Jodhpur, India is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is also called the Sun City as the sunshine year-round, almost every day of the year. Others see it as the Gateway to the nearby Thar Desert, while many think of it as the Blue City because of the many blue houses that characterize its historical tradition. You’ll have to decide which of these suits best for you – or perhaps you’ll even come up with one of your own. Popular weekend destination from Delhi, India.
Helpful Information
Getting to Jodhpur
By Air
There is no direct international flight to Jodhpur Airport (JDH). You need to make a transfer from Delhi or Mumbai. The airport is about 5 km from the city center. Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from the airport to your hotel. The cost should be between 300-500 Rupees. Air India and Jet Airways operate daily flights to Jodhpur from Delhi and Mumbai.
By Road:
Jodhpur is well connected to other cities in India. There are buses to/from Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Bikaner, etc. The bus is the cheapest way to travel. Private cars are always an option – allowing you to create your own schedule/itinerary. These can be hired at your hotel or agencies around town. I’d suggest a car between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer and Udaipur and Jodhpur because of its scenic way and the opportunity to experience the small-town lifestyle. We paid 4000 Rupees from Udaipur to Jodhpur with two stops at Kumbhalgarh Fort and then to Ranakpur Jain Temple. I definitely think it’s cheap and convenient.
By Train:
The railway system is connected to most Indian cities. Jodhpur’s main railway station is centrally located, about 2.5 miles from the Clock Tower, not more than 15 minutes walk. The popular Mandor Express leaves Delhi at 8:45 PM and arrives in Jodhpur at 8 AM. The daily train from Jodhpur to Mumbai, Suryanagari express, departs from Jodhpur at 18:45 hours, and Bandra Terminus (Mumbai) at 13:30 takes 17 hours.
Getting Around
Moving around the city is not a problem as there is a variety of transportation to choose from. Of course, you won’t find yellow taxis but what you will find are average to luxurious private taxis/cabs. I have hired both tuk-tuk and private taxis on a 12 hours basis for sightseeing or day trips and found it very safe, convenient, and cost-effective.
The locals usually depend on Tongas and Auto-rickshaws (Three-wheelers/tuk-tuk) to move around the city. Auto Rickshaws are readily available throughout the city. It would be best if you bargained with the auto-rickshaw driver and set the fair in advance. Unmetered taxis are also available in the city, but the same obstacle of bargaining was difficult for a first-timer like me.
Jodhpur is a small city not crowded with vehicles so one can get around the city on a bicycle. Moreover, you can hire bicycles that are available all over the city.
Guided Tour – A few tour companies offer guided sightseeing tours in Jodhpur.
Best Time to Visit
It’s a tricky question to answer as many circumstances must be considered. Furthermore, Jodhpur is a year-round destination, so you will have a different enjoyable experience depending on the time of the year.
Since Jodhpur is part of the State of Rajasthan’s desert land, be ready to experience harsh summers when temperatures rise to 114º F (45º C). However, nights are still cooler than days due to the desert effect.
The best time to visit Jodhpur is between September and March. However, depending on what you want to do, here’s a monthly breakup of Jodhpur’s climatic conditions so that you can plan when to go:
November to February – These months constitute the winter season in Jodhpur. The maximum temperature during this time does not go beyond 86º F (30º C), and the minimum hovers around 53º F (12º C). The breeze in the air offers tourists a perfect climate for sightseeing and exploring the city.
March to June – These months constitute the summer season in Jodhpur, and summers are pretty extreme. However, while days are hot, with the maximum temperature between 104º – 113º F (40 º – 45º C), evenings are relatively pleasant.
July to October – These months constitute the monsoon season in Jodhpur. Although the city receives less rainfall, the surrounding mountain range turns lush green and scenic. This also happens to be the offseason in Jodhpur and an apt time for budget travelers to visit the city as they can get good hotel and travel deals.
Useful Information
How Many Days is Enough to Visit
It is well worth planning a few extra days in Jodhpur as there are so many attractions to see, which will surely make it challenging to narrow down your list. Moreover, on your way from one point to another, the landscape is so fascinating that it will be difficult for you not to make frequent unplanned stops resulting in going way over your scheduled plan.
Of course, the place of interest is subject to individual opinion, but regardless of the interest, it is good to allocate at least two to three days in Jodhpur and its surroundings. Four to Five days at least to see, relax, and enjoy the food that it offers without rushing. No matter how many days you plan, at the end of your trip, you will think that you must go back again.
Useful Tips
Travel Insurance – Bad things can happen anytime, especially when you are doing activities you are not used to. I have practical experience in this. Travel insurance will protect you and your family from surprises. Don’t think about all the things that might go wrong on your trip, but these things can and do happen.
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Things To Do In Jodhpur
Tour The Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city and is the largest fort in Rajasthan. The magnificent fort forms a picturesque backdrop to the city, rising 400 feet above old Jodhpur. Rao Jodha completed building this fort in 1459, getting there is only by approaching through a steep, winding road. ‘Mehr’ in Rajasthani means the Sun. So Mehrangarh means the ‘Citadel of the Sun.
