It is not hard to see why Jodhpur, standing under the shadow of an ancient fort in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is known as the blue city.

The cobalt walls help keep the buildings cool during hot summer days. Locals say the distinctive colour was originally used by the highest caste of priestly Hindus, Brahmins, to set apart their houses. The rest of the population soon followed suit, turning the desert city into an oasis of colour.