The further a person travels into Rajasthan, the more unimaginable the sights become. Jaisalmer would be a show stopper anywhere in the world with its massive fort rising out of the Thar Desert. This is one of Rajasthan’s most exotic and unusual towns. Built in 1156 by the Rajput ruller Jaisal, Jaisalmer Fort was built in the 17th century on Trikuta Hill, a sandstone outcropping rising 76m/250′ above the town. The wall alone has 99 bastions with palaces and incredible Havelis inside, along with 25 percent of the population.

The coloring of Jaisalmer is always a golden color that deepens into a deep honey close to sunset (when you get the best pictures without the sun’s harshness) and I could have probably spent days wandering the narrow lanes inside, capturing different photo angles, sitting and watching the people. I can’t help but think wouldn’t all of us “older” people just love to return to locations around the world with a digital camera in hand and the luxury to snap away without thinking twice? I thought coming home from Rajasthan with 10 rolls of film that had to be developed was excessive and now we return from far-flung adventures with at least 1700 digital photos and that’s after deleting the stinkers.

Jaisalmer Fort has four entrance gates: Akhai Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol. Each one is a sight to behold and known for its craftsmanship. The main attractions once inside are:

- the many exquisite Havelis, Raj Mahal (Royal palace), Jain temples and the Laxminath temple.

Part of the Jaisalmer’s charm is the ability to walk inside and outside the gigantic fort for different views…View image, but one of my favorite sights was the Havelis…View image. These Havelis were built by merchants in the 19th century and blew my mind. How did the artists ever manage to carve such delicate and intricate work into sandstone?

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