OT Travel Itinerary: Two Days In Jodhpur

Historically the capital of the king of Marwar, Jodhpur's beautiful indigo-dyed houses have earned it the moniker of the "Blue City." One of the most colourful places in India, it is surrounded by a vast and grand desert. This picturesque city is home to many historical forts and has a rich culture that leaves visitors charmed when they take a trip here. If you enjoy exploring historical places and a laidback lifestyle then this is the place to be.

Here's a two-day guide to making the most of your Raksha Bandhan long weekend trip to Jodhpur.

Places To Visit In Jodhpur

Day 1

Morning

Start your day by visiting Mehrangarh Fort. At nearly 122m above the skyline of Jodhpur, the fort offers a great panoramic view of the city from where you can see the blue of all the houses. It has seven gates which different kings built over a long period but the structure itself was constructed by Rao Jodha in the year 1459. The skilled musicians playing different folk tunes at different places of the fort will surely put you in a good mood. Check out the Mehrangarh Museum which is home to an outstanding collection of miniature paintings, armour, textiles, decorative arts and furniture from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Next up is the famous Umaid Bhawan Palace. Now partially a hotel and museum, it was constructed by King Umaid Singh in the 1930s and 40s when the royal family shifted their base here from Mehrangarh Fort. It is the last royal palace built before independence and has an informative museum.

Afternoon

After completing a whole morning of tours, take a break and enjoy a delicious Rajasthani meal at the flamboyant Khaas Bagh. This boutique hotel exemplifies Victorian opulence and royal luxury and is one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur. Check out the range of vintage cars displayed here after you gorge on laal maas and shorba.

Evening

The town of Mandore was once the main power centre for the Pratiharas of Mandavyapura in the 6th century CE. Later on, the princess of the Pratiharas dynasty married Rao Chunda—the king of the Rathore dynasty—who received Junagarh Fort in Mandore as a dowry. In 1427, Rao Rinmal Rathore became the lord of the city, and Mandore became the headquarters of the Rathore clan. Eventually, due to multiple assassination attempts and the threat of invasions, the clan of Rao Jodha moved to Mehrangarh Fort for protection.

Today, the only surviving part of Mandore is the Mandore Gardens, which bear witness to the town's history of glory and invasion. One of the best places to visit in Jodhpur, visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk in the gardens, which feature historical forts and architecture such as cenotaphs, a temple, and the Hall of Heroes. However, be mindful of the monkeys that inhabit the area.

For a perfect end to your day, head to the Indique Restaurant and Bar in Pal Haveli for dinner. This lovely terrace restaurant offers stunning views of Jodhpur's major landmarks, including Mehrangarh Fort, the clock tower, Umaid Bhawan and Jaswant Thada. Make sure to sample their tasty biryani and cocktails.

Day 2

Morning

Begin your next day by visiting Jodhpur's central point near the clock tower to bag beautiful souvenirs. At the Clock Tower Market, shop for spices to your heart's content. If you want to get your hands on the best variant of Mathania red chilli, then this is the place to be. If you are more interested in bagging items like Indo-Western clothes, bags, cushion covers and other home décor pieces at a steal, then Sardar Bazaar is your spot. 

Tucked away behind the busy market lies a heritage monument that must feature on your list of places to visit in Jodhpur. The baoli, called Toorji Ka Jharna, is an ancient stepwell built by Maharaja Abhay Singh in 1740 for Maharani Tanwar Ji. The stepwell captures Rajasthan's distinct architectural style with intricate sculptures and beautiful jharokhas covering the facade. 

Around the baoli, you are bound to chance upon many cafés that fuse Rajasthani cuisine with modern palates. The Stepwell Café is the most popular among locals. Also keep an eye out for designer boutiques selling beautiful and elegant Rajasthani attires. If you are craving something sweet, trust the Cold Love ice cream parlour to ease it. 

Afternoon

When in Rajasthan, you don't need an excuse to gorge on a Rajasthani thali. No matter how many you have had, it never feels enough. Hit the popular Gypsy Vegetarian Restaurant at Sardarpura for a memorable and authentic Rajasthani thali. Another legendary joint is Spice Route, where they spin magic with their take on Rajasthani kadhi and dal baati churma. 

A visit to Jodhpur is incomplete without witnessing the beauty of the Thar Desert. Head to Osian, a desert town, located an hour away from Jodhpur by road. If you make it in time, you can catch the dunes shining at their best during the golden hour. If you want adventure, embark on a thrilling jeep ride or simply roam the expansive sphere via a camel ride. 

Evening

For a grand end to this incredible trip, head over to Chokhelao Garden and Terrace Restaurant within Mehrangarh Fort. The stunning view of the whole city and the food seal the deal in the most romantic way possible. If there's a meal that deserves to mark your trip's end, it is the "Silver Thali" meal. Served on a silver platter, the thali compares to the meals served to kings. Feasting on it will make you feel like royalty yourself. 

Getting There

Jodhpur Airport (JDH) is connected with Delhi and Mumbai. Travel to Jodhpur Railway Station (JU) from Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. There are buses that travel to the city from Delhi and Mumbai. You can also consider hailing a bus or taxi from within Rajasthan (Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Bhiwandi, Udaipur and Ajmer, to name a few places).