Contemplating visiting Jodhpur? Looking for the best itinerary for Jodhpur? Confused about how many days to spend in Jodhpur? Two days in Jodhpur are enough to explore the best of the city, however, if you’re a food lover, I’d say add 2 additional days In all seriousness, our 2 days in Jodhpur itinerary covers almost all the major tourist attractions in Jodhpur.
Jodhpur is one of our favorite cities in Rajasthan. The mighty Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city skyline. Perched on a hill, the fort can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. The historic walled old city of Jodhpur, a mishmash of pretty indigo-washed houses is a joy to explore.
The former capital of the Kingdom of Marwar is best known as the Blue City of India because of its iconic blue houses in the old city. There are quite a few theories as to why the houses are painted blue – some say that Brahmins (highest caste) painted their houses blue (they associate blue color with their diety Lord Shiva) to set apart themselves from the lower cast while some argue that it’s because the blue color is a good reflector of the sunrays and saves from the deesrt heat by keeping the houses cool and then there’s another theory according to which the copper sulpahte in the blue color acts as a termite repellant.
Jodhpur is also called the Sun City because the city enjoys bright and sunny weather all through the year and also the rulers of Marwar worshipped the Sun God.
Best Time to Visit Jodhpur
Unquestionably, winter (November to February) is the perfect time to visit Jodhpur or any other city in Rajasthan, for that matter. It’s when the weather is perfect for exploration.
How to Get to Jodhpur
Jodhpur is well-connected by air, road, and rail with all the major cities in India. Indigo, SpiceJet, Vistara, and Air India are the major airlines that operate flights to and from Jodhpur.
A strong network of national highways makes a road journey hassle-free and fun. You can easily drive from Delhi to Jodhpur via NH 48. The entire journey takes about 11 hours but you don’t need to drive at a stretch as you can halt at Jaipur or Ajmer for a night.
If you don’t want to use your own car, there are many tour operators you can rent a car from. There’s also an option to hire a car with a driver if driving isn’t your cup of tea. Also, there are regular trains and buses (state buses, deluxe buses, or coaches) from different cities in India to Jodhpur.
How to Get Around Jodhpur
Jodhpur is a compact city. The old city is best explored on foot. Places that are far from the center of the city can be visited using an auto rickshaw or taxi or Uber or Ola.
If you don’t want to haggle with auto rickshaw drivers and want to explore the city stress-free, i’d recommend you hire a driver for the entire duration of your stay in Jodhpur.
For travelers who want to make the most of their time in Jodhpur without getting into the hassle of arranging transportation, guided tours are the way to go. Get Your Guide and Viator offer some mind-blowing private and group tours.
Where to Stay in Jodhpur
There’s no dearth of places to stay in Jodhpur as it’s a prime tourist city in Rajasthan. I’d suggest you book accommodation in the old city as most of the attractions are nearby.
We stayed at Jhankar Haveli. It was a nice experience, however, we would not recommend booking it if you’ve young kids. They don’t have a lift and the stairs are too steep.
Other best places to stay in Jodhpur (as per travelers’ rating) include Pal Haveli, Singhvi Haveli, RAAS, Ratan Vilas, and Ajit Bhawan. You can book the iconic Umaid Bhawan Palace for an ultra-luxurious experience.
What and Where to Eat in Jodhpur
From savory snacks to sweet treats, Jodhpur is known for its food. A food lover would never want to leave Jodhpur. It’s purely a food lovers’ playground! Here are our favorite eateries to visit and food items to taste when in Jodhpur:
Gulab Jamun ki Sabzi and Malai Roti at Vijay Restaurant
Pyaaz Kachori at Janta Sweet House
Makhaniya Lassi and Rabri at Shri Mishrilal
Jalebi at Motu Jalebi Wala
Samosa at Shahi Samosa
Palak Patta Chat at Arora Chat Bhandar
Ghewar at Mohan Ji Mithai Wala
Mawa Kachori, Makhan Bada, Rabri Ladoo, and Besan Chakki at Jodhpur Sweets
Rajasthani Thali, Ker Sangri, and Raab at Gypsy Restaurant
Dal Bati Churma at Shree Bhawani Dal Bati
Laal Maas at Kalinga Restaurant
Gatte ki Sabzi at Shanti Bhawan Heritage Hotel
Mirchi Vada at Pokar Sweets and Restaurants
Masala Cheese Omelette at Omelette Shop
Masala Chai at Bhati Tea Stall
The fine dining restaurants to try in Jodhpur are:
Khaas Bagh
Indique
Drikhana and Baradari by RAAS
Risala by Umaid Bhawan Palace
If you’re fond of cafes like us, you must try:
Dylan’s Cafe
Stepwell Cafe
Sam’s Art Cafe
The Book Cafe
What and Where to shop in Jodhpur
Mohanlal Verhomal Spices (MV SPICES) at Sardar Market for spices and tea
Sojati Gate Market (famous for its Mehendi artists) and Tripolia Bazaar for Rajasthani handicrafts
Mochi Bazaar for Rajasthani mojris
Nai Sarak and Kapraa Bazaar for Rajasthani fabric like bandhani and leheriya
Sarafa Bazaar for silver jewelry
I did not visit Umaid Bhawan Palace Market, but it’s also popular in Jodhpur, especially for antiques.
