How To Spend 2 Days In Jodhpur (2024)
The colorful shopping bazaars, brightly colored odhnis, mirror work artefacts, make Rajasthan a stunning attraction for lakhs of people visiting here. But, this is not all. Rajasthan is a beautiful State in India, laced with rich cultural heritage and traditions. A perfect example of this is the distinct “Blue City” of Jodhpur.
Are you planning a trip to Jodhpur for two days? Innumerable fascinating sights are waiting for the visitor in this ethnic and exquisite town of great historic importance. So, get ready to explore some pleasant scenic spots in Jodhpur. But let us learn more about the town and plan our visit so that we can make the most out of the two days visit to Jodhpur.
Jodhpur is the second largest town that lies in the center of Rajasthan. Moreover, it entices the visitor with its old-fashioned and picturesque blue-colored buildings. So, if you want a diverse experience of Rajasthan, then plan a trip here. It is time to get a glimpse of the Royal Palaces and ancient cultural customs prevalent in the people living here!
Jodhpur has a rich historic past with a plethora of attractive spots for travelers. The historical monuments and the legends of the brave warriors can keep us busy for hours and hours. This “one-time capital” of Marwar, stands out on its own because it has loads of buildings painted in distinct and different shades of bright blue.
How to Spend 2 Days in Jodhpur?
The blue-walled city has a divine ambiance and boasts of exquisitely carved temples, spread-out lakes, and majestic forts. Let’s not talk in bits and parts, let the Jodhpur trip begin. We present to you the 2 day Jodhpur travel guide that will solve the question of “How to spend 2 days in Jodhpur?”
Day 1 in Jodhpur
Book a room at a Homestay or a hotel adorned with traditional décor and stay the night in clean fresh rooms to begin a beautiful day in Jodhpur. Try to spend the night in a hotel that offers a stunning and enchanting view of the fort.
1) Mehrangarh Fort:
At about 410 feet, high on a hilltop, overlooking the town stands the regal and royal Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur. The sight of this huge majestic, fortress on the rocky outcrop regally staring out at the blue houses can be a delight for the traveler. This fort with fabulous architecture is now a museum and an eye-catching scenic spot in the city.
There are several mahals inside the Fort walls. Moreover, each part of the fort and museum is designed intricately and reflects the traditions and culture of Jodhpur. Come evening and the whole Fort lights up and this is one of the most splendorous sights for the tourist.
2) Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan has the most exquisite architectural design and maybe the last constructed Forts in India. Jodhpur leaves the visitor spellbound with its enchanting artistic design and construction. Moreover, its beautiful palaces make us take a step straight back into history. In fact, this was the last Palace constructed before our country attained independence.
The Umaid Bhawan, spread over almost 26 acres, has three areas. Out of this, two portions are a museum and heritage site and the third is still retained by the royalty for personal use.
You can book a room to savor a royal experience for a night but it won’t come cheap that is for sure! Else, take a round of the museum. It contains exquisite glass, porcelain items, memorabilia, and detailed information about the Umaid Bhawan. The Palace is open all days of the week from 10 in the morning to 4.30 in the evening. The entry cost is also very reasonable at about 30 Rs for Indians, Rs. 10 per child, and Rs 100 for Foreigners.
3) Ghanta Ghar:
While you are in Jodhpur, a visit to Ghanta Ghar is necessary. This tall colossal tower is a famous landmark in the city. It was made by Maharaja Sardar Singh and is near the Sadar Bazaar. The Sadar market offers delicious food items, spices, textile goods, and sells brightly colored local stuff. All that we long for in our collections is available here. Try to see the Ghanta Ghar after night sets in, we promise you the most enthralling sight of beautiful shimmering lights.
4) Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi or Jodhpur Stepwell:
This urban jump is an architectural relic of this town and was constructed way back in 600 AD. It has attractive fine and delicate carvings, though you are not allowed to take a swim jump from here. The stepwell is very near the Ghanta Ghar and you can always take a few minutes for this quick side-trip. This Toorji’s stepwell was underground for a long time, forgotten and packed away. But, now it has been again reinstated to its original beauty.
5) Bishnoi Village:
Bishnoi’s are a famous community of Rajasthan known all over the world. These people love preserving nature and animals and are famous for their rich cultural heritage. Bishnoi is a small village near Jodhpur’s outskirts. People here safeguard nature and natural habitat.
The Royalty of Jodhpur started an organization called the “Bishnoi Village safari”. It depicts the rich cultural life of Rajasthan to National and International travelers. The cultural package includes desert safari, camel treks, cane spotting, and other activities. The region faces acute scarcity of water and the package is a reasonable but great way to help the needy and poor people living here.
The tourists can buy traditional handicrafts and art pieces to take back home from this tribal Indian region. While here you can see the deer, Kheri trees, exotic wildlife, and the Guda Bishnoi Lake. The locals living here worship different forms of nature and hold the animals and green trees in great reverence.
6) Jaswant Thada
Jaswant Thada is a white mausoleum that is also called the Taj Mahal of Marwar. This memorial monument is a popular tourist destination made in 1899 but completed in 1906. Furthermore, Maharaja Sardar Singhji created this building for his father, Maharaja Jaswant Singh Gill of Jodhpur.
The white marble structure is a wonderful architectural landmark built as an open museum for Jodhpur and the visiting public. It is under the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and displays various paintings of the Marwar rulers. For further information, visitors can refer to the displayed informative didactics.
The Jaswant Thada is in the form of a temple, with exquisite domes and creatively carved sculptures. The main hall rings every day with the sound of the tradition of the puja ritual done by ancestors. The site is also a cremation ground with cenotaphs surrounded by intricately carved gazebos. These were designed to pay the last reverence to the royal families of this region.
