The best Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package: full guide!
How many days do you need on a Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package? Here’s a full guide & everything you need to know about these two incredible cities and their rich culture – The Blue city and the Golden City – that shouldn’t be missed!
Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are the crown jewels of Rajasthan, totally underrated and you must book onto a Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package!
Jodhpur, The Blue City is my bucket list destination 101, and gets my vote for most underrated location in India and you must book onto a Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package. Jodhpur is known as The Blue City of India or the Blue Heaven of India due to the cobalt blue buildings scattered across most of the ancient quarter like sapphires.
And Jaisalmer? It’s known as The Golden City of India thanks to the yellow sandstone used to build the fort and the town. It’s definitely a popular tourist destination, it’s often missed by tourists that flock to Jaipur only, meaning that you still get a lot of areas to yourself outside peak hours.
You might also find my other India travel guides useful:
Jodhpur Jaisalmer Tour Package
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Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package
Both cities have incredible vantage points, unreal views and historical landmarks, you really can’t go wrong with a visit to these two incredible cities and you must book onto a Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package. And don’t get me started on the food, it was incredible all over Rajasthan!
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How many days do you need in Jodhpur in Jaisalmer?
The ideal amount of time in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer is
- 5 day 4 night tour is best
- or a 4 days 3 nights tour.
People recommend at least 2-3 days in Jaisalmer, and another 2-3 days in Jodhpur.
If you’re limited for time…
If you’re really limited for time, you can book onto a onto a Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package for 3 days; 2 in Jaisalmer, with 1 in Jodhpur but it will be a whistlestop tour and a bit rushed! If you can, try stretch it to 4 or 5 days. It’s worth it!
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The Best Jaisalmer Jodhpur tour package
There are plenty of Jodhpur Jaisalmer tours that will take you on an incredible itinerary, there are plenty of group tours, and private tours too. There are plenty of Rajasthan tour packages, there are tours from Jaipur too.
How far is it from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer?
The distance from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is around 266km and takes just under 5 hours – around 4 hours 45 minutes. It’s definitely best to have a tour organise this transfer for you so you don’t have to organise it yourself; book onto a Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package!
Why is Jodhpur painted blue?
There are numerous theories about why the city is painted blue. Some say that the cobalt blue paint repels termites which historically the city had a problem with, so locals used it to cover their buildings. Others suggest that the blue paint also keeps the houses cool in the summer.
Additionally, they mention that the colour blue is a ‘royal colour’, and was utilized by town elders and priests to associate themselves with royalty. Whatever the reason, it results in beautiful architecture and stunning photography. The locals contribute their own touch with their unique and incredible artistry, by the old town with murals all over, creating a beautiful, unusual and surreal place to walk around, admire, and, of course, take some photos. Book yourself onto a Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package to see the below stunning artworks.
Why is Jaisalmer called the Golden City?
The second part of your onto a Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package is the Golden City. The name Jaisalmer signifies the Fort Hill of Jaisal. It is often called The Golden City of India due to the yellow-golden sandstone that was used everywhere around the city: in the construction of both the fort and the town beneath, infusing both with a distinct golden radiance. At sunset, it’s straight up incredible.
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Things to see in Jodhpur: The Blue City
Here’s everything you need to see in Jodhpur. I was lucky enough to have the locals and staff at my incredible hotel give me all the advice needed.
The Blue Corridor, The Old City and the Murals
Obviously the blue corridor old city is first on the MUST visit list. You must meander through the narrow alleyways. explore the hidden crevices and admire the blue murals and artworks. Take a look at some of the fascinating artworks dotted around the old city.
For the most part, the alleyways were full of playing children and clear of waste, but the further out of the centre you walk, you might find piles of rubbish build up, which can be a little sad as you will often find animals rooting through it for food.
Pachetia Hill
Pachetia Hill viewpoint is the absolute best viewpoint in Jodhpur, make sure you can go at sunset. From there, you can see the entire blue heaven spread out before you, with its many houses and buildings painted in different shades of blue. Don’t be tempted to stop at the first viewpoint; keep walking up until you reach the area of blue fencing as this is where you’ll find the most densely concentrated area of blue buildings.
Toorji Ka Jahlra: Symmetrical Stairs with a Story
Another spot that left a lasting impression on me was Toorji Ka Jahlra, also known as the Stepwell Square. This historic site features a beautiful symmetrical staircase that leads down to a well. Not only is it a stunning piece of architecture, but it also has a fascinating history. According to local legend, the stepwell was built by a queen who wanted to provide water for her subjects during a time of drought. The intricate carvings on the staircase and the well itself are truly awe-inspiring.
