Jodhpur & Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

This is the famed desert land of obscenely wealthy maharajas and maharanis: grand forts, castles and palaces; an inhospitable area populated by feared warriors, the turban-wearing Hindu Rajputs. Here camel trains criss-crossed the desert empire, nobleman homes were painted blue and Rajput maharajas enjoyed dozens of doting wives: all occasionally had to face jauhar, ritual mass suicide by immolation when military defeat was inevitable.

Rajasthan is many travelers' favorite area in north India; it is hot, dusty and fascinating to explore. The heat was unbelievable, reaching 45 degrees one afternoon. On average, I drank 6 liters of water each day. The birthplace of baggy 'jodhpur' trousers, it is still home to unique fabrics and woven tapestries.