Jaipur’s City Palace is a city within the city. Its numerous courtyards are linked by magnificent gateways, high enough for the maharaja’s elephants to pass through.

Udaipur is built around two lakes - Pichola and Fateh Sagar. Lake Pichola is home to the world famous Lake Palace Hotel. A second island on Lake Pichola contains Jag Mandir Palace. Around its shores are the enormous City Palace, the Udaivilas hotel and many other beautiful havelis and ghats (lakeside quays). The light in Udaipur is crystal clear and shooting on the lake in one of the local shikara boats is a stunning experience. Dawn or dusk gives the lake a rosy glow and the famous skyline looks magical.

Jaisalmer, the Golden City, is about 250km west of Jodhpur, further into the Great Thar Desert. The area is famous for its desert landscapes and sand dunes. In spite of its arid surroundings Jaisalmer is home to the Amar Sagar lake/oasis and the stunning Amar Sagar palace which was built right on the lake side. The Golden Fort’s enormous ramparts dominate the city. The views out over the city from these walls are quite spectacular.