Jaisalmer: The Desert City of Rajasthan

Sam Sand Dunes Jaisalmer

In midst of the colossal deserts of the Rajasthan, lies a City known as the “Golden city” or we call it the “City of Deserts”. Situated 223 Km’s from Jodhpur, 327 Km’s from Ajmer, and 487 Km’s from Jaipur, Jaisalmer has been an architectural highlight of the Yellow sand stonework, which is very much visible in the lands of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer has named after the Rajput Ruler Raja Maharwal Jaisal Singh, who founded the city in 1156 AD.

Rajasthani Men in traditional dress

Rajasthani Women in traditional dress

Jaisalmer has been an important contributor to the majestic Rajasthani culture. That is much visible when you walk down the streets, man in white or colorful turbans, woman in colorful Saris wearing silver jewelries highlighting the Rajasthani culture. Jaisalmer is always full or artists or travelers, traveling through the streets exploring best of all the places.

Traditional Cloths

Traditional Toys

The city is always full of travelers, exploring traditional shops, food joints, hotels and tourist spots, which are at every corner of the city. Few of the spots that counts among the best of places are, Patwon Ki Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes, Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Amar Sagar lake, Tanot Mata Temple and various Jain temples across the city. During my stay at Jaisalmer I was not able to cover all the 5 star spots, but yes made an attempt to a few of them, including Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, Patwon Ki Haveli and the huge traditional market of the golden city.

Jaisalmer Fort - Exterior

Jaisalmer Fort - Interiors

Jaisalmer Fort

Jharoka at Jaisalmer Fort

Experiencing Jaisalmer was altogether a different achievement for a photographer, there were moments of happiness while capturing the streets, moment of proud, and royalty while capturing the Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon Ki Haveli. What amazed me about the fort was, how lively people have made it, there are food joints, museums, hotels and traditional markets inside the fort only making it a vivacious place. As I was capturing the fort, I saw an artist painting the outer wall of restaurant inside the fort. Eager to see what he was painting, I climbed the stairs to know what exactly it was. I see a foreigner painting a portrait of Rajasthani men with a colorful turban. I asked him, what makes you do so, he answered I keep traveling to new places and keep meeting new people and Rajasthan, India feels the home to me. Therefore, further he continued by saying, I am learning Hindi and Sanskrit in India and for a matter of fact I keep visiting Jaisalmer every few weeks because of the people out here and the culture which makes me a happy person. 

Potrait of a Rajasthani Men - Painted by the artist

Later in the evening, I walked down the narrowed lane from the fort, connecting to Patwon Ki Haveli. As heard the place gets you experience the beautiful colors of Jaisalmer in the evening. The Patwon Ki Haveli is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the Haveli’s in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first Haveli raised in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single Haveli but a cluster of 5 small Haveli’s.

Patwon Ki Haveli - Exteriors

Patwon Ki Haveli - Interiors

The Patwon Ki Haveli is a symbol of the architectural work, which Rajasthan has recognized for, the carvings, the stonework highlights the royal Rajasthani culture and the great work and hardship of the workers of that era, which is difficult to see these days.  While I was standing at the rooftop of the Haveli, the yellowish/orange sky filled with birds sailing around the sun fascinated me to capture every bit of the sky. Apart from this the Haveli gives you a splendid view of the fort, the golden fort is enlightened with the sun rays spreading yellow color to its edges and to the vibrant city of Jaisalmer.

Patwon Ki Haveli - Terrace

Jaisalmer Fort - View from Patwon Ki Haveli

Sunset @ Patwon Ki Haveli

Architectural heritage of Jaisalmer amazed me at one place, what left was the immense desert of the "Desert City Jaisalmer". Therefore, next evening I planned an outing to the part of Thar Desert, known as Sam Sand Dunes. The place was full of Travelers, Photographers, Tourists, and Camel riders waiting for people to join them to experience the camel ride with a view of the sunset and vast experience of the Thar desert. As you reach the sunset point, you get an amazing view of the desert, I suggest if you’re a photographer, do not forget to carry your camera, as you would not want to neglect the photo shots at the moment. Apart from this, ask your Camel riders to get you an experience of the Camel race and ride to the other spots of Thar Desert.

Camel @ Sam Sand Dunes

Sunset at Sam Sand Dunes

Sunset at Sam Sand Dunes

Moreover, when you are over with the camel safari, do not forget to proceed to the restaurants nearby, to experience the traditional Rajasthani Dance form, Rajasthani food, and a few melodies of Rajasthani folk music. You would come across the one of the best dance forms of India, you will be surprised to see, how without a reaction the artists perform in pain, and making sure, the customers are delighted with the performance. 

Dance Performance by Rajasthani Artist

Note for Travelers: Do not pay more than 150 for camel ride; 300-400 for dinner + Rajasthani dance performance, cab will cost Rs 1200, if you are going to the sand dunes. Auto rickshaws are cheapest mode of travel in the city.