Jodhpur
Blue houses spread below Mehrangarh, one of India's most imposing forts.
- Famous for
- Mehrangarh Fort, the blue old town, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and the Clock Tower market.
- Best time
- October to March
- Suggested stay
- 2 days
- Getting there
- Jodhpur airport; trains from Delhi and Jaipur (about 5–6 hours by road from Jaipur)
The story of Jodhpur
Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan, who built Mehrangarh Fort on a rocky hill about 120 metres above the plain. The city was the capital of the kingdom of Marwar.
The old city's blue houses gave it the name Blue City. Umaid Bhawan Palace, finished in 1943, is one of the largest private residences in the world, part royal home, part hotel and part museum.
Interesting things to see and do
Palaces, museum galleries and views over the blue city.
White marble memorial with lake views.
Art deco palace and vintage car collection.
Spices, textiles and street food.
Restored 18th-century stepwell.
Old Marwar capital with cenotaphs.
Ziplines over Mehrangarh's walls.
Day-by-day plan
A suggested pace. We adjust it to your dates, hotel and travel style.
Fort & old city
- Morning at Mehrangarh Fort and museum
- Jaswant Thada
- Walk down through the blue lanes
- Toorji ka Jhalra stepwell
- Evening at the Clock Tower market
Palaces & gardens
- Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
- Mandore Gardens
- Optional Bishnoi village jeep tour
- Depart for Jaisalmer, Jawai or Udaipur