Special recommendations – Bibaji Churi Wale for hand-crafted bangles, Pukhraj Durry Udhyog for colorful durries, and Maharani Textiles and Handicrafts for export quality fabric and art pieces.
We also loved shopping at Mehrangarh Museum Shop. You can buy some cool souvenirs like fridge magnets, stoles, t-shirts, tote bags, coasters, coin purses, and much more from here at reasonable prices. The profit goes toward the restoration and conservation of the historic fort.
Jodhpur Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Jodhpur
We spent two days in Jodhpur. Based on our experience, here’s a 2 day itinerary for Jodhpur that includes all the best places to visit in Jodhpur in 2 days.
Day 1 of 2 Days in Jodhpur Itinerary
8 am: Breakfast @ Sam’s Art Cafe
What better place to kickstart your first day in the blue city than the most loved cafe here! Sam’s Art Cafe is located in the heart of the Old Town and is a favorite among travelers for its quirky decor, warm and cozy vibe, A-class service, great food, and reasonable prices.
Whatever you order for breakfast, make sure to pair it with a cup of coffee because they serve the best coffee in Jodhpur.
9 am: Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Placed at the foot of Mehrangarh Fort, this 70 hectares of eco-park showcase the biodiversity of the region. There are four walking trails (yellow trail, the green trail, the red and the blue trail) weaving through the park, each more beautiful than the next.
You can explore the park on your own by following a marked trail or better take a guided walk with a naturalist for greater insight into the ecology and geology unique to the region. Another plus point of taking a local guide with you is that you get to walk through the blue trail – the trail you should do if you want to get that classic shot in which Jaswant Thada, Mehrangarh Fort, and Devkund Lake are in one frame!
Opening Timings: It’s open all days from 7 am to 6:30 pm from April to September and 8 am to 5:30 pm from October to March
Entry Tickets: INR 100 per person and Free for students (ID card proof)
A guided walk with a naturalist costs INR 200
11 am: Jaswant Thada
All dolled up in dazzling white makrana marble, Jaswant Thada looks stunning. No wonder it’s labeled as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar”.
The cenotaph was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in the loving memory of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in 1899. The beautiful edifice serves as a cremation ground for the royal family of Marwar since then.
The quiet surroundings, beautiful views, and impressive architecture make it one of the best things to do in Jodhpur.
Opening Timings: It’s open all days from 9:30 am to 5 pm
Entry Tickets: INR 30 per Indian adult and INR 50 per foreign adult
A tour guide costs INR 100 (1 to 4 people), INR 135 (5 to 15 people), INR 170 (16 to 30 people), and INR 225 (31 to 50 people)
12 pm: Mehrangarh Fort
Perched on a rocky cliff known as Bhakurcheeria (the mountain of birds), Mehrangarh dominates the skyline of Jodhpur. It was built by Rao Jodha Rathore, a founder of Jodhpur in 1459 and since then it remains one of the finest forts in India.
The Rathores (a Rajput clan) named the fort Mehrangarh which means the ‘fort of the sun’ because they believe them to be descendants of Lord Rama and worship the Sun God.
Built at different times, the fort has seven gates viz. Jai Pol, Fateh Pol, Gopal Pol, Lakhna Pol or Dedh Kangra Pol, Amriti Pol, Loha Pol, and Suraj Pol. Mehrangarh has expansive courtyards like Srinagar Chowk and Zenana Deodhi; gorgeous period rooms like Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), Phool Mahal (Palace of Flowers), Takhat Vilas, Sardar Vilas, Jhanki Mahal, Dipak Mahal, and Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace); and impressive galleries like Howdah Gallery, Palanquin Gallery, Daulat Khana, Painting Gallery, Textile Gallery, and Arms Gallery.
You can see the well-preserved old cannons along the fort ramparts and also enjoy the incredible views of the city.
We loved the Phool Mahal the most. The ceiling adorned with gold filigree and vibrant stained glass windows makes it one of a kind.
Don’t miss the handprints of sati at Loha Gate. The royal wives left their handprints before committing Jauhar. The fort also gives you chance to enjoy folk art and music. It hosts performances throughout the day.
