Jodhpur — The Blue City

Jodhpur is a visual shock: Hundreds of houses in vibrant indigo blue, dominated by one of India's most massive forts. The "Blue City" on the edge of the Thar Desert was founded in 1459 by the Rathore Rajput clan and was the capital of the powerful Marwar kingdom.

The Mehrangarh Fort is simply overwhelming. The fortress rises on a 125-meter-high rock above the city, with walls up to 36 meters high and 21 meters thick. Inside: A first-class museum with royal palanquins, armor, turbans, miniature paintings, and the harrowing story of the Sati stones (handprints of women who self-immolated upon their husbands' deaths). The view from the fortress walls over the sea of blue houses is one of India's most iconic sights.

The question of why the houses are blue has several answers: Traditionally, the color marked the houses of the Brahmin caste, but practically, it was effective against termites and as heat protection. Today, many residents — regardless of caste — paint their houses blue because it is part of the city's identity. The best view of the blue old city is from the Mehrangarh Fort or from one of the rooftop cafes around the Clock Tower Bazaar.

The Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) in the heart of the old city is surrounded by lively bazaars: Sardar Market offers spices, textiles, antiques, silver jewelry, and the famous Jodhpuri-Mojari shoes. North of the old city lies the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace — one of the largest private residences in the world, built from 1929–1943 in Art Deco style. Part is a museum, part a luxury hotel (Taj), and part is still inhabited by the royal family.