IndiaJaisalmerIt is de rigueur to compare Jaisalmer’s sprawling, ridgetop fort to a sandcastle. It’s apt, for sure, but the comparison does no justice to the sheer scale of the thing. When lit up at dusk against a darkening sky, it’s a place that belongs in stories of genies, thieves and sorcerers – a fairytale citadel straight out of Arabian Nights. Overview Trip ideas Experiences Regions Best time to visit Accommodation Back to all places in North India, Delhi & Rajasthan What makes Jaisalmer special is that, uniquely among India’s forts, it’s a living, working place. It has stood here since the 12th century, and you can still see piles of rocks stacked atop the ramparts, ready to be pushed onto advancing enemies. Things have changed since its days as a medieval caravan center – enter souvenir shops and TripAdvisor ratings – but not that much. The raucous market atmosphere, the camel-leather bags and silver jewelry, the spicy lentils and goat meat thalis: Jaisalmer’s Silk Road roots are alive and well.Clustering around the foot of the fort is Jaisalmer old town, built from the same honey-hued sandstone, as if all other colors except desert-gold and sky-blue have been drained out of the landscape. This is where you’ll find Jaisalmer’s havelis. Sandstone merchant houses built in the 18th and 19th centuries, they’re like little Petra-esque palaces – properly stunning.Jaisalmer is popular with tourists, but it’s not hard to step off the tour bus circuit. Our perfect visit takes in the outskirts of the city and the desert beyond: a land of camel herders, qawwali singers, ruined ghost towns and palm-fringed oases. Other destinations in this region India AgraThe home of the Taj Mahal, Agra represents the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire’s architectural achievements. India Amritsar (Punjab)One of India’s friendliest cities and the holiest site in Sikhism, with its hallowed Golden Temple and delightful maze of old havelis, bazaars & courtyards. India ChambalChambal is fascinating: tales of outlaws, river safaris, camel treks to ruined cities and villages full of haveli mansions — all totally under the tourist radar. India ChandigarhPurpose-built in the wake of Independence, Punjab’s capital is a yin-yang experience: Brutalist architectural masterpiece meets exuberant, surrealist art garden. India ChanoudStay at one of India’s most beautiful heritage properties and let the Singh family introduce you to their home, countryside and local community. India DelhiWhere do we even begin? Mughal monuments and British-colonial buildings are only the start: India’s capital is a whole world contained inside a single city. India DeogarhExperience the rhythms of rural Rajasthan in this unassuming town, where the descendants of Deogarh royalty welcome guests to their home. India JaipurCome for the flamboyant pink architecture; stay for the craft workshops, market-hopping, and non-stop street life. Jaipur earns its place in the Golden Triangle. India JawaiJawai is known for the peaceful coexistence of humans and nature: wild leopards living alongside Rabari herders in a wild, rugged and beautiful landscape. India JodhpurThe ‘blue city’ is one of Rajasthan’s most easygoing and enjoyable, with a dramatic desert setting and one of India’s most magnificent forts. India LucknowLucknow is one of India’s best-kept secrets. History, beauty, charm and culture for days — it’s up there with any city in Rajasthan, even Jaipur. India RamathraRamathra offers the unforgettable opportunity to stay at a Rajasthani fort, with spectacular views over the surrounding lake and countryside. Load More