Historically, the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar, Jodhpur - also known as the Blue City, is set in the popular Thar Desert in Rajasthan. A tourist favourite, the city is known for its kings and warriors of the middle ages with a rich history and culture dating centuries. The most well known tourist spot in the city is the 15th Century Mehrangarh fort which has now been converted into a museum that displays various artefacts, weapons, paintings and royal palanquins. The fort overlooks the walled city, now known as the old city where most structures feature the iconic shade of blue of the city where it gets its nickname from.
Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan, and is often referred to as the gateway to the Thar as it is located on the very edge of the desert. The city features many forts, palaces and temples that have either been restored from the middle ages or lie in the shadows of its glorious past. Apart from Blue City, it is sometimes referred to as the Suncity, since it enjoys bright sun all year long and possibly because the rulers of Marwar used to be sun worshippers.
Some of the other tourist attractions of the city include Jaswant Thada - an intricately carved marble monument, Toorji ka Jhalra - a step well critical for desert regions for water management, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park - filled with local flora and fauna, and the Balsamand Lake & Garden.
Like most popular destinations in Rajasthan, the locals speak Hindi, Marwari and might be familiar with English given their frequency of interactions with foreign tourists. Overall a traditional community, Rajasthan is known for its warm and opulent hospitality bringing you a feel of royalty every step along the way!
Per Day INR 47,200+
Spread across 26 acres of flourishing gardens, one of Rajasthan’s magnificent modern royal residences built between 1928 and 1943 is the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. It is the world’s sixth largest private residences, set atop the Chittar hill - the highest point in Jodhpur. The Palace has three main functions to serve in the current times - a private residence for the royal family, a museum of the history of the family and a luxury hotel. The opulent architecture and craftsmanship of every nook and corner of this dream of a palace is everything royal and transports you to an era of magnanimity.
Spend your days at the palace relaxing and rejuvenating with the Jiva Grande Spa’s various programs designed for your wellness. From yoga and meditation sessions, ayurvedic treatments to spa therapies and various body scrubs and wraps for finding your balance in this haven of beauty and scenic views. Splash around in the subterranean Zodiac pool, be in the company of dancing peacocks around the lush green gardens, or bask in the views of Blue City - from the sand dunes to the Mehrangarh fort. Don’t miss the family museum while you’re here to learn the history of the palace and the royals that have embraced this royal home.
This 5-star grandness of a palace will definitely make you feel like the kings and queens of the times gone by in their 70 ultra luxury and luxury rooms for your comfort. The Maharani Suite, the largest in the palace, spreads over 300 square meters with a magnificent private bedroom, a living room, a large dining room, a bathroom with a private jacuzzi along with an in-room spa. The original living quarters of the Maharani of Jodhpur, the room reflects her taste and style with the extended balcony offering views of the courtyard gardens of the palace and the Mehrangarh fort. The Maharaja Suite, similar to the Maharani suite, comes with an in-room spa and a steam room. The other rooms all come with sit out areas to enjoy the views while you sip your morning tea or while you simply spend time in your royal quarters all designed in the art-deco styling.
Relish delicious traditional delicacies from the royal kitchen at Risala, the fine dining restaurant at the palace or spend your evening sipping a cocktail and creating memories with your friends and family at the Trophy Bar. Their restaurants follow dress codes like smart casuals, and it would be ideal to check the same prior to your travel!
The Palace is conveniently located only 20 minutes from the airport and is easily accessible for sight-seeing tours to the city market and other iconic places to visit.
Per Day INR 42,203+
Owned by the Jagirs of Rohet, a family of distinguished noblemen, who went into various fields like the military, politics, sports, social service, education and hospitality; this family has seen many achievements and successes in these fields. In 1990, Thakur Manvendra Singh was the first to open the ancestral home to the public and the rest is history. The House of Rohet has grown, spreading to four properties around Rajasthan now – one such dream turned into reality is Mihir Garh – the fort of Sun. A unique structure built by over 100 local artisans, craftsmen and builders, its sand colour structure blending in with the desert and natural local flora and fauna flourishing in its surroundings. This boutique palace, built in 2009, is a tribute to the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan with eco-friendly policies to give back to nature more than we take.
At Mihir Garh, there are nine exclusive suites spreading over 1700 square feet each for a truly royal stay with designs and craftsmanship of local artists along with custom created designs for the hotel. Named after two legendary stallions of Rohet, Alishan (ground floor) and Shandaar (first floor), the ground floor suits with private plunge pools and courtyards and the Shandaar Suites comes with an open to sky private jacuzzi and terraces. Enjoy magnificent views from the comfort of your suites with complete privacy making this an ideal honeymoon spot for couples. Another unique feature of the suites are the handcrafted fireplaces made by local women with the use of cow dung. Meals at Mihir Garh are prepared with careful consideration to delight the taste buds with traditional and continental preparations.
Indulge in exquisite spa treatments in the luxury of the desert, from cleansing scrubs to ayurvedic and organic treatments, pick your indulgence. The infinity edge pool enjoys the breathtaking views of the locale and the Thar landscapes. Take local trips for sightseeing or ride on to adventure with the Equestrian program with royal studs. For nature lovers, the bird watching session will wow your eyes, while the culinary workshops and royal picnic can mesmerize your taste buds.
Trivia: Mihir Garh is an eco-friendly, conscious and sustainable enterprise in Jodhpur, built by using locale materials and an extensive rain water harvesting program.
