Traveling is a way to grow as a person. You experience new people, new culture and new food. This helps to open your mind towards everyone and you start respecting each others culture. India is land of multiple cultures, language and landscape. Understanding India is an affair of lifetime.
Jaisalmer lies in western end of the country in the royal land of Rajasthan. Its fame has traveled all over the world through movies, pictures and multiple other ways. Rajasthan is the most favored destination for both Indian and International visitors. Jaisalmer is famous for the astounding “Sonar Killa” which stands like a symbol of power amidst the golden sands of “Thar Desert”. The golden city of Jaisalmer is marvelously decorated by constructions carved out of sandstone, which gives a awe-striking view of the city from the fort.
Places to Visit:
Sonar Killa or The Golden Fort: The dignifying structure at the centre of the city, constructed in 1156 AD which still holds ages of history of Rajput Rawal rulers. The walls of the fort speaks all it has seen if you have the patience to listen, like stories of its constructions, the incredible design of drainage, life of the rulers and much more. Amazingly, the fort is still inhabited by people except a few areas identified for museum and tours. But this present in-habitation is somehow acting as a slow poison for the structural integrity of fort.
Desert Safari at Sam Sand Dunes: A must do here ! You have two options. You can book a tent directly at the desert camp or stay in the city and avail the safari facility where they take you to desert camp from your hotel at early evening. Then, you go for Desert jeep safari and Camel rides, to finally return to camp where you get traditional welcome for folk musical night. Don’t forget to appreciate the musicians with applause. The party ends with rustic local food for dinner. Its delicious !The whole thing goes a bit heavy on pocket, around 8k per couple including stay (its less during off peak times), but still its a must do !
Gadisar Lake: Noted for its morning sunrise, this place is an artificial lake, presently fed by Indira Gandhi canal. The beauty of the place is due to artistically carved gates known as “Tilon ki Pol” and temple banks or so called the “Jharokhe”. The lake has lot of cat-fish and you can spend time feeding them. Now the warning, the place stinks at many areas due to stupidity of people living there and there’s always the possibility of you getting your feet into shit, the real once.
Haweli of Jaisalmer: Many prominent businessmen have constructed marvelous eye catching residencies with showcases their status and class that can even bring down our beloved Ambani sir. The constructions most prominently visited is Patwon ki Haweli, Nathmal ki haweli etc. Each site has entry fee like Rs 20 for Patwon ki Haweli. But beware ladies, you may get tempted to do some shopping from shops inside the haweli. Please avoid ! Small memories can be purchased from stalls outside the complex.
Mandir Palace or City Palace or Badal Mahal: A prominent architecture in the heart of the city, well known for the beautiful Tazia Tower which is easily visible even from roads around it. The entry fee is at the higher side at Rs 160, plus additional photography charges. (sad). So i enjoyed it only from the outside, gives you a pretty good view and idea of the construction. Major part of the palace is now a heritage hotel, a costly one.
Kuldhara: More celebrated as the Ghost village of Jaisalmer. It houses many abandoned and damaged constructions which can be easily imagined as a rich and prosperous locality. Then, what turned it barren ? Some say Curse, some say Famine. Go and experience it and tell me if you get the answer ! It can be visited on the way to Sam sand dunes. But do visit. Not a magical place but worth having a memory.
Jain Temples: There are many decorated jain temples across this place but the noteworthy is the one inside the golden fort. Intricate designs and carving makes it world visiting.
How to reach here
Trains ! Always my option. Many trains ply from Delhi and Mumbai. It will always better you visit Jodhpur first, and then reach Jaisalmer by train or by road. Flight options to Jaisalmer is less. Your arrival to the mighty Thar will be announced with sandy winds that even reaches your train seats, face and mouth. That’s a feel good discomfort !
Where to say
Depending on your pay-scale, all options are available. You can avail royal treatments at Marriott, Lalgarh fort, etc but I have opted for Hotel Mystic and Hotel Haveli, which are bit less on pocket but offers a brilliant stay. But yes, during peak seasons of diwali festival and winters the costs can go really high. So, if you are looking for a budget friendly trip, bear a little sun and visit during September and October (before Diwali).
Who should visit
Almost everyone can as it has all things to offer. Culture, night music, food but yes ! you will get all in the authentic jaisalmiri and local ways. Enjoy that !
No. of Days: 2 Nights, 3 Days for a comfortable visit
Don’t Miss:
Fateh ki Kachori near Fort gate. Heavenly taste ! Forget carbs for one day. The sweet shops are also good.
Beware:
Many Handloom shops are using fake government tags to sale things are ten times the actual price. My Suggestion, just buy things from street side shops and keep the mass shopping for Jodhpur or other places and yes, never believe if a rickshaw driver if he says “Get your shopping done here, Its a ‘government’ run shop”.
Personal Experience at Jaisalmer
It is always said, “Its not the place you visit, Its the people with whom you visit makes the visit memorable”, stands true here. Mr. Barkat Khan, actually he is the owner of Hotel Haweli, an unknown guy for us that time, assisted us in this journey as our host, a driver, a travel partner, and finally our friend who converted this trip into a everlasting happy memory. These small incidents with new people .. that’s travel is all about.
In minds of many, Jaisalmer can be imagined as foreigners and wealthy man’s visit. Its not so. Just you need to adapt cheaper time-line like August and September, which can be quite a pocket friendly time. So, next time you plan a memorable trip for your family, check Jaisalmer !
Cheers to family time !
