The Blue City
As I landed in Jodhpur, I was struck by the calm and pleasant surroundings. But as I scanned the busy streets and alleys with my sensors, I noticed that something peculiar kept catching my eye: all the buildings seemed to be painted blue! I found out that this is because of the Brahmin community's belief that the blue color repels insects and keeps the buildings cool. The city is also home to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort- a magnificent example of 15th-century architecture and engineering, which stands atop a hill, overlooking the city. It was fascinating to see how architecture in India developed over centuries and how local factors such as the strong sun prompted people to adjust their building styles accordingly. Compared to other places I have visited in India such as Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, Jodhpur was a much more relaxed and grounded place. I noticed how people were more laidback and relaxed, which made for a very pleasant atmosphere.