
• Thereafter visit Mandore Garden in the evening (10 km from Jodhpur)

Day 3

• Tour of Umaid Bhawan tour in the morning.
• Then explore Sardar market in the evening for local eateries and handloom.
• Finally, wrap up with a dinner at a rooftop restaurant near the fort or in Sardar market.

Jodhpur in a nutshell

All in all, Jodhpur, with its royal charm and historic grandeur, stands as a testament to Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. We hope this Jodhpur city guide will provide a roadmap to immerse yourself in the city’s splendor. After all Johdhpur offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and culinary delights. Whether you’re captivated by the panoramic views from Mehrangarh Fort or exploring the ancient marvels of Osian, Jodhpur promises an enchanting experience that will linger in your memories for years to come.