2 Days in Jodhpur: Best Things to Do in India’s Blue City (Itinerary + Travel Guide)

2 Days in Jodhpur: The Ultimate Blue City Itinerary

Jodhpur, famously known as India’s “Blue City,” was high on my list while backpacking through Rajasthan. After exploring the Pink City of Jaipur and the Red City of Bikaner, I was ready to slow down and soak up the relaxed rooftop vibes of this dreamy, blue-hued destination.

Jodhpur is a captivating destination that immediately lives up to its nickname. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a sea of indigo houses sprawling beneath the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most spectacular sights in Rajasthan. Perched high on a rocky hill, this majestic fort evokes the grandeur of a bygone era, when royal dynasties in sapphire-hued robes ruled the desert lands of Marwar.

To truly experience Jodhpur’s charm, you’ll need to venture into its winding alleyways on foot—if you’re bold enough to get lost in the maze! From panoramic viewpoints to hidden stepwells and centuries-old markets, this 2-day itinerary reveals the very best places to visit in Jodhpur, India’s unforgettable Blue City.

I stayed in a private room at BlaBla Hostel, which has a roof terrace with stunning views over the city.

Blue City Itinerary: Day 1 in Jodhpur

Spend the Morning Getting Lost in the Blue Streets of Jodhpur

On my first morning in Jodhpur I stepped out of my hostel‘s front door and into a dreamscape of cobalt walls and winding alleyways. The gentle rhythm of local life slowly buzzed around me as the city started to wake. Jodhpur’s old town is a maze of indigo-painted houses, each corner bursting with character — from colourful Rajasthani murals and hand-painted doorways to women in vibrant saris and elderly people sipping chai on their front porch.

Early morning is the best time to explore, when the streets are quieter and you can soak up the sounds of the city — the clatter of kitchen pots, the distant call to prayer — and the occasional bleat of a passing goat.

The best neighbourhoods for blue houses are Navchokiya and the area around Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell. I highly recommend staying in or near these areas. Basing yourself here means you can wander the Blue City streets without needing to haggle with tuk-tuk drivers every time you head out.

I personally stayed at Bla Bla Hostel, and had a genuinely lovely time. The owner was warm and welcoming, and the rooftop terrace was the perfect spot to relax with a cup of chai and watch the city below. I could have stayed up there all morning, just taking it all in.

No time restriction | free-of-charge

Ghanta Ghar Clocktower & Sadar Market: The Heart of Jodhpur’s Old Town

Walk your way through the blue streets towards Sardar Market. This market area, sprawled around the iconic Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower), is the chaotic beating heart of Jodhpur. As you navigate its lively lanes, you’ll encounter vendors offering an array of goods—from aromatic spices and colourful textiles to handcrafted souvenirs and everyday essentials. A visit to the renowned MV Spices is a must. This family-run shop, established by Mohanlal Verhomal and now managed by his wife and seven daughters, offers a curated selection of authentic, hand-ground spice blends that capture the essence of Rajasthani cuisine.

After the market’s busy energy, take a refreshing break at Shri Mishrilal Hotel, famed for its Makhaniya Lassi. Located near the Clock Tower, this legendary spot has been serving its signature lassi since 1927. Thick, creamy, and infused with saffron and cardamom, it’s a delightful treat that offers a taste of Jodhpur’s rich culinary heritage.

No time restriction | free-of-charge

Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell

Toorji Ka Jhalra (also known as the Toorji Stepwell) is one of Jodhpur’s hidden gems and well worth a quick stop while exploring the old city. Tucked away in a lively little square not far from the Clock Tower and Sardar Market, this 18th-century stepwell was built by a queen from the royal family and has been beautifully restored in recent years.

The geometric sandstone steps leading down to the water make it a popular spot for photos, and you’ll often see local kids diving in to cool off on hot days. It’s surrounded by cafes and boutiques too, so it’s a great place to take a breather, grab a drink, and people-watch. A lovely blend of history, architecture, and everyday life in Jodhpur.

No time restriction | free-of-charge

Climb Pachetia Hill for Sunset Views

For me, climbing Pachetia Hill for sunset was the highlight of my time in the Blue City. A peaceful, panoramic escape just minutes from the chaos below. Located right beside Mehrangarh Fort, Pachetia Hill offers 360-degree views of Jodhpur, with its sea of indigo rooftops sprawling in every direction. It’s particularly stunning at golden hour, when the city glows in warm tones and the sunset lights up the Blue City in a calming palette of orangey-pinks.

At the summit, you’ll find vibrant Indian street art and colourful murals tucked into the maze-like alleyways — making it one of the most photogenic spots in Jodhpur. Pachetia Hill is one of the top hidden gems in Jodhpur you shouldn’t miss.

The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, as the midday heat can be intense. Sunset is especially magical. There are two quick ways to reach the top of Pachetia Hill. One route involves a narrow staircase, while the other is a slightly steeper path — both take around 5 to 10 minutes and are relatively easy. If you’re unsure which way to go, don’t worry — smiling local children pointed me in the right direction!

I explored this area on my own, but I crossed paths with a lovely couple who’d hired a local guide to take them up the hill. I couldn’t help overhearing some of the stories he was sharing — they sounded fascinating, and definitely added another layer to the experience. He very kindly offered to take some photos of me too! You can find similar guides through Viator or alternatively through GuruWalk.

