2 Day Jodhpur Itinerary: Best Places To Visit & Things To Do
Are you looking to plan your 2 day visit to Jodhpur? Here are the best places to visit!
Jodhpur is known as the “Blue City” because of its stunning blue-hued houses. This city is one of the more popular stops in Rajasthan (along with Jaipur, Udaipur, and the less popular Pushkar) because of it’s stand out color, historic forts, and bazaars. In two days, you can explore its rich heritage, try local dishes, and discover why it’s a favorite for travelers.
Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you make the most of your time with recommendations for what to see, where to eat, and where to stay.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Jodhpur?
Jodhpur is located in the northern desert region of India in the state of Rajasthan. There are 3 main seasons here: summer, monsoon, and winter. The ideal time to visit is from October to March, when the temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing.
☀️ Summer (April to June): Summers in Jodhpur are extremely hot, with temperatures soaring to over 48°C (or 118°F) in peak months. Dust storms are also common during this season. The daytime heat can make outdoor activities challenging.
☔ Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings some relief from the intense heat, with temperatures dropping to around 35°C-40°C (95°F-104°F). However, the increase in humidity and occasional heavy rainfall can make travel less comfortable. Most of Rajasthan’s annual rainfall occurs during these months, but Jodhpur experiences relatively lighter showers compared to other regions.
🌤️ Winter (December to March): Winter is the best time to visit Jodhpur. Temperatures during the day are pleasant, ranging between 20°C – 30°C (68°F – 86°F), making it perfect for exploring the city’s attractions. January tends to be the coldest month, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly so pack a jacket and sweater.
How Many Days Are Enough For Jodhpur?
2 days is enough to explore the key sights in Jodhpur. In two days, you can visit the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, explore the lanes of the Old City, visit the iconic Clock Tower and the lively Sardar Market, admire Jaswant Thada. You can also visit Umaid Bhawan Palace, and finish watching the sunset from Pachetia Hill or a rooftop restaurant.
While 2 days is perfect for seeing the highlights, if you’re interested in more offbeat experiences, a third day could allow you to explore more of the local culture or consider a day trip to nearby villages. There’s plenty to do to fill up 3-4 days, if you want to travel at a more leisurely pace.
If you’ve got a busy itinerary and want to help seeing the best sights in the least amount of time with local guides, then check out this tour that hits all the highlights in 5 hours: Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort and Blue City Private Guided Tour.
Jodhpur 2 Day Itinerary
The absolute must-dos of your time in Jodhpur include Mehrangarh Fort, and exploring Old City. Then from there I’d recommend Sardar Market and Clock Tower, and Pachetia Hill. Check out the below schedule to make the most of your 2 days!
Day 1: Explore Jodhpur’s Historic Landmarks
1. Mehrangarh Fort
Start your trip with one of the most iconic landmarks in Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort. Built in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the fort stands on a rocky hill, offering panoramic views of the Blue City below. The fort itself is massive, with intricate carvings, courtyards, and galleries showcasing artifacts from Jodhpur’s royal past.
The fort opens at 9:00am, so get there early to avoid crowds. Consider hiring a local guide or using the audio guide to get deeper insights into the fort’s history.
Don’t miss the Chamunda Mataji Temple located within the fort complex and the Flying Fox zip line adventure if you’re up for a thrill.
2. Jaswant Thada
Just a short distance from Mehrangarh Fort is Jaswant Thada, a white marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The serene atmosphere and intricate architecture make it a great spot for photos.
Entry to Jaswant Thada is usually less crowded, making it a peaceful stop after the fort visit.
3. Toorji Ka Jhalra (Toorji’s Step Well)
In the afternoon, head to Toorji Ka Jhalra, an ancient stepwell in the heart of Jodhpur. It’s a unique and lesser-visited attraction that showcases the city’s architectural ingenuity in water conservation.
There’s no entry fee, and it’s a good spot for photography. You’ll find small cafes nearby where you can grab a light snack or cold drink.
4. Sardar Market and Clock Tower
End your day at Sardar Market, located near the Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower). The bustling market is perfect for picking up local handicrafts, spices, and textiles. You can bargain with vendors but be respectful. Aim for around 30-40% off the initial quoted price.
The nearby Mishrilal Hotel is known for serving some of the best makhaniya lassi in town. You can also try the famous street food, such as mirchi vada and pyaaz kachori.
