Part 2: 2 Days in Jodhpur – Exploring the Blue City, Majestic Forts & Authentic Rajasthani Food
After spending three unforgettable days in Jaisalmer, it was finally time to head towards Rajasthan's famous Blue City—Jodhpur.
Our Overnight Train Journey from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur
We had booked the Ranikhet Express, which was scheduled to depart from Jaisalmer at 2:30 AM. Unfortunately, Indian Railways had other plans.
Our train was delayed by almost three hours, finally leaving the station around 5:30 AM. Since we had already been awake the entire previous day, we were completely exhausted.
The train journey itself is surprisingly beautiful. As you leave Jaisalmer, the landscape slowly unfolds into endless stretches of the Thar Desert. Golden sand, scattered shrubs, grazing camels, and tiny desert villages pass by your window, making it one of Rajasthan's most scenic train journeys.
Sadly, we were far too sleepy to enjoy most of it.
Somewhere between the beautiful desert scenery and our lack of sleep, we both drifted off and practically slept throughout the journey.
We finally reached Jodhpur Railway Station around 11:30 AM.
Checking Into Zostel Jodhpur(Near Ghanta Ghar)
Outside the station, we hired an auto-rickshaw that dropped us at Zostel Jodhpur, our home for the next two nights.
We had booked a private room, and honestly, the highlight wasn't even the room—it was the rooftop.
The terrace offers an uninterrupted view of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, standing proudly above the city. Whether during the day or beautifully illuminated at night, the fort dominates Jodhpur's skyline and instantly sets the mood for your stay.
After checking in, we couldn't resist taking another quick nap before beginning our exploration of the city.
Our FirsRajasthani Thali in Jodhpur
Before heading out, we had lunch at Zostel's rooftop restaurant.
We ordered a traditional Rajasthani thali, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable meals of our trip.
The thali included local delicacies like:
- Gatte Ki Sabzi
- Chakki Ki Sabzi
- Gulab Jamun Ki Sabzi (yes, you read that right!)
- Dal
- Rotis
- Rice
- Pickles and accompaniments
If you're visiting Rajasthan for the first time, definitely don't skip trying Gulab Jamun Ki Sabzi. It sounds unusual but perfectly represents Rajasthan's unique culinary traditions.
Exploring the Blue Streets of Jodhpur
Our first stop was Toorji Ka Jhalra, an 18th-century stepwell located just a short walk from our hostel.
Beautifully restored, this ancient stepwell once served as an important water source for the city. Today, it has become one of Jodhpur's most photogenic spots, surrounded by charming cafés and heritage buildings.
After spending some time there, we finally began our hunt for something every traveller associates with Jodhpur—the famous Blue City.
Here's something most travel guides don't tell you.
Not every house in Jodhpur is blue.
If you're expecting an entire city painted in shades of indigo, you may leave disappointed.
Only certain parts of the old city have preserved the traditional blue-painted houses, so finding them requires a little exploration.
The best area to begin is near Sardar Kotwali Police Station.
As we wandered through the narrow lanes, the city slowly transformed. Whitewashed walls gave way to beautiful indigo houses, colourful graffiti, artistic corridors, tiny doorways, and hidden alleyways that looked straight out of a postcard.
Every turn revealed another beautiful corner waiting to be photographed.
One of the most enjoyable parts was simply getting lost.
Eventually, colourful staircases led us uphill towards Panchmukhi Balaji Temple.
The climb is absolutely worth it.
From the top, you're rewarded with one of the best panoramic views of Jodhpur's famous blue rooftops stretching towards the mighty Mehrangarh Fort.
It was easily one of our favourite moments in the city.
Evening Walk Through the Old Market
On our way back, we wandered through the bustling local markets.
The streets are lined with shops selling:
- Bandhani textiles
- Handmade leather products
- Silver jewellery
- Traditional handicrafts
- Colourful turbans
- Customized bangles
If you're looking for a personalised souvenir, many shops can create customised bangles with your name or design.
We ended our evening exactly where it had begun—back at Zostel's rooftop restaurant.
Watching the beautifully lit Mehrangarh Fort while listening to live Rajasthani folk music made for the perfect ending to our first day in Jodhpur.
