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Think Rajasthan, and you probably don’t think of a vast, sprawling desert – but travel into the remote west of the state and that’s exactly what you’ll find. The desert in question is the Thar, a shimmering wave of sand dunes and caparisoned camels that was once an important trading post on the Silk Route between China and the Central Asia. Today, it’s exotic and magical, the heady scent of spices never far away, and to visit is to enjoy camel safaris and alfresco nights in fairy-tale tented camps. But the real standout has to be the exquisitely-crafted Jaisalmer Fort and the sprawling, golden-hued city below. Built in 1156 by Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal and defended by 99 magnificent turrets, 4000 people still live inside the ancient fort walls today, and a wander through the twisting streets will reveal temples, ornate havelis and artisans peddling their wares.
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Rising from the Thar Desert like a mirage, this golden fortress city remains an oasis of living history where 4,000 people still reside within ancient walls. Narrow lanes reveal ornately carved havelis where merchant families once displayed their wealth in stone filigree balconies and painted courtyards. Camel safaris venture into rolling sand dunes for sunset views across an endless horizon, while evenings in desert camps bring folk musicians performing under star-scattered skies. The mysterious abandoned village of Kuldhara offers a haunting counterpoint to bustling bazaars, where artisans craft leather goods and textiles using centuries-old techniques. From the intricately carved Jain temples to cooling dips in Gadisar Lake, this frontier outpost captures the romance of Rajasthan's trading past.
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