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Mehrangarh Fort: Overlooking the Blue City
One of the best highlights of Jodhpur is the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, which is one of the largest forts in India. It’s situated on top of a hill, towering over the blue city, and offers breathtaking views of the Blue City surrounding landscape. The fort’s architecture and intricate details left me in awe, and I spent hours exploring the different rooms and learning about the history of the fort.
Jaswant Thada: The Taj Mahal of Rajasthan
Jaswant Thada was described to me as the Taj Mahal of Rajasthan and is one of the royal cenotaphs in Jodhpur. This stunning marble monument was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and is located just a short(ish) walk from the Mehrangarh Fort so it’s worth walking over and doing both monuments in the same day, although bear in mind the heat!
It’s the perfect place for an instagrammable shot on the staircases leading up. The white marble building doesn’t look like the Taj Mahal to me but its certainly unique, more like a grand palace; the white marble can be pretty dazzling in the bright sunlight, be prepared to fiddle around with your camera settings to get a shot. Make sure you visit Jaswant Thada!
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Ghanta Ghar and the bustling markets
Ghanta Ghar, the Clock Tower of Jodhpur, is a popular landmark that you should definitely stop by. The sentiment behind the monument is quite touching; it was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the 19th century to provide employment to the famine-stricken population of Jodhpur.
The tower sits right in the middle of a bustling market; the noise, the smells and the vibrant colours hit you all at once. You hear market sellers calling out, the taxis honking and the cows roaming the streets around you. It’s also the perfect place to people-watch. Market sellers sit on the floor selling fresh fruit and vegetables, jewellery, and all the clothes you could think of and I actually ended up buying some cute pink two pieces here.
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You can also climb up the tower; I wish I did but it was too hot and I thought I might die at midday. The view from the top is meant to be breath-taking, with panoramic views of the blue city stretching out.
Bishnoi Village & Safari
If you have time, ask your driver to take you to Bishnoi village and stop by the Safari, which is around 22km from Jodhpur village. The Bishnois are famous for their love of wild animals and are protect the Indian Antelope. Bishnoi village is known for their incredible textiles, bags, clothing etc. at Bishnoi village and it’s really worth stopping to visit.
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The best hotels in Jodhpur
Have a look at the top rated Jodhpur hotels here, some of which are incredible working palaces:
My favourite has to be Daspan house, pictured.
Staying at Daspan House makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time to 1921. To me this hotel is truly magical in a way I haven’t experienced with other hotels; it’s like the secret garden. As you step in from the dusty road outside, the hustle and bustle of the city falls away you emerge into an oasis of lush greenery and gardens and tinkling fountains. Although it’s classified as a 3 star hotel, it feels like an exclusive luxury 5 star hotel, so something to consider!
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Adventure tours in Jodhpur: horse riding, camel riding and jeep safaris
Horse riding in Jodhpur
The second part of your onto a Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package is the Golden City.
Jodhpur trousers – you guessed it – originated in Jodhpur. They are tight fitting around the ankle but loose above the knee. Jodhpur (the city) has a long history of horse riding and it’s definitely one of the fun things to try out in the city. There are plenty of other adrenaline rush tours to do in Jodhpur, with their famous desert safaris. Take a look below:
Things to see in Jaisalmer City: The Golden City
The second part of your onto a Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package is the Golden City is right here, make sure you admire all the incredible architecture.
The Golden City of Rajasthan has it all; the beautiful Jaisalmer Fort, golden city views and stunning Sam sand dunes. Jaisalmer is one of the best places to see incredible Indian architecture and learn more about the legends of history. There’s plenty of things to do, and if you have spare time, make sure you browse the local markets for the famous Rajasthani shoes, clothes and wares. It’s incredible! TIP: try the food at Moti Mahal, it’s delicious and you’ll have the best time.
If you’re looking for Jaisalmer tour packages, then have a look at the tours below:
Camel safari and Desert Camps
The best part of the Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package! Camel safari and Desert Camps in Jaisalmer is an absolute must in the enchanting Thar Desert, with the option for an overnight stay in a desert camp! This is usually a jeep safari. It’s absolutely stunning, make sure that your camel ride is booked in at sunset if you want the most incredible views!
