Jodhpur ( pronounced [ˈd͡ʒoːd̪ʱpʊr] ) is the second-largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and officially the second metropolitan city of the state. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Jodhpur district and Jodhpur division. Jodhpur was historically the capital of the Kingdom of Marwar, which is now part of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts, and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar Desert. It is popularly known as the Blue City as all the buildings in the oldest district are painted in a light shade of blue.The old city circles the Mehrangarh Fort and is bounded by a wall with several gates. The city has expanded greatly outside the wall, though over the past several decades. Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of the Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists. The city featured in The New York Times's "52 Places to Go in 2020".
