Rajasthan ·
Jodhpur
Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. It is called the Gateway to Thar, as it is on the edge of the Thar desert.
Jodhpur at a Glance
Why Jodhpur?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Kaylana Lake
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Balsamand Lake
- Sardar Government Museum
- Jaswant Thada
Jodhpur at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Jodhpur before planning your visit.
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Explore Jodhpur
Places to Visit
- Kaylana Lake: Kaylana Lake is located 8 km west of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India. It is an artificial lake, built by Pratap Singh in 1872.
- Mehrangarh Fort: Dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha's new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace: Umaid Bhawan Palace, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels.
- Balsamand Lake: Balsamand Lake is a lake situated 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road. This lake is a popular picnic spot, by Balak Rao Pratihar in 1159 AD who belongs to the kshatriya community.
- Sardar Government Museum: The Sardar Government Museum (also known as Jodhpur Government Museum, Jodhpur State Museum or Museum Jodhpur) is located in Public Park (Ummed Bagh), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. The museum is named in memory of Maharaja Sardar Singh, a ruler of Jodhpur from 1895 to 1911.
- Jaswant Thada: Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a natural desert lake with lots of birds. Great view over the city and of the fort, as well as small well-kept gardens.
Things to Do
- Rajasthan International Folk Festival: International music festival held annually during October at Mehrangarh Fort.
- Mehrangarh Fort: Dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha's new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force.
- Jaswant Thada: Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a natural desert lake with lots of birds. Great view over the city and of the fort, as well as small well-kept gardens.
- Mandore: The ancient capital of Marwar, before Jodhpur was built.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace: Clearly visible to the south of the city and completed only in 1944, this is the last great palace built in India.
- Ghanta Ghar: An architectural masterpiece built by Maharaja Sardar Singhji in 1910. It is illuminated with colorful lights at night.
Sightseeing Places
- Kaylana Lake: Kaylana Lake is located 8 km west of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India. It is an artificial lake, built by Pratap Singh in 1872.
- Mehrangarh Fort: Dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha's new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force.
- Umaid Bhawan Palace: Umaid Bhawan Palace, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels.
- Balsamand Lake: Balsamand Lake is a lake situated 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road. This lake is a popular picnic spot, by Balak Rao Pratihar in 1159 AD who belongs to the kshatriya community.
- Sardar Government Museum: The Sardar Government Museum (also known as Jodhpur Government Museum, Jodhpur State Museum or Museum Jodhpur) is located in Public Park (Ummed Bagh), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. The museum is named in memory of Maharaja Sardar Singh, a ruler of Jodhpur from 1895 to 1911.
- Jaswant Thada: Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a natural desert lake with lots of birds. Great view over the city and of the fort, as well as small well-kept gardens.
Places That Define Jodhpur
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Kaylana Lake
Kaylana Lake is located 8 km west of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India. It is an artificial lake, built by Pratap Singh in 1872.
Mehrangarh Fort
Dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha's new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels.
Balsamand Lake
Balsamand Lake is a lake situated 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Jodhpur on Jodhpur-Mandore Road. This lake is a popular picnic spot, by Balak Rao Pratihar in 1159 AD who belongs to the kshatriya community.
Sardar Government Museum
The Sardar Government Museum (also known as Jodhpur Government Museum, Jodhpur State Museum or Museum Jodhpur) is located in Public Park (Ummed Bagh), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. The museum is named in memory of Maharaja Sardar Singh, a ruler of Jodhpur from 1895 to 1911.
Jaswant Thada
Royal cenotaphs built in marble, with a picturesque location next to a natural desert lake with lots of birds. Great view over the city and of the fort, as well as small well-kept gardens.
Ghanta Ghar
An architectural masterpiece built by Maharaja Sardar Singhji in 1910. It is illuminated with colorful lights at night.
Mandore
The ancient capital of Marwar, before Jodhpur was built.
Gulab Sagar Lake
Gulab Sagar water storage was constructed by Gulab Rai in 1788.
Kailana Lake
A picnic spot and a main drinking water source for the city.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Jodhpur on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Jodhpur: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Jodhpur: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport (JDH), about 4 km from Jodhpur.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Jodhpur railway station, about 1 km from central Jodhpur.
- By Road: Jodhpur can be reached by RSRTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation) buses and private luxury buses which operate from all major towns and cities in Rajasthan as well as Ahmedabad and Delhi.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Jodhpur (Apr, May, Jun) averages 28–39°C with about 12 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Jodhpur (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 27–34°C with about 79 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Jodhpur (Oct, Nov) averages 19–31°C with about 21 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Jodhpur (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 14–27°C with about 1 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 39°C and lows of 28°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 34°C and lows of 27°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C.
Travel Tips
- Staying safe: This is a comparatively safe city, however it is advisable not to venture out late in the night alone. Only take advice on directions, travel and other things from the concierge desks at the hotel where you are staying or from some other reliable and trustworthy people.
- Heat: Daytime highs reach about 41°C in May; carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
- Rain: The wettest months are July; check road and site conditions before travelling.
- Tickets: Mehrangarh Fort:
Local Transport
- By bus: Local government-run bus services are readily available from bus stops at every single landmark for transportation. However, some people consider public transport in Jodhpur to be chaotic and only for those on a shoestring budget.
- By taxi: Taxis ply on a minimum distance/hour per day basis. Various tour operators and travel agencies offer chauffeured car-taxi services; these are charged on a per km, per day basis.
- By car, bicycle and motorcycle: The narrow lanes of the inner walled city of Jodhpur are best traversed by cars, but can also be explored by bicycle or motorcycle/scooter. There are many car rental companies available.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Jodhpur trip.
Spiritual & Religious
Planning Guide
- Overview: Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan. It is called the Gateway to Thar, as it is on the edge of the Thar desert. It is also called the Sun City as the sun shines (bright and hot) almost every day of the year.
- Accommodation: Listed options include Amar Niwas Guest House, Durag Niwas Guest House and Ganpati Guest House.
The Sacred Heart of Jodhpur
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Jodhpur has culturally been known by the name of Jodhana by the locals. The city is famous for its food and its popularity can be judged by the fact that one can find sweet shops named "Jodhpur Sweets" in many cities throughout India.
Historical Significance
Jodhpur has culturally been known by the name of Jodhana by the locals. The city is famous for its food and its popularity can be judged by the fact that one can find sweet shops named "Jodhpur Sweets" in many cities throughout India.
Architectural Legacy
Jodhpur is a historic city and the origin dates to the year 1459 AD when it was founded by Rao Jodha, the Rajput chieftan of the Rathores. The Rathore kingdom was also known as the Marwar and was the largest in Rajputana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jodhpur is most comfortable in January, February, October, November and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is May (average high 41°C) and the wettest months are July.
The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport (JDH), about 4 km away. The nearest railway station is Jodhpur railway station, about 1 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Kaylana Lake, Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Balsamand Lake, Sardar Government Museum and Jaswant Thada.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 23°C to 41°C over the year, with about 332 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Jodhpur
Your Jodhpur Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.