Photo: Jodhpur
The Blue City, under the mightiest fort in Rajasthan.
Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathores, at the edge of the Thar Desert. Mehrangarh Fort rises 120 metres above the city on a sheer rock, and below it the old houses are painted in shades of indigo, which is why Jodhpur is called the Blue City.
It is a city of strong flavours and strong colours: mirchi vada and makhaniya lassi at the clock tower, spice stalls in Sardar Market and stepwells in the old town. In winter it is also the best base for a morning with the demoiselle cranes at Khichan, about three hours away.
Travelling with Kurja: see the group trips that visit Jodhpur, or ask for a private trip planned around your dates.
- Best time
- October to March
- Ideal stay
- 2 days
- Airport
- Jodhpur (JDH)
- Railway
- Jodhpur Junction
Top Tourist Places in Jodhpur
Must visit Mehrangarh FortHistory and ruins
One of India’s largest forts, with superb museums and views over the blue city.
Photo: Sanhitasinha · CC BY-SA 4.0
Must visit Jaswant ThadaHistory and ruins
Elegant white marble memorial with a small lake, just below the fort.
Photo: Flying Pharmacist · CC BY-SA 3.0
Umaid Bhawan PalaceHistory and ruins
Art-deco palace from the 1940s; part is a museum, part a hotel, part the royal home.
Photo: Dan Lundberg · CC BY-SA 2.0Clock Tower and Sardar MarketMarkets and food
The heart of the old city: spices, textiles and street food.
Toorji Ka JhalraHistory and ruins
KhichanNature, lakes and hills
Village near Phalodi where thousands of demoiselle cranes (kurja) winter. A morning trip from Jodhpur.
Photo: Tisha Mukherjee · CC BY-SA 4.0Plan a Jodhpur Trip
Get a personalized itinerary based on your preferences.
Things to Do
Food to try
- Mirchi vada – Big green chillies stuffed with potato and fried in gram-flour batter.
- Mawa kachori – Sweet kachori filled with milk solids and dipped in syrup.
- Makhaniya lassi – Rich, saffron-flavoured lassi.
- Pyaaz kachori – The other Jodhpur breakfast.
Travel tips
- See Mehrangarh in the morning and the blue lanes in the soft evening light.
- Try the zip-lines at Mehrangarh if you like adventure.
- Visit Khichan in winter to see the demoiselle cranes.
How to Reach
Jodhpur has an airport and is on main rail routes.
- Jaipur · Car or train335 km, 5.5–6 hours
- Udaipur · Car250 km, 5 hoursVia Ranakpur.
- Jaisalmer · Car or train285 km, 5 hours
- Khichan (cranes) · Carabout 150 km, 3 hoursGo for sunrise, November to February.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best time to visit Jodhpur. October also brings the Rajasthan International Folk Festival at Mehrangarh.
- Winter (best)October–March · 8–28°CSunny days and cool nights: the best time for sightseeing. Book Christmas, New Year and festival dates early.
- SummerApril–June · 40–45°CVery hot from mid-April. Sightsee early and late, rest in the afternoon, and expect lower hotel prices.
- MonsoonJuly–September · 28–35°CLittle rain; still warm and humid.
Festivals
- Rajasthan International Folk Festival (October)Folk and world musicians play inside Mehrangarh Fort around the full moon.
- Marwar Festival (October)Music and dance celebrating the heroes of Marwar.
Questions
Why is Jodhpur blue?
Many old houses were painted blue with indigo-tinted lime wash. People say it kept houses cool and marked Brahmin homes; today the whole old city wears it.
Can I see the cranes from Jodhpur?
Yes. Khichan, near Phalodi, is about 150 km away. Cranes are there from late August to March; go early in the morning.
Nearby Cities
Reviewed by Kurja Travel team, updated 1 Nov 2026.