Per Day INR 25,960+
Located in the walled city of Jodhpur, visually under the wing of the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, Raas Jodhpur is built around an 18-century haveli. With the modern structures adding the required space and functionality, the resort in a way has been repurposed from the original while maintaining the elegance and charm of the old times. One of the key features of this resort are the carefully curated and cultivated gardens that add the much-needed pop of colour and nature in this otherwise gold sand landscape.
Rejuvenate your senses, bring back the balance in your mind, body and soul at the spa in an organic and natural way. RAAS Spa in association with Ma Earth Botanicals, uses only handmade, consciously sourced, preservative free ingredients in their range of skincare products at the spa for a connected to nature experience while leaving your stresses behind.
Luxury at the core, stays at RAAS Jodhpur are breathtakingly immersive and unique. The most sought after is the Stepwell Suite which overlooks the once hidden stepwell built in 1740 with serene views from the large private terraces. In the 18th century Rajput residences are the supremely lavish Heritage suites that enjoy the panoramic views of the landscape and the fort with a private terrace and courtyard. The Garden suites are designed with a botanical theme and feature a private garden with comfort seating to enjoy some alone or private time any time of the day.
The all-day dining restaurant, Baradari, meaning 12 pillars, used to be the original king’s entertainment chamber to host guests and indulge in personal pleasures. The restaurant serves a plethora of Indian and international cuisines all made from organic produce from the chef’s garden. Darikhana, which used to be the chamber of carpets in the old days, is now a first floor al-fresco dining option providing amazing views of the Mehrangarh fort and the candle lit courtyards in the evening time. Arrange a private dining experience for a romantic evening or a cozy time with your family and friends in the many rustic venues at the resort.
Per Day INR 15,340+
Located at Narlai, the Rawla Narlai Luxury Heritage Hotel is owned and run by Ajit Group of Hotels and Resorts, the brainchild of Maharaja Swaroop Singh ji and his wife Rani Usha. In the middle of an ancient village, lies this boutique heritage property, which is a seventeenth century country manor. Carefully restored to its original glory, it is hidden away from the urbane lifestyle providing a quiet sanctuary to the guests.
Luxurious accommodation at Rawla Narlai exudes evergreen elegance. The Narlai Suite, includes two bedrooms with a pool or hill views, and a personal butler to genuinely live like royalty! For a sustainable luxury experience with modern amenities, the Luxury Grand Heritage is the ideal room with a private sit out. Restored with originality, the Grand heritage rooms are true to their names and promise nothing less.
For unique dining experiences, one can choose their own spaces to enjoy their meals prepared with care and curated for the world traveler. The Stepwell Dinner, organised in a eleven hundred year old step well, set up traditionally while the area comes alive with oil lamps is a magical experience at this heritage hotel.
Per Day INR 13,452+
A reflection of the Marwar heritage and history, Indana Palace in Jodhpur has beautiful craftsmanship in its architecture. Opening into the courtyards is the sprawling lobby, with the views of the lush green curated gardens and water fountains embracing the courtyard. Sit outs and places to relax and enjoy the surroundings are many at this luxury used-to-be private residence.
Start your day with tranquility at this palace at the Zodiac Spa, centered around a holistic approach to well-being. They offer a range of spa treatments and therapies from deep tissue, aromatherapy to pre & post natal massages. Chill out at the swimming pool or take a dip, get your sweat on at the gym or play a game of billiards in their Billiards room. The palace also features a children’s pool and play area to keep the little ones busy!
For a truly royal experience, try the Presidential Suite that comes with a king sized bed, walk-in closet, living room and an office room for business with enchanting views of the landscaped gardens. The other Suites at the palace offer luxury in a more traditional Rajasthani styling and every room in a separate theme for individualistic experiences, come with a balcony and study rooms as well.
Indana Palace offers 4 dining options to choose from, to delight your taste buds. Anghiti, the multicuisine restaurant serves delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian preparations that can satiate the entire family, while the Lotus Cafe is ideal for your high teas. For the liquor connoisseurs, I Bar offers a selection of whiskeys, wines, and more along with finger foods and snacks perfect for your party sessions. During the winter months, with pleasant weather, the Courtyard is where you want to be for it comes alive with live folk music, performances and elaborate luxury buffets to enjoy.
Per Day INR 12,500+
Spread across 6 acres of lush green lawns, built with a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture and stylings is the Taj Hari Mahal in Jodhpur. Another 5 star Taj group property in the Blue City is a grand palace with latticed windows, flower filled water fountains, and miniature artworks across.
When at Taj Hari Mahal, the Bishnoi Safari is a must experience for all, especially nature lovers. In the midst of the vast expanse of the Thar Desert, on the edges of the sand about 30 kilometers is the Bishnoi community - the first nature loving and worshipping community of the state that fiercely protects nature. The open jeep safari takes you to the villages to observe and learn from the community and their lifestyle while also providing an opportunity to interact and shop from them directly for handicrafts and handlooms. During this safari on the banks of Guda Bishnoi Lake, you might witness peacocks, rabbits, the highly protected endangered Blackbuck (Indian Antelope) and Chinkara (gazelle) graze around. A rare sight might be the Demoiselle Cranes who migrate every year from Mongolia and Eurasia.
There is a variety of rooms to choose from at the Taj Hari Mahal, from the luxury rooms with either the garden view or pool view, to deluxe and premium rooms all fitted with luxe amenities and designed for comfort.
For all food lovers, Taj Hari Mahal has a delight to offer - boasted as the best Chinese food in Jodhpur, The Good Earth is the place to be for authentic Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. For an authentic Marwari cuisine experience, head to Marwar - a multicuisine restaurant serving some delectable Rajasthani meals.