Located at the back of Mehrangarh Fort near Fateh Pol are the beautiful twin lakes of Ranisar and Padmasar. You can spend some quiet time here.
Before you leave the fort, get blessings of Goddess Chamunda (manifestation of Goddess Shakti) by visiting one of the oldest and most celebrated temples of Jodhpur, Gayatri Shaktipeeth Shree Chamunda Mata Temple. It lies close to the southern gate of Mehrangarh Fort.
PS: The fort has been a popular filming site for Bollywood and Hollywood. Some of the famous movies shot here include The Dark Knight Rises, The Fall, The Darjelling Limited, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Tere Naam, and Shuddh Desi Romance.
Opening Timings: It’s open all days from 9 am to 5 pm
Entry Tickets: INR 200 per Indian adult, INR 100 per Indian student or a senior citizen or paramilitary personnel, INR 600 (includes the audio guide) per foreign adult, and INR 400 per foreign student.
The photography permit is INR 100 for still photography and INR 200 for video photography.
The elevator ticket is INR 50 for one way.
A tour guide costs INR 500 (1 to 4 people), INR 600 (5 to 15 people), INR 800 (16 to 30 people), and INR 1000 (31 to 50 people)
2 pm: Lunch @ Darikhana
A specialty restaurant by RAAS, Darikhana ticks all the boxes. Lovely setting, charming decor, perfect ambiance, flavorsome food, warm hospitality, and first-rate services – would you ask for more?
It has one of the best views of Mehrangarh Fort, of course, best enjoyed at night when the fort is all lit up.
3 pm: Catch an Afternoon Nap
Now that you’ve enough time before you get to your next stop in the Jodhpur itinerary, you can return to your hotel room for a quick yet refreshing siesta.
4:30 pm: Makhaniya Lassi at Shri Mishrilal
You gotta have (it’s a must) a chilled glass of Makhaniya Lassi at Shri Mishrilal Hotel when in Jodhpur. Made with highly compressed curd and flavored with cardamom, kewda, sugar, and milk, this thick creamy drink is worth all the hype. And why not? They’ve been making it since 1960 after all.
They are also famous for their mount-watering preparation of Rabri.
5:30 pm: Hike Pachetia Hill
Climbing Pachetia Hill awards you with a bird’s eye view of the blue city, especially during sunset.
The hike starts from Singhvi Haveli. It takes 20 to 25 minutes to reach the top. Once you are done taking in the stunning vistas, don’t forget to pay respect to Goddess Jwala at Maa Jwalamukhi Devi Temple.
7:30 pm: Dinner @ Chokelao Mahal Terrace
Set in the historic fort of Mehrangarh, Chokelao Mahal Terrace extends a royal and inspiriting dining experience. The rooftop restaurant opens at 7 pm and is known for its lavish dinner menu and outstanding view of the glittering fort and the city below.
It’s recommended to book your table in advance. A chauffeur-driven Jeep picks you up from the fort gate and drops you at a restaurant.
Try their chakki ki sabzi, ker sangri, and laal maas.
Day 2 of 2 Days in Jodhpur Itinerary
6:30 am: Blue Houses (Old Town) Tour with Breakfast
It’s time to see the iconic blue houses that gave the city its nickname! Wandering the narrow winding lanes dusted with an array of blue houses is one of the most authentic ways to experience the culture and history of Jodhpur.
Please be aware it’ll bot be easy navigating the narrow, unpaved, and dusty labyrinthine alleyways. You’ll have to jostle for space as cows forage through the garbage dump, dogs loiter around, motorcycles try to navigate, and kids play games. But then good things don’t come easy.
While you can very well explore the blue houses on your own, I insist you join a guided tour. First off, it’s easy to get lost in the intricate web of bylanes besides the local tour guides know the city inside and out and take you deep into the alleys to find the hidden gems.
We did a Morning Heritage Walk with Bluecity Walks. The walk not only lets you discover the hidden spots but also gives you a chance to enjoy authentic Rajasthani breakfast and tea on the terrace of a 350 year old blue brahmin house.
If you still don’t want to sign up for a guided tour and think that it’s fun and adventurous to maneuvar the city’s backstreets on your own in search of the lovely blue houses and seek out the feeling of being lost in its entanglement, you should definitely look for two areas – Navchowkiya and Chandpol (Brahmapuri). These areas are where the mejority of blue houses are clustered.
9:30 am: Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi (Jodhpur Stepwell)
Built by Rani Tawar Ji, Queen of Maharaja Abhaya Singh in the 1740s, Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi is an architectural wonder. Your list of the best places to visit in Jodhpur in two days is incomplete without including this ancient stepwell. It remained submerged for almost 100 years and has been restored recently to discover the treasure trove of hand-carved red sandstone carvings.
