Jodhpur

The Mehrangarh Fort unquestionably  dominates Jodhpur’s Old City. It was built by Rao Jodha, who moved his capital here in 1459 and established the Marwar kingdom. Jodhpur had its share of strife, but it prospered under Rao Udai Singh (r. 1583-95), who established good relations with the Mughals, and it eventually rose to become one of Rajasthan's biggest kingdoms. The city's fort and palaces are fabulous. And you’ll enjoy the brightly decorated autos, the motor­cyclists who prefer riding caps to helmets in a nod to the city’s equestrian tradition, and the Old City with the houses painted blue.