Jodhpur- A perfect 2-day itinerary

Jodhpur, a small town in the city of Rajasthan, boasts a rich cultural heritage. In this blog, I will be covering all the places you can visit, coupled with my own experiences, so you have a better idea.

I was drawn to Jodhpur due to pictures of the blue houses, which many claim to remind them of Morocco. Since I have not been to Morocco, I am not the right person to compare. However, the real Jodhpur and the Jodhpur plastered across social media are vastly different. Contrary to popular belief, and the picture that social media wants you to believe, the houses are not painted in shades of blue and is only limited to certain parts of the city. If you want to explore the city beyond the blue houses, then this 2 day itinerary should more than suffice for a trip to the “Sun City”

Places to visit in Jodhpur

Mehrangarh fort

One of the top attractions of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort, is perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the city. It was built by Rao Jodha and his successors. Known for its intricate carvings, the fort comprises expansive courtyards, museums, and palaces within its premises.

Rao Jodha National Park

This park was opened to protect the environment of the Thar Desert. We went on a guided tour of the park, where we got an insight into not only the ecology of the region, but also into the various customs that were adopted by the region in accordance to the climate. I would suggest you do the same, as otherwise, this might just seem like one of the places that offers stunning views.

The entry fee is 100 Rs per head and a guided tour will cost you 200 rs for a group. The tickets for the tour had to be taken a day prior. The view point can be accessed only if you take this tour, i.e. Blue trail.  Besides this, there are 3 trails available, the cost of which is included in the ticket and can be covered on your own.

Tip: I suggest you either take the guided tour during sunrise or sunset. If taking the sunrise tour, remember, Jaswant Thada opens only around 8:30, so you’ll have to wait after your tour is completed. Similarly, other trails can be accessed only after 9 am. The sunrise tour starts at 7 am, so make sure to book an auto the day prior or if you’re staying in a hostel.

Jaswant thada

Jaswant thada boasts of intricate white marble carvings, hence famously known as the “Taj Mahal of Marwar”. The complex houses cenotaphs and is built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singhji of Jodhpur (1873-1895) by his son Maharaja Sardar Singhji (1895-1911). This is a serene place to be with stunning views, and can be clubbed along with Rao Jodha National Park.

Timings: 9:30 am -5 pm.

Pro tip: Do not miss the perfect view of  Umaid Bhawan Palace from the monument.

Indians: INR 30 per head

Foreigner: INR 50 per head

Camera Fee: INR 25 per head

Video Camera Fee: INR 50 per head

Guide: INR 100

Visit the Bishnoi community

Bishnoi village is located at a distance of 22 kms from Jodhpur, famous for its ecologically conscious community. Daily tours are conducted from Jodhpur, during which you get to enjoy traditional home cooked meals, and immerse yourself in the local art. The Bishnois believe in ecologic conservation, which is made evident when you go on a jeep safari. You will be surrounded by lush greenery, and also spot black bucks (the area known to have the highest number in the state), that are worshiped by the community.

Ghanta ghar

Ghanta ghar or clock tower, situated in the city centre, is encircled by a variety of shops. The place has a nominal entry fee, and gives you a view of the lively storefronts. This will not take more than 15 minutes of your time and consider it to be more of a pit stop.

Toorji ka Jhalra

This is a step well, where locals come in for a refreshing dip, making it an interesting sight if you manage to go there early in the morning. It is also a famous photo stop, given the architecture of the step well. Just at the top, you will come across singers serenading tourists with traditional Rajasthani folk songs.

Mandore garden

Erstwhile, the capital of Jodhpur city, Mandore is situated 8 Kms away from the city center, with many not aware of its existence due to lack of tourist companies promoting it in their guides. However, it is a culturally significant place, and is one place definitely not to be missed during your visit to Jodhpur. The garden complex houses magnificent ancient temples, cenotaphs and high-rock terraces. The cenotaphs and temples are carved intricately, and you can spend hours just marvelling at its beauty. Beware of monkeys though, although harmless, it is recommended to keep your belongings safe with you.

