Jodhpur, the beautiful Blue city of Rajasthan is a city with some tremendous forts, palaces, desert, and culture all tucked in one place. The several things to do in Jodhpur will have your mind blown as it is suitable for every type of traveller. Every time you walk in its colorful streets you feel the spirit of traditional spices' flavor in the air, the sight of those breathtaking blue houses, and hear the harmony of folk melodies. Whether you are a cultural or history enthusiast, a foodie, or an adventure lover, Jodhpur has everything for everyone. Without further ado, explore the list of things to do here you’ve been waiting for!
How To Reach Jodhpur
Before diving into top things to do in Jodhpur, it is important to know how to reach the location. Here is a complete breakdown. You can also explore the best time to visit Jodhpur guide before planning your itinerary.
By Air: Jodhpur has its local airport that provides connections to other cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. This makes the airport also suitable for local passengers since it is approximately 9 km away from the downtown area.
By Train: Jodhpur Junction railway station is one of the major railway stations in the State of Rajasthan; daily trains are available for Jodhpur from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and many other cities.
By Road: This city is easily accessible by road; there are state-owned buses and there are private buses also. It is also not far from two of the most important cities of India’s state of Rajasthan namely Jaipur at about 330 km and Udaipur at about 250 Km.
Suggested Read: The Ultimate Guide To Best Places To Visit In Rajasthan
Best Things To Do In Jodhpur
The place offers a vibrant culture with a lot of adventure, beauty, and historical touch. Anyone wanting to be surrounded by the aura of history, and archaeology or just want some quiet time can definitely visit this place. Here is our list of the best things to do in Jodhpur for your next trip.
1. Visit The Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India, in all terms considered i.e. area and architectural splendour offering an aerial view of the Blue City. It boasts of exquisite works of art, a large manpower, and a grand museum that encourages tourists to visit the place. This is one of the famous things to do in Jodhpur.
- Entry Fee: Rs 200 For Indian visitors, Rs 600 For Foreigner visitors
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Additional Info: You should not leave the place without trying a flying fox zipline within the fort area for the thrill seekers.
2. Walking Down The Blue Streets Of Jodhpur
Jodhpur is well blessed with a number of beautiful blue-colored houses. Walking along through the old town’s small alley is the best way to take nice pictures and feel the atmosphere of the local people’s life.
- Best Time: Early mornings or late afternoons.
- Additional Tip: Find a tour guide and ask what interesting and unique things are connected with places painted blue.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Rajasthan In December
3. Visit Jaswant Thada
Another place that should be included in your list of things to do in Jodhpur is exploring Jaswant Thada, which is also known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Marwar’, Jaswant Thada is a pagoda-like structure and a memorial to the Maharaja Jaswant Singh- II. There are enormous gardens around it so it makes it an ideal place that will transfer all the stress of your life to itself.
- Entry Fee: Rs. 50 for Indians, and Rs. 100 for foreigners
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Distance from Mehrangarh Fort: 1 km
4. Buy Goods At Sardar Market And Clock Tower
Sardar Market is a most popular and huge Market situated close to the Clock Tower. Literature, handicrafts, spices, textiles, bangles & jewelry- there is something for everyone, and all this in the most beautiful and colorful market you have ever seen. This is indeed one of the amazing things to do in Jodhpur for shopaholics.
- Best Time: Night time for a spirited experience.
- Tip: So make sure to haggle for the best prices at any market or vendor booth.
Suggested Read: Which Can Be The Best Time To Visit Rajasthan?
5. Experience Rajasthani Cuisine
Foodies, are you ready to experience one of the best things to do in Jodhpur? It would be rather absurd, and impossible to traverse through Jodhpur without giving your taste buds their much-needed treat. Savor food such as dal bati churma, and mirchi vada from local restaurants and mouth-watering mawa kachori as well.
- Recommended Places: Gypsy Restaurant, Janta Sweet Home
- Must-Try: Makhania lassi (buttermilk)
6. See The Beauty Of The Umaid Bhawan Palace
The Umaid Bhawan Palace, boasting as it is, is the royal residence which has now been turned into a luxury hotel and a museum giving evidence to the city’s rich history, and visiting it is one of the amazing things to do in Jodhpur. This is a museum that showcases the works of art that were once owned by the royal family.
- Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Distance from the City Centre: 6 km
Suggested Read: Discover The Best Time To Visit Jaipur
7. Discover Mandore Gardens
Mandore Garden is an antiquated garden that is only 9 km away from Jodhpur and which contains the cenotaphs, and sanctuaries and is surrounded by greenery. It is the right environment for people who want to find some solitude.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Best Time: During the early morning or in the evening, in particular.
8. Take A Camel Safari In Osian
Sited at around 65 km from Jodhpur, Osian is more of an archaeological site that has been developed into a small town that is famous for the phenomenal temples and sand dunes it boasts of. A camel safari here will be more like the once-in-a-lifetime actual Rajasthani experience. If you’ve not tried this then you’d be missing one of the best things to do in Jodhpur.
