![](https://images.suitcasemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/10154407/the-best-destinations-for-virtually-beating-the-january-blues_65390058ab2b6.jpeg)
Jodhpur
India
Dubbed the "Blue City", Jodhpur is the second largest metropolis in the Indian desert state of Rajasthan. Joining an arsenal of colourful neighbours - the White City (Udaipur), the Orange City (Nagpur) and the Pink City (Jaipur) among others - the Blue City is best observed from mighty Mehrangarh fort, which towers over the indigo enclave. It is unclear why locals began painting their buildings in this colour. One theory suggests Brahmins - the priestly class at the top of the caste hierarchy - wished to indicate their caste-instigated traditions. Another suggestion - the blue wash is simply a means of combating termites and other insects. It may also have been applied in order to keep structures cool.