Even if you just have one or two days to travel there, Jodhpur is a wonderful stop. Here are some must-see locations in Jodhpur that you should not miss.
For the top things to do, places to eat, and places to stay in Jodhpur, check out my interactive map.
Take a trip to the Toorji Ka Jhalra Baoli (Stepwell)
The Toorji Ka Jhalra Baoli, arguably the most impressive stepwell I saw while travelling through Northern India, is a great location for people-watching, photography, or just unwinding on the steps below the rim.
You may enter this stepwell, unlike many others in Rajasthan, and I enjoyed photographing it from several perspectives. Built in the 1740s, it was buried for more than a century before being recently dug out and repaired.
The elaborate carvings on this rose-red stepwell made of Jodhpur sandstone must be seen to be believed.
Enjoy a meal or a beverage at the elegant Stepwell Cafe, which is located three levels above the stepwell.
Price: Free Duration: 24 hours
Visit the Mehrangarh Fort.
Whether you are interested in history or not, Mehrangarh Fort is unquestionably one of the most impressive and well-preserved forts in Rajasthan and a must-see in Jodhpur.
The senior branch of the Rajput clan, known as the Rathores, lived in this fort made of red sandstone for five centuries.
The supposedly cursed fort is perched atop a rocky ridge, towering over Jodhpur, a blue city, below. The view from a rooftop restaurant in the city below at night is really breathtaking.
The best way to reach Mehrangarh Fort is to walk up there from the old city, enjoying the views of the fort and over the city as you get closer. If you aren’t able to walk up there, you can take a taxi up as there is a road that leads to the entrance.
It has been developed as a museum, and an excellent audio guide takes you through the fort and museum, showcasing life in the fort, Rajasthan culture, and traditional arts and crafts of Rajasthan.
A lot of the rooms of the palace are remarkably well preserved and beautifully decorated, and we really enjoyed exploring them.
Cost: 600 rupees/approx $8
Hours: 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week
Eat Out at Local Restaurants
There are a few restaurants that we enjoyed eating at during our time in Jodhpur.
My favourite place to eat and hang out in Jodhpur is definitely the Blue Bird Rooftop Restaurant. We had a couple of meals here and loved the food, the drinks, and the spectacular views over the fort – especially at night when it was lit up.
We made friends with the owner and felt incredibly welcome here – we even spent the afternoon of Holi here, making new friends and enjoying a couple of drinks. It was a great escape when the chaos of Holi got a bit much.
You can find it on Google Maps listed as Blue Bird/Blue Stay.
The Stepwell Cafe is another must for their location, with views over the impressive Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell and up to the fort from the rooftop. There are many delectable alternatives on the menu, as well as high-quality shakes, coffees, and even alcoholic drinks.
Just a short distance from the stepwell, we also loved Sam’s Art Cafe, which is another fantastic restaurant. This unique art cafe offers a wide variety of mouthwatering vegan options in addition to excellent coffee.
Explore the Blue City’s alleys.
The easiest approach to explore the maze of little lanes that are found within the old city’s walls is to just roam about randomly. This city is ideal for exploring on foot. Take lots of pictures of the spectacular blue buildings and elegant Havelis, go to various stores and restaurants, and people watch.
The ancient town of the city is one of the top sites to see in Jodhpur in two days or longer, so you should definitely set aside some time to just meander through this fascinating and historic city.
Before you leave, take sure to mark your lodging on Google Maps so you can find it again.
How to Prepare for a Trip to Jodhpur
Accessing and Leaving Jodhpur
It is typical to go from Jaipur to Jodhpur before continuing on to Jaisalmer if you are touring Rajasthan; this is what we did.
I heartily advise hiring from Jaipur to Jodhpur taxi, stopping along the way at the renowned Ranakpur Jain Temple and Kumbhalgarh Fort, which is home to the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. Both of these amazing sights are definitely worth visiting!