Stand on the ramparts of Mehrangarh Fort and the old town falls away below you in blue — a dense grid of indigo-washed houses circling the base of the hill, with the Thar Desert stretching beyond the last rooftops. That view is the reason most travellers come to Jodhpur, and it is only the beginning of what the city offers.
Jodhpur suits travellers who are happy to spend a morning inside a fort complex, an afternoon in a bazaar, and an evening watching the light change over a desert lake. It also works well as a base for the wider region, since it sits near the geographic centre of Rajasthan.
This guide covers the sights and experiences in and around the city, with practical notes on what to combine and when to go.
Top things to do in Jodhpur
1. Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city and is the largest fort in all of Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha's new capital, it occupies the entire top of a 150-m hill, with 3 km of massive ramparts built around the edges and commanding views in every direction. The name "Fort" belies the size of the complex, which houses the Maharaja's palace, several temples and, tucked away in the back, an extensive garden still farmed to this day.
Highlights within the palace include Chamunda Mataji Temple, tucked away at the far end of the battlements and devoted to Rao Jodha's favourite goddess; Moti Mahal, the Pearl Hall, where the Maharaja held his audiences; Phool Mahal, the most extravagant of them all, once his pleasure chamber; Sheesh Mahal, the Mirror Hall; and Zenana Deodi, the inner sanctum once guarded by eunuchs, with delicate sandstone screens and carvings. The museum also includes galleries devoted to howdahs, palanquins, fine arts, weaponry and a Turban Gallery. Entry for foreigners is ₹600 and includes an excellent audio guide, or ₹400 for foreign students, with a ₹100 photography fee. Entry to the fort is free each year on its birthday, about 12 May, and it is not as crowded as you would think. An English-owned company, Flying Fox, operates a zipline tour in the Chokelao Gardens within the fort.
2. Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a group of royal cenotaphs built in marble, in a picturesque location next to a natural desert lake with lots of birds. There are great views over the city and of the fort, as well as small well-kept gardens.
It sits 1 km downhill from Mehrangarh and is easily walked, so combine the two in one outing. Entry is ₹50 for foreigners and ₹30 for Indians, and it is also free on the birthday of the fort, about 12 May.
3. Sardar Market and Ghanta Ghar
Ghanta Ghar, the clock tower, stands in Sardar Market and is an architectural masterpiece built by Maharaja Sardar Singhji in 1910. It is illuminated with colourful lights at night.
Wandering around the market near the clock tower is one of the simplest pleasures in the old city. Come in the evening to see the tower lit up and the market at its liveliest.
4. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Clearly visible to the south of the city and completed only in 1944, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the last great palace built in India. The Maharaja of Jodhpur lives here to this day, but half the building has been converted to a five-star hotel, and there is also a small museum on the grounds.
The museum costs ₹100 for foreigners, ₹30 for Indians and ₹10 for children aged 5 to 11, and is open 9AM–5PM. A few vintage cars are also on display in glass enclosures. You will have to take a rickshaw to get here, and it is best to ask the driver to wait: around ₹100 for a round trip with an hour's waiting time.
5. Mandore
Mandore, 7 km outside the city, was the ancient capital of Marwar before Jodhpur was built. It is the historic predecessor to the city you see today, and worth the short trip out for that context alone.
6. Kailana Lake
Kailana Lake is a picnic spot and a main drinking water source for the city. It makes an easy, unhurried stop when you want a break from the fort and the bazaars.
7. Gulab Sagar Lake
Gulab Sagar water storage was constructed by Gulab Rai in 1788. It sits within the fabric of the old city, so you can fold it into a walk through the surrounding streets.
8. Balsamand Lake
Balsamand Lake has now been converted to a resort. It is a quiet counterpoint to the busier sights in the centre.
9. Ranisar Padamsar
Ranisar was made by Queen Jasmade Hadi, Rao Jodha's wife, in 1459. It is near Fateh Pole in Mehrangarh, which makes it a natural addition to a fort visit rather than a separate trip.
10. Baba Ramdev Temple
Baba Ramdev Temple sits in the Masuria Hills. It is one of the city's temple sites and pairs well with a wider loop around the hills.
11. Santoshi Mata Temple
Santoshi Mata Temple is at Lal Sagar. Like the other temples in the city, it is best visited calmly and without rushing.
12. Ganesh Temple Ratanada
Ganesh Temple Ratanada is another of Jodhpur's temple sites, in the Ratanada area. Combine it with whatever else takes you to that part of the city.
13. Rajasthan International Folk Festival
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival is an international music festival held annually during October at Mehrangarh Fort. If your dates line up with it, it is a reason in itself to be in the city that month.
14. Hike the wall around the city
The old city circles Mehrangarh Fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. Hiking the wall around the city is a way to see how the blue old town fits together, with the fort at its centre.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Mehrangarh Fort, where the palace halls, temples and museum galleries can easily fill the morning, and take in the views from the ramparts. Walk 1 km downhill afterwards to Jaswant Thada, next to its desert lake, and combine the two as the source suggests.
Afternoon: Take a rickshaw south to Umaid Bhawan Palace, ask the driver to wait, and spend an hour at the museum and the vintage cars in their glass enclosures. On the way back, stop at Gulab Sagar Lake, constructed by Gulab Rai in 1788.
Evening: Finish at Sardar Market and Ghanta Ghar, where the clock tower is illuminated with colourful lights at night, and wander the market around it.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see Mehrangarh Fort without the crowds?
Entry to the fort is free each year on its birthday, about 12 May, and it is not as crowded as you would think. Jaswant Thada is also free on the birthday of the fort, about the 12th of May.
How do I get to Umaid Bhawan Palace, and do I need to keep the rickshaw waiting?
You will have to take a rickshaw to get here, and it is best to ask them to wait: around ₹100 for a round-trip with an hour's waiting time.
Can I walk between Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada?
Yes. Jaswant Thada is 1 km downhill from Mehrangarh and is easily walked.
Is there a festival at the fort?
Yes. The Rajasthan International Folk Festival is an international music festival held annually during October at Mehrangarh Fort.
Decide your dates, check whether they line up with the fort's birthday or the October folk festival, and start planning your days around the fort, the lakes and the old city markets.