Jaisalmer, Rajasthan (The Golden City)

After Jodphur we headed towards the India/Pakistan border to the last main outpost in Rajasthan - Jaisalmer, "the Golden City." Jaisalmer was built by another Maharaja family in 1156. The oldest part is a massive golden sandstone fort that rises from the desert plains like a mirage. The hilltop fort is a ring of ninety-nine bastions. Inside, the fort is a maze of narrow alleys, beautiful havelis, temples, and of course includes a royal palace. The narrow, car/bike free alleys make for some wonderful wandering.

We were lucky enough to find a hotel inside the fort itself. Our traditionally decorated room had its own balcony right on the outer wall of the fort where we could sit in the evenings and watch the hustle and bustle of the new city below. 

The main attraction inside the fort is the royal palace, an elegant seven story building in the heart of the fort with magnificent views over the city. Within the walls of the city we found an old haveli (mansion house) which is being slowly restored by it's current owner. The haveli used to belong to one of the Maharaja's head honchos, so even in its run-down state you can see it's former glory and future potential. The owner runs a little curio shop with all sorts of treasures to raise money for the restoration process.

Outside the fort, we visited another Haveli. This one in fantastic condition. The haveli is now a museum so you can visit the rooms and see some of the artifacts that have been saved over the years – musical instruments, kitchenware, turbans, and letters to and from the British royal family. The views of the fort and the surrounding alleyways were pretty nice as well.

The fort has many rooftop cafes where you can watch the sun set over the desert. One evening, we were at our favorite spot and the locals were celebrating the end of a Hindu festival on the local polo ground directly below. As soon as the sun set it, was time to burn some statues and set off a few fireworks.