How to Spend 3 Days in Jodhpur: The Ultimate Guide to Rajasthan’s Blue City
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Home to the towering Mehrangarh Fort and filled with bustling bazaars, royal stepwells, and indigo backstreets, Jodhpur is one of Rajasthan’s most iconic destinations. I spent 5 days In Jodhpur, exploring everything it has to offer and meeting some great people.
By spending a few slow days in the Blue City, you have time to explore grand palaces, enjoy slow evenings at rooftop restaurants and get lost in the labyrinth of the Old City. So, whether you’re planning a trip to Rajasthan or a wider India trip, this complete 3-day Jodhpur guide covers everything you need to know before heading on your own adventure.
Contents
Practical Logistics
Best Time to Visit: October to March is peak tourism season in Rajasthan as it offers the most comfortable weather, with daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C and 28°C. Summers are brutal, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C so most travellers avoid this time of year.
How to Get There: As a popular tourist city, Jodhpur is easy to get to. Trains and buses run from most nearby major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur. If you want to travel by air, Jodhpur Airport operates domestic flights to major airports in cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
Getting Around: The Old City is easily walkable beyond avoiding incoming motorbikes and cows on the narrow lanes. To go further use auto-rickshaws – Uber is available but it doesn’t operate reliably in the Old City so hailing local autos is the quickest and easiest way to travel around.
Tip: Always negotiate a price before setting off – short rides across town should cost 100INR – 200INR. If you want the driver to wait at an attraction and bring you back then discuss a wait and return fare.
The Ultimate 3-Day Jodhpur Itinerary
Day 1: Forts, Stepwells & Bazaars
Morning: Start your day at one of India’s largest and best-preserved forts, Mehrangharh Fort. At 400 feet above the city, the fort offers incredible views over the city. For 800INR ($8.40), your foreigner ticket gets you into the fort grounds, the museum and access to an audio guide.
Mid-Day: From the fort, walk directly down the hill towards Jaswant Thada, a peaceful white marble royal cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Foreigner tickets are only 100INR ($1.05) here.
Afternoon: Head down into the Old City, enjoy a tea and local meal. Take a stroll around the chaotic but intriguing Sadar Market around the iconic Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar).
Evening: Take a seat on the nearby stepwell – Toorji Ka Jhalra. Local teenagers come down here to practice their daring dives and swimming, making for an eventful spectacle.
Day 2: Blue City & Sunset Viewpoints
Morning: Start your day with a leisurely stroll towards the areas of Navchowkiya and Brahmpuri where you’ll understand why the city is nicknamed the “Blue City”. Wander around the narrow alleys or get a guide to show you the best spots.
Looking for more about exploring the Blue City lanes?
Afternoon: Relax through the hottest part of the day before climbing up to Pachetia Hill. This free, elevated spot offers incredible wide views of the Blue City below. As the sun sets over the city, enjoy the glow off the buildings.
Evening: End your relaxed Blue City day with dinner on a blue rooftop. They offer views of the illuminated fort above and the city below as well as great traditional Rajasthani dishes.
Day 3: Palaces, Villages and Desert
Morning: Spend your morning at one of the world’s largest private residences, Umaid Bhawan Palace. Built from 1928 to 1943, the palace is still home to the Jodhpur royal family but also operates as a luxury Taj hotel as well as a museum for visitors which displays vintage cars, royal clocks and much more.
Afternoon: Head out into the desert on a half-day jeep safari to explore the surrounding area and the Bishnoi community who are known globally as India’s original eco-protectors. Here you will learn about their wildlife conservation efforts, see traditional pottery and carpet weaving, as well as spotting birds around Guda Lake.
Evening: Head to Mandore Gardens, the ancient capital of Marwar before Jodhpur was founded. Wander the lush park, home to grey langur monkeys, red-sandstone temples and different structures.
Where to Stay in Jodhpur
As a popular tourist destination, Jodhpur is home to plenty of accommodation options:
- Boutique Hotels: These are typically mid-range hotels which are designed in a traditional style. Perfect for those with a larger budget looking for a standard hotel service in a beautiful space.
- Authentic Homestays: Small family-run guesthouses are scattered across the city. They offer homely, friendly hospitality and home cooked breakfasts. They are great for those looking to connect with locals and learn more about their way of life.
- Budget Hostels: Like everywhere, you’ll find hostels in the city. These are great for those looking for the affordable and social option.
During my time in Jodhpur I stayed at Prachin Haveli – a gorgeous little place, perfectly located and offering delicious food. It cost $30 per night with breakfast included so $15 for myself and my partner split which was great value for the room and service provided.
Useful Jodhpur Travel Tips
Cash is King: The majority of purchases you make will be in cash, especially at local bazaars and when taking auto rickshaws. Ensure you carry small notes as auto drivers often don’t carry change.
Tip: ATMs are available across the city and banks like Canara Bank and State Bank of India offer zero transaction fees.
Modest Clothing: Make sure to dress modestly, and cover your shoulders and knees when going to religious sites. Always remove your shoes before entering religious buildings too.
Watch Your Step: Beyond the beautiful attractions, Jodhpur was one of the dirtiest cities I visited in India. Watch the ground beneath you to avoid stepping in anything unwanted.
Beware of Shop Keepers: The popular market around the Clock Tower is known for being pushy to tourists when it comes to the sale of spices and textiles. Always negotiate politely and say no if you’re not interested.
Tip: If there’s something specific you’re hoping to get at a market then ask your hotel or host beforehand for price estimates so you know if the price is inflated.
Final Thoughts
Spending three days in Jodhpur is the perfect time in my opinion. It gives you enough time to see the attractions without feeling rushed, and allows enough leisure time to wander small street stalls or the blue alleys.
If I’m completely honest, Jodhpur wasn’t my favourite city in India. The dirty streets and pushy vendors put me off a little. Having already spent four months travelling around India before Jodhpur, I was well-accustomed to the country’s usual intensity but this felt different. However, with the extended time I had here, I was able to appreciate its rich history and heritage and take the city for what it is.
Be sure to plan ahead, set realistic expectations for the Old City, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Rajasthan’s Blue City – you’ll absolutely still make unforgettable memories here.
Hi, I'm Kelly!
Welcome to The Untold Journeys, a travel blog with a focus on raw, authentic travels and finding those exciting hidden gems.
I’m here to share my experiences and stories to give you everything you need to explore the world and head on your own adventures.
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