Jodhpur Travelers Recommend

In the heart of the desert state of Rajasthan, the Blue City of Jodhpur is a great place to immerse yourself in local culture; it’s also a handy base for exploring the surrounding area. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Jodhpur.

Day 1: Exploring Old Jodhpur

Begin with a morning visit to the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, a sandstone structure perched on a hilltop overlooking the city; consider taking a private tour if you want to ask a lot of questions about history and architecture. From here, it’s a quick walk over to the Jaswant Thada, a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built of intricately-carved white marble. 

Then, make your way downhill to the Old City of Jodhpur, passing through lanes lined with blue houses. At the base of the hill sits the city's landmark clock tower, a good reference point for orienting yourself if you wish to spend the evening exploring on foot. Alternatively, hire a local guide to take you on an evening stroll through this lively part of town; it will make navigating crowds easier and you’ll get the inside scoop on history and culture.

Day 2: Day Trip to Osian

On your second day, head out to Osian, an oasis town around 45 miles (70 kilometers) north of Jodhpur. This ancient settlement is known for its Hindu and Jain temples, the bulk of which were built between the 8th and 11th centuries. Tours tend to combine a stop at the Sachiya Mata Temple—a Hindu goddess temple dating to the 9th or 10th century—with time to explore Jain Temple. After visiting the temples, stick around for a camel ride in the Thar Desert before heading back to Jodhpur for dinner.

Day 3: Culture and Heritage

Spend your final morning exploring Bishnoi, a traditional village that offers insight into rural Rajasthani life. Here, you'll get the chance to interact with locals and watch traditional craft and pottery demonstrations. Most travelers visit as part of an organized jeep safari, which often include stops to look for wildlife in the surrounding desert. 

In the afternoon, make your way to Umaid Bhawan Palace, an art deco structure built for the royal family, who still occupy one wing of the palace. Spend some time browsing the palace museum, which exhibits royal artefacts, art, and even old clocks; for motor enthusiasts—there's also an impressive collection of vintage cars here. Finish your day off with an evening cooking class in the home of a local, where you’ll get to make and eat a variety of popular north Indian dishes.

Known as the Blue City for its sky-blue buildings, Jodhpur combines numerous historical attractions with plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local life. Two days in the city give you ample time to hit up the highlights, learn how to cook, and visit a traditional village in the desert.

Day 1: Old City Highlights

**Morning:**Start your first day with a visit to the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. Highlights include numerous palaces and a museum full of royal artifacts; join a tour if you want to deepen your understanding of its historical context.  Adventurous travelers can even go ziplining over the fort's ramparts. 

**Afternoon:**In the afternoon, head over to Jaswant Thada, a glistening white-marble memorial that’s a 15-minute walk from Mehrangarh. Then, make your way downhill to the center of Jodhpur, winding through narrow lanes lined with houses painted the signature Jodhpur blue; going with a guide or as part of a tour lets you orient yourself with ease. 

**Night:**Spend your first evening getting a feel for the Old Town. If you wish to learn more about the city's history and culture, opt for an evening walking tour, which offers a more intimate glimpse into the Old Town and lets you explore when temperatures have cooled. 

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

**Morning:**Start your second day with an early-morning trip to the village of Bishnoi, which attracts travelers with its unique cultural practices and wildlife; most Bishnoi tours include the chance to observe pottery and weaving demonstrations, and increase your chances of spotting animals at Guda Bishnoi Lake. 

**Afternoon:**After a quick lunch back in Jodhpur, spend your afternoon exploring the Umaid Bhawan Palace, which hosts a luxury hotel, a royal residence, and an on-site museum. It’s a bit far from town, so consider taking a tour that includes convenient round-trip transfers. 

**Night:**Spend your final evening in Jodhpur learning how to cook Indian food during a cooking class. Many such classes take place in local homes and include detailed instructions on how to make your favorite curries, breads, and desserts, which you then get to eat.

As the second-largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur has long been celebrated for its beautiful blue buildings and grandiose palaces and forts. Just one day in the city gives you time to see some of Jodhpur’s finest royal structures and to wander its blue-tinged neighborhoods. Here’s what you need to know.

Morning: Umaid Bhawan Palace

Start your morning with a visit to the spectacular Umaid Bhawan Palace; it’s outside of the old city, so you’ll need to take a taxi or join a local tour; most full-day tours of Jodhpur make a stop here and are ideal if you want a deeper understanding of the site. The palace is part royal residence and part luxury hotel, though it also has a museum featuring a wide collection of royal artifacts and vintage cars. After perusing the museum here, head to the center of Jodhpur for lunch and get prepared to do some walking.

Afternoon: Blue City Highlights

Dedicate your afternoon to exploring Jodhpur's blue-painted lanes on foot; joining a private walking tour makes finding your way around easier and gives you a glimpse of life in the area through the eyes of  a local. Start at the Clock Tower in the center of the Old Town and make your way uphill, past eggshell-blue houses that earn the city its Blue City moniker. Continue to Jaswant Thada, a beautiful white-marble monument surrounded by lush gardens. From here it's about a 15-minute walk to the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, a series of beautifully decorated palaces with a museum full of regal ephemera.

Night: DIY Dinner

In the evening, make your way back into town for a traditional dinner of rich, spicy Rajasthani food. While there are plenty of great restaurants throughout the city—many with great views of Mehrangarh Fort—a better way to immerse yourself in local culture is by opting for a cooking class. Such classes give you the chance to learn about local ingredients and create rich curries, desserts, and even traditional flatbreads under the guidance of a local chef. Best of all, you’ll be rewarded by getting to sample the fruits of your efforts at the end of your experience.