The Incredible India 5-years before Covid-19 (Part 10)
Jaisalmer is well-known for its golden sand dunes and structures built with golden honey sandstone.
It’s located in the Thar Desert (the Great Indian Desert) and is just over 150km away from the closest border of Pakistan.
Jaisalmer has the most exquisite architecture I’ve ever seen in my life.
Patwa Ki Haveli is a cluster of five large havelis (mansions) in Jaisalmer and is the first and the largest haveli in this city. It was built in the early 1800s and took over 50 years to be completed!
You can go inside the haveli for only ₹100 ($1.30)!
We were absolutely mind-blown walking around the city of Jaisalmer because of the buildings’ intricate carvings. It was just so unbelievable!
It’s well known that cows are believed to be sacred in India, so expect them almost everywhere!
While strolling around the streets of Jaisalmer, a cow decided to give itself a bit of a stretch when I happened to pass by in front of it, so I ended up being pushed by its head!
Jaisalmer Fort is an ancient architecture that was built in sandstone in 1156 and is the 2nd oldest fort in India!
Unlike other forts of Rajasthan, this fortress has a museum, shops, restaurants, residential accommodations, and hotels.
Booking.com
Wandering inside the fort felt as if we were traveling back in time.
The Gadisar Lake sits just 2km away from the fort and was once the sole reservoir that supplied water to the dry city of Jaisalmer!
The entrance to the lake is marked by a carved yellow stone archway known as the Tilon-ki-Pol Gateway.
I don’t mean to be cheesy, but isn’t this romantic or what?
Jaisal Italy Restaurant was indeed the best spot for dinner.
To top off this evening, we tried the famous happy lassi at the Bhang Shop just right outside the fort.
Desert Camp
The whole camel ride experience was the coolest thing ever yet nerve-racking! Let me explain to you:
1. Getting on the camel: First, the camel was commanded to lower itself down for the passenger to ride on it. Next, lean back and hold on to your life as the camel stands up. You’ll feel as if you’ve left your soul down on the ground.
2. Riding the camel: Great picture right? I was stiff as a statue or else I’d fall 6 feet above the ground onto a cactus or some other spiky plant.
3. Getting off the camel: Of course, once you’ve reached the campsite, you have to get off your camel. Time to lean back again and brace yourself as the camel quickly sits down. This time, you’ll feel as if you were on a roller coaster ride and you’ve reached a sudden drop.
Nevertheless, it was dope!
We had a lovely dinner prepared by these master chefs!
We watched how incredibly the moon rose that night and had it as our lamp for the whole night.
That time, I didn’t even know that there is actually a moonrise, I thought the sun only does that!
The sunrise.
Breakfast!
We needed to leave the desert before we burn to death.
Our time in Jaisalmer had reached the end. Sigh!
What are other things to see in Jaisalmer? Please share them in the comment section!
Where we stayed
We stayed at The Wanderlust Guest House, the biggest room and most beautiful hotel that we’ve ever stayed in India for only ₹450-₹500 ($6.15-$6.85) a night. It’s only 1.3km away from Jaisalmer Fort!
They picked us up at the train station for free! They’ve got a cozy rooftop! They arranged the Desert Camp for us! Oh, and they’ve got hot showers y’all!
How to get to Jaisalmer
By Train
Take a train to Jaisalmer railway station (Station code: JSM).
Check the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation IRCTC’s official website for train schedules and online ticket booking
Or you can download the IXIGO app, IRCTC’s official booking partner right on your mobile phone for a more convenient train booking!
By Air
Jaisalmer Airport is 17km from the city center and operates only domestic flights. Like all airports, prepaid taxis are available at the terminal.
The final stop: The capital city – NEW DELHI
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Disclaimer:
We’re not sure if the hotels and restaurants in the blog are still open due to Covid-19.
Please help us know by writing in the comment box
Nevertheless, we encourage everyone to support them if ever you visit India as we enjoyed their warm hospitality!