Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s so-called blue city, is one of my favourite cities in India. This is the second-largest city in the state, and it’s famous for its fort, temples and ancient alleys. What Jodhpur is most famous for, however, are its beautiful blue houses, hence the city’s nickname.
Located in the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is a charming destination with plenty of things to see and do. In my opinion, this colourful city is an absolute must on any Rajasthan itinerary.
What’s important to know when heading to Jodhpur, however, is that not all of this city’s houses are blue. There are specific neighbourhoods where you will find plenty of blue houses, while other neighbourhoods don’t have a single blue house.
So, if you want to know where to find the blue houses in Jodhpur, this guide is for you! After all, these areas are incredibly photogenic.
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Why Are the Houses in Jodhpur Blue?
First things first. You might wonder why there are so many blue-coloured houses in Jodhpur.
When you ask the locals why the houses of Jodhpur are blue, it quickly becomes clear that no one knows for sure. There are a few theories, however:
- The colour blue is associated with Lord Shiva and is therefore considered a sacred colour. Because of this, people started painting their houses blue.
- The blue colour helps to keep termites away.
- Blue reflects sunrays, so painting your house blue helps to keep it cool.
- The Brahmin caste started painting their houses blue to differentiate themselves from other castes.
Hearing these different stories, we might never know for sure why the houses in Jodhpur are blue, but some of these theories make sense. To me, the ones mentioning Lord Shiva and the Brahmin caste seem the most credible.
Are all the houses in Jodhpur blue?
It’s good to know that not all of the houses are blue in Jodhpur. Although blue is a recurrent theme, many houses have another colour. You will find many white or light yellow ones, for example. This can be seen in the pictures above and below.
Sometimes tourists are disappointed when they see that not all of Jodhpur’s houses are blue, so it’s good to know this before visiting this city.
To me, this fact didn’t make Jodhpur any less attractive. I absolutely loved wandering through the city’s alleyways in search of the blue houses and couldn’t stop taking pictures.
Where Are the Blue Houses in Jodhpur?
The number of blue houses that you will find greatly depends on the part of the city you find yourself in. There are two neighbourhoods that I would recommend heading to see the blue houses:
- Old City: The old city is located on the southwest of the fort and consists of two parts: Navchowkiya and Chandpole. This is where you will find most of the blue houses of Jodhpur. The old city is home to plenty of little alleyways to get lost in, and every few minutes, you will come across a beautifully blue-painted house with green doors and window frames.
- Street with newly painted blue houses: On the East side of Mehrangarh Fort, one of Rajasthan’s most impressive historical places, you will find a street full of newly painted blue houses. This part isn’t as beautiful as the old city, but it’s still worth checking out. Conveniently, this street is close to the main entrance to the fort, so both are easy to combine.
Best Time to Visit Jodhpur
The best time to visit Jodhpur is between October and March, when it’s not too hot. This is one of the top winter destinations in Asia.
April and May (summer) are the hottest months in Rajasthan, and although hotels will be cheaper at this time of the year, visiting the city won’t be so pleasant because of the torrid heat.
I visited Jodhpur in August and September, which is during the monsoon season (June to September). It rained from time to time when I was there, but never for an entire day, so it’s still possible to have a good time here during the monsoon as well.
How to Get to Jodhpur
Jodhpur is a well-connected city that’s easy to reach by bus, train and flight. It’s about 180 km (112 mi) from Pushkar, 250 km (155 mi) from Udaipur, 260 km (161 mi) from Jaisalmer and 335 km (208 mi) from Jaipur. The airport of Jodhpur is just 6 km (3 mi) from the city centre.
Where to Stay in Jodhpur
There are plenty of hotels, hostels and guesthouses in Jodhpur. I liked staying close to the fort, where there are many restaurants. You will find my top recommendations below:
Check Reddit r/travel2025 - Budget stay in jodhpur
Other Things to Do in Jodhpur
There are many incredible landmarks in India, and the blue city is no different. You will find the best places to visit in Jodhpur (apart from seeing its blue houses) below:
- Mehrangarh Fort: This is Jodhpur’s most famous landmark and one that you cannot miss during a visit to this city. It was built by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, in 1459, and it overlooks the blue city.
- Jaswant Thada: Located just a 15-minute walk from the fort, Jaswant Thada is worth visiting as well. This beautiful memorial was built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh Jill, and it’s made entirely out of white marble.
- Clock Tower and Sardar Market: This is the heart of the old city. Sandar Market is a great place to absorb the city’s vibe, shop at the market and drink a delicious lassi.
- Pachetia Hill: This viewpoint is my favourite place in Jodhpur. It offers a beautiful view of the blue houses. I went there twice and can recommend watching the sunset from here, it’s magical!
- Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell: Built in the 18th century, Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell is a spectacular sight that you cannot miss on a visit to Jodhpur. This stepwell was once an important drinking source for the city.
- Mandore Gardens: Located outside the city centre, Mandore Gardens houses the cenotaphs of many of Jodhpur’s rulers, but you will also find a temple and a museum here.
📆 Check out my complete 2-day itinerary for Jodhpur for more ideas.
Blue Houses in Jodhpur: Final Thoughts
Wandering around the tiny alleys in search of the blue houses of Jodhpur was one of my favourite things to do in India. This is a truly charming city that will make you feel as if you stepped back in time.
I hope that this guide will help you find Jodhpur’s blue houses easily and that you will enjoy exploring this colourful city as much as I did.