If you go further ahead along the complex, you’ll find a way to climb the Mandore fort, where you can witness one of the most mesmerizing sunsets overlooking the city. This turned out to be one of the best places I visited during my stay in Jodhpur.

https://jodhpurtourism.in/mandore-gardens-jodhpur

Blue lanes of Jodhpur

Jodhpur is known as,” the blue city of Rajasthan”; however, one often fails to find these blue lanes as they are limited to a few houses in the area.

Follow these directions to find the blue lanes of Jodhpur:

Try to visit the Mehrangarh fort early in the morning to avoid crowds, and enjoy the place to yourself and  click pictures without people blocking your way. This will not only give you a crowd free experience to immerse yourself completely, but also means you will be able to avoid the scorching heat of Jodhpur. Another reason being, you will be able to find the blue lanes of Rajasthan right outside Mehrangargh fort.

How to reach? 

From the main entrance of Mehrangarh fort, take a right and keep walking straight. You’ll start to spot wall murals and a few blue houses. As you keep walking, you’ll notice bits of garbage dumped along the way. As dismaying as it is, start walking ahead and ask anyone for Navchowkiya. You’ll soon be guided to different directions, but do not fret, this will result in you meeting your step goal for the day, and you will definitely find the lanes, as the entire route leading to Navchowkiya is lined by blue houses.

Where to stay in Jodhpur? 

You will find accommodations catering to all budgets, whether you are a luxury traveller or a budget traveller. Jodhpur is also perfect for a solo traveller, as it is easily accessible.

Here is a list of accommodations you can consider when planning your stay, depending on your budget.

Budget hotels

Zostel Jodhpur

This is one of the most sought after hostels, owing to its location which is a stone’s throw away from Toorji ka Jhalra and a walking distance from the city center. You can avail dorm facilities, as well as private rooms and the rates start from 600rs per night.

Other options include:

• Hosteller Jodhpur

• Bob Hostel

Mid-range

• The Fern Residency
• Bijolai Palace Jodhpur
• Daspan House (away from the city center)

Luxury accommodations

Here are my top suggestions for luxury hotels in Jodhpur:

• Raas Jodhpur
• Fairfield by Marriot
• Umaid Bhavan Palace
• The Ummed Jodhpur Palace Resort & Spa

Best time to visit Jodhpur

Rajasthan is a tropical state with temperatures that go up to 45 degrees Celsius, unbearable even for locals living there. The best time for you to visit Jodhpur will be from the months of November-February. However, this also means that you will be traveling during peak season. If you want to avoid the crowds, and want the luxury of avoiding crowds, I would recommend traveling to Rajasthan during the monsoon.

How to reach Jaipur? 

Jaipur is fairly accessible by train as well as by bus. Since Jaipur is a short 6-hour drive from Delhi, it makes for a perfect weekend getaway.

However, if you are traveling from other major cities, I would suggest either booking a train to cut down on expenses or, if the budget is no bar, then taking a direct flight to Jaipur.

The Perfect 2-day itinerary is as follows:

Day 1:

• Clock Tower
• Toorji ka Jhalra
• Mehrangarh Fort
• Blue lanes of  Navchowkiya
• Umaid Bhavan Palace (Umaid Bhavan is further away from the main city, so dedicate atleast 2 jours plus the travelling time)

Day 2

• Rao Jodha National Park
• Jaswant Thada
• Mandore Gardens

The itinerary can be switched as per your liking.

Tip: There is a  hill with majestic views of the sunset, with significantly lesser crowd. Google Singhodia hills, no rickshaw wala will directly take you there. It’s inside the entrance to Rao Jodha Park. On the left, you’ll spot an entrance with a temple above the hill, that’s your cue to get down

If you liked this travel blog and other useful tips, drop a comments below.