48 Hours in India's Blue City of Jodhpur: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary

Founded in 1459, the Blue City of Jodhpur is brimming with historical attractions and architectural marvels. Most visitors are drawn here by the city's picture-perfect blue houses and alleyways. And while these are definitely worth seeking out, there's more to the second-largest city in Rajasthan than its colourful homes. 
 

Spend 48 hours in Jodhpur and you'll have the chance to tick off all the major attractions and activities. From shopping in the jam-packed Sardar Market to getting a history lesson at Mehrangarh Fort, taking endless photos of Toorji’s Stepwell, and dining on Rajasthani dishes at a rooftop restaurant, you're bound to have a memorable trip to India's Blue City. 

Kick off your first day in Jodhpur by getting lost in the Old City. The walled Old City is the historic heart of Jodhpur, so expect to see ancient alleyways, mazelike markets, heritage havelis, and plenty of cows and dogs roaming freely in the streets. The best place to enter the Old City is at the site of Ghanta Ghar, Jodhpur's iconic clock tower, and the surrounding Sardar Market, one of the oldest markets in Jodhpur.
 

Be sure to climb to the third level of the clock tower, where you can take in panoramic views of the city and the market below. After that, take some time to wander around the frenetic marketplace, where you’ll find over 6,000 vendors hawking everything from silk scarves and pashminas to handicrafts, leather goods, spices, and street food.
 

This market is popular among tourists and locals alike, so it's the perfect place to test your haggling skills. If you're feeling peckish, just snack on chaat as you go. Or hunt down the Omelette Shop and try the owner's famous Masala Creamy Omelette. 
 

Once you've finished exploring Sardar Market, take a 5-minute stroll to Toorji’s Stepwell (Toorji-Ka-Jhalara), one of the most photographed Jodhpur attractions. This engineering marvel was built in the 1740s to provide a source of water during periods of drought. Toorji’s Stepwell has since been meticulously excavated and restored. You can now freely explore the symmetrical hand-carved steps and see the dozens of intricate reliefs inside the rose-coloured sandstone stepwell. 
 

Take some time to walk around the structure, descend the stairwells, and take advantage of the endless photo ops. Chances are you'll also find a few local children splashing around in the water. If you need a break, The Stepwell Cafe offers cold drinks, international eats, and gorgeous views over Toorji’s Stepwell.

Jodhpur might be known as the Blue City, but what many visitors don't realise is that not all of the city's homes are still blue. In fact, the majority are not. That being said, there are a few neighbourhoods where you can see clusters of the city's iconic indigo-hued buildings.
 

The reason for these azure paint jobs is still debated to this day, with some saying the colour blue wards off heat and mosquitoes, while others argue it was used as a socio-economic signifier of the city's Brahmin residents. Whatever the reason, it makes for a very photogenic attraction.
 

The best places to take photos of the blue houses in Jodhpur are up near Mehrangarh Fort. Wander around the Navchowkiya neighbourhood and you'll come across winding alleyways that are studded with Jodhpur's famous blue homes. You'll also find plenty of picturesque indigo gems as you enter Chandpole Gate and wander around the area. 
 

Finding the blue houses in Jodhpur can be challenging, so if you're unsure where to go, just ask your hotel receptionist to mark the exact location of the blue streets of Jodhpur on a map. That way, you can show it to your tuk-tuk driver to get to the exact location. If you do try to find them on your own, expect to take at least a few wrong turns. But don't worry; the locals are super friendly and happy to lead you in the right direction. Just don't be surprised if they want to take a few photos with you along the way.

End the first of your two days in Jodhpur with dinner at Gopal Roof Top Restaurant. The rooftop terrace here has unreal views of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, which you'll visit in the morning. Peruse the menu and you'll find authentic Rajasthani dishes, like Laal Maas (spicy mutton curry) and Gulab Jamun (fried dough balls in a cashew-yoghurt gravy). They also serve classic Indian dishes and typical Western fare, like pizza, pasta, and sandwiches, making this a very family-friendly Jodhpur restaurant - ideal for anyone exploring this family-friendly Jodhpur itinerary.

Start day two of your trip to India's Blue City with a visit to Mehrangarh Fort. Perched on a cliff 400 feet above the city of Jodhpur, the imposing Mehrangarh Fort is impossible to miss. This is one of the most well-preserved forts in India and it's also one of the largest. You'll want to spend at least two or three hours exploring it.
 

The founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha, began construction on the fort in 1459, although much of what you see today was built by subsequent rulers in the 17th century. Explore the sprawling complex, and you'll come across grand palaces, impressive courtyards, ornately decorated rooms, and a treasure trove of artefacts from times past. The fort's hilltop location also means you can take in sweeping views of the blue houses below. 

After you've finished at Mehrangarh Fort, take a 15-minute walk to Jaswant Thada. Maharaja Sardar Singh constructed this marble memorial in 1899 in remembrance of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Known as the Taj Mahal of Marwar, this elaborate structure was created out of thin, expertly carved sheets of Makrana marble and it's incredible to see in person. 
 

Wander around the tranquil grounds and you'll find portraits and informative placards paying homage to the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. It's also worth taking some time to explore the tiered gardens and enjoy the beautiful views of Mehrangarh Fort in the distance.
 

Next, take a 20-minute taxi ride to the spectacular Umaid Bhawan Palace. This is one of the world's largest residences, boasting 347 rooms and 26 acres of gardens. The palace was built between 1929 and 1943 and is now home to members of the former Jodhpur royal family. The Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum allows visitors to access part of the palace to check out the impressive architecture and explore the gardens, as well as peruse collections of antiques, artefacts, classic cars, and other grand relics of this bygone era.

Cap off your two days in Jodhpur with one last dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Located in the Old City, Indigo Restaurant serves up classic Indian dishes – from curry and thali to biryani, chaat, and everything in between. The customer service here is always top-notch and the views of Mehrangarh Fort are even better.

Located just 20 minutes from the Ghanta Ghar Clock Tower and the Jodhpur Airport, Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
 

When you're not exploring the city, you can swim laps and take in panoramic views of Mehrangarh Fort from the rooftop pool, work up a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym, get pampered at the spa, and dine at the two on-site restaurants.
 

The modern rooms at this family-friendly Jodhpur hotel are well-equipped with plush beds, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee and tea-making facilities.