Jaisalmer Fort, The Golden Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort (also known as Sonar Quila) is one of the most iconic places you will need to visit and it will not be left off any tour list; you can spend hours here photographing the stunning architecture and intricate carvings. It’s also the UNESCO world heritage site in Jaisalmer.
It has the most epic, breath taking, historic and beautiful architecture, the legendary history a tales your guide will be able to tell you about, and distinctive golden-yellow colour, giving it that iconic name ‘The Golden Fort‘ thanks to the colour of the sandstone. Jaisalmer fort is a large complex of seven Jain temples, your tour guide should be able to tell you about each Jain temple.
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The Havelis inside Jaisalmer Fort
One of the most iconic things to see on your Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package.
Jaisalmer fort holds Jaisalmer’s first haveli, and intriguingly, it comprises not one, but 5 havelis. But what actually is a haveli? The word is derived from Arabic, meaning private space. This group of havelis is also recognized as the ‘mansion of brocade merchants’.
Make sure you check out Patwon ki Haveli, an incredible 5 story mansion made from the same sandstone. The Patwon ki Haveli stands at the heart of Jaisalmer, a quick 3-minute stroll from Jaisalmer Fort so make sure you do both attractions! There’s also Nathmal ki haveli, also located inside Jaisalmer fort, is a multi story haveli and you can see how the rich merchants used to live in the olden days. Your guide will also take you through to Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmalji ki Haveli.
Bada Bagh
Another thing you absolutely must see is Bada Bagh, for it’s incredibly intricate carvings, unusual architecture and beautifully golden sandstone, don’t miss this on your Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package.
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Gadisar Lake
Don’t miss this on your Jodhpur & Jaisalmer tour package!
Gadisar Lake is another spot you need to visit, if not for its uniqueness! These beautiful buildings are carved on top of a lake and it’s worth visiting early morning or late afternoon so you get this place when it’s quieter!
Practical information
Money & credit cards
Whilst many places in India will take credit card, always make sure to have cash on you as many of the local markets, sellers and vendors will not take.
How to get here?
It’s very easy to fly into Jodhpur airport and start your tour of Rajasthan here! Alternatively, you can fly to Jaisalmer airport, or New Delhi airport and organise a transfer, or ask your tour to collect you from here.
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Weather in Jodhpur & Jaisalmer year round
In October to March, the weather in Rajasthan tends to be cooler, meaning its preferable and usually considered the high season. The weather is hotter between April-September, but means is less busy and prices tend to be cheaper.
Rajasthan Weather in January
- Average Temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Rainy Days: 1
- Daylight Hours: ~10 hours
Rajasthan Weather in February
- Average Temperature: 21°C (70°F)
- Rainy Days: 0
- Daylight Hours: ~11 hours
Rajasthan Weather in March
- Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F)
- Rainy Days: 1
- Daylight Hours: ~12 hours
Rajasthan Weather in April
- Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F)
- Rainy Days: 4
- Daylight Hours: ~13 hours
Rajasthan Weather in May
- Average Temperature: 36°C (97°F)
- Rainy Days: 7
- Daylight Hours: ~13.5 hours
Rajasthan Weather in June
- Average Temperature: 35°C (95°F)
- Rainy Days: 5
- Daylight Hours: ~13.5 hours
Rajasthan Weather in July
- Average Temperature: 32°C (90°F)
- Rainy Days: 6
- Daylight Hours: ~13.5 hours
Rajasthan Weather in August
- Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F)
- Rainy Days: 6
- Daylight Hours: ~13 hours
Rajasthan Weather in September
- Average Temperature: 31°C (88°F)
- Rainy Days: 4
- Daylight Hours: ~12.5 hours
Rajasthan Weather in October
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Rainy Days: 0
- Daylight Hours: ~11.5 hours
Rajasthan Weather in November
- Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy Days: 0
- Daylight Hours: ~10.5 hours
Rajasthan Weather in December
- Average Temperature: 19°C (66°F)
- Rainy Days: 0
- Daylight Hours: ~10 hours
I hope you found this useful, it’s an incredible trip and you won’t regret visiting! If you’re after a guide to Jaipur, also known as The Pink City, and the incredible City Palace, the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Birla Mandir, Jal Mahal and more, then have a look at my guide here.
You might also find my other articles in India useful:
Jodhpur Jaisalmer Tour Package
The Taj Maha: Best photography spots
Quick links
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