Jaisalmer, India’s desert city located in western Rajasthan, is a place brimming with history. Dubbed “The Golden City” for its yellow/gold hued sandstone buildings, Jaisalmer was founded in 1156 AD in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city originally consisted of just the fort, sitting atop a hill, and was once a royal palace.

At its height, Jaisalmer Fort became an important hub for international trade as it sat at the crossroads of major trade routes, including the famed Silk Road from China to Western Europe. Merchants and traders would often gather here to group up in large camel caravans for safety in numbers before attempting to make the dangerous journey across the desert. With the rise of maritime trade, Jaisalmer eventually lost its economic influence, but has been revived in recent times as a popular tourist destination for its fascinating history and heritage.

Today, the city has expanded and developed around the fort as the population has increased, but several thousand people still reside within the fort itself. The streets, both inside and outside the fort, are lined with golden buildings, narrow alleyways, vibrant markets selling handmade goods, and an abundance of rooftop restaurants with panoramic views of the city.

Featured: Sunrise viewed from Jaisalmer Fort, overlooking the city below.

Image 1: Jaisalmer Fort sits atop a hill that towers over the growing city below.

Image 2: An old cannon guarding the fort from sieges during its prosperous times.

Image 3: A street market outside the fort selling souvenirs, textiles, and other handmade goods.

Image 4: Inside the gate of Jaisalmer Fort.

Image 5: The man-made Gadisar Lake, an oasis for animals and desert travelers, and a scenic spot to watch the sunset by boat for tourists.

Image 6: Jaisalmer Fort lit up at night, viewed from a rooftop restaurant.