You don’t need a guide when visiting Mehrangarh Fort, but it can enhance your visit. Audio guides are widely available and provide useful context about the fort’s history, architecture, and exhibits, helping you understand what you’re seeing without joining a tour.
Jodhpur Travel Guide: A 48-Hour Itinerary for India’s Blue City
Planning to spend 48 hours in the Blue City of Jodhpur? Follow this two-day itinerary and you'll see the best Jodhpur has to offer during your visit.
Plan your trip to Jodhpur
Founded in 1459, the Blue City of Jodhpur is brimming with historical attractions and architectural marvels, making it one of the most famous places in India. This Jodhpur travel guide is designed to help you make the most of a short stay, whether you're drawn by the city's picture-perfect blue houses or its rich history beyond them.
Spend 48 hours in Jodhpur with this two-day itinerary and you'll have the chance to tick off all the major attractions and activities. From shopping in the jam-packed Sardar Market to exploring Mehrangarh Fort, taking photos at Toorji’s Stepwell, and dining on Rajasthani dishes at a rooftop restaurant, here’s how to experience the best of India’s Blue City in a short time.
At a glance: 2-day Jodhpur itinerary
- Best for: First-time visitors, short stays, and cultural sightseeing
- Areas covered: Jodhpur Old City, Sardar Market, blue house neighbourhoods, and major landmarks
- Main experiences: Blue streets, forts and palaces, heritage architecture, and rooftop dining
- Getting around: Tuk-tuks, rideshare apps, and short walks within the Old City
- Best time to visit: October to March for cooler, more comfortable weather
Day 1: Explore Jodhpur's Old City
Your first day covers the history of the old city, its markets, and Jodhpur’s most prominent landmark.
Morning: Visit Ghanta Ghar, Sardar Market, and Toorji’s Stepwell
Kick off your first day in Jodhpur by getting lost in the Old City. The walled Old City is the historic heart of Jodhpur, filled with ancient alleyways, busy markets, heritage havelis, and plenty of cows and dogs roaming freely in the streets.
Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower)
Enter the Old City via Ghanta Ghar, the city’s iconic clock tower, for the most direct access to the city. You can climb to the third level of the clock tower panoramic views over the Old City. Make sure you visit early, as this popular attraction can get crowded later in the day.
Opening hours: Daily, typically 7am–10pm
Entry: Free
Time to visit: 30–60 minutes
Sardar Market
From the clock tower, explore the surrounding Sardar Market, wandering through a maze of stalls selling everything from textiles and handicrafts to spices and Indian street food.
This lively area is popular with both locals and visitors, making it a great place to experience the city’s atmosphere and sample local snacks like chaat or the famous masala creamy omelette. Don't be afraid to haggle, and bring small change for shopping and street food.
- Opening hours: Daily, roughly 9am–8pm (varies by stall)
- Entry: Free
- Time to visit: 1–2 hours
Toorji’s Stepwell (Toorji Ka Jhalra)
After exploring Sardar Market, take a short five-minute walk to Toorji’s Stepwell (Toorji-Ka-Jhalara), one of Jodhpur’s most photographed landmarks. Built in the 1740s, it once served as a vital water source during periods of drought and has since been carefully restored.
Today, you can explore the symmetrical steps, admire the carved sandstone details, and take photos from multiple angles. If you have time, descend the staircases for a closer look at the structure.
Nearby, The Stepwell Cafe is a convenient spot for a break, with cold drinks, light meals, and views over Toorji’s Stepwell.
Opening hours: Daily, generally accessible throughout the day
Entry: Free
Time to visit: 30–45 minutes
Afternoon: Explore the blue streets and blue houses of Jodhpur
Jodhpur is known as the Blue City, but not all of its houses are still painted blue. That said, a few neighbourhoods still feature clusters of the city’s signature indigo buildings, particularly near Mehrangarh Fort.
Wander through areas like Navchowkiya and around Chandpole Gate to find narrow lanes lined with blue homes, offering some of the best photo opportunities in the Old City. The origin of the blue colour is still debated, but today it remains one of Jodhpur’s most recognisable features.
Tips for visiting Blue City:
Head to Navchowkiya for some of the most photogenic blue streets
Explore early in the morning for fewer crowds, better lighting, and clear photo opportunities
Ask your hotel to mark the best spots on a map before you go
Use a tuk-tuk to reach the area, then explore on foot
Expect to take a few wrong turns – the streets are unmarked in places
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Gopal Roof Top Restaurant
End your first day in Jodhpur with dinner at Gopal Roof Top Restaurant. The terrace offers striking views of Mehrangarh Fort, which you’ll visit in the morning. The menu features Rajasthani favourites such as laal maas (spicy mutton curry) and gulab jamun (fried dough balls in a cashew-yoghurt gravy), alongside classic Indian dishes and familiar Western options like pizza, pasta, and sandwiches, making it a great choice for families following this Jodhpur itinerary.
Day 2: Visit Jodhpur's architectural gems
Your second day in Jodhpur focuses on the city’s major forts, palaces, and historic sites.
