"BLUE SKIES ABOVE BLUE CITY" a Jodhpur Travel Page by lynnehamman

In Jodhpur, the houses are as blue as the sky above. As its grand centrepiece, the Meherangarh Fort towers over the city.
Streets and lanes are much like other cities in Rajasthan - dusty, narrow, with hundreds of motorcycles,auto-rickshaw dashing around,oblivious to the many people wandering around, and oblivious to any traffic rules. There is a clock-tower in the centre town square, which is useful as a landmark - its a very popular meeting place for locals and tourists. At night it is lit up, and the markets around it buzz with activity.
And yes, Jodhpur is the city that gave the horse-riding community the famous riding pants.

Jodphur is the second largest city in Rajasthan.It is situated near the edge of the Thar desert, an area known as Mewar. Land of Death.
The region had a former capitol called Mandore. The present day city of Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the Rajput Chieftain of the Rathore Clan.,and replaced Mandore as capital. The ruins of Mandore can still be seen today at nearby Mandore Gardens.
The houses of the city are painted blue, which is a colour associated with the Brahmin Priestly caste.These blue houses are predominant in the north side and old city.

The Meherangarh Fort stands tall and proud above the city. At night it is floodlit, and is, of course, a must for every visitor to Jodhpur. Not only does it look spectacular from the outside- within lie some of the most exquisite antiques, weaponry, artworks and the famous moustachioed opium smoker.
We spent 3 days in Jodhpur, and found that it was a good city for walking-many little lanes, just inviting a curious visitor to enter. Chai shops in every street, which are a welcoming sight for a thirsty traveller.