Jodhpur packs more history into its sandstone walls than most Indian cities twice its size. The 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort dominates the skyline, the blue-washed houses of the old city create one of the world’s most photogenic neighbourhoods, and the surrounding Thar Desert offers camel safaris and village experiences. Here is what to do in Jodhpur, from the headline attractions to the under-the-radar spots locals recommend. Check our Jodhpur weather by month for detailed information.
Things to Do in Jodhpur: Iconic Landmarks
Mehrangarh Fort
Rising 122 meters (400 feet) above the city on a sheer sandstone cliff, Mehrangarh Fort is one of India’s largest and best-preserved forts. Built starting in 1459 by Rao Jodha, it was expanded over five centuries by successive rulers. The fort’s walls are up to 36 meters (118 feet) high in places. Inside, seven palace galleries display royal palanquins, miniature paintings, armour, and the elaborate howdahs (elephant seats) of the Rathore dynasty. The audio guide (included with the Rs 600 foreigner ticket, Rs 100 for Indians) is narrated by the current Maharaja and is genuinely worth using. Allow 3 to 4 hours. Open daily 09:00 to 17:00. The zip-line (Flying Fox) operates from the north rampart (Rs 1,900 per person, book ahead at flyingfox.asia). For more details, see our best time to visit Jodhpur.
Jaswant Thada
A white marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, located a 10-minute walk from Mehrangarh Fort’s main entrance. The intricately carved marble screens and domes glow in the morning light, and the setting, overlooking a small lake with the fort as a backdrop, is one of Jodhpur’s best photo spots. Entry is Rs 50 for foreigners, Rs 20 for Indians. Open 09:00 to 17:00. Visit in the morning when the marble is backlit by the rising sun and crowds are minimal. For more details, see our events and festivals in Jodhpur.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
One of the world’s largest private residences, this 347-room Art Deco palace was built between 1929 and 1943 as a famine relief project employing 3,000 workers. Today it is split three ways: a luxury Taj hotel (rooms from Rs 40,000/night), the royal family’s private residence, and a museum open to the public. The museum (Rs 100 for foreigners, Rs 30 for Indians, open 10:00 to 16:30) displays vintage clocks, Art Deco furniture, and a collection of classic cars including a 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom. The palace is located on Chittar Hill in the southeast of the city, about 4km from the old city (Rs 150 by auto-rickshaw). For more details, see our neighborhoods in Jodhpur.
Sardar Market and Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar)
The commercial heart of old Jodhpur, built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the early 20th century. The clock tower is the central landmark, surrounded by a bustling market selling spices, textiles, handicrafts, and jewellery. The narrow lanes radiating from the square are where you will find the best street food: Makhaniya Lassi at Mishrilal Hotel (Rs 50), Mirchi Bada at Janta Sweet Home (Rs 15 each), and Pyaaz Kachori at Rawat Misthan Bhandar (Rs 25). The market is most active from 10:00 to 20:00, closed on Sundays. Bargain aggressively: start at 50% of the quoted price for textiles and handicrafts. For more details, see our where to stay in Jodhpur.
Things to Do in Jodhpur: The Blue City
Brahmapuri (Blue City Walk)
The blue-painted Brahmin quarter below Mehrangarh Fort is Jodhpur’s most photographed area. The blue colour traditionally signified Brahmin households, originally derived from copper sulphate lime wash that also repelled insects. Today most houses use synthetic blue paint. The best walking route starts at the base of the fort near the Fateh Pol gate and zigzags downhill through narrow lanes. The golden hour before sunset (16:30 to 17:30 in winter) produces spectacular light. For a guided walk, Jodhpur Heritage Walks (Rs 500 per person, 2.5 hours) covers the history, architecture, and hidden temples of the old city. Book via WhatsApp at +91 98292 46258. For more details, see our travel tips for Jodhpur.
Toorji Ka Jhalra (Step Well)
A stunning 18th-century step well built by Queen Toorji, wife of Maharaja Abhay Singh, in the 1740s. Restored in 2017, the geometric sandstone steps descend 60 meters to the water level. It is located 5 minutes from the Clock Tower in the old city and is free to visit. The surrounding area has become Jodhpur’s hippest corner, with cafes like Stepwell Cafe (rooftop, decent coffee, Rs 150 for a cappuccino) and the stylish Raas boutique hotel next door. Visit in the late afternoon when the sun angles create dramatic shadows on the steps. See our Jodhpur travel guide for more planning information.
Things to Do in Jodhpur: Desert and Day Trips
Camel Safari in the Thar Desert
Jodhpur is the gateway to authentic Thar Desert experiences that are less commercial than Jaisalmer’s heavily touristed dunes. The village of Osian, 65km north of Jodhpur (1.5 hours by taxi, Rs 2,500 to 3,000 round trip), is the best base. Osian also has a cluster of 8th to 12th-century Hindu and Jain temples worth visiting. Camel safaris range from 2-hour sunset rides (Rs 800 to 1,200 per person) to overnight camping trips (Rs 3,500 to 6,000 including dinner, campfire, and basic tent). Operators: Osian Camel Safari (+91 99282 34567) and Reggie’s Camel Safari. The safari season runs October to March only.
Bishnoi Village Safari
The Bishnoi community, who live in villages 25km southeast of Jodhpur, are India’s original environmentalists. Their 15th-century guru Jambheshwar laid down 29 principles (bis-noi) that include protecting trees and wildlife. The Bishnoi will literally risk their lives to protect blackbuck antelope and khejri trees. Village safaris (Rs 2,500 to 4,000 for a half-day jeep tour, booked through hotels or operators like Jodhpur Day Tours) include visits to weaver and potter families, blackbuck spotting, and a traditional meal. The safaris support village livelihoods and offer a genuine cultural exchange.
Mandore Gardens
Located 9km north of Jodhpur (Rs 300 by auto-rickshaw round trip), Mandore was the capital of the Pratihara dynasty before Jodhpur was founded. The extensive gardens contain the chhatris (cenotaphs) of Jodhpur’s former maharajas, built from red sandstone in a style that blends Rajput and Mughal influences. The Hall of Heroes, with its 16 rock-carved figures of deities and heroes, is the standout feature. Entry is free. The gardens are open from 08:00 to 20:00 and are particularly atmospheric at sunset. There is also a small government museum (Rs 50) on site.
Things to Do in Jodhpur: Food and Drink
Jodhpur Food Walk
Jodhpur’s street food is legendary. The self-guided route: start at Janta Sweet Home (Nai Sarak) for Mirchi Bada (deep-fried green chilli stuffed with spiced potato, Rs 15), then walk 2 minutes to Mishrilal Hotel for Makhaniya Lassi (creamy saffron-cardamom yoghurt drink, Rs 50). Continue to Rawat Misthan Bhandar for Pyaaz Kachori (Rs 25) and finish at Shahi Samosa (Clock Tower area) for their namesake samosa (Rs 15 each). For a sit-down meal, Indique at Pal Haveli offers excellent Rajasthani thali and rooftop views of Mehrangarh Fort (Rs 800 to 1,200 per person). For Laal Maas, the fiery Rajasthani mutton curry, head to Kalinga Restaurant or On the Rocks.