Morning: Tour Mehrangarh Fort
Start day two with a visit to Mehrangarh Fort, one of Jodhpur’s most significant landmarks. Perched 400 feet above the city, it’s one of the largest and best-preserved forts in India.
Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, the fort was expanded by later rulers over several centuries. Today, the complex includes grand palaces, courtyards, and galleries filled with historical artefacts. From the ramparts, you’ll also get sweeping views over the blue houses below.
Opening hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
Entry: Approx. ₹200–₹300 for domestic visitors, ₹600–₹800 ($7–$10 USD) for international visitors
Time to visit: 2–3 hours
Tips for visiting Mehrangarh Fort:
Allow at least two to three hours for your visit
Arrive early to avoid crowds and midday heat
Use an audio guide for context as you explore
Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a fair amount of walking involved
Afternoon: Marvel at Jaswant Thada & Umaid Bhawan Palace
Spend your afternoon exploring two of Jodhpur’s most elegant landmarks.
Jaswant Thada
After visiting Mehrangarh Fort, take a 15-minute walk to Jaswant Thada, a marble memorial built in 1899 in honour of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Often referred to as the ‘Taj Mahal of Marwar’, it’s known for its finely carved Makrana marble and peaceful setting.
Walk through the gardens, where you’ll find portraits and displays dedicated to Jodhpur’s rulers, along with views back towards Mehrangarh Fort. Allow 30-45 minutes here, and visit during the late morning or afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
Opening hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
Entry: Approx. ₹50 for domestic visitors, ₹100 (AUD $2 / USD $1.20) for international visitors
Time to visit: 30–45 minutes
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum
Next, take a short 20-minute taxi ride from Jaswant Thada to Umaid Bhawan Palace. One of the world’s largest private residences, it was built between 1929 and 1943 and remains home to the former royal family. Part of the palace is open to visitors as a museum, where you can explore its architecture, gardens, and collections of antiques, artefacts, and vintage cars.
Opening hours: Daily, 9am–5pm
Entry: Approx. ₹30 for domestic visitors, ₹100 (AUD $2 / USD $1.20) for international visitor
Time to visit: 1–2 hours
Evening: Dine at Indigo Restaurant
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 quality, and the views of Mehrangarh Fort are even better.
How to get around Jodhpur
Jodhpur is a relatively small city, but its narrow streets and busy Old City mean you’ll likely need a mix of transport options to get around comfortably.
Getting to Jodhpur from the airport: Jodhpur Airport (JDR) is located around 20 minutes from the Old City by car. The easiest way to reach your hotel is by taxi or rideshare, which are readily available outside the terminal and offer a convenient way to travel to the city centre.
Public transport in Jodhpur: Public transport options in Jodhpur are limited compared to larger cities. While there are local buses, they can be difficult to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with routes and schedules, so they’re not the most practical choice for a short stay.
Rideshare and short-distance travel in Jodhpur: Rideshare apps like Uber and Ola operate in Jodhpur and are among the most reliable options for getting around. They’re particularly useful for travelling between major attractions such as Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and the Old City.
Auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) are also widely available and often quicker for short distances, especially in the Old City where streets are narrow and traffic can be slow.
Within Jodhpur’s Old City, walking is often the best way to explore. Many attractions, including Ghanta Ghar, Sardar Market, and Toorji’s Stepwell, are located close together, although the winding lanes can be busy and uneven.
Tips for navigating Jodhpur for first-timers
If you’re only spending two days in Jodhpur, these simple tips can help you get around more easily and make the most of your short stay.
Make a list or save your key stops in advance, including your hotel, Ghanta Ghar, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace, so you can easily show drivers exact locations.
Save locations offline in Google Maps, as mobile signals can be unreliable in the Old City’s narrow lanes.
Use a translation app like Google Translate for simple phrases or to help communicate with drivers and shopkeepers.
Keep a screenshot of your hotel address and booking details handy, so you can quickly find your way back without relying on data.
Where to stay in the Blue City of Jodhpur, India
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.
Explore Jodhpur’s Blue City with Novotel
Ready to plan your trip to Jodhpur? Book your stay directly on Novotel.com or via the ALL Accor app to access the best available rates, exclusive member benefits, and up to 10% off when you join the free ALL Accor loyalty programme.
Frequently asked questions
Jodhpur’s blue houses can be tricky to locate on your own. While there are clusters near Mehrangarh Fort and Navchowkiya, the streets aren’t clearly marked, so it’s helpful to ask locals or your friendly Novotel hotel staff to point out the exact areas before you go.
Jodhpur’s main attractions can easily be done over two days. Allow two to three hours for Mehrangarh Fort, around 30–45 minutes for Jaswant Thada, and one to two hours for Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Shorter stops like Toorji’s Stepwell and Sardar Market can be explored in under an hour each.
Jodhpur is well suited to families. Many attractions are open and easy to explore, and restaurants often offer a mix of local and familiar dishes. Just keep in mind that streets in the Old City can be crowded and uneven.
When visiting attractions in Jodhpur, light, breathable clothing is best due to the heat, along with comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to visit religious sites, it’s recommended to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees out of respect.
Most major attractions in Jodhpur, including Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, are open daily, though hours may vary slightly. It’s always a good idea to check timings in advance before planning your day.
