JODHPUR

1 Mehrangarh Fort

Overlooking Jodhpur, the striking Meghrangarh Fort stands out against a blue sky. Built on a rocky outcropping on the highest hill in Jodhpur, Meghrangarh Fort was the home to Jodhpur’s Maharajahs for centuries. Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, began building Meghrangarh Fort in 1459, but most of the Fort wasn’t finished until the 17th century.

Today it’s open for visitors and along with a throne room, Maharajah’s bed chamber, and prayer room has galleries with miniature paintings, elephant howdahs, and royal clothing. Gaze out the same windows Maharajas and their families once did before, and imagine what it must have been like hundreds of years ago.

2 The Blue City

Brahmins in Jodhpur painted their homes blue, making for Jodhpur’s blue-tiful streets and alleyways contrasting with bright red and orange saris. “The Blue City” of Jodhpur is a dreamy sky-blue, a sacred color to Brahmins who worship the gods Shiva and Krishna. Like Morocco’s Chefchaouen, there’s more than one reason why homes are painted blue ranging from warding off mosquitoes, termites, and sun rays to honoring the Hindu gods Shiva and Krishna.

3 Bishnoi Village Tour

Bishnoi communities are a unique religious sect only found in the Thar Desert known for their reverence for nature. They follow twenty-nine principles for living including not cutting down trees, not killing animals, and not wearing the color blue. “Bishnoi” comes from “bish” meaning 20 and “noi” meaning 9.

On this Bishnoi village visit, drive out of Jodhpur in the back of an open-air keep to this rustic village adorned with mud-plastered huts and vibrant textiles called khuris, where the rhythm of daily life unfolds amidst the arid landscape.

Witness age-old customs and rituals, from traditional pottery-making to weaving intricate textiles called khuris to the ceremonial taking of opium. (Opium is illegal in India, but Bishnoi are allowed it for ceremonial use since it makes up so much of their lives from being taken for pregnancy pain to calming arguments.)

4 Morning Walking Tour

The best way to explore a new city is on your feet, and this small group walking tour will take you down blue streets in the new city, and tasting some of the best street food Jodhpur has to offer, when you explore locals only joints you may have never found on your own. Learn more about Jodhpur’s history, Hinduism, and haveli architecture.

Start around 8am at the Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi stepwell, and make your way down sleepy blue streets to the Maa Jwalamukhi Devi Temple on Pachetia Hill for sweeping views of the “Blue City” and Mehrangarh Fort. You’ll finish in the Clock Tower Market with a samosa, lassi, and chai to start the rest of your day off right.

5 Umaid Bhawan Palace

This palace was the last royal residence built in India before independence, and it’s one of the largest private residences in the world with over 26 acres of lush gardens, 347 rooms, a throne chamber, and many halls. It’s divided into three sections, one that’s the private residence of the royal family, one that’s a heritage hotel, and one that’s a museum open to the public.

After it was finished in 1943, the royal family of Jodhpur moved from the Meghrangarh Fort to the Umaid Bhawan Palace. Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra even got married here in 2018. Visiting the Umaid Bhawan Palace is just a glimpse of royalty in India, but it’s the closest most of us will get in our lifetimes.

6 MV Spices, the First Female-Owned Spice Shop

MV Spices, Mohanlal Verhomal, is the first female-owned spice shop in Rajasthan! Neelam, her mother, and six sisters took over the family business after the passing away of their father. Against all odds, they defied sexism and gender stereotypes to become the most popular spice shop in Jodhpur.

There are many spice shops trying to steal their success with names starting with “M,” but none are like the original MV, so make sure you visit the original here. Their masalas are 400 INR (about 5 USD) for 200g. All the masalas are handmade by their mother with high quality, natural, and organic spices. It’s a great way to support a female-owned business, and use tourism for good!

7 Cooking Class with MV Spices

Stocked up on spices, now it’s time to learn how to use them! With a visit to the MV Spices sisters’ own home, learn how they cook vegetable biryani, paneer butter masala, raita, saffron lassi, daal tadka, chapati, and chai.

You’ll learn how they use the spices from their own shop to create these famous Indian dishes. From fragrant saffron lassi to buttery paneer masala, each dish is a celebration of the bold flavors and female-led strength that make MV Spices so special. Stop by MV Spices to book this cooking class.

8 Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi (Stepwell)

Step back in time and marvel at the architectural splendor of Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi, a majestic stepwell built in 1740 by the Maharana herself. Traditionally, the wife of a Maharaja, called a Maharana, would build a stepwell for the local people to swim and draw water.

This stepwell is a a testament to Maharana Raani Tawarji’s generosity and devotion to the local community. Its intricate design, reminiscent of her ancestral home in Gujarat, captivates with its ornate carvings and symmetrical beauty. As you descend the stone steps into the cool depths of the well, the echoes of laughter and the trickle of water evoke a sense of timeless serenity.

