1Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh rises straight out of a rock 125 metres above the city, and it's one of the most impressive forts in India. Inside are carved sandstone palaces, a fine museum of royal palanquins, weapons and paintings, and the best views of the blue city below. The audio guide is excellent. Go early in the morning, and allow two to three hours. If you're feeling brave, the Flying Fox zipline runs across the fort's walls.
2Jaswant Thada and Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Jaswant Thada, a short drive from the fort, is a white marble memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, so thin in places that it glows in the sun. It's calm, with a small lake and lovely views back to Mehrangarh. Next to it, the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park has walking trails through native desert plants on the volcanic rock around the fort, best in the early morning or late afternoon.
3The blue city and the Clock Tower market
Walk down from the fort into the old blue lanes of Navchokiya and Brahmpuri, where the houses are washed in indigo. It's best done on foot with a local guide. At the bottom is the Clock Tower and Sardar Market, crowded with spice, textile and bangle stalls. Try the famous egg omelette stall by the tower's gate, a mirchi vada, and a makhaniya lassi before you leave. Toorji ka Jhalra, a restored stepwell, is a short walk away.
4Umaid Bhawan Palace and Mandore
Umaid Bhawan, finished in 1943, is one of the world's largest private homes. Part is the royal residence, part a luxury hotel, and one wing is a museum of vintage cars, clocks and art deco furniture open to visitors. Mandore Gardens, 9 km north, was the capital before Jodhpur and has red sandstone cenotaphs and temples among the trees. Om Banna, the famous 'Bullet Baba' shrine, is about 50 km away on the Pali road.
5How long to stay and getting there
One full day covers Mehrangarh, Jaswant Thada and the old city; two days let you add Umaid Bhawan, Mandore and a desert village safari. Jodhpur is about 337 km from Jaipur, around 6 hours by car, and it's the natural halfway stop on the way to Jaisalmer. Our Jaipur to Jodhpur cab can carry on to Jaisalmer or Udaipur with the same driver.
