6 Best Things To Do In Jodhpur

Looking for the best things to do in Jodhpur can be throw up a few surprises. So here’s a guide to one of our favourite stops in India.

1. The Blue City

The Blue City is what Jodhpur is famously known for, and this is why so many tourists flock there each year.

Obviously you are welcome to explore the city at your own will, however the sea of boxy indigo houses which stretch for more than 10 kilometres. So it can be hard to find some of the best spots alone.

We took a Blue City Walking Tour, and the local guide showed us the ins and outs of the alleyways, as well as broke down some of the interesting history behind the blue walls!

The second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, the blue city walls are certainly one of the best things to do in Jodhpur.

2. Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is ranked by most Indians as the best Fort in the country.

It costs 600 Rupees to enter as a foreigner. Which is fairly priced compared to some of the attractions in India.

The entrance fee includes a very informative audio tour, plus access to the museum.

If you’re short for time, and trying to tie in as many things to do in Jodhpur as possible, then taking a Jodhpur City Sightseeing: Full-Day Private Tour is a great option.

See the many stunning monuments of Jodhpur on a full-day tour, in an air conditioned car, that takes you to see historic forts and temples, breathtaking gardens, and a palace that’s been transformed into a heritage hotel.

We took the audio tour at Mehrangarh Fort and learned about the history of the stunning complex and what it stood for.

3. The Stepwells

There are many ancient stepwells located in and around Jodhpur, used to collect and store water throughout the city.

With Jodhpur located at the base of a hill, these stepwells are examples of the many types of storage and irrigation tanks that were developed in India. Mainly to cope with seasonal fluctuations in water availability.

They also help prevent floods during the rainy seasons.

One of our favourite stepwells is located right in the middle of town – Toorji Ka Jhalra.

Not only does it make for an awesome place to cool off, but we took the plunge and jumped from the third tier of the steps.

Those that are feeling really brave can even join some of the locals that and jump from the roof! Just make sure you have your travel insurance in place!

4. Mandore Gardens

Take a 20 minute rickshaw ride outside the city and you’ll forget you’re in India.

The Mandore Gardens are a charming collection of temples, memorials, and high rock terraces. That not many tourists tend to venture out to.

We paid 500 rupees (split between 6 people) to get to Mandore Gardens from the city.

Our driver then waited an hour, while we explored the gardens, and returned us to our accommodation.

If you’re looking for this kind of service you can actually pre-book a Jodhpur Guided Full-Day Tour.

This includes stops at Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Mandore Gardens.

So if you’re looking to take a relaxing stroll through some greenery, or just have an hour away from the car horns and salesmen, then Mandore Gardens is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Jodhpur.

5. Clock Tower & Sardar Market

The Ghanta Ghar, or Jodhpur Clock Tower, is situated in the centre of the city and overlooks the Sardar Market.

The Clock Tower was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh, and this is where the market gets it name from.

Ghanta Ghar costs only 30 rupees to visit, and gives you a look at the Clock Tower from the inside, as well as a view over the bustling market below.

As for the Sardar Market itself, you won’t be stuck for local handicrafts if you want to pick something up from Jodhpur on your travels.

If you’re looking for a guided tour of not only the market, but the highlights of the best places to visit in Jodhpur, then check out the Jodhpur Guided Highlights Half-Day City Tour.

The Sardar Market sells pretty much anything you can think of, and the quirky local stalls go on forever!

Not only that, but you must visit the Shri Mishrilal Hotel – which has become Jodhpur’s pride and favourite spot for lassi lovers.

6. Eat At The Many Restaurants

Food is one of the largest parts of Indian culture, so you’re going to want to get fully immersed amongst it.

For the true foodies there are plenty of tours available, the most popular being the Jodhpur Guided Street Food Crawl.

We ate out at some lovely places but here are a couple of our favourites:

The Blue Turban:

This rooftop cafe opens at 6pm and has THE best view of Jodhpur Fort at night.

With Mehrangarh Fort within touching distance, and the food at usual Indian prices, it’s nice to see they haven’t doubled the costs for the sake of the amazing view!

Shahi Samosas:

A huge hit with the locals, and the busiest samosa shops we saw in India.

Shahi Samosas was certainly one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur! With constant crowds of local Indians outside, not only did we know the food would be good, but we could see it was coming out super fresh!

Serving samosas up at just 16 Rupees, this was our go to spot in Jodhpur to fill a hole!

Where To Stay In Jodphur

Luxury – Umaid Bhawan Palace

Built between 1928 and 1943, this grand yellow sandstone palace spreads over 26 acres of gardens, making it one of the largest private residences in the world.

Featuring Art Deco and Renaissance design, it has 2 swimming pools and pampering treatments at Jiva Grande Spa. 

Spacious rooms and suites come with a flat-screen TV, DVD player and spa bath treatments.

A pillow menu, minibar and Molton Brown toiletries are also available. All bathrooms have a bathtub.

Mid-Budget –Fairfield by Marriott Jodhpur Hotel

Fairfield by Marriott Jodhpur Hotel is set in Jodhpur, 5.6 miles from Mehrangarh Fort.

Kava, the hotel’s all-day diner, features global cuisines and interactive live stations.

You can unwind after a day’s work in the modern lounge & bar featuring a full-service Barista coffee-station, or make use of the fitness centre.

Budget – Stops Hostel

Set in Jodhpur, within a a 13-minute walk radius of Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, Moustache Jodhpur features accommodation with a terrace, free WiFi throughout the property.

This hostel offers a 24-hour front desk. Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum is 1.6 miles from the property. 

At the hostel, all rooms come with a wardrobe. Moustache Jodhpur provides certain units that include city views, and all rooms come with a private bathroom with a shower. 

There is an on-site restaurant, which serves Nepalese, Middle eastern and Indian cuisine. Guests can enjoy daily evening tea.

For more places to stay in Jodhpur, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

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