9 Jaswant Thada

Next to the imposing silhouette of Meharangar Fort, Jaswant Thada emerges like a glimmering white pearl on Jodhpur’s horizon. Built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in the 19th century, this delicate marble mausoleum is surrounded by an oasis of green gardens in sunny Rajasthan.

Jaswant Thada offers a glimpse into the rich history and regal heritage of Jodhpur. Inside, its cool marble floors and softly lit chambers are adorned with portraits, paintings, and artifacts honoring the Rathore dynasty. Amidst the tranquil gardens and panoramic views of the Mehrangarh Fort, it’s a stunning place to watch golden hour cast its light over a blue Jodhpur.

10 Shop in Sardar Market, the “Clocktower Market”

Discover a treasure trove of handicrafts and souvenirs at Sardar Market, affectionately known as the “Clocktower Market”. Browse through a kaleidoscope of stalls brimming with Rajasthani patchwork poufs, Kashmiri papier-mâché, and intricately woven textiles, each offering a glimpse into the region’s rich artistic heritage. Whether you’re hunting for unique trinkets to take home or simply soaking in the bustling atmosphere, Sardar Market is an unforgettable shopping experience filled with color, culture, and charm.

How to Plan Your Trip to Jodhpur

Where to Stay in Jodhpur

Staying near the Clocktower Market and Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi stepwell will mean you’re in walking distance or a short tuk-tuk ride away from most of Jodhpur’s best things to do. For budget stays, Hotel Bawarri Haveli was great with a rooftop restaurant and less than 1km away from the Stepwell. There’s also Zostel right next to the Stepwell, if you want to stay at a hostel. For an even more unique experience, you can live like royalty at the Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel!

How to Get to Jodhpur

The best way to visit Jodhpur is by train to Jodhpur station, but you can also take a bus, hire a private taxi, or fly in to Jodhpur Airport. The last two options will be the most expensive. You can book trains directly from the IRCTC website, or from 12Go.

How to Get Around Jodhpur

The best way to get around is by Uber, but Uber won’t always be available in the old sections in the city where cars aren’t able to go. If you stay near to the Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi stepwell, most attractions will always be within walking distance. Hiring a tuk-tuk from here to attractions like the Jaswant Thada and Mehrangarh Fort should cost 150 to 200 INR, but depends on your bargaining skills.

 Where to Eat in Jodhpur

Shri Mishrilal Hotel – For creamy lassis with cardamom flavor, order a makhaniya lassi for 50 INR on the edge of the Clocktower Market.

Shahi Samosa Arora Namkeen – For delicious samosas, you have to try this shop just outside the Clocktower Market.

The Omelette Shop – Just outside the entrance to the Clocktower Market, you’ll find this hole-in-the-wall serving some of the best omelettes you’ll ever taste. Shyam, the owner, suggests ordering a for masala cheese omelette for 70 INR or an Ali Baba omelette for 100 INR.

Blue Bird – For traditional curries, biryanis, and Western foods, visit this rooftop restaurant with the highest restaurant viewpoint in Jodhpur.

Gypsy Vegetarian Restaurant – Must-try vegetarian thali with 31 dishes!

Safety in Jodhpur

Like the rest of India, unfortunately it’s still not advisable for women to walk alone at night or in secluded areas. For added safety, connect with other female travelers in the Girls Love Travel and Host a Sister Facebook groups.

Jodhpur is a fairly safe city, but watch out for pickpockets in markets and crowded areas. Most of the stray dogs you’ll find on the street are friendly, but some are aggressive and should be avoided if they show territorial behavior. There have been some incidents of stray dogs biting tourists, but not enough to mean you should be overly cautious.

Health in Jodhpur

Only drink filtered water, not tap. Avoid eating out at unpopular restaurants or street food stalls that are not vetted by other tourists. Avoid eating vegetables and fruits that are cut, not peeled. Brush your teeth with filtered water, not tap. If worse comes to worse, carry Imodium with you along with toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and enjoy India’s incredible food! To quote Anthony Bourdain, “Indian food won’t kill you.”
 
Malaria and dengue fever are still a risk in Rajasthan, so make sure to take anti-malaria tablets. In February 2019, Rajasthan had the highest number of dengue and malaria cases in all of India.

Travel Insurance for India

Whatever you do, don’t travel without travel insurance. Whether it’s sickness, theft, or lost luggage, something WILL go wrong, and travel insurance is your only way of lessening costs!

India Travel Essentials

Traveling comes with a unique set of challenges. To keep your journey happy, healthy, and safe, I recommend traveling with these:

Addalock (Don’t travel to India without this! It’s an added safety lock that works with any door).

Ear plugs and eye mask (For overnight train rides!)

Hand sanitiser and wet wipes (In India, these are a must.)

Reusable water bottle  (Save plastic by investing in a Grayl water purification bottle, which lets you fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world.)

Power bank (There’s not much worse than running out of phone battery and not being able to find your way home.)

International travel adapter (You’ll need at least one of these for all of your trips.)

For a full list of my travel recommendations, click here!