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.