Unfortunately, because of time constraints I have to decide between these two cities. I think they both have things to offer, but I'm leaning toward Jodhpur because I've heard the fort there is spectacular, and it may be less touristy -- though I was looking forward to going to Samode, about an hour from Jaipur, which has the lovely Samode Palace. Also, was looking forward to staying at the Samode Haveli in Jaipur, which looks like a lovely Heritage hotel. Just can't seem to decide.

carole...lots to do in and around jaipur also....have not been to jodhpur....

would transportation issues help you decide??

bob

Jaipur I think is more favoured on the tourist route because of the Palace of Winds. My preference is Jodhpur because of the blue buildings. Have been to both cities twice - in Jodhpur i stayed at the Umaid Bahwan which is highly recommended. In Jaipur I stayed at Samode Haveli which is quaint with very gracious hosts. I was not comfortable in the spacious room though, am a brave sort and not prone to such episodes but it was the first place where I had a bad attack of the shivers.

I don't think you would be disappointed with either. I would agree that you probably will find fewer tourists in Jodhpur; however with Elizabeth Hurley's wedding having been there recently and with the explosion of tourism which is occurring in India, I can't say for sure that is still the case. The main bits of Jodhpur are quite small and in high tourist season I can imagine they could become quite crowded. The fort is quite spectacular and getting lost in the narrow streets with their blue houses is part of the charm and I would recommend that you do this away from the Fort so you can see some parts of the old town that are not touristed. Jaipur does not have anything like it; however Jaipur does have the excellent City Palace which is a museum and a palace, it also has the Amber Fort, the Palace of the Winds, etc and is a much more lively city and will have more restaurant options for you and IMO much better shopping options if that is your thing, esp places like Gem Palace for jewelry. (It also has better hotel options, but the Taj in Jodhpur is perfectly nice.)

Some would depend on how much time you have, if you only have 2 days (which I think is the case) you might prefer Jodhpur which is quite compact as opposed to Jaipur where IMO you could spend two days in the City Palace alone seeing their collections and the astronomy area, and places like the Amber Fort and esp the Samode are a bit out of town (albeit the desert is lovely).

I have seen your other posts and flying to Jodhpur from Agra is a good use of time compared to flying to Jaipur where I am not sure you would save a lot of time versus driving.

Bob, transportation to both place is about the same, so that's not an issue.

Cicerone, you've made my decision harder! Both places have lots to offer. I simply need more time, which I don't have. Wish I were retired like you, Bob! But then I wouldn't be able to afford to travel....

There's definitely more to see in Jaipur but it is a much bigger city and definitely more touristy. I enjoyed both a lot. Also stayed at the Umaid Bahwan in Jodhpur which I would heartily recommend.

If you have a choice between the two, I would recommend Jaipur. More to see in Jaipur than Jodhpur.

Although, Cicerone is right, the fort is really spectacular in Jodhpur.

Regarding the Palace of the Winds--just returned from India last week and the above is shrouded in bamboo scaffolding, obviously to be cleaned or whatever, so it's not visible.

Thanks, everyone for your replies.

Anyone have a guess about when the work on the Palace of the Winds will be completed?

As to Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur -- those must have been the good old days Gloria. The room rates are now $1400 per night in February! Even if I could afford it I think I would rather give the money to a worthwhile charity in India instead.

cant opine on Jaipur - the fort in Jodhpur is truly magnificent - we didint find the rest of the city as compelling.

If Umaid Bhavan (now a Taj) is too rich for your blood, I think you can stay at the very pleasant Ratan Vilas for around 1200 rupees per night. We thought it was a great buy.

Rohet Garh would also a nice place to base - their village safaris are excellent and a day trip into Jodhpur for the fort would be very doable.

Hi Carole,


As you know, I think it is worth going to Jodhpur for Maharani Arts Emporium alone, but I'm a bit of a shopaholic

The Mehrangarth fort in Jodhpur is spectacular--far beyond the lovely Amber fort in Jaipur. The Blue city is a wonderful place for pictures and stays with you.

One of the nicest things in Jodhpur in my book was the lack of beggars. Beggars really can get exhausting in India. Although there may not be quite as much to do from a stand "tourist" standpoint, you can really mingle with locals as real people--I loved that. Those are the the things that stay in your mind in India--the little things. The smiles, the free cashews handed to you in the market, (yes, I cannot get the Jodhpur cashews our of my brain), the offer to join a wedding party making decisions on fabrics for their saris. That happens in the Jodhpur bazaar. Not so much in Jaipur.

Disclamer: I went before Elizabeth Hurley's wedding, so as Cicerone mentioned, I don't know if tourists have increased and therefore beggars.

In Jodhpur we stayed at the Taj Hari Mahal pool side room and loved it. It was the one of the largest, most comfortable rooms we had in all of India and we stayed at Oberois in most places. I loved it. The cost per night was under $200. (However, on the flip side, I visited the Samode Havali when in Jaipur and it was absolutely charming as well)

You really can't go wrong either way. Whichever you decide, go to the other city upon your next trip-you will go back. Flip a coin

Hi, Patricia,

Finally decided on Jaipur. Lucy's point was the deciding factor -- if the Kingfisher flight out of Agra is cancelled, it will be a long trip to Jodhpur. With the limited time I have, I would be spending most of it in transit. If the Agra - Japur flight is cancelled, driving to Jaipur would be ok.

Sorry I will miss the fort in Jodhpur, which looks amazing (and I love these types of places), but as you say -- there's always the next trip.

you probably know that you can take an overnight train from Agra to Jodhpur (and vice versa). We just did this and it was bearable in 2AC class (we slept fine except when the train stopped in Jaipur in the middle of the night and the new arrivals were yelling) though not exactly enjoyable and was very effective in saving us waking-hours travel time (as well as one hotel night)