Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Stay at: Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace or RAAS Jodhpur (Luxury) / Suncity Hotel or Hotel Haveli Inn (Budget)
  • Activities: Relax after the journey, explore local markets nearby, try Rajasthani street food for dinner.
  • Tips: Stay hydrated; temperatures can be high during the day. Carry a good sunscreen and comfortable shoes.

Day 2: Mehrangarh Fort & Jaswant Thada

  • Activities: Visit Mehrangarh Fort, explore museum, and enjoy panoramic city views. Next, visit Jaswant Thada - a white marble memorial.
  • Where to Eat: Cafe Rooftop at Mehrangarh Fort or Shikara Restaurant for Rajasthani cuisine.
  • Tips: Wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites and museums.

Day 3: Umaid Bhawan Palace & Mandore Garden

  • Activities: Explore Umaid Bhawan Palace, visit the Museum and the gardens. In the afternoon, visit Mandore Gardens.
  • Where to Eat: Oh! La La Cafe at Umaid Bhawan Palace or Zarraffa’s Coffee for a coffee break.
  • Tips: Book a guided tour for historical insights at Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Day 4: Day Trip to Osian & Osiyan Temple Complex

  • Activities: Full day trip to the ancient city of Osian and explore the intricate temples dating back to the 8th century.
  • Where to Eat: Try local Rajasthani thali at a local eatery in Osian.
  • Tips: Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat as it can get very hot during the day.

Day 5: Sardar Market & Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell

  • Activities: Shop for souvenirs at Sardar Market, visit Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell in the afternoon.
  • Where to Eat: Food Court at Sardar Market or Natraj restaurant for Pyaaz Kachori.
  • Tips: Haggle prices while shopping at local markets.

Day 6: Day Trip to Balsamand Lake & Phool Mahal

  • Activities: Full day trip to Balsamand Lake and enjoy a boat ride, visit Phool Mahal in the afternoon.
  • Where to Eat: The restaurant at Balsamand Lake or Choti Haveli for Rajasthani cuisine.
  • Tips: Carry swimwear if you wish to swim at the lake.

Day 7: Departure

  • Activities: Last-minute shopping, visit local markets or cafes.
  • Tips: Reach the airport/railway station in good time for your departure.

Transportation: Auto-rickshaws are common and affordable within the city. You can also hire taxis or take a guided tour for convenience. If you’re traveling between cities, consider booking a private car or taking a train.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrive at Jodhpur Airport or Jodhpur Railway Station.
  • Check-in at your hotel (recommended: Taj Hari Mahal, Raas, or WelcomHeritage Kheresa Bagh).
  • Lunch at Cafe Rohit Gandhi & Railene Strauss or Spice Court Restaurant.
  • Visit the clock tower area for a taste of local life and shopping.
  • Evening visit to Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) Market for dinner.
  • Know before you go: Jodhpur is known as the “Sun City” and the “Blue City”. Be prepared for hot weather during the day.

Day 2: Explore Mehrangarh Fort & Surrounding Areas

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Visit Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India with magnificent views over Jodhpur.
  • Lunch at Doolally Taproom or Rooftop Cafe Restaurant inside the fort complex.
  • Afternoon visit to Jaswant Thada, a white marble memorial built in 1899.
  • Evening stroll around the blue houses of Brahmapuri and enjoy sunset views from Sardar Market.
  • Dinner at Risala by Trio or Turban Tales Rooftop Restaurant.

Day 3: Discover Umaid Bhawan Palace & Mandore Garden

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Visit Umaid Bhawan Palace, a fusion of Victorian and Rajasthani architecture, part of which is a luxury hotel and museum.
  • Lunch at the Amber Sun CafĂ© inside Umaid Bhawan Palace.
  • Afternoon visit to Mandore Garden, an ancient cenotaph complex with beautiful carvings and rock-cut statues.
  • Evening leisure time for shopping or relaxation at your hotel.
  • Dinner at Indique or Pardesi specializing in Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine.

Day 4: Day Trip to Osian & Ossian Temple Complex

  • Early breakfast at your hotel.
  • Drive to the ancient town of Osian (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
  • Explore the Ossian Temple Complex, a group of temples dating from the 8th to the 11th centuries AD.
  • Lunch at one of the local restaurants in Osian.
  • Return to Jodhpur and enjoy an evening at leisure or opt for a camel safari in the Thar Desert (booked separately).
  • Dinner at your hotel or local restaurant.

Day 5: Visit Balsamand Lake, Machia Safari Park & Kaylana Lake

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Drive to Balsamand Lake for a relaxing boat ride and visit the palace and gardens.
  • Lunch at Kalinga Restaurant in Jodhpur.
  • Afternoon visit Machia Safari Park, home to various wildlife species like deer, wild boar, and antelopes.
  • Evening drive to Kaylana Lake for a peaceful sunset walk.
  • Dinner at your hotel or local restaurant.

Day 6: Day Trip to Khetri & Khejarli

  • Early breakfast at your hotel.
  • Drive to Khetri (approximately 2 hours) to visit the Khetri Gandhi Chhapar, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Lunch at one of the local restaurants in Khetri.
  • Afternoon drive to Khejarli (approximately 1 hour), known for the famous story of Mirabai and the Bishnoi community’s sacrifice for conservation.
  • Return to Jodhpur in the evening and enjoy a farewell dinner at Risala by Trio or Turban Tales Rooftop Restaurant.

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Check-out from your hotel.
  • Departure to Jodhpur Airport or Railway Station for onward journey.