Jaisalmer (India)

The ochre city with desert colors offers visitors a spectacular setting. It's one of my favorites in all of Rajasthan. Don't forget your camera; it will be essential. This fort that looks like a giant sand castle is an architectural jewel.

Many agencies offer tours in the desert.. I went on a 3-day, 2-night excursion on camelback in the Thar Desert. I will never forget this experience. The experienced feeling of being alone in this infinite desert is unique. I particularly remember the cold nights where I fell asleep watching the cloudless sky, while snuggled under my blankets. The cook, who was also our guide, told us stories and prepared the best dished for us, in the middle of nowhere. In short, I recommend it 100%.

If you have a long way to go to get to Jaisalmer, try to travel at night. The trains are comfortable and very affordable, to try out during a trip to India.

Compared to other towns in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer stands apart. The desert-facing Jaisalmer Fort is particularly impressive. It's one of many reasons why you should come here during a trip to India.

You have to pass through four, huge gates in the fortress so as to reach the Rajmahal Palace. It's not as lavish as those at Udaipur and Jodhpur. But you'll be impressed by the throne on which Maharajahs were once crowned. The golden sandstone of the palace is what makes it so distinct. At sunset, the atmosphere is magical. It's obviously less impressive than during its heyday, when fires would have lit up its golden yellow stone. History tells stories of women throwing themselves onto these pyres, to avoid being captured by enemy invaders. At the time, there was no other way to avoid being raped when the palace defences were broken. I also suggest you take a tour of the lower parts of the town, where you can lose yourself in its little streets and admire its mansion houses or 'havelis'. These were built by rich merchants, who decorated their homes with stunning, sculpted facades. They're works of art, each completed with an incredible finesse. Competition was strong; each owner wanting the best, the most luxurious and the most skilfully crafted. Patwah-ki-Haveli is the finest of them all.

To end your wonderful stay in Jaisalmer, you should head out in to the desert on camel back for a few days or hire a bike for the day - you could, for example, cycle as far as Kuldhara. A stunning ride that you shouldn't miss.