Two days in the Golden city, Jaisalmer
From the never ending sand dunes to ancient forts and fortress, Jaisalmer has everything in it’s pot. You will see a peep of culture perfectly in contrast with the monochromatic or toneless desert lifestyle giving it’s all colors.
We not only experienced one of the beautiful sunsets in the vast expanse of Thar desert, but also met interesting personalities during our trip to Jaisalmer.
As I said, it’s not just about the breathtaking views, Jaisalmer had got many more things for you to experience.
Look in awe at the majestic sight of Jaisalmer fort
Standing proudly on Trikuta hill in the endless sands of Thar desert, the mere sight of majestic Jaisalmer fort is definitely going to make your heart pound.
Made of rich yellow sandstone, indigenous to this area, this fort is one of the largest living forts in the world. The locals often refer it as Sone Ka Quila(Golden fort).
This fort indeed depicts the sheer strength of man kind of bygone eras.
This is one of my favorite things to do in Jaisalmer. Walking the lanes of fort to give yourself a glimpse of the lives of culturally rich people.
If not for the walk, we would have never got to interact with shop keepers who carried the rich heritages of Jaisalmer.
Treat yourself to the interesting vistas at every corner
Go on a shopping spree!
Colourful dresses, shawls, umbrellas, handmade items, interesting souvenirs, showcase items, artificial jewellery, camel leather bags, mirror work pieces, and the list goes on. Name anything, you will find it in the lanes of Jaisalmer fort.
Indeed a shopaholic favorite place!
Explore a house inside Jaisalmer fort
This one was not a planned one.When we saw people entering the house and the entry fee was just Rs.50, we just put ourselves inside to see how the old Rajasthanis lived. But what came in as a pure surprise was that there was a place put up very neatly in a marwari style, where you can take photos.
Explore the havelis of rich merchants
When a renowned trader of Jaisalmer in 19th century, Patwa, came up with an idea of building mansions for his five sons, he ordered them to be started. It took around 50 years for it’s construction that the father Patwa had passed away before the havelis got completed.
So thus formed the Patwon ki haveli, a combination of five havelis each with a distinct quality of it’s own. Now these havelis mirrors the rich beauty of yesteryear.
Patwon ki haveli is such a beautiful master piece that shouldn’t be missed in your Jaisalmer tour. I was mind blown at the mere imagination of rich merchants who had lived over there years ago.
Though the fort was packed with palaces,houses, havelis and temples, what took my heart was those beautiful handicrafts hanging all around the fort lanes.
Inquistive to know why these handicrafts stole my heart? Read about my tryst with a shop keeper selling Patch-works.
Watch a puppet in the making
Puppet show is a popular sighting in Rajasthan. The colourful handcrafted wooden puppets hanging together are a pure delight and can make it to be a perfect souvenir.
But the best part was that we got lucky enough to have watched the same puppet in the making.
Always a lake or a water system in a city or a town amazes me like no other. Proper water management system is a lifeline of any city.
Not only that, it also serves as a favorite part of the city where people unwind for the evening. Gadisar lake was one such lake with some brilliant vibes.
Disappointed, paid the hefty amount of INR 100 per head and walked fast to catch a glimpse of colour painted sky atleast. But guess what? Things got better, when we saw crowd melting away from the place after sunsets, giving us an offbeat Bada bagh.
And we were happy to have the whole place all to ourselves.
Is that how we find an offbeat place in a touristy corner? Just play with the time.
Desert experience like no other
The thing about desert is that it looks like a place lost in time, surrounded by nothing but sand.
We sat on a camel’s back and enjoyed the vast expanse of Thar desert coming to life in the evening.
Adrenaline junkies! Yeah we went for dune bashing. We winded up the day seeing the desert wearing the jewel of stars in the night.
During our stay in Thar desert, we were treated with incredible sunset and sunrise. A detailed post on my Desert Odyssey in Jaisalmer!
Treat yourself to exotic veggies with a brilliant view
Ker – Berry, Sangri – Beans. These two unique variety of beans and berries which grow abundantly in Rajasthan, are stir fried with local spices. That’s the story of scrumptious Keer Sangri ki sabzi.
Pair it with rotis for a perfect delight.
Forgot to mention! When in Jaisalmer, though cliched, it is always “Food with a brilliant view”. Want to know what I am talking about? Have a look yourselves guys!