From the huge Mehrangarh Fort, we could witness the fantastic panoramic view of the blue city of Jodhpur. The blue houses have a history. That part of the old city is Brahmpuri. It was a tradition for Brahmins to paint their houses blue to set themselves apart from the rest of the population. Over the years, others followed suit, making the entire old city look blue. The fort houses the Maharaja’s palace and several temples like Chamunda Mataji Temple tucked away in the back; the Moti Mahal and Sheesh Mahal or Hall of Mirrors, are particularly impressive as is the museum housed within the fort.
Visit Picturesque Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada with a picturesque location next to a little lake, 1 km downhill from Mehrangarh fort easily walkable distance. The marble is extremely thin, and when the sun’s rays fall on the monument, it is aglow with a golden light.
Wondering Around Clock Tower & Sardar Market
The clock tower is a popular landmark in the old city and a great place to start exploring the city. The market took its name from the builder Maharaja Sadat Singh. The vibrant Sardar Market is close to the tower, and narrow alleys lead from here to a bazaar selling vegetables, spices, Indian sweets, textiles, silver, and handicrafts. It is a great place to meet locals and experience traditional local hospitality; it’s quite common for shop owners to invite you in for a cup of chai.
Visit The Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the world’s largest private residences. Taj Hotels manage a part of the palace. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present owner Gaj Singh of the palace, this tower has 347 rooms. He serves as the principal residence of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family. A part of the palace also houses a museum. Thousands of visitors visit this palace every day.
Visit Mandore Garden
It is located about 5 miles north of Jodhpur. It was the previous capital of Maharajas of Marwar. The Mandore garden, with its charming collection of temples, memorials, and high rock terraces, is another major attraction worth visiting. The gardens house the Chhatris (canopy) of many rulers of Jodhpur state. Prominent among them is the chhatri of Maharaja Ajit Singh, built in 1793. Ravan temple is another attraction at Mandore. It is believed to be the native place of Ravan’s wife, Mandodari. Ravan is treated as the son-in-law among some local Brahmins.
Temples Worth Visiting
Kunj Bihari Temple
Kunj Bihari Mandir is located near the Ghanta Ghar market. It is artistically and beautiful architectural temple in Jodhpur. A statue of Meera Bai, the greatest devotee of Lord Krishna, rests at the entrance of the temple.
Achal Nath Temple
Queen Nanak Devi of Rao Ganga constructed the famous Achal Nath Temple in Jodhpur in 1531. Within the temple grounds, she created a large water reservoir named Ganga Bawari, situated near the Shivlinga. The Achal Nath Temple is famous and people call is also as Shiva temple.
Ganesh Temple, Ratanada.
The Ganesh Temple in Ramananda, situated 5 km away from Jodhpur city, stands as a 150-year-old temple constructed at the spot where the statue was discovered. Numerous devotees flock to this temple to devoutly offer their prayers to the deity. Within the temple, an 8-feet tall and 5-feet wide statue of Lord Ganesh is enshrined, drawing large crowds of devotees who seek blessings from the elephant god.
My Favorite Local Rajasthani Food
Close to our Haveli, there were many traditional rooftop Rajasthani restaurants. I was happy to try a few of them; they were delicious and cheap. Among the food I tried, Idly, Dosa, and the bottomless Thali were unbelievably good, something you have to try.
It is worth trying Indique Restaurant; this candlelit rooftop restaurant at the Pal Haveli hotel is the perfect place for an unforgettable dinner, with excellent views of the clock tower, the fort, and Umaid Bhawan. We enjoyed their delicious traditional tandoori, biryanis, and spicy curries, but the Rajasthani mutton curry was outstanding after a few bottles of Kingfisher. The top right corner picture is from our great experience at this restaurant.
Where to stay in Jodhpur, India
Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli, Jodhpur
This 18th. Century Haveli, surrounded by high walls, was built by the Thakur of nearby Pal and was the home of the Pal family for three generations. The Haveli is located in the heart of jodhpur’s ancient walled city. I loved the location, walking distance to the Sardar market and the famous clock tower with an old town feel. By the foot of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, the Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli is an authentic heritage haveli. I could see the fort from my balcony or during dinner at the rooftop restaurant. I would recommend this place for a comfortable stay during your Jodhpur trip. A complimentary pick-up service from Jodhpur Railway Station and Bus Stand, about 1.2 mi away, is provided. Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli is 3.1 mi from Umaid Bhawan Palace and Jodhpur Airport.
Ratan Vilas, Jodhpur
Built-in 1920, this architectural marvel, Ratan Vilas, offers an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant that serves Indian and continental specialties. It is within 1.2 mi of the Jodhpur Railway Station and Sadar Government Museum. At Ratan Vilas, you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden, and a terrace. Other facilities offered at the property include a ticket service, a tour desk, and luggage storage. Special facilities for differently-abled guests are provided. The property offers free parking. Popular attractions like the Meherangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada are within 2.1 mi, while the Local Bus Station and the Jodhpur Airport are within 2.5 mi.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Jodhpur, India? Any cool tips to share?
loved being in Jodhpur, India, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit India.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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