It is very easy to understand the Marwar history after a visit to the museum. The Thada has old-fashioned and fanciful domes that offer a fantastic view of the scenic Mehrangarh Fort. The World Sacred Spirit Festivals and Rajasthan International Folk Festival are often held on the grounds of Jaswant Thada. This temple-like structure lies hidden by green trees and overlooks a small lake. To add to the grace and elegance it also has a well-maintained multi-tiered garden. Plan a trip here anytime from October to March to get a glimpse of this white architectural wonder.
7) Kalyana Lake:
If you want to check out one of the main Jodhpur highlights then head for the 82 km wide Kalyana Lake. This artificial lake made by Pratap Singh in 1872 helps provide drinking water to the people of the town even today.
People visiting Kalyana Lake include trekking, camping, hill climbing, and visits to temples nearby. The lush greens surrounding the lake and the exotic bird species can keep the traveler busy for hours and hours.
So include bird-watching in your first day’s itinerary. This beautiful serene area was the brainchild of the ancestors. Centuries ago they planned rainwater harvesting, to take care of the water storage needs of Jodhpur. Moreover, the different migratory bird species flitting at the lake make the area breathtaking.
Shallow hills are surrounding the lake adding beauty and serenity to the area. Also, there is a pleasant boat ride ready for the visitors at the lake. Take a packet of chips and watch the early morning sun and the setting sun. This along with the pony and camel rides can be a fabulous experience for the visitor. With so much to do, we can stay busy for hours and hours in Jodhpur.
8) Mandore Garden:
Mandore Gardens with their stunning architecture take us centuries back in history. A person walking around here can enjoy privacy and feel as if he has the whole garden for personal use. Though that isn’t true, it permits the tourist to enjoy some blissfully peaceful moments. Moreover, the visitor can walk through the lush greens, carved structures, domes and enjoy the antics of the petulant monkeys and chirpy birds.
Mandore, at one time in the past, was the capital of Jodhpur Kings and they abandoned it when they moved on to rule from the Mehrangarh fort. The gardens have a temple with fabulous architecture where 33 crore Hindu Gods are worshipped. Additionally, the Mandore gardens have so much more to explore. The premises of this historic monument also have a museum called the “Hall of Heroes”.
At the end of the day, take a “Tuk Tuk” ride or drive a moped around town. Browse through the lanes so that you can take a glimpse of the blue houses close by.
Dine at a restaurant from where you get a close view of the Fort. The setting sun and the lights of the Fort make it a spectacular end to the evening. The romantic setting adds extra panache to a couple’s date night. Others can enjoy a cool drink with their friends, and admire the beauty of the Fort with people whose company they relish. Happy dining my friends and get ready for your next day’s tour!
Day 2 in Jodhpur:
After you grab your breakfast, it’s time to head out for another blissful day of sightseeing and great historic fun.
Bal Samand Lake:
This artificial man-made lake is a famous tourist spot in Jodhpur. This lake was a reservoir of water in the beginning, but later Balak Rao Parihar converted it into a lake in 1159 AD. Many people head to this calm and quiet place for a relaxing picnic, though the reservoir does provide water to the people residing in Mandore. A walk on the pathway or through the gardens with the green lush scenery all around can make the visit ethereal and wonderful.
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park:
This park made in 2006 is spread over almost 72 hectares. This green patch with lots of flora and fauna is near the Mehrangarh Fort. There is a well spread out rocky wasteland near the Fort that became beautiful with greenery. This park also has a reinstated desert, plenty of plants, and animals. The whole area is now ecologically developed and looks very beautiful and balanced. The park has terrains that add to its beauty and elegance.
Ranisar Lake:
Ranisar Lake is within proximity of the Fort. This 500-year-old lake is not very huge but, it provides a stunning view of the landscape and the Mehrangarh Fort. The shimmer of the rays of the setting sun on the opposite mountain ranges, near the lake, is a sight to behold. The area here is dry, so the water here is used for nature conservation purposes. The beautiful Ranisar Lake also provides water to the whole region.
Machiya Safari Park:
The Machiya Safari Park near Kaylana Lake is a picturesque place. Rather, it is the best place to stopover if you want to see animals and nature close. People who enjoy nature should not leave this park, out of their travel itinerary. If you are lucky, you will see several, wild animals, including desert foxes, blue bulls, monitor lizards, mongooses, rabbits, deer, cats, and so many more. The Park is their natural habitat, and the visitors can see them up close. Also, this area has designated bird-watching points from where holidaymakers can catch a glimpse of rare bird species.
The Balsalma Lake:
Every lake in Jodhpur has a different ambiance, and Balsalma Lake is unlike others. Walk around the lake, and take a break from the hustle-bustle of the town. Have a picnic lunch in the middle of the gardens and surrounding hills. You can take packed tea and snacks along to enjoy this unique lake filled with lilies and roses. You can see the majestic and artistic eight pillars of Balsammand Palace standing tall and regal from here.
Maha Mandir (Chamunda):
About 2 km away from the lake is the Maha Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has 100 pillars and lies at the south side of the Fort . The shrine is dedicated to Devi Chamunda and is very peaceful and comforting. Take a view of the surrounding city and bow down to the beauty of nature.
Now that the second day is ending, finish it with a grand city walk or a ride on a scooter. Take a closer look at the blue city that is designed in the shape of our human body. You can breathe in the history of Jodhpur each step of the way. The fun is never-ending, grab a helmet and go to the “ high street” for some market style and designer shopping.
Best Time To Visit Jodhpur:
October to March, are the ideal months to plan a trip to the Blue city, Jodhpur. Now, you can choose the perfect two days for your visit. The weather is warm and bearable here during these times. But, you may have to plan each step of your tour in advance because this is peak tourist season. Make your bus, train, or flight arrangements in advance, and pack your bags to leave!
