Exploring the vibrant hues of Rajasthan: A journey through the color-coded royal cities

Rajasthan, India’s northern jewel, is renowned for its majestic palaces, ancient forts, and bursts of color, with three distinct shades standing out above the rest.

From the “Pink City” of Jaipur to the “Blue City” of Jodhpur and the “Golden City” of Jaisalmer, each of these desert cities tells its own unique tale.

As Rajasthani tour guide Dilip Singh Tanwar shares with Dinogo Travel, 'Rajasthan is the land of warriors, entrepreneurs, festivals, dance, and music – it’s like an open-air museum.'

'There’s so much to see and explore here, with centuries of history waiting to be discovered. But to truly appreciate it all, you’ll need plenty of time,' he adds.

To truly grasp the colorful chaos of Rajasthan, we journeyed through the 'Land of Kings' to uncover the rich history and vibrant hues of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer.

The Pink City

Known for its signature salmon-pink buildings and careful urban design, Jaipur has been the wealthiest city in Rajasthan since its founding in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II.

Originally not all buildings were pink, but in 1876, when Prince Albert was scheduled to visit, the city’s ruler decided to paint Jaipur pink – a color symbolizing hospitality in Indian culture.

'King Ram Singh II was inspired by Delhi’s Red Fort,' says Tanwar. 'He wanted to recreate its grandeur, but due to time constraints, he opted to paint the city instead of importing red stone.'

The city's building department got to work, creating a natural dye from lime and red soil. Even today, following tradition, the government repaints the buildings every two years.

In Jaipur, the most visited attractions are concentrated in the pink-hued Old Town, home to the iconic terracotta-pink Hawa Mahal, City Palace, the Palace of the Winds, and the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory.

'For the best photo, visit Hawa Mahal early in the morning, just around sunrise or before 7 a.m.,' recommends Tanwar.

'This building is unique due to its stained glass windows and its façade, which was constructed without a foundation. That’s what makes the architecture truly magical.'

A must-see is the Amber Fort, located about six miles from the city. Once the home of the Rajput Maharajas, this red sandstone fort complex boasts vast courtyards, intricate wall mosaics, and luxurious halls.

Fallen in love with royal architecture? Fortunately, Jaipur is home to some of the world’s most regal hotels. The city is full of grand heritage properties, including the Samode Palace, Rambagh Palace, Jai Mahal Palace, SUJAN Raj Mahal, and more.

Jodhpur: The Blue City

Located about an hour's flight west of Jaipur, Jodhpur is renowned for its distinctive color: sky blue.

'Why do we call it the Blue City? There are several reasons,' explains Tanwar. 'The city experiences extreme heat because it’s surrounded by desert, so people started painting their homes blue to keep the interiors cool.'

Tanwar shares another explanation. Jodhpur is home to Brahmins, the highest caste in Hinduism, who revere Lord Shiva. As Shiva is often depicted in blue, followers paint their homes and temples in this sacred, calming hue.

'The best way to experience the 'Blue City' is from the heights of Mehrangarh Fort,' says Tanwar. 'From here, you can admire the striking blue neighborhoods set against a perfect sky blue backdrop.'

In the past, Tanwar explains, local communities used to create their own blue dye from limestone and indigo flowers. Nowadays, however, most people opt for ready-made paint instead of crafting it by hand.

In the heart of Jodhpur, visitors navigate the narrow lanes of the Old City, where cows roam freely and tuk-tuks whiz by. The ancient stepwells, once vital for accessing groundwater, now serve as peaceful spots to sit and take in the city's vibrant energy.

After wandering through the bustling streets and crowded bazaars of the Old City, moments of tranquility can be found just across from the Mehrangarh Fort.

In this area, you can explore the royal tombs at Jaswant Thada. Surrounded by lush gardens, this cenotaph is often called the 'Taj Mahal of Marwar' because it is crafted from the same radiant white marble.

Jaisalmer: The Golden City

Unlike Jaipur and Jodhpur, where multiple buildings showcase their signature colors, Jaisalmer is known for just one iconic structure.

Founded in 1156, Jaisalmer earns its nickname from the awe-inspiring Jaisalmer Fort, which towers over the city from its hilltop vantage point.

As night falls, this medieval marvel glows with a warm honey-gold hue – a natural effect achieved without a single drop of paint.

'The fort is constructed from local sandstone, but the real secret lies in the way it’s carved. When cut by hand, the stone resembles gold,' explains Tanwar.

'In the past, everything at the fort was handmade – no machines were involved. Modern-day attempts to cut the stone with machines don’t produce the same golden effect,' Tanwar adds.

Scattered throughout the city, you’ll encounter several havelis (mansions) like Salim Singh ki Haveli and Patwon Ki Haveli, which boast intricate carvings and expansive open-air courtyards. These were once the grand homes of prosperous merchants who thrived thanks to the Silk Road trade.

Situated in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer serves as the perfect base for camel safaris and desert camping experiences.

'While you're there, don't miss visiting Vyas Chhatri, also known as Sunset Point,' recommends Tanwar. 'It's a stunning spot where people gather to watch the sunset.'