Daylight hours | free-of-charge

Blue City Itinerary: Day 2 in Jodhpur

Enjoy a Rooftop Breakfast — a Must-Do in Jodhpur

There’s something special about starting your day on a rooftop in Jodhpur. The city is still stretching awake, the air is cool, and from above, the Blue City looks soft and dreamy in the morning light. I had breakfast on my hostel terrace — nothing fancy, just chai and an omelette (this was my staple brekkie in India!) — but it was made memorable by the view and the company. A group of monkeys scampered across the neighbouring rooftops, leaping from balcony to balcony like it was their personal playground. Pigeons fluttered overhead, a temple bell chimed in the distance, and for a moment, everything felt still and timeless – trust me – you’ll come to appreciate these moments of quiet when you’ve been travelling around India for a while!

Opening times vary | prices vary

Mehrangarh Fort

I’ll be honest—by the time I reached Jodhpur, I was feeling a bit fort-ed out. After exploring what seemed to be countless forts across Rajasthan, I decided to skip going inside Mehrangarh Fort this time around. But don’t let my fort fatigue put you off—I’ve been assured by other travellers that Mehrangarh Fort — built in 1459 — is stunning inside. They described intricate carvings, panoramic views of the Blue City, and fascinating museum exhibits that bring Rajasthan’s royal history to life.

Even if you don’t venture inside, it’s worth heading up to the fort just for the views—Mehrangarh Fort towers dramatically over Jodhpur, offering one of the best photo spots in the city. And for film lovers: parts of The Dark Knight Rises (yes, the Batman movie!) were actually filmed at Mehrangarh Fort, adding a Hollywood connection to this ancient Rajasthani landmark.

Rajasthani forts are a lot more fun if you have a guide to tell you all the stories and legends — such as the curse of Cheeria Nathji! You can book a guided tour of Mehrangarh Fort here – note that this tour includes some of the attractions I’ve already mentioned, so you may want to rejig this itinerary a bit.

9am — 5pm | ₹100 pp for Indian nationals, ₹600 pp for overseas visitors

Jaswant Thada

Jaswant Thada is just a short walk from both Mehrangarh Fort and Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park (see below), so it’s super easy to combine all three in one trip. This white marble cenotaph, built in 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in memory of his father, is often called the Taj Mahal of Marwar. The carvings are incredibly delicate, and the whole place has a peaceful, almost ethereal vibe that makes it worth a stop. Inside the complex, you’ll find portraits of Jodhpur’s former rulers, a small lake, a well-tended garden, and a few smaller cenotaphs.

9am — 5pm | ₹30 pp for Indian nationals, ₹50 pp for overseas visitors

Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park

If you need a little break from forts and palaces, stretch your legs in Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park and soak up a bit of nature. It’s right next to Mehrangarh Fort, so easy to visit on the same day. The park was created to restore the natural desert ecology around the fort, and it’s full of native plants and dramatic rock formations that show off Rajasthan’s arid landscape in a totally different way.

8am — 5:30pm (Oct – Mar), 7am — 6:30pm (Apr – Sep) | ₹100 pp for adults

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Jodhpur—and honestly, it’s hard to believe it’s still a functioning royal residence. Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views over the city, this golden sandstone palace was completed in 1943 and is one of the last great palaces built in India. Today, the complex is split into three parts: a luxury Taj hotel, the royal family’s private residence, and a museum that’s open to the public.

Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s still worth visiting the museum, which has a collection of vintage clocks, photographs, and royal memorabilia. The palace’s art deco architecture is also a major highlight—totally different from the Mughal and Rajput styles you’ll see elsewhere in Rajasthan. While it’s a bit outside the city centre, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a must-see in Jodhpur, especially if you’re interested in history and design.

10am — 4:30pm | ₹30 pp for Indian nationals, ₹100 pp for overseas visitors

Mandore Gardens

If you’re looking to explore a lesser-visited spot just outside the city, Mandore Gardens is a great half-day trip from Jodhpur. Located about 20 minutes from the city centre by auto-rickshaw or taxi, this historic site was once the capital of the Marwar region before Jodhpur was founded. Today, it’s known for its lush gardens, cenotaphs, and a slightly overgrown, romantic vibe that makes it feel like a bit of a hidden treasure.

The red sandstone chhatris (memorials) dedicated to Jodhpur’s former rulers are seriously impressive, and the grounds are scattered with temples, old ruins, and curious monkeys. It’s not as polished as other tourist sites in Rajasthan, but that’s part of the charm—it feels more like a place locals go to relax than a big-ticket attraction. If you have time and want a break from the busy streets of the old city, Mandore Gardens is definitely worth a visit.

8am — 8pm | free-of-charge

🌟 If you think this sounds like a lot to squeeze into one day, consider booking a Private and Luxury Blue City Tour Pickup & Drop-Off with Pawan for one of your days in Jodhpur, and he can guide you around and take care of transport.

Planning Your Jodhpur Itinerary: Map

You may wish to move some parts of this itinerary around depending on whether you book onto any tours etc. Here’s a map to help you understand where all the sites are in relation to one another:

Where to Stay in Jodhpur

I recommend staying in the Old City, ideally near the stepwell, the clock tower, or in the Navchokiya neighbourhood. This area puts you within walking distance of many of Jodhpur’s top sights, including the Blue Streets and Mehrangarh Fort.

Final Thoughts on This 2-Day Jodhpur Itinerary

And that’s a wrap on my 2-day Jodhpur itinerary! I hope this guide helps you plan your time in one of Rajasthan’s most beautiful and atmospheric cities. If you feel like I’ve missed something or you’ve discovered a hidden gem, feel free to drop a comment below.

Jodhpur is honestly one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever visited. From the vibrant blue houses to the majestic Mehrangarh Fort and the charm of its narrow winding streets, it’s a city that stays with you. If you’re planning a trip through Rajasthan, I’d definitely recommend adding Jodhpur to your itinerary.

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