How to Spend 3 Days in Jodhpur

In the heart of the desert state of Rajasthan, the Blue City of Jodhpur is a great place to immerse yourself in local culture; it’s also a handy base for exploring the surrounding area. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Jodhpur.

Day 1: Exploring Old Jodhpur

Begin with a morning visit to the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, a sandstone structure perched on a hilltop overlooking the city; consider taking a private tour if you want to ask a lot of questions about history and architecture. From here, it’s a quick walk over to the Jaswant Thada, a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II built of intricately-carved white marble. 

Then, make your way downhill to the Old City of Jodhpur, passing through lanes lined with blue houses. At the base of the hill sits the city's landmark clock tower, a good reference point for orienting yourself if you wish to spend the evening exploring on foot. Alternatively, hire a local guide to take you on an evening stroll through this lively part of town; it will make navigating crowds easier and you’ll get the inside scoop on history and culture.

Day 2: Day Trip to Osian

On your second day, head out to Osian, an oasis town around 45 miles (70 kilometers) north of Jodhpur. This ancient settlement is known for its Hindu and Jain temples, the bulk of which were built between the 8th and 11th centuries. Tours tend to combine a stop at the Sachiya Mata Temple—a Hindu goddess temple dating to the 9th or 10th century—with time to explore Jain Temple. After visiting the temples, stick around for a camel ride in the Thar Desert before heading back to Jodhpur for dinner.

Day 3: Culture and Heritage

Spend your final morning exploring Bishnoi, a traditional village that offers insight into rural Rajasthani life. Here, you'll get the chance to interact with locals and watch traditional craft and pottery demonstrations. Most travelers visit as part of an organized jeep safari, which often include stops to look for wildlife in the surrounding desert. 

In the afternoon, make your way to Umaid Bhawan Palace, an art deco structure built for the royal family, who still occupy one wing of the palace. Spend some time browsing the palace museum, which exhibits royal artefacts, art, and even old clocks; for motor enthusiasts—there's also an impressive collection of vintage cars here. Finish your day off with an evening cooking class in the home of a local, where you’ll get to make and eat a variety of popular north Indian dishes.