Pro Tip: I was at the market the night before Diwali and it was very crowded so I felt a little overwhelmed, but we had a guide with us to help us navigate it all. If you want a guide, I recommend this walking tour: Blue City Heritage Walking Tour. A local guide will take you to Toorji Ka Jhalra, the Clock Tower, Pachetia Hill, through the Old City and more in about 3 hours.
Day 2: Local Culture
1. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Start your second day with a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the last grand palaces built in India. Part of the palace is now a luxury hotel, but the museum is open to visitors, showcasing royal memorabilia and vintage cars.
The palace museum opens at 9 AM, so start your day here. You can even plan to eat breakfast here. If you end up here in the afternoon, you can do high tea instead.
2. Explore the Blue City (Old City)
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Old City. Jodhpur is known for its bright blue houses, particularly in the Brahmpuri area. Wander through the narrow lanes to soak in the local life and take photos of the vibrant blue streets.
If you’re feeling too overwhelmed to wander on your own – get a local guide to show you around. Check out this Blue City Heritage Walking Tour With Pick Up & Drop Off.
3. Mandore Gardens
After lunch, you can head to Mandore Gardens, about 9 km from Jodhpur city. This historic site was the former capital of the Marwar kingdom and features cenotaphs, temples, and lush gardens.
I’d say this sight is not a “must-see” if you want take something out of your itinerary. Plan to spend around an hour exploring the gardens. The site is free to enter but can get busy, especially on weekends.
4. Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
I’d say this unique experience is an optional add in. If you want some relaxing time you can skip a visit here. The Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park is located just a bit outside town. The park is an ecological restoration project showcasing native plant species of the Thar Desert.
Guided tours are available, or you can explore on your own using the park’s trails. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as the park’s terrain is rugged.
5. Watch the Sunset from Pachetia Hill
Take in the blue city from a sunset point on Pachetia Hill. Tucked away from the usual tourist spots, this vantage point offers panoramic views of the iconic Mehrangarh Fort and the sea of blue houses that make Jodhpur famous.
The climb up is moderately challenging but short. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the city bathed in golden hues as the sun sets behind the fort.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes for walk up and bring water, as there are no facilities at the top. Arrive a bit early for sunset to secure your spot and enjoy!
6. Dinner with a Fort View
Enjoy your last night in Jodhpur with a delicious dinner and views of the Mehrangarh Fort lit up at night. Make reservations at Indique or Darikhana (at the RAAS hotel). I ate dinner at Darikhana and enjoyed a drink in their bar area after dinner – it was a very nice atmosphere!
Where To Eat In Jodhpur
There’s plenty of options for great lunch and dinner restaurants. Check out the spots below to see which fits best in your travel schedule.
🍴 Indique: For dinner visit the rooftop restaurant at Pal Haveli, offering views of Mehrangarh Fort and a selection of local Rajasthani dishes. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak travel season (October – March).
🍴 Darikhana at RAAS: If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, make a dinner reservation here. Set in a beautiful heritage hotel at the base of Mehrangarh Fort, this fine-dining restaurant offers Rajasthani and North Indian dishes with a modern twist. The outdoor seating provides an awesome view of the illuminated fort at night.
🍴 Gypsy Restaurant: A casual and more local option, which offers a popular vegetarian thali.
🍴 The Stepwell Cafe: Adjacent to the famous Toorji Ka Jhalra (Step Well), this charming cafe offers a mix of Indian and continental dishes, good for a laid-back lunch or evening snack. Their coffee and desserts are a must-try, and the serene atmosphere makes it a great place to take a break during your Jodhpur adventures.
🍴 Blue Bird Cafe & Restaurant: Located near the Clock Tower, with indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant offers views of Mehrangarh Fort. The menu features a range of Indian and international dishes, with wood-fired pizzas, curries, and delicious smoothies being favorites. It’s good for a casual lunch or dinner after a day of sightseeing.
🍴 Kesar Heritage Restaurant: This rooftop restaurant has a view of the Fort and serves local Rajasthani food like laal maas and ker sangri.
🍴 Gopal Rooftop Restaurant: Located near the Clock Tower, this family-run restaurant offers a small selection of homestyle Indian and Rajasthani dishes. The rooftop seating provides a backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort, making it a nice spot to enjoy a simple meal while taking in the surroundings of Jodhpur.
Where To Stay In Jodhpur
Midrange options:
📍 Taj Hari Mahal Jodhpur: This is my top recommendation. I stayed here for 2 nights and had an excellent stay over the Diwali holiday. They decorated beautifully and had extra treats during turndown service.
