Jodhpur

Grandeur by the sand dunes - Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, Jodhpur was the capital of the princely state of Marwar, where the Rathor clan ruled. Set right at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is strewn with forts and palaces that go back to the 15th century. On top of a hill, at the edge of the town, looms the Mehrangarh Fort, giving it a touch of medieval majesty.

Mehrangarh Fort - His formidable hilltop fort is one of the most impressive in Rajasthan. A series of gates lead into it, like Jayapol built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 and Fatehpol or 'Victory Gate' erected by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate his victory over the Mughals. Inside the fort, see the palaces: Moti Mahal or 'Pearl Palace', Sukh Mahal or 'Pleasure Palace' and Phool Mahal or 'Flower Palace'.

Jaswant Thada - Marble cenotaph built in 1899 as a memorial to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II.

Ummaid Bhawan Palace - Built by Maharaja Ummaid Singh in1943, this marble and sandstone palace is an imposing sight. The museum here has a fascinating collection of antique clocks and miniature paintings.

Shopping - At Mochi Galli. Look for embroidered leather shoes, tie and dye fabrics, lacquer ware, antiques and puppets.

Cuisine - Try makhaniya lassie- a delicious creamy drink. And popular desserts - mawa laddoo, mawa kachori, dhood firni.

Festivals - Marwar festival, A cattle fair in Nagaur, Shitlamata fair at Kaga, Gangaur Fair at Pipar.

Jaiselmer

The magic of a golden fortress.

Centuries ago, Jaisalmer was on the camel trading route between India and Central Asia. It is a city that rises from the desert like a golden mirage. Dominating the view is the awesome citadel on the hill - a fort built with the golden yellow stone of the area. Jaisalmer is a visual delight. Wander through its lanes and discover the 'Havelis' with delicately carved stone facades

Jaisalmer Fort - Built in golden yellow sandstone, this fairy-tale fortress stands on Tricuta Hill. Still inhabited, there are palaces and bazaars within the fortress.

Havelis - Healthy merchants built these exquisite Havelis, with profusely-carved stone facades. Don't miss Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli.

Rishabdeviji Temple, Ashta Padi Mandir & Sambhavnath Temple - Dating from the 12th to 15th century, these three exquisite Jain temples contain a treasure of Jain manuscripts.

Shopping - At Manik Chowk, pick up woven blankets and shawls, mirror-work textiles, silver jewellery and block-printed textiles.

Festivals - Annual Desert Festival

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