Best Things to Do in Jodhpur, Rajasthan (2026 Guide to the Blue City)
Looking for the best things to do in Jodhpur, Rajasthan? Known as the Blue City of India, Jodhpur is one of Rajasthan’s most atmospheric destinations — a place of ancient stepwells, rooftop sunsets, bustling bazaars, and the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort rising high above it all.
Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, this desert-edge city blends Rajput history with modern chaos in the most compelling way. Whether you’re visiting for one day or building a longer Rajasthan itinerary, here are the top attractions in Jodhpur — plus a few slow travel discoveries I loved most.
Visit Toorji Ka Jhalra (Jodhpur’s Historic Stepwell)
One of the most beautiful places to start your Jodhpur sightseeing is Toorji Ka Jhalra.
Built in 1740 by Maharani Tanwar Ji, wife of Maharaja Abhay Singh, this 18th-century stepwell was once part of Jodhpur’s vital water-harvesting system. Like many stepwells in Rajasthan, it also functioned as a social gathering space where women collected water and shared daily life.
Today it’s a restored architectural gem — and a favourite for pre-wedding photo shoots.
Just steps away is the Stepwell Café, a pleasant (if slightly pricey) spot for coffee and homemade cookies before exploring the old city.
Take a Walking Tour of the Blue City (Old Town Jodhpur)
No visit to Jodhpur is complete without exploring the Blue City.
Only about 40% of the old town buildings remain blue today. Traditionally, the indigo paint helped cool interiors and repel mosquitoes. With modern air-conditioning now common, many homes have reverted to sandstone — but restoration projects are underway to preserve Jodhpur’s identity.
On my guided walking tour, we passed a row of four buildings from the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries — a fascinating visual timeline of architectural change. Earlier buildings are elaborately carved; later ones are much plainer.
The renewed blue neighbourhood, with its bright murals and winding lanes, reminded me of Chefchaouen in Morocco — and yes, there’s a photo opportunity around every corner.
If you’re wondering what to do in Jodhpur beyond the main monuments, this is it. Walk. Wander. Look up.
Explore Local Markets and Fabric Shops
Away from the tourist-heavy streets near the fort, Jodhpur’s local bazaars reveal everyday Rajasthan.
We saw wedding parties choosing sari fabrics, tasted malai cake (not too sweet), sampled stuffed chillies (not too spicy), and drank masala chai (still not my favourite!).
For textile lovers, this area is particularly rewarding — I returned on my own after the guided walk for a proper browse.
If you’re building a 2-day Jodhpur itinerary, allow time to explore these markets slowly.
Enjoy Rooftop Restaurants with Mehrangarh Fort Views
One of the best experiences in Jodhpur is dining on a rooftop terrace overlooking Mehrangarh Fort.
The fort rises 122 metres (400 ft) above the city, dominating the skyline. At sunset, as the sandstone glows golden, you understand why Jodhpur is often considered one of Rajasthan’s most photogenic cities.
Whether for lunch, dinner, or evening drinks, rooftop dining is one of the simplest yet most memorable things to do in Jodhpur.
Visit Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur’s Iconic Landmark)
Towering above the Blue City, Mehrangarh Fort is the city’s defining attraction.
Founded in 1459, much of the current structure dates from the 17th century. Within its walls, you’ll find:
Intricately carved palaces
Expansive courtyards
Chamunda Mataji Temple
A museum featuring royal costumes and elephant howdahs
Rudyard Kipling described it as “a palace that might have been built by Titans and coloured by the morning sun.”
Walking through the dark entrance tunnel and emerging into the bright courtyard gave me a genuine Petra moment — that sudden, breath-catching reveal.
If you’re short on time in Jodhpur, this is the one site you must prioritise.
Take a Tuk-Tuk Tour to Jaswant Thada and Beyond
For visitors with more than one day in Jodhpur, a half-day tuk-tuk or car tour expands your experience beyond the old city.
Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph built by Maharaja Sardar Singh of Jodhpur State in 1899 in memory of his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Today, it still serves as the cremation ground for the royal Rajput family of Marwar. It is built from thin sheets of intricately carved Makrana marble that glow warmly in sunlight. The cenotaph's grounds feature carved gazebos, a tiered garden, and a small lake. Peaceful despite coachloads of visitors, it remains one of Jodhpur’s most elegant monuments.
Panchkunda Cenotaphs
Panchkunda Cenotaphs predates Jaswant Thada and feels far less visited. The more elaborate the carving, the more important the royal remembered.
Mandore Gardens
Before Jodhpur was founded, Mandore was the capital of the Marwar Kingdom, and the history of the garden dates back to the 6th century, when Mandore served as the seat of the Pratihara dynasty. The garden today houses several architectural marvels and monuments that narrate tales of valour, devotion, and artistry. One of the most striking features of Mandore Garden is the collection of cenotaphs (chhatris) dedicated to the very early Marwar kings and queens. The intricate carvings, domes, and pillars reflect the grandeur of Rajput architecture. The site could be better maintained, but the architecture remains impressive.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
With 347 rooms, Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the world’s largest private residences. Part museum, part Taj hotel, part royal home, it famously hosted the wedding of Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas in 2018. Liz Hurley also stayed here in 2007 before she married Indian businessman Arun Nayar, in nearby Mehrangarh Fort. Apparently, it was the source of much scandal at the time. Locals couldn't believe the bride was 42 years of age!
Discover Mayla Bag Ka Jhalra
Another impressive stepwell, Mayla Bag Ka Jhalra, was built in 1775. A rare moment of working fountains made my visit unexpectedly magical — one of those small travel surprises you can’t plan for.
Meet the Spice Girls of Rajasthan
Beyond monuments and palaces, Jodhpur is also about people. I spent time with the inspiring women behind the Spice Girls of Rajasthan, whose story deserves more than a paragraph.
👉 Read my full post about them here.
Where to Stay in Jodhpur
I recommend that you stay somewhere in the old city, within walking distance of the Clock Tower. You will then have easy access to all that Jodhpur has to offer.
I stayed at the very affordable Namaste Caffe. My room was huge. It was clean, comfortable, and the staff were lovely. The rooftop restaurant was pretty good, too.
Final Thoughts: Is Jodhpur Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Jodhpur combines Rajput history, desert architecture, vibrant markets, and some of the most dramatic fort views in India. It may be dusty and chaotic in places — but that’s part of its character.
If you’re planning a Rajasthan itinerary, make sure Jodhpur earns at least two days of your time.
Watch this Video for More on the Best Things to do in Jodhpur
If you’re travelling soon, please use these links!
Are you travelling soon? Use these links when making your bookings. These are the companies we use. It won’t cost you any extra, but we will earn a few pennies to help keep Happy Days Travel Blog going. Thank you!!
Make sure you take out travel insurance. If you are a digital nomad or long-term traveller, try the specialist provider SafetyWing. (Never leave home without protecting yourself, your trip and your belongings!)
Book your flight with Skyscanner
Book your accommodation with Booking.com
Book a tour with Tour Radar
Book city tours and activities with Viator or Get Your Guide
Check out our Resource Page for more companies we recommend.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through for more information, or to make a purchase, it may result in a small commission coming my way. Please note that there is no extra cost to you associated with this. Thank you so much for supporting my site.
