Jodhpur is the second largest city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is called the Gateway to Thar, as it is literally on the edge of the Thar desert. Jodhpur is also known as the Blue City, an apt name as most houses in the old city are shades of blue. Although I felt the blue was fading a little.
But why blue? Some believe that these houses belonged to the Brahmins, and blue coloured houses emphasized the affiliation to the highest caste in India. Others believe that the blue color was used simply as a means of combating termites and other insects.
Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city and is the largest fort in all Rajasthan. Founded in 1458 as the site of Rao Jodha's new capital — hence the name, Jodhpur — the city has grown around it, and in the 500 years that have passed the fort has never been taken by force. It's easy to see why: it occupies the entire top of a 150 m hill with commanding views all around, with some three kilometers of massive ramparts built around the edges.1
One thing that did happen while we were there was a parade. Not sure what the parade was for, but it was quite lively and colourful. The parade was in Sadar, a bustling market near the clock tower in the center of the city consists of many narrow alleys and small shops.
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1 Excerpts from Wikipedia
