THE BLUE CITY JODHPUR

Jodhpur is the second-largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and gained its popularity as a favorite destination among international tourists.

- JOSÉ JEULAND

The old town is a beautiful example of vivid colors providing a photogenic backdrop to everyday life.

Yet upon arrival in Jodhpur, it isn't obvious why this bustling city is so closely associated with just one color. After all, many other hues can also be seen on the busy streets and bazaars. Most Rajasthani women wear long, colorful skirts and cover their heads with scarves – in light materials of complementary hues – adding to the multi-colored impressions of life here. Eye-catching, bright oranges and yellows are popular colors for their fabrics.

In the older quarters of Jodhpur, under the centuries-old protection of Mehrangarh Fort, whose foundations were laid in 1459, many of the houses are painted blue on the orders of the city's founder, Rao Jodha.

Some say the chosen blue color is associated closely with the Brahmins, India's priestly caste, and the blue houses of the old city belong to families of that caste. Consequently, you might well hear the properties referred to as the 'Brahmin Houses.'