Travel Before: Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer India

The Jaisalmer fort is a sight to behold: a colossal sandcastle emerging from the sandy plains like a mirage from a past era. No other place better conjures images of exotic camel-train trade routes and desert enigma. Ninety-nine bastions surround the fort's still-populated winding lanes. Inside, you'll find shops draped in vibrant embroideries, a royal palace, and numerous businesses vying for your tourist dollar. Despite the commercial aspect, it's difficult not to be captivated by this desert fortress. Beneath the fortifications, especially to the north, the narrow streets of the old city hide splendid havelis, all carved from the same golden-honey sandstone as the fort – hence Jaisalmer’s nickname as the Golden City. A city that has nearly risen from the ashes in the past fifty years, Jaisalmer may be isolated, but it's certainly not forgotten – in fact, it's one of Rajasthan’s most popular tourist destinations.

Recommended airport

Jaisalmer (JSA)

Points of interest