📍 Ratan Vilas: A charming heritage hotel originally built in 1920, located in a peaceful part of Jodhpur. The rooms are filled with vintage decor, creating a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Guests can enjoy local Rajasthani cuisine at the in-house restaurant.
📍 Haveli Inn Pal: A less expensive option, Haveli Inn Pal is a 3-star hotel that provides a comfortable stay in a historic building. It’s centrally located with a rooftop view of the Fort. Be aware there is no elevator so you’ll need to climb up and down the stairs to get to your room.
Luxury options:
📍 RAAS Jodhpur: A boutique hotel offering luxury rooms with a view of Mehrangarh Fort. I tried to book here for my stay in Jodhpur but unfortunately it was all booked up. We ended up making reservations for dinner at their rooftop restaurant (Darikhana), though. I’ve had friends stay here who highly recommend it.
📍 Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur: A true icon of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace is home to the Jodhpur royal family. The palace hotel offers a majestic experience with its lavish interiors, extensive gardens, and top-tier service. Guests can explore the museum on-site, indulge in royal cuisine, or enjoy a swim in the stunning art-deco pool.
Map Of Places To Visit In Jodhpur
Map of places to see (yellow stars), places to eat (maroon), and places to stay (green) to help you plan your trip to Jodhpur.
How To Get To Jodhpur
Jodhpur is easily accessible from major cities in Rajasthan and beyond, making it an essential stop on any Rajasthan itinerary.
From Delhi
- By Air: The quickest way to reach Jodhpur from Delhi is by air. Several direct flights operate daily between Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Jodhpur Airport (JDH), with a flight time of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
- By Train: You can also take an overnight train, such as the Mandore Express or the Ranikhet Express, which take around 10-11 hours.
- By Road: If you prefer driving, the distance between Delhi and Jodhpur is roughly 600 km. The drive takes around 10-11 hours via National Highway 48, though it can be long and tiring.
From Jaipur
- By Air: Direct flights from Jaipur International Airport (JAI) to Jodhpur are available, taking about 45 minutes.
- By Train: Trains such as the Mandore Express and the Intercity Express connect Jaipur and Jodhpur in 5-6 hours.
- By Road: The drive from Jaipur to Jodhpur is approximately 350 km and takes around 6 hours. Buses and taxis are available, and several state-run and private buses operate regularly between the two cities.
From Udaipur
- By Train: The Ranakpur Express connects Udaipur and Jodhpur, with a journey time of around 6 hours.
- By Road: Driving from Udaipur to Jodhpur is about 250 km and takes 5-6 hours. Taxis or buses are convenient options, with several private and state-run bus services available.
- By Air: There are no direct flights between Udaipur and Jodhpur, but you can take a connecting flight via other cities, but I do NOT recommend this.
From Ajmer/Pushkar
- By Train: From Ajmer, which is close to Pushkar, there are several train options to Jodhpur, including the Aravali Express and the Jodhpur Express, with a travel time of about 4-5 hours.
- By Road: The distance between Pushkar and Jodhpur is around 185 km, with a driving time of 4-5 hours. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Pushkar or Ajmer to Jodhpur.
From Jaisalmer:
Jaisalmer is another popular destination in Rajasthan, located about 285 km from Jodhpur. You can travel by train, such as the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Express, which takes around 6 hours, or by road, which takes roughly 5-6 hours by car or bus.
How To Get Around Jodhpur
🚖 Uber or Ola: As in most Indian cities, you can use the apps, Uber or Ola, to easily get a car with your destination typed in (helpful when there’s a language barrier) and no need to negotiate price.
🛺 Auto rickshaws: Autos are an easy way to get around the city. Negotiate the fare before starting the ride. Or hail an Auto using Uber by selecting “Auto” in the app.
🚗 Private car: If you prefer more comfort, you can hire a private car with a driver for the day. Many hotels can arrange this for around INR 2,000-3,000 for a full day.
🚶♀️Walking is possible in the Old City, but the lanes are narrow and crowded, so be prepared to share the path with locals, cows, and motorbikes.
TL;DR: 2 Day Jodhpur Itinerary: Best Places To Visit
Two days in Jodhpur are enough to experience its charm, historic forts, and delicious food. Don’t miss the Mehrangarh Fort or wandering the streets of the Old City. Make sure to plan your trip around your interests and time, and don’t forget to take in a sunset over this enchanting city.