Being from Rajasthan and not having explored much of it, we were really excited to embark on this journey. And as the title suggests, we’re talking about none other than Jodhpur, India’s Blue City.
We have always wanted to visit, but let’s face it, summer in Rajasthan is no joke! The heat can be brutal, so it’s important to know the best time to go.
To be honest, any time is great for exploring the South—especially during the off-peak months when the crowds are thinner. But when it comes to Jodhpur, the sweet spot is between November and February.
This is when the weather is pleasant, and you can comfortably explore the outdoors without melting. We visited at the end of October, and let me tell you, the weather was absolutely perfect—not too hot, not too cold.
In this guide, we’ll tell you all the must-visit places in Jodhpur, and of course, we’ll point out what’s actually worth the hype (and what’s just Instagram-worthy but not much else).
Oh, and here’s some good news for all the ladies out there—there are tons of amazing shopping options to explore, especially for antique lovers!
So whether you’re a fan of Jodhpur or just curious, stick around till the end to find out: Was it worth the trip, or should you just stay home and watch a documentary on it instead? 😜
Table of Contents
Travel Guide for 2 Days in India’s Blue City
Let’s start this exciting and surprising journey with us! We’ll share everything we explored during our 2-day trip, and at the end, we’ll tell you about some places we missed but you can check out.
First, let’s talk about how to get to Jodhpur. We took an overnight train from Delhi, which took around 11 hours. While you can also take a bus or flight, we didn’t find many flight options.
For accommodation, you can choose hotels, but if you’re traveling with friends, we highly recommend staying in Zostels. The experience is more enjoyable, and you’ll even meet people from all over the world.
We stayed in a Zostel near Clock Tower, and it’s a great spot. There are plenty of accommodation options around, and everything you need, including shops and shopping areas, is nearby.
1. Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is absolutely breathtaking! Perched high above the city, it’s been around since 1459, originally built by Rao Jodha. While the fort dates back centuries, most of what you see today was added by his descendants in the 17th century. The fort has seven gates, including the iconic Jai Pol, which celebrates victories over rival armies. Inside, you’ll find beautiful palaces, a temple, and a museum filled with history. The cannonball marks on the gates are reminders of past battles. And if you’re lucky, you might catch one of the amazing festivals held here, like the World Sacred Spirit Festival!
The fort was just 750m from our Zostel, and we walked there. It wasn’t an easy walk—it felt like a mini trek for us—but the fort was so beautiful, and the architecture was absolutely worth the visit.
The window designs (in Rajasthan, we call them Jharokhas) were crafted so beautifully that you’ll be surprised how they managed to create such intricate designs without today’s advanced machinery. We felt a sense of pride, surprise, and shock all at the same time. We highly recommend visiting this place!
2. Blue Lanes and Pachetia Hill
Pachetia Hill is a hidden gem in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, offering a 360-degree view of the city’s blue houses and Mehrangarh fort. The hill provides a bird’s eye view of the Blue City and Mehrangarh fort. The sunset from the hill is breathtaking. And that’s what Google and all social media tell you.
We also saw videos talking about this, but let’s be honest here—it wasn’t worth the hype at all. We agree the sunset is nice, but let’s face it, every high place offers an equally good view of the sunset and sunrise.
The blue lanes were such a bummer for us, there was so much garbage all over, and the hype around them felt like a lie. The paintings on the walls are appreciable—the local artists did a great job.
But if you want to take pictures, instead of walking all those extra steps, just head near the clock tower or the stepwell, and you’ll find blue houses to click. That’s all the effort it’s worth.
3. Tuwarji Ka Jhalra (Stepwell)
Tunwarji ka Jhalra, also known as Toorji Ka Jhalra or Toorji’s Step Well, is a 250-year-old stepwell in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Carved from Jodhpur’s characteristic rose-red sandstone, the stepwell’s walls depict dancing elephants, medieval lions, and cows. Its purpose was a vital water source for the desert city of Jodhpur and a place for locals and travelers to gather and cool off.
It was just 20 steps away from our Zostel, and the experience there was just fine. Like, don’t expect something that will blow your mind. You can just sit there with your friend or alone and rest and chill. That’s all you can expect to do there.
4. Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a beautiful memorial in Jodhpur, built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Made from polished Makrana marble, it glows in the sunlight and has intricate carvings. The site also features lovely gardens, a small lake, and other cenotaphs honoring the royal family.
We went there by taking an auto from the clock tower, and the experience was really good—we thoroughly enjoyed being there. There was a small lake and a small hill, and on the right side of the lake was the “Jaswant Thada.”
The view was picture-perfect, and the architecture was really impressive. You can sit in the garden or on the stairs and enjoy your own company. You can also see the whole city from there.
5. Mandore Gardens
Let’s dive into some history first before talking about how beautiful the garden is. Mandore is an ancient town that was once the capital of the Gurjar Pratiharas and later the Marwar kings. After Rao Jodha moved the capital to Jodhpur in 1459, Mandore became the royal cremation site. The kings of Marwar were cremated here until Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, when Jaswant Thada took over that role. The town is full of rich history, impressive architecture, and royal tombs.
The garden features temple-like structures and a museum that will take you on a historical journey. We visited in the morning, but we highly recommend visiting after sunset because the lights make the place look absolutely magical. You can explore by taking the toy train or, like we did, on foot to enjoy the experience even more.
6. Umaid Bhawan
Did you know Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas had a lavish wedding at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur in 2018? This stunning palace is now a hotel, with part of it open as a museum to showcase its rich history, and it’s definitely worth a visit. The museum features a vintage car collection, which is a treat for car lovers, along with fascinating exhibits.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is famous for its magnificent architecture, blending Indo-Colonial style with traditional Rajasthani elements and Art Deco influences. Designed by British architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester, it’s a true masterpiece.
Other Must-Visit Spots You Can Explore in Jodhpur
There are two more places you can visit that we didn’t get a chance to explore—one due to lack of time and the other because it wasn’t quite our thing. Osian Desert Safari and Kaylana Lake are both worth checking out.
Kaylana Lake is just 10km from the Clock Tower, while the desert safari is about 60km away, and you’ll need to ask the locals for more details.
Let’s Talk Shopping
Jodhpur has plenty of things that will make a serious dent in your bank account!
From beautiful Lakh bangles, antique items, leather juttis, leather bags, to traditional Rajput poshaks, you’ll find it all. And don’t forget the unique jackets and dresses—we saw so many people buying those trendy boho bags.
The best shopping spot is Sadar Bazar, right by the Clock Tower, but if you walk from the Clock Tower to the railway station, you’ll find a ton of shops with leather goods. The juttis are especially gorgeous, and trust us, you’ll end up buying at least one pair!
There are also great shops near the Stepwell.
Oh, and how can we forget the food? Don’t tell anyone, but we’re sneaking this into the shopping section as a little secret just between us. Make sure you try the samosas, kachoris, and lassi from Shahi Samosa near Sadar Bazar. You’ll thank us later!
Final Thoughts
Our visit to Jodhpur left us with a mix of emotions. We felt satisfied after exploring so many places that took us through history. The vintage car collection was a dream, and we secretly wished we were lucky enough to take one for a spin!
However, the Blue Lanes and Pachetia Hill were a bit of a disappointment. The amount of garbage in a tourist city like Jodhpur was such a letdown.
If you’re planning a trip, we’d suggest making it a one-day visit or extending it to two days by including the desert safari. That way, you’ll leave feeling truly satisfied and happy with your experience!
Want to explore more? Visit here.
