Things To Do In Jodhpur

‘A place which has pure heritage, perfect combination of culture and colour, food and festivities and is my hometown is called Jodhpur’ – Anonymous.

Why paint the town red when you can paint it blue! When in Jodhpur (aka The Blue City) you will find yourself wandering in the narrow alleys, exploring the majestic fort and taking in the gorgeous views of the old city. While Jodhpur has a new city as well, the charm and charisma lies in the old town. As soon as you step foot in this city you will sense it’s uniqueness in comparison to any city in Rajasthan that you’ve visited.  

Stunning views of The Blue City from Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort

Visiting the mighty Mehrangarh Fort has to be on your list of things to do in Jodhpur. This fort sits on a hilltop and you can view it from almost every part of the old city. This fort will be one of the most magnificent structures you’ve ever seen in India. Make sure you visit the fort before sunset, as you get the best views and clicks of the blue city.

If you are a history enthusiast you can avail of an audio guide or hire the official Jodhpuri guides at the entrance who are great and can share some great anecdotes about the palace. You also can shop inside the fort and not have to worry about bargaining as the prices here are regulated by an NGO.

Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 17:00 hours

Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

Cost: INR 600 for per person for foreign tourists (audio guide included), INR 120 per person for Indian tourists, INR 400 per person concession for students with ID, INR 500 with personal guide. A personal guide can accommodate a group of 4. Prices vary depending on the no. of people in the group.

Walking towards the beautiful Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur (Photo Credit – Francisco Anzola)

Jaswant Thada 

Jaswant Thada, which is located near the fort is a mausoleum of the king of Jodhpur. The white marble memorial was built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. The monument has a series of domes, intricate carvings and a lake. It’s perfect for photography because of the way the white marble stands out and makes the monument look so royal. You can combine this visit with the visit to the fort.  

Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 18:00 hours

Estimated Time: 30 mins

Cost: INR 50 per person for foreign tourists, INR 30 per person for Indian tourists 

The memorial of Jaswant Thada, Jodhpur

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park 

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is located near the historic Mehrangarh Fort and spreads over 72 hectares. This park contains ecologically restored desert and arid land vegetation. The main purpose of this park was to restore the natural ecology of a large, rocky area adjoining and below the fort.

The park is crisscrossed with four walking trails that one could follow (i.e. green, red, yellow and blue trails). These trails take you up to the city walls, around Devkund Lake, spotting local birds, butterflies and reptiles. Visitors can hire trained guides and naturalists as they are also available.

Visiting Hours: 07:00 to 18:30 hours (April to September), 08:00 to 17:30 hours (October to March)

Estimated Time: 1.5 -2 hours

Cost: INR 100 per person (free for school students), INR 200 should you want to hire a naturalist for a guided walk 

Umaid Bhavan Palace Museum & Hotel Umaid Bhavan Palace 

The Umaid Bhawan Palace and Museum, is an architectural delight and definitely worth a visit. Part of the property is a museum and the other part is now a hotel run by the Taj Group of Hotels. If you stand on the rooftop of any cafe or hotel in the old city, you will spot this royal building.

The museum here is very well maintained; displaying an exclusive range of items belonging to the Maharaja and the Royal family. The Hotel is very grand and spectacular. A meal here would take you back in time and back in your savings plan too. Do check out the hotel while waiting for the cup of coffee or a glass of beer at the trophy bar.

Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 17:00 Hrs

Estimated Time: 2 hours

Cost: INR 100 per person for foreign tourists, INR 30 per person for Indian tourists, INR 10 per child 

The Royal Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur

Toorji Ka Jhalra (Toorji’s Stepwell) 

Toorji Ka Jhalra is one amongst many stepwells in Jodhpur. However, this construction is unlike any other that you would find around. This was built in the 1740s by the Queen (Maharaja Abhay Singh’s Consort). Interestingly, this Tanwar (Toor) Rajput Princess hailed from Patan in Gujarat, home to perhaps the finest Step-wells in the country.