Day 2 – Exploring Mehrangarh Fort
The next morning, we hired an auto and reached Mehrangarh Fort around 8:00 AM.
If you're planning your visit, reaching early is highly recommended. The fort becomes considerably more crowded as the day progresses.
We purchased our entry tickets along with the optional lift tickets.
The lift takes visitors close to the top, allowing them to explore the fort while walking downhill. However, the queue for the lift was extremely long, so we decided to skip it and simply walk uphill.
Honestly, we didn't regret it.
The gradual climb offers fantastic views of the city and helps you appreciate just how enormous this fort really is.
Why Mehrangarh Fort Is So Famous
Built around 1459 by Rao Jodha, Mehrangarh Fort is considered one of India's largest and best-preserved forts.
Standing nearly 400 feet above Jodhpur, its massive sandstone walls have never been successfully conquered, earning it a reputation as one of Rajasthan's strongest forts.
Inside the fort, don't miss:
Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace)
Known for its beautifully decorated interiors and colourful stained-glass windows, this was where the king held important court meetings.
Phool Mahal (Flower Palace)
The most luxurious hall inside the fort, Phool Mahal was used for royal entertainment, music, dance performances and private gatherings.
Its gold decorations and intricate ceilings make it one of the most beautiful rooms in the fort.
Sheesh Mahal
A stunning palace decorated with intricate mirror work, where tiny mirrors reflect light beautifully throughout the room.
Zenana Deodi
The royal residence for queens and princesses, featuring delicate sandstone lattice windows that allowed royal women to observe ceremonies without being seen.
Cannon Ramparts
Walk along the fort walls for breathtaking panoramic views of Jodhpur's blue houses spread across the city below.
The fort museum also houses an impressive collection of royal palanquins, weapons, paintings, costumes and artifacts from the Rathore dynasty.
Before leaving, we had a simple breakfast at one of the restaurants inside the fort while enjoying the incredible view.
Jaswant Thada, Ranisar & Padamsar, and Umaid Bhawan Palace
We hired an auto for approximately ₹1,000, who covered the remaining major attractions.
Jaswant Thada
Often called the Taj Mahal of Marwar, Jaswant Thada is a beautiful white marble cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.
Its peaceful gardens, intricate marble carvings and lake views provide a calm contrast to the grandeur of Mehrangarh Fort.
Ranisar & Padamsar Lakes
Just below Mehrangarh Fort lie the twin reservoirs of Ranisar and Padamsar.
Built centuries ago to conserve water, these lakes now offer one of the city's most scenic viewpoints, especially with the fort towering in the background.
It's an excellent place for photography and a quick peaceful break.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Our final stop was the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Completed in 1943, it remains one of the world's largest private residences.
A part of the palace is still occupied by the royal family, another section operates as a luxury heritage hotel, while one portion has been converted into a museum displaying vintage clocks, royal photographs, classic cars and memorabilia.
The palace beautifully blends royal elegance with Art Deco architecture and remains one of Jodhpur's most iconic landmarks.
Street Food at Ghanta Ghar
After sightseeing, we asked our driver to drop us at Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower).
No visit to Jodhpur is complete without tasting its legendary street food.
We headed straight to Janta Sweet Home, where we enjoyed:
- Mawa Kachori
- Pyaaz Kachori
- Mirchi Bada
Each bite was packed with flavour and lived up to its reputation.
With our appetites satisfied, we spent the next hour strolling through the lively Sardar Market, browsing local handicrafts, spices, textiles and souvenirs.
Sunset at Gulab Sagar
As evening approached, we walked over to Gulab Sagar Lake.
There wasn't much to do.
And that was exactly what made it special.
We simply sat by the water, watched the city slow down, and spent some quiet time together before our Rajasthan journey continued.
Sometimes, the best travel memories come from doing absolutely nothing.
Goodbye, Blue City
After sunset, we returned to Zostel, packed our bags, enjoyed one final dinner on the rooftop with the illuminated Mehrangarh Fort in front of us and soothing Rajasthani folk music in the background.
We called it an early night because the next morning we were boarding another train—this time towards the Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Our Rajasthan adventure was far from over.
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