JAISALMER is a remote outpost that was built around an oasis in the Thar desert by Prince Jaisal in 1156 (hence the name Jaisal-mer). The town, (only about 270 kms from the border with the Pakistan of today), became a major staging post on the “silk-route”, the busy caravan trade route from India west to Afghanistan & Central Asia. With its majestic fort, like a giant sand castle sitting on top of a hill in the distance, the ... (more)