Jaisalmer, founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal and located in the midst of the Thar Desert near the India-Pakistan border, is covered with golden sand and practically every home is built with the yellow Jaisalmer stone, earning it the nickname “Golden City.” The city retains its age-old air of bravery and majesty. The contrast between the vibrant Rajasthani dress and the city’s golden surroundings is striking. Jaisalmer, which literally means ‘the Hill Fort of Jaisal,’ is a location where camels abound. An iconic hill-fort rises above the city with imposing walls that house some of the best instances of par-brilliance inscriptions.

Jaisalmer has evolved from an important town along the historic camel-train route that went through India and Central Asia to one of Rajasthan’s largest cities and a famous tourist destination.