- Safari Cost: Starting from INR 500 per person
- Best Time: At the time of sunset.
- Additional Info: Well known among tourists, you may do the safari in combination with a visit to the Osian temples.
Suggested read: Wonders Of The West: Gujarat Vs Rajasthan
9. Visit Toorji Ka Jhalra (Stepwell)
Toorji Ka Jhalra is an old stepwell that was renovated and protected for tourists and was constructed in the 18th century. It is an excellent place for taking pictures and getting acquainted with history in the meantime.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Best Time: Opt for early morning or evening.
- Distance from Clock Tower: 1.5 km
10. Explore The thrill Of Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
This park is an ecological park, situated near Mehrangarh Fort, which is frequently visited by nature and adventure lovers. Hike along its tracks and enjoy the view of the flora of the desert that you can find only here.
- Entry Fee: Rs. 100 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners.
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Best Time: Mornings
11. Attend The Marwar Festival
If you are fortunate enough to visit Jodhpur in the middle of the first week of October then you should not miss the Marwar Festival in which one can get a glimpse of Jodhpur in terms of songs, dances, and camels. If you are a fan of exploring different cultures then you must not miss out on this, which is indeed one of the most amazing things to do in Jodhpur.
- Location: Various venues across Jodhpur
- Dates: Held annually in October
- Tip: Do not wait until the last minute when booking your lodgings since a lot of people attend the festival.
12. Kaylana Lake
It will be best for you if you spend the night in a bohemian environment at Kaylana Lake which is an artificial lake built on slopes. One of the best things to do in Jodhpur at night, this spot can be ideal for boating and also watching the sunset.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset.
- Entry Fee: Free (boating charges extra).
- Location: 8 km from Jodhpur city.
- Activities: Picnics and bird watching.
13. Join The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF)
Want another suggestion regarding the best things to do in Jodhpur? Well, any tourist planning to travel in October should not miss the Rajasthan International Folk Festival at Mehrangarh Fort as it shows all the music and the culture of Rajasthan in its own splendid and brighter ways.
- Best Time to Visit: October.
- Entry Fee: Event-specific.
- Activities: Singing, dancing, drama, handicraft display, traditional games, costume parade, etc.
14. Have Fun At Bishnoi Village Safari
The most efficient way to be aware of Indian traditions is to visit Bishnoi Village Safari. Experience a real feel of the countryside and learn about the great art of pottery and the Bishnoi people and how they have preserved wildlife.
- Best Time to Visit: Winter season (October, November, December, and January).
- Entry Fee: Safari charges range from Rs. 2,000
- Activities: Camel rides, walks through the village, and local meals.
15. Visit Masuria Hills Garden
Masuria Hills Garden is one of the best parks in Jodhpur; it offers an opportunity to have a clear view of the city skyline, especially at dusk. Among the best things to do in Jodhpur in 2 days, one should definitely consider visiting Masuria Hills in Jodhpur.
- Best Time to Visit: Evening for sunset views.
- Entry Fee: Rs. 50 for adults.
- Location: Near Shastri Nagar.
- Attractions: From a distance, both Bal Samand Lake and Umaid Bhawan Palace can be seen.
Best Time To Visit Jodhpur
The best time to visit Jodhpur is during the winter season, that is from October to March because the climate is ideal for undertaking various sightseeing and trying the best things to do in Jodhpur. Summer is hot, especially during April- June while the monsoon is in between July- September where most areas are either prone to rain or restricted movement.
- Peak Season: November to February
- Off-Season: Off-season consists of April to September and you can get to enjoy some discounts on any accommodation you desire.
Conclusion
Jodhpur is one of the amazing cities that has a blend of historical and cultural values as well as filled with a lot of adventures for tourists. Wildlife, forts and palaces, delicious food, and bazaars, the place offers various things to do in Jodhpur, thereby giving a lifetime experience of the Indian state of Rajasthan. So, next time you plan a trip to Rajasthan, make sure to make a stop at some of these places in Jodhpur and experience the best of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Jodhpur famous for?
Preferably known for the blue-coloured houses, Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Rajasthani food.
2. How many days are sufficient for Jodhpur?
Visitors should spare 2 to 3 days to visit major places of interest and feel the energy pulse of a city.
3. So is Jodhpur safe for solo travelers?
Indeed, it is relatively safe to visit the city of Jodhpur alone. But, there is always the risk of worsening your situation if you are alone, especially at night, so it is always safer not to venture too far, especially at night.
4. Where are the best shopping places in Jodhpur?
Mochi Bazaar, Sardar Market, and Nai Sarak are some of the oldest spices, clothing, and goods shopping places in Jodhpur.
5. It is quite feasible for one to carry out an Osian day tour from Jodhpur.
Yes, Osian is about 65 km from Jodhpur and Osian is a one-day trip.
