Jodhpur, Rajasthan's second-largest city, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha of the Rathore dynasty and is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort overlooking a sprawling old town of indigo-blue houses. Its heritage forts, bustling bazaars and namesake riding breeches have made it a fixture of Rajasthan's classic tourist circuit.
The Story of Jodhpur
Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs, who moved his capital from nearby Mandore to this more defensible rocky ridge — a decision driven by the same need for a stronger stronghold that shaped many Rajasthani capitals. He named the new city after himself, and construction began the same year on what would become Mehrangarh, one of India's largest and most imposing forts.
Successive Rathore rulers expanded both the fort and the walled city below it over the following centuries, and Jodhpur grew wealthy as a key stop on trade routes carrying opium, copper, silk, sandalwood and spices between Delhi and Gujarat's ports. The Rathores skilfully balanced periods of resistance and alliance with the Mughals, later becoming one of the more prominent princely states under British paramountcy.
The old city's famous blue-washed houses are a more gradual tradition, generally attributed to Brahmin families who painted their homes with indigo, a colour associated with Lord Shiva and also believed to repel termites and keep interiors cooler — a practice that spread more widely over time and eventually gave Jodhpur its enduring nickname, the "Blue City."
Top Places to Visit in Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort & the Blue Old City — here's what most visitors build their itinerary around.
Best Time to Visit Jodhpur
How to Reach Jodhpur
* Indicative one-way sedan fares — the exact fare (including driver allowance, taxes and estimated tolls) is always shown before you confirm your booking. Ertiga, Innova Crysta and Tempo Traveller options are available at checkout.
Good to Know Before You Go
Jodhpur Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Jodhpur is about 335 km from Jaipur, roughly 6 hours by cab via NH52, making it a common next stop on a Rajasthan itinerary.
Rao Jodha of the Rathore Rajput clan founded Jodhpur in 1459, relocating his capital from nearby Mandore and beginning construction of Mehrangarh Fort the same year.
Many houses in the old town are painted indigo blue, a tradition generally linked to Brahmin families and believed to have both religious significance and practical benefits like cooler interiors and termite resistance.
October to March for the most comfortable sightseeing weather; April to June brings intense desert heat best avoided for extensive outdoor touring.
Yes — One-Way Bhaarat runs flat-fare one-way cabs from Jaipur to Jodhpur, with the full fare shown upfront before you book.