Explore Jodhpur

Jodhpur is the Blue City of Rajasthan, named for the indigo-washed houses of its old town clustered around Mehrangarh Fort-the most dramatically positioned fort in Rajasthan, rising 122 metres on a sheer rock outcrop. It is also famous for Umaid Bhawan Palace (the last major palace built in India before Independence), the Bishnoi community (an ecological tradition dating to 1485), and Jodhpur jodhpurs (the riding breeches named after the city that the British cavalry adopted in the 19th century).

The Bishnoi are a community south of Jodhpur whose religious faith (founded 1485 by Jambhoji) prohibits harm to any living thing. Their villages are consequently wildlife refuges-blackbuck antelopes, chinkara gazelles, and peacocks graze alongside the houses. A private Bishnoi Village safari drives through the settlements, observing blackbuck herds, the community's traditional opium-preparation greeting ritual, women spinning cloth, and potters at work. Lunch at a Bishnoi household is included. Alike arranges this as the complimentary experience for Jodhpur packages.

Mehrangarh Fort was begun in 1459 by Maharaja Rao Jodha-who founded Jodhpur in the same year-on a sheer 122-metre rock outcrop above the old city. It has never been successfully besieged. The fort contains a series of interconnected palaces built by successive Rathore rulers over 500 years, including the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace, 18th century), Moti Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. The museum inside is the best-curated fort museum in Rajasthan. The view from the upper bastions over the Blue City and the plains beyond is the most comprehensive overview of any Indian city.

The best time for a Jodhpur holiday is October to March. October-November is the post-monsoon period (28-33°C days), comfortable for fort sightseeing and Bishnoi Village. December-February is the coolest (12-25°C), with the best morning light on the blue-washed lanes. March is Holi season-Jodhpur's Holi celebration, particularly in the old city, is one of Rajasthan's most colourful events. Avoid May to September (40-45°C, the fort becomes extremely hot by mid-morning).

Umaid Bhawan Palace was the last major palace built in India before Independence-constructed from 1929 to 1943 under Maharaja Umaid Singh to provide employment during a severe regional drought. Designed by Henry Lanchester in art deco-Rajput fusion, it has 347 rooms and is still partially the residence of the Jodhpur Royal Family. The Taj Hotels wing (64 rooms open to guests) is the most prestigious hotel address in Rajasthan by scale. The palace museum covers the Rathore dynasty's history and Maharaja Gaj Singh II's personal collection.

Alike Holiday uses Umaid Bhawan Palace (5-Star Taj, 64 rooms in the palace proper), RAAS Jodhpur (5-Star boutique at the foot of Mehrangarh, 49 rooms), and Taj Hari Mahal (5-Star, central, reliable quality). RAAS Jodhpur is Alike's most frequent first recommendation for couples who want to be inside the old city rather than on Chittar Hill. All are pre-verified and directly contracted.

Yes-Jodhpur is the geographic centre of Alike's Western Rajasthan circuit. Jaisalmer to Jodhpur is 290 kilometres (5.5 hours). Jodhpur to Udaipur is 250 kilometres (4.5 hours). The classic Golden Triangle circuit covers Jaisalmer (3 nights)-Jodhpur (2 nights)-Udaipur (3 nights) in 8 nights with private chauffeur throughout. This is the most popular Alike Rajasthan package for couples.

Jodhpur Airport has direct flights from Mumbai (1.5 hours), Delhi (1 hour), Bangalore (2 hours), and Jaipur (40 minutes). Alike includes the airport to hotel transfer in every Jodhpur holiday package. By rail, Jodhpur connects to Delhi (10 hours on the Mandore Express) and Jaisalmer (5 hours)-useful for travellers combining rail and road within a Rajasthan circuit.