The second I stepped off the train in Jaisalmer, I felt like I’d suddenly entered an Indiana Jones movie. The Golden City, the first stop on my three week trip through Rajasthan, India’s largest state, was sparkling in the sunlight. The giant citadel towered above us, growing mightily out of the desolate desert that surrounded it. Our guide Anant pointed up towards the fortress. “That’s where we’re staying.”

This was the first day in what turned out to be my favorite country I’ve visited so far. Sure, India is very “full on” as so many travelers have described it to me – crowded and dirty in most places, to be sure – but I found that it’s positives far outweighed it’s negatives. The country is chock full of wonderful sights, fascinating history, palaces so full of splendor they make Versailles look like a mud hut, stunning landscapes, gorgeous handicrafts, and the best. food. ever. ever. ever. EVER. 

It is, to use the most cliched travel writing phrase possible, simply magical. And Rajasthan was my majestic introduction to this dynamic country, a place I’ll never forget. But no matter how many words I write, they’ll never be enough to explain how beautiful this place is, so I’ve selected my best 40 photos from my time there.

Jaisalmer

The citadel from just inside the entrance gate.

Inside the citadel – isn’t the sandstone carving unbelievable?!

Exploring the inside of the citadel on the way to our hotel. I loved the narrow, windy streets without cars.

The view from my guesthouse room window. We were INSIDE the citadel!

From inside the fortress overlooking the rest of the town.

One of the havelis, or merchant homes in Jaisalmer. The sandstone carving was incredible.

Detail in a haveli window. The chilis are hung to keep out bad spirits.

One of the Jain temples inside the fortress.

The detail on the inside of a Jain temple.

So much gold sandstone in the golden city.

Thar Desert

After exploring Jaisalmer, we were off on an overnight camel safari in the Thar desert. Camels are feisty creatures, but it was fun leaving the golden city behind to sleep in the open air. I’ve never seen so many stars before!

This was my camel, Michael Jackson.

Heading into the desert, closer to the Pakistan border.

I WAS PHOTOBOMBED BY A CAMEL!

Why are untouched sand dunes so pretty?

Once we reached our campsite, it was time for a cold beverage…..

…..a Kingfisher, of course!

My bed for the night.

Jodhpur

We left the golden city for the blue city of Jodhpur, where many of the buildings (but not as many as I was expecting to see) were painted blue. We explored the fortress that overlooks the town and wandered the streets trying really hard not to sing that annoying Blue song.

Jodhpur’s fortress overlooking the town.

I’m blue ba da dee ba duh di, badadee bada di…

Heading into the palace fortress.

I never got enough of those arches.

Blue blue blue.

Kids playing in a stepwell, giant water wells that were built centuries ago. These cool architectural feats can be found all over India, but especially here in the desert.

Pushkar

We spent a night in the holy town of Pushkar, where we got blessed by a holy man on the lake (at least, he said he was a holy man….who knows) and spent some ciz-ash at the many market shops. It was packed with a few too many pushy foreign tourists for my taste (I don’t agree with viciously fighting shop owners over $1 on a tank top, but maybe that’s just me) but it’s still worth a visit if you’re spiritually inclined – it’s a major pilgrimage sight and a sacred place for Hindus.

There’s lots to buy in Pushkar, especially if you’re into hippie clothing and cheap leather purses.

Just follow the signs…

The holy lake was much calmer than the hectic shops that surround it.

Udaipur

After the chaos of Pushkar, we headed to Udaipur, known as the “Venice of the East.” It was exactly the chill out we needed! What a gorgeous city, full of things to do. We did a sunset boat cruise, an Indian cooking class, and checked out a traditional dance and puppet show.

Can you see why it’s called the Venice of the East? 

You get used to seeing cows wandering the streets.

We headed out on a boat cruise of the lake at sunset. Highly recommend!

The sun seems to shine a little differently in India – a hazy, warm light that fills you up from top to toes. Sounds ridiculous, I know, but it’s how I felt.

The palace, which we toured the following day, is also a 5 star hotel.

From inside the palace. Turns out most of the major cities in Rajasthan have gorgeous palaces….I felt like they never got old!

Splendor beyond splendor.

Jaipur

Our final stop in Rajasthan was Jaipur, where we gawked at yet ANOTHER amazing palace – the Amber Fort. I’m so glad it was the last one we saw, because I’d argue it was the most spectacular.

We stopped by the Pink Palace on the way to Amber Fort. It’s like the ultimate Barbie dreamhouse.

On our way into Amber Fort, passing an elephant. No big deal.

The mirrored glass and silver ceiling in the princesses’ rooms.

This is the desert, remember. The gardeners here are legit.

Have you ever been somewhere that completely exceeded every single expectation that you had for it? Tell me in the comments below!