The Blue City, beneath one of India's most dramatic forts.
Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan, who built his fortress on a rocky ridge rising sharply out of the plain. Mehrangarh still dominates the city, and from its walls you look down on the indigo-washed houses of the old town that give Jodhpur its nickname.
On the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is the hub between Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer.
Mehrangarh is one of the best-preserved and best-run forts in India, with an excellent audio guide and museum. The old city is good for wandering, and the food — including mirchi vada, a fried stuffed chilli, and saffron lassi near the clock tower — is a highlight of Rajasthan.
Massive walls on a 120-metre-high cliff enclose palaces with carved sandstone screens and a museum of palanquins, howdahs, arms and paintings.
A white marble cenotaph built in 1899 for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, near the fort, with views back to Mehrangarh.
Lanes of blue-painted houses below the fort, best explored on foot with a guide.
The busy market at the heart of the old city, selling spices, textiles and handicrafts.
A vast Art Deco palace completed in the 1940s, part royal residence, part hotel and part museum.
One full day, or an afternoon and the following morning, is enough for the main sights. Many itineraries spend one night in Jodhpur on the way between Jaipur or Pushkar and Udaipur or Jaisalmer.
October to March. Jodhpur is on the edge of the desert, so summer temperatures are very high, and winter nights are cool.
Jodhpur is about 340 km from Jaipur (around 6 hours), 285 km from Jaisalmer (about 5 hours) and 250–260 km from Udaipur via Ranakpur. Jodhpur airport has flights to Delhi and Mumbai.
Opening hours, fees and seasonal conditions change. We confirm current details when we plan your trip.
Several explanations are given locally: blue was traditionally associated with Brahmin households, it is said to keep houses cooler, and the lime wash may help deter insects. Today many residents simply keep up the tradition.
Private itineraries you can take as they are or change to suit you.
7 nights / 8 days
Rajasthan's royal cities in order: the Pink City, holy Pushkar, the blue city of Jodhpur and lakeside Udaipur.
Price on request, quoted for your group
11 nights / 12 days
Our most complete North India journey: the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's royal cities and the ghats of Varanasi.
Price on request, quoted for your group
6 nights / 7 days
Seven days of forts and palaces, from the Taj Mahal to the golden walls of Jaisalmer on the edge of the Thar Desert.
Price on request, quoted for your group
6 nights / 7 days
The desert side of Rajasthan: Shekhawati havelis, Bikaner, Jaisalmer's dunes, Jodhpur and Jaipur.
Price on request, quoted for your group
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