Jodhpur is a city located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is known as the “Blue City” due to the blue-painted houses in the old city. Jodhpur is also known for its magnificent forts, palaces, temples, and gardens. Here are some of the top attractions in Jodhpur:
Mehrangarh Fort: This magnificent fort is perched on a hilltop and overlooks the entire city. It houses a museum that showcases the heritage and culture of Jodhpur.
Jaswant Thada: This white marble cenotaph is located near the Mehrangarh Fort and is a popular tourist attraction. It was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Umaid Bhawan Palace: This is one of the largest private residences in the world and is a popular tourist attraction. It is still home to the royal family of Jodhpur and also houses a museum.
Mandore Gardens: This beautiful garden is located just outside the city and is known for its ancient temples and cenotaphs.
Ghanta Ghar: This clock tower is located in the heart of the old city and is a popular landmark in Jodhpur.
Sardar Market: This is a bustling market located near the Ghanta Ghar and is known for its handicrafts, textiles, and spices.
Chamunda Mata Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess Chamunda and is located on a hilltop.
Jodhpur is also known for its vibrant culture and festivals, such as the Marwar Festival and the Rajasthan International Folk Festival.
Best Time To Visit Jodhpur
The best time to visit Jodhpur is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is also the peak tourist season in Jodhpur, so you can expect higher prices for accommodations and attractions.
During the winter months of December and January, the temperature can drop to as low as 5°C, so make sure to pack warm clothing. The days are sunny, and the nights are chilly, making it a great time to explore the city’s forts, palaces, and markets.
The summer months from April to June are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 32°C to 45°C. The monsoon season from July to September brings some relief from the heat, but the humidity can be high, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities. It is not an ideal time to visit Jodhpur, as the rains can disrupt travel plans, and many attractions may be closed.
In summary, the best time to visit Jodhpur is from October to March, during the winter months, when the weather is pleasant and dry.
Things to Do in Jodhpur
Jodhpur, the “Blue City,” is a city of vibrant colors, rich culture, and ancient heritage. Here are some of the top things to do in Jodhpur:
Visit Mehrangarh Fort: This magnificent fort is perched on a hilltop and overlooks the entire city. It houses a museum that showcases the heritage and culture of Jodhpur.
Explore Jaswant Thada: This white marble cenotaph is located near the Mehrangarh Fort and is a popular tourist attraction. It was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Admire Umaid Bhawan Palace: This is one of the largest private residences in the world and is a popular tourist attraction. It is still home to the royal family of Jodhpur and also houses a museum.
Wander around the Blue City: The old city of Jodhpur is known as the “Blue City” due to the blue-painted houses. Take a walk through the narrow lanes and explore the colorful bazaars.
Enjoy the sunset at Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park: This park is located at the foot of Mehrangarh Fort and offers panoramic views of the city. It is a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy the natural beauty of Jodhpur.
Visit Mandore Gardens: This beautiful garden is located just outside the city and is known for its ancient temples and cenotaphs.
Shop at Sardar Market: This bustling market is located near the Ghanta Ghar and is known for its handicrafts, textiles, and spices.
Attend a cultural festival: Jodhpur is known for its vibrant culture and festivals, such as the Marwar Festival and the Rajasthan International Folk Festival.
Try the local cuisine: Jodhpur is famous for its Rajasthani cuisine, which includes dishes like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and mirchi vada.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Jodhpur. The city has a rich history and culture, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
How to get around in Jodhpur
Jodhpur has a good network of transportation options to get around the city. Here are some of the ways to get around in Jodhpur:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Jodhpur. They are easily available, and you can negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Jodhpur, and you can book them through various taxi companies or ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber.
Buses: Jodhpur has a well-connected bus network, with buses plying to various parts of the city. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates buses in Jodhpur.
Private Cars: You can rent a private car to get around the city. Many car rental companies operate in Jodhpur, and you can book a car online or through a travel agent.
Bicycle: If you are looking for a more eco-friendly option, you can rent a bicycle to explore the city. Some hotels and guesthouses offer bicycle rentals to their guests.
Walking: Walking is also an excellent option to explore the narrow lanes of the old city and get a glimpse of local life. Most of the tourist attractions in Jodhpur are located close to each other, making it easy to explore on foot.
In summary, Jodhpur has a good network of transportation options to get around the city, including auto-rickshaws, taxis, buses, private cars, bicycles, and walking.
Where to eat in Jodhpur
Jodhpur is known for its rich culinary heritage, and the city offers a range of dining options for food lovers. Here are some of the best places to eat in Jodhpur:
Indique: This rooftop restaurant offers a stunning view of Mehrangarh Fort and serves delicious Indian cuisine. The restaurant is located inside the Pal Haveli Hotel.
Kalinga Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant in the city, known for its delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. It is located near the Clock Tower and offers a casual dining atmosphere.
Janta Sweets: This is a famous sweet shop in Jodhpur and is known for its mouth-watering Indian sweets like gulab jamun, rasgulla, and jalebi.
Gypsy Dining Hall: This restaurant is located inside the Umaid Bhawan Palace and offers a regal dining experience. The restaurant serves a range of Indian and international cuisines.
