Oasis outpost

With a little artificial lighting, the 'Golden City' of Jaisalmer, India, stays golden even in blue hour. Not far from the western border with Pakistan, Jaisalmer is a lively oasis in the Thar Desert. On the outskirts of the city lies Gadisar Lake, an oasis within an oasis. First excavated in the 12th century to capture precious rainwater, the lake fills seasonally, with water pooling below small temples near the shore. Though it's remote, Jaisalmer relies heavily on tourism. Visitors are drawn to the many ornate historical buildings perched on the lake and lining the streets.