Rajasthan's second-largest city, on the edge of the Thar Desert, below Mehrangarh Fort.
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Jodhpur has one of the largest forts in Rajasthan, a marble royal memorial, a palace museum and an old walled city with a busy market around the clock tower. Most sights lie within a few kilometres of each other, so it suits first-time visitors, families and anyone on a Rajasthan circuit with Jaipur, Udaipur or Jaisalmer.
Trip planner
Plan from your city
Photos
Mehrangarh Fort above JodhpurMehrangarh FortWalls of Mehrangarh FortA gate of Mehrangarh FortA courtyard inside Mehrangarh Fort
Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Select a photo for its author and licence.
Best time to go
When
What to expect
October to March
The main season. Days are pleasant at about 10 to 25 degrees C and January nights can be very cold. Folk and music festivals fall in this period.
April to June
Very hot, about 33 to 45 degrees C. Sightseeing is tiring and best limited to early morning.
July to September
Humid, about 30 degrees C on average, with occasional rain.
Sights and activities
1
Mehrangarh Fort
A very large hill fort above the old city with palace rooms, a museum of 17th to 19th century collections and wide views over the blue houses.
Distance
About 5 km from the railway station; a 15 to 20 minute uphill walk from the Clock Tower
Entry
About 100 for Indians and 600 for foreigners; audio guide about 250
State and private buses run from Jaipur (about 330 km, 7 hours), Delhi (about 570 to 590 km, 12 hours), Ahmedabad (about 450 km, 9 hours) and Udaipur (about 6 hours).
By train
Jodhpur Junction is in the city, about 5 km from Mehrangarh Fort. Trains run from Delhi in about 10 to 12 hours and from Jaipur in about 5 to 7 hours.
By air
Jodhpur Airport (JDH) is about 5 km from the city centre, with flights from Delhi and Mumbai.
Where to base yourself
Stay in or near the old city around the Clock Tower and Sardar Market, which is a short auto ride or an uphill walk from Mehrangarh Fort.
Getting around
Auto-rickshaws are the usual way around; the railway station to Mehrangarh Fort costs about 100 to 150 and the Clock Tower to the fort about 50 to 100. Agree the fare first.
Taxis and app-based cabs are available; the airport or station to the fort costs about 200 to 300.
The old city lanes are narrow, so walking is often quicker; the climb from the Clock Tower to the fort takes 15 to 20 minutes.
A taxi hired for the full day is the easy way to cover Mandore Garden, Kaylana Lake and Umaid Bhawan together.
Parking in the centre is limited; parking at the fort costs about 50 to 100.
Often combined with
Places people usually visit on the same trip, and how long it takes to get between them.
Guesthouses, hostels and simple hotels in the old city
₹1,500 to ₹2,500
Mid-range
Heritage havelis and 3-star hotels
₹4,000 to ₹7,000
Luxury
Palace and heritage luxury hotels
₹15,000 to ₹30,000
Food
Street food is centred on the Clock Tower market, Sojati Gate and Sardarpura. Rooftop restaurants in the old city face the fort, and Mehrangarh Fort has its own cafes open from 9 am to 6 pm.
Try these
Mirchi bada (a large chilli stuffed and fried in gram-flour batter)
Pyaaj kachori (fried pastry filled with spiced onion)
Mawa kachori (sweet pastry filled with thickened milk)
Dal baati churma (lentils with baked wheat balls and a sweet crumble)
Ker sangri (a desert bean and berry dish)
Lal maas (red, spicy mutton curry)
Vegetarian food is easy to find everywhere, since most local snacks and thalis are vegetarian.
Daily costs
Budget level
Stay per room
Food per person
Local transport
Budget
₹1,800
₹750
₹220 per person
Mid-range
₹5,000
₹1,850
₹600 per vehicle
Luxury
₹15,000
₹4,400
₹1,400 per vehicle
Per day. Travel to and from your city is added in the planner above.
Permits and documents
No permits are needed. Carry a photo ID for hotel check-in.
Safety
By day
The tourist areas are busy and generally fine by day. Keep bags secure in the crowded market and drink water often in the heat.
At night
Avoid walking alone through the old city lanes after dark; take a registered auto or cab.
Solo women
Travel sources advise using registered autos, sharing your live location and dressing modestly at religious sites. No specific official advice was found online.
Roads
Highways to Jaipur, Delhi and Ahmedabad are good. Old city lanes are narrow and crowded, and parking is limited.
Emergency numbers
112 (all emergencies), 108 (ambulance)
Practical
Mobile network
All the main networks (Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL) work in town. By operator. It is a large city, and sources only warn of weak coverage in rural areas outside it.
ATMs and cash
ATMs are available in the city. Carry cash for markets and for trips to villages.
Fuel
There are several petrol pumps in and around town.
Medical
Hospitals are easy to find across the city. In an emergency dial 112, or 108 for an ambulance in most states. Ask your hotel for the nearest hospital, or call 108 for an ambulance.
Manageable with a hired car. The fort involves steep ramps; a lift is available for a small fee (about 25).
Children
Suitable for children. Avoid the hot months and carry water. The fort allows free entry for children under 5.
Wheelchair users
Limited. The fort has a lift but also steep cobbled ramps, and the old city lanes are uneven.
Unless a sight is described as accessible, assume it is not step-free.
Culture and responsible travel
Cover shoulders and knees at temples and memorials.
Ask before photographing people.
Bargaining is normal in the markets.
Still photography is included in the Mehrangarh Fort ticket; video cameras need special permission.
Festivals include the Rajasthan International Folk Festival in October, the Marwar Festival in September or October and the Sacred Spirit Festival in February.
What to pack
Photo ID (Aadhaar, passport or driving licence); hotels and permits ask for it
A scarf against sand and sun, sunglasses, and a warm layer for desert nights in winter
Some cash in small notes for autos, stalls and tips
Your regular medicines, plus basics for stomach upsets, headaches and cuts
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