On the Rocks: This is a rooftop restaurant located inside the Ajit Bhawan Palace and serves delicious Indian and international dishes. The restaurant offers a stunning view of the city.
Shandar Sweet House: This is another popular sweet shop in Jodhpur, known for its mouth-watering lassi and rabri.
The Stepwell House: This is a unique dining experience, located inside a stepwell in the old city. The restaurant serves traditional Rajasthani food and is a must-visit for food lovers.
These are just a few of the many places to eat in Jodhpur. The city is a food lover’s paradise, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Famous street stalls in Jodhpur
Jodhpur is known for its vibrant street food culture, and there are many street stalls and food carts that offer delicious and affordable food. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Jodhpur:
Shahi Samosa: This is a popular street stall located near the Clock Tower, known for its crispy and spicy samosas. They also offer other snacks like kachori and bread pakora.
Mawa Kachori Wala: This street stall is known for its sweet and creamy mawa kachori. It is located near the Sardar Market and is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Jodhpur Sweets: This street stall is known for its mouth-watering chaat and other street food items like pav bhaji and chole bhature. It is located near the Clock Tower.
Shri Mishrilal Hotel: This is a famous breakfast spot in Jodhpur, known for its delicious lassi and mirchi vada. The stall is located in the Sardar Market area.
Pappu Chaat Bhandar: This street stall is located near the famous Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell and is known for its chaat and golgappas. The stall is popular among locals and tourists alike.
Kachori Wala: This street stall is located near the Raas Hotel and is known for its crispy and spicy kachoris. They also offer other snacks like samosas and jalebis.
Sardar Samosa: This is another popular street stall near the Sardar Market, known for its crispy and delicious samosas. They also offer other snacks like kachori and jalebi.
These are just a few of the many famous street stalls in Jodhpur. The city has a vibrant street food culture, and exploring the food stalls is a must-do activity for any food lover visiting Jodhpur.
Where to stay in Jodhpur
Luxury accommodation
Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of luxury accommodations for travelers. Here are some of the best luxury hotels and resorts to stay in Jodhpur:
Umaid Bhawan Palace: This is a stunning palace hotel, located on the top of a hill, offering a breathtaking view of the city. The palace is known for its luxurious rooms and suites, and guests can enjoy various facilities like swimming pools, spa, and fine dining restaurants.
Taj Hari Mahal: This is another popular luxury hotel in Jodhpur, known for its opulent rooms and suites, fine dining restaurants, and recreational facilities like swimming pools, spa, and fitness center.
Raas Jodhpur: This hotel is located in the old city, near the famous Mehrangarh Fort. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, spa, and fine dining restaurants.
The Ajit Bhawan Palace: This is a heritage hotel located in the heart of the city and is known for its luxurious rooms and suites, swimming pool, spa, and fine dining restaurants.
Vivanta by Taj – Hari Mahal: This hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites, fine dining restaurants, swimming pool, spa, and other recreational facilities.
These luxury accommodations offer world-class facilities and services and are perfect for travelers looking for a lavish and comfortable stay in Jodhpur.
Where to stay in Jodhpur
Budget accommodation
Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of budget accommodations for travelers. Here are some of the best budget hotels and guesthouses to stay in Jodhpur:
Zostel Jodhpur: This is a popular backpacker hostel located near the old city, offering clean and comfortable dormitory and private rooms at affordable prices.
Haveli Inn Pal: This is a budget guesthouse located in the old city, offering clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, hot water, and room service.
Singhvi’s Haveli: This is another budget guesthouse located in the old city, offering clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, hot water, and room service.
Kesar Heritage Guest House: This is a budget guesthouse located near the Mehrangarh Fort, offering clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, hot water, and room service.
Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli: This is a budget guesthouse located near the Clock Tower, offering clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, hot water, and room service.
These budget accommodations offer comfortable rooms at affordable prices, and some of them also offer additional facilities like rooftop terraces, restaurants, and common areas for travelers to socialize.
Travel Tips Jodhpur
Here are some travel tips for Jodhpur:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Jodhpur is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
Clothing: Jodhpur has a conservative culture, and it is advisable to dress modestly while visiting religious places or public areas. Women should carry a scarf or shawl to cover their head while visiting temples.
Local transport: Jodhpur has a well-connected local transport system, including auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses. Negotiate the fare before getting into the auto-rickshaws or taxis to avoid overcharging.
Sightseeing: Jodhpur has many attractions to see, and it is advisable to plan your itinerary in advance to cover all the places of interest. The Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Clock Tower are some of the must-visit attractions in Jodhpur.
Food: Jodhpur is famous for its street food culture, and it is advisable to try out the local street food stalls. However, it is essential to ensure that the food is hygienic and freshly prepared before consuming.
Safety: Jodhpur is a safe city for travelers, but it is advisable to take necessary precautions like carrying a copy of important documents and avoiding isolated areas at night.
Shopping: Jodhpur is known for its handicrafts, textiles, and leather goods, and it is advisable to visit the local markets like the Sardar Market and Clock Tower Market for shopping.
By following these travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Jodhpur.