Jodhpur is the second largest city in the northern state of Rajasthan, India. It is home to more than 1.5 million people as well as an extensive cultural history with a collection of impressive architectural masterpieces. Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City because of the almost dreamlike collection of blue colored houses that are clustered together in the beautiful old city.
A stretch of blue houses is located along the walls of the old historical city. Originally, the color blue indicated that a Brahmin—a priest and member of the highest social and spiritual group in India’s caste system—lived there. Therefore, a blue house was a sign of status and respect.
But over time, the blue coat became part of the identity of a wider group of natives of Jodhpur. This means that now when you look at the city from above, it shows the unique quality of being blue almost entirely.
This view is mostly found from Mehrangar Fort – a stunning attraction in its own right. First built in the mid-15th century, the history is visible on castle tours, and it is also home to an ancient temple. It sits impressively on top of a hill, the city in its shadow.
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At the bottom of the cliff, you’ll find the 6-mile (10 km) wall. This wall was built in the 16th century and now houses the vast majority of water houses in Jodhpur. These buildings are juxtaposed in winding narrow streets with impressive arches decorated with intricate details. With shops selling everything from incense and roses to local street food and musical instruments, it’s a unique place to visit.
Apart from being called the Blue City, Jodhpur is also called the “City of the Sun”. This is due to the many sunny days it experiences, sitting right on the edge of the Thar Desert, lighting up not only the water houses and Mehrangar Fort, but also the many temples, gardens, galleries and towers in the city.
While this makes it a popular travel hub for tourists to fly into when visiting northwest India, it is also a key base for India’s armed forces, particularly the Air Force. Just over 150 miles from the Pakistan border, Jodhpur has been a key strategic point since India’s independence. It is said that it almost became the capital of Rajasthan, but due to its greater proximity to Delhi, the title went to Jaipur.