It was an age-old tradition that Royal women would build public water works. Indeed, for women, fetching and storing water was, and remains for many, one of the principal house-hold chores. One should plan a visit during the early hours of the day as this place gets crowded with tourists as this beautiful piece of work is an excellent spot for shutterbugs to capture it through their lens. 

Visiting Hours: 24 hours

Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Cost: Free

Relaxing by Toorji Ka Jhalra, Jodhpur (Photo Credit – Navaneeth Kishor)

Mandore Gardens 

Mandore was the capital of Marwar prior to the founding of Jodhpur. Its gardens consist of rock terraces and varieties of dark-red cenotaphs of Jodhpur’s rulers, making it perfect for photography. A path winds 350m behind the gardens to the extensive remains of Mandore’s Fort on the hill above, whose origins go back to the 6th century AD or possibly earlier – long before the Rathores.

It’s now inhabited mostly by langurs, dogs and cows. However, once reaching the top of this hill, the cool breeze and the remains of the Mandore Fort make quite a view.

Visiting Hours: 08:00 to 20:00 hours

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

Cost: Free

Peaceful views of Mandore Garden, Jodhpur

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN JODHPUR 

Walk Around The Blue City

Not really as blue as it once was, but nevertheless a priceless experience. Not listed as an attraction, it is completely an enjoyable experience walking down the Old City. With colored windows and unique combinations this is a real sight for the eyes. There are two ways to get to the Old City one is from the fort itself and the other one is from the clock tower near the old market. The second option allows you a chance to walk through the market and also do some souvenir hunting.

You can buy fabrics, carpets, jewellery, leather wear, art and antiques are all in abundance. Sardar Market is a whirlwind of trade that centers on the city’s clock tower, but you will no doubt stumble upon smaller bazaars as you walk the streets.

Estimated Time: 2-3 hours (depends on your shopping prowess)

Cost: Absolutely free, other than the souvenirs you buy. 

Hustle and bustle at Sardar Market, Jodhpur

Zip-lining at Mehrangarh Fort (Flying Fox) 

Unlike any other experience in the world, gliding from the landscape of one of the largest forts in Rajasthan is something you would never expect! Don’t miss this opportunity at any cost. Feel like Batman and get a view of The Blue City and The Mehrangarh Fort that is restricted otherwise. This activity would be closed during the monsoons (mid June to mid September). Do keep in mind that a slot needs to be booked in advance and can be booked when you are at the Fort. 

Visiting Hours: 09:00 hours to 16:00 hours

Estimated Time: 1 hour

Cost: INR 2,000 per person   

Gliding through Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Bishnoi Village Safari 

Go on a village safari of the extremely eco-friendly Bishnoi Tribe. Catch a glimpse of the black buck, the weavers and the potter community. A large part of the Indian population is rural, and that’s how the majority of the country lives there.

You will get a chance to go behind the scenes in the making of the rugs, carpets and pottery. You can also choose to patronize their products or simply just observe and even try your hand at pottery. Interacting with the communities here quite often would becomes the highlight of your trip.  

Estimated Time: Half a Day

Cost: INR 1000 per person

Man showcasing pottery work at Bishoni Village (Photo Credit – Kandukuru Nagarjun)

Moving around IN JODHPUR

As this city has two parts, the old and the new city, there are different ways to move around in each part. 

On Foot 

Exploring on foot is a great option in the old city not only because of the narrow alleys but also because you get some of your best pictures while strolling around. 

Auto Rickshaw

There are tons of auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks) in Jodhpur and like most of the tuk tuks in North India, you will have to settle for a price in advance before starting your journey. Do note once you enter the old city, tuk-tuks are the only way to move around due to the narrow roads.

Ola/Uber

If you are staying in the new city, Ola/Uber are the best way to move around. However, if you have to get to the old city, these cars will only drop you till the gates of the old city, after which you will have to either take a tuk-tuk or walk into the interiors of the old town.  

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Tuk-Tuk on the streets of Jodhpur

We hope that this list will give you a better idea of the things to do in Jodhpur. If you wish to get in touch with us to know more about what to do next, you can get in touch with our travel experts. In case you are curious about other cities in Rajasthan, you can have a look at this blog to get an idea of what to expect.

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