India offers immense climatic diversity and topographical varieties. Deserts form the backdrop of many a legend in India, and in the present times, are touted as destinations of tourist interest.
The Thar or Great Indian Desert is an arid region (800 km) long and (400 km) wide, in North West of India and East of Pakistan, between the Indus and Sutlej river valleys on the west and the Aravali Range on the east. Largely a desolate region of shifting sand dunes, broken rocks, and scrub vegetation, it receives an annual average rainfall of less than 25 cm. The sparsely populated region has a pastoral economy. Through the extension of canals fed with Sutlej and Beas waters, irrigation has reclaimed some land for agriculture along the northern and western edges.
Nothing can prepare the visitor for the sheer magic and brilliance of the desert cities of Rajasthan. The camel rides on the sand dunes are an unforgettable experience as are the sunsets. These places boast of some very fine reminders of the glorious past - palaces, forts, temples and other elegant monuments of architectural and historical value and unforgettable treat for any visitor.
Rajasthan still retains an elusive fairy-tale character. It is a land where tales of valour of its medieval Rajput warriors are still sung by its traveling bards. Rajasthan is the 'Land of the King'. Opulent palaces dot the desert landscape and battle-scarred fortresses appear on every hill like sentinels of the past. Here, folk culture still retains all its color and vivacity with exuberant celebrations of fairs and festivals, a music that echoes across the desert emptiness and a tradition of craftsmanship with a highly developed aesthetic sense
Begin your desert adventure at Jodhpur, a fortress-city at the edge of the Thar Desert. Then travel to Jaisalmer to see its unforgettable golden fortress. The trade route outpost of Bikaner still retains a medieval flavor and the route to Barmer will take you through typical Rajasthani villages.
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. 
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 
