Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer (Hindi: जैसलमेर), the "Golden City", is on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. A desert safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience.

Key highlights:

1. One of the most magnificent attractions is the Jaisalmer Fort known as the "Sonar Kila" due to the yellow stone it was built out of.
2. Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila" as pronounced differently in parts of India.
3. Colourful shades of the setting sun and golden hues of the desert ambience give a fairy tale look to this mega structured fort.
4. The interior of this fort is amazing.
5. It is a 'working fort' meaning that unlike every other fort in India, there are people living and working within its walls.
6. Tourists can also visit many 'havelis' or Grand Houses of rich merchants, which are also having a touch of great classical interior and design.
7. There are numerous lookouts (at least five) within the fort that give a great view out across the city and desert.
8. A tour of the royal section of the fort is available from a starting point just to the right up the stairs as you enter the main square of the fort).
9. The audio tour is quite short, doesn't tell you very much information, and has advertisements in it - not a must, the view is what you come for.
10. They do charge ₹100 extra per camera.
11. There's little you'd want to take a photo of except the view from the roof, the highest part of Jaisalmer.