You can walk down (cautiously) the maze of bumpy stairs or just admire it from the top as I did.
Note: Enjoy a cup of coffee at Jodhpur’s favorite hangout, Stepwell Café with a beautiful view of Toorji’s Step Well. Its terrace affords unparalleled views of Mehrangarh Fort.
If you’ve time, walk about 500 meters away from Toorji ki Jhalra to another lesser-known stepwell, Mahila Baag ka Jhalra.
12 pm: Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
Commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh on Chittar Hill (the highest point in Jodhpur) in 1929, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a true embodiment of the royal heritage of Rajasthan. With over 347 rooms the palace is spread across 26 acres. A substantial part of the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel run by the Taj Group of Hotels, a portion of it is occupied by the current royal family and the remaining part is converted into a museum.
From paintings, funiture, weapons, art pieces, to trophies, and antique clocks – the museum houses the private collection of the royal family. You can also see the royal vintage car collection on the lawns of the palace.
Opening Timings: The museum is open all the days of the week from 9 am to 5 pm.
Entry Tickets: INR 30 per Indian adult, INR 10 per Indian child aged 5 to 11 years, and INR 100 per foreign adult
1 pm: Lunch @ Khaas Bagh
Owned by the royal family, Khaas Bagh offers unparraleled royal didning experience. We loved our time here and definitely recommend you to dine here when in Jodhpur. Right from the mocktails to starters to the mains to the desserts – everything we tried was lipsmackingly good. And not to mention the exquiste decore and splendin hospitality.
For all those who are crazy about cars, Khaas Bagh has a huge collection of vintage cars on display. You can marvel at the collection once you finish your meal.
3 pm: Rest and Rejuvenate
Return to your hotel room and put your feet up and freshen up for the evening sightseeing.
4:30 pm: Coffee and Snacks @ Cafe Laalten
Cafe Laalten is a charming art cafe at Stepwell Square and is adored for its vibrant and artistic decor, delightful ambiance, peaceful vibe, unobstructed view of the fort, amazing collection of books, and friendly staff, and of course, great food.
There are very few places that speak to your soul and Cafe Laalten is one of them.
Note: It’s a reservation-based cafe so book over the call before showing up.
5:30 pm: Mandore Garden
Just about 9 km north of the city of Jodhpur, lies the ancient town of Mandore which served as the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Marwar before Rao Jodha Rathore shifted the capital to Jodhpur. The beautiful and well-preserved Mandore Garden narrates the story of the glorious past.
Mandore Garden is dotted with cenotaphs aka chhatris or dewals of Maharajas of Marwar. The cenotaph of Maharaja Ajit Singh is beautiful of them all. Other important structures inside the garden are the Hall of Heroes, Temple of 33 Crore Gods, Ravan Temple, Government Museum, and Mandore Fort and Palace.
Opening Timings: The garden is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm while the government museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:45 am to 5:15 pm.
Entry Tickets: Entry to the garden is free, however, a visit to the museum costs INR 20 per Indian adult, INR 10 per Indian student aged 12 or above, INR 100 per foreign adult, and INR 50 per foreign student aged 12 or above.
7 pm: Clock Tower and Sardar Market
The Clock Tower aka Ghanta Ghar stands at the heart of the old city. It’s one of the most chaotic, noisiest, lively, and colorful spots in Jodhpur. It has to be. Here’s where tourists choose to stay (it’s where the action lies and it boasts some of the best hotels in the city), eat (it’s where most of the famous eateries, cafes, and restaurants exist), and shop (it’s where the oldest market in Jodhpur with about 7000 shops selling everything from handicrafts, fabric, footwear to handloom, spices, jewelry, and what not is positioned).
Built by Maharaja Sardar Singh about 200 years ago, the clock tower is the iconic landmark in Jodhpur. If you want to get a different perspective of the blue city, climb the tower and you’ll get a view of the market below and the bustling streets in the distance.
The clock tower market, Sardar Market, is one of the best places to shop in Jodhpur. A shopaholic in you is in for a great shopping experience here. If you want to buy unique and inexpensive local souvenirs for family and friends back home, the clock tower market is the place. Whatever you buy, be sure to haggle for the best bargain.
9 pm: Indulge in the Street Food of Jodhpur
Jodhpur is a foodie’s paradise and the clock tower area is ground zero for Jodhpur’s street food scene. You ought to try out some of the local delicacies here. We loved samosas at Shahi Samosa, palak patta chaat at Arora Chat Bhandar, makhaniya lassi and rabri at Shri Mishrilal, and Jalebi at Motu Jalebi Wala.
Hope you enjoy your stay in a beautiful city of Jodhpur. If you have any questions, put them in comments and we’ll be happy to answer all!
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