Mehrangarh Fort towers 400 feet over Jodhpur. Rudyard Kipling described it as “A palace that might have been built by Titans and coloured by the morning sun.” It is one of the best-preserved forts in India and the interiors are as stunning as the exteriors. Jodhpur is a charming city and offers a quieter alternative to Jaipur. The airport is just outside the city and has regular flights to Delhi and Mumbai.

In far western Rajasthan you can find the desert city of Jaisalmer with its massive fort. Jaisalmer Fort is also know as the Sonar Quila – or Golden Fort. Like Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort it dominates the city. In fact there is a town inside the fort itself, with old havelis, temples and restaurants.

Gwalior Fort in Madhya Pradesh is one of the oldest in India. Legend says that the first fort was built on the site in 3AD. The fort has been getting bigger and bigger ever since and now covers 3 square kilometres. On the top of a rocky outcrop above the city of Gwalior it is a dramatic setting.