After a wonderful day in Mount Abu our next destination was Jaisalmer as per our itinerary – Jaipur – Pushkar (via Ajmer Sharif Dargah) – Udaipur (via Chittorgarh) – Mount Abu (via Haldighati) – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur.
I was well acquainted with the name Jaisalmer and some of its characteristics since childhood just like every other Bengali kid who has seen the movie Sonar Kella by Satyajit Ray at least once in their schooldays. 🙂 Scenes like Feluda and company chasing a train through the desert mounted on camels or the little boy Mukul searching for his home of the past life inside the fort are unforgettable.
Anyway, it was a tiring 10-hour long bus journey through the scorching desert land. We reached Hotel Sudarshan, a budget hotel with room rates ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 700, at around 7 pm. The rooms were small but appointed with all the necessary furniture. There was a spacious marbled bathroom with hot and cold water supply. The most notable thing about Hotel Sudarshan is it’s traditionally designed interior and exterior. Jaisalmer Fort was clearly visible from the hotel’s rooftop dining hall.
Rajasthan is a large province and a versatile place with its exotic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and a plethora of remarkable architecture spread across its various cities and towns. If you want to experience Rajasthan beyond its royal legacy Jaisalmer is the place to visit.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is the oldest living fortified town in India. Today it is the main attraction of the place. The fort is now popularly called Sonar Kella or Golden Fort after Satyajit Ray’s movie Sonar Kella which was mostly shot in Jaisalmer. Our guide Mr Raju Sharma said Jaisalmer Fort was popularized because of Ray’s movie the story of which revolves around this fort mentioned as “sonar kella” several times in the movie.
When we reached the main gate of the fort its gleaming sandstone exterior turned golden yellow under the glaring desert sun.
Established in 1156 AD by the Rajput king Rawal Jaisal on top of Trikuta Hill Jaisalmer Fort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is dotted with a number of temples and mansions (called haveli in vernacular). We started the walking tour with the Jain temple decked in intricate stone detailing on exterior walls and columns. Inside you’ll see the statues of sacred Jain preachers (tirthankar) including the last and most well known Mahavira. The interior artwork is equally beautiful and reminded me of Dilwara Temple in Mount Abu.
We wandered along the zigzag lanes of the fortified town, visited some of the merchant havelis and Sonar Kella movie shooting spot, bargained at a craft shop and not to mention took a lot of photographs.
Some portions of the fort are in dilapidated state while some buildings and structures stood the test of time.
While we made our way to the main gate of the fort we came across this narrow alley which reminded me of Varanasi, the oldest living city in India.
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is another must see in the fort premise. The lake was created to store rainwater. Our guide said it is one of the largest manmade lakes in Rajasthan.
Note: The guides charge to show the lake, temple and fort was Rs 400 for our group of 28 people.
Camel Ride and Sunset
The evening was reserved for the most coveted as well as exciting event – camel ride and sunset watch in Thar Desert.
Folk Dance Performance
Next was an enthralling folk dance performance at Oasis Camp Resort. From dancing on a small metal platter while carrying 6-7 earthen pots stacked on top of their heads to walking on burning camphor the dancers did it all with their extraordinary skills. The entire show was mind blowing! I returned to hotel in complete contentment that night.
Note: The total cost of camel ride at the desert and folk music show was Rs 330 per person. The entire arrangement was done by our hotel’s travel desk.
Beautifully captured Moon. Jaisalmer was mesmerizing and your post just makes me relive it all the more 🙂 Love the post.
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Yeah…Jaisalmer has a unique charm! Thanks for the comment.. 🙂
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I liked your blog, nice pictures, I invite you to my blog:
http://dishdessert.wordpress.com
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Thank you for visiting my blog. Your blog is wonderful… too tempting, actually! 😀
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thanks
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Beautiful! I love the details in the buildings. Definitely want to visit Rajasthan the next time I’m in India 🙂
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Thanks! 🙂 You’ll fall in love with the place.
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Great Pics! Is the timestamp on your post correct? I want to give Jaisalmer a go in May 2016, but people keep telling me it will be too hot in that month!
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Great photos! Is the timestamp on this post correct? People keep telling me it’s too hot to do Jaisalmer in May but I want to give it a go! Thanks
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Thank you George! I visited jaisalmer in December 2013, and published the post more than a year later 😀 And yes, people tell you the right thing. Visiting Jaisalmer in May is like committing suicide 😀 so, be careful!
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Magnificent pictures! I’m blown away at all of the vivid colours! Thanks so much for sharing. I hope to visit this part of the world some day!
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Thank you for dropping by and giving your valuable comment. Rajasthan is a colourful place and you’ll love it if you visit. 🙂
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looks like you had a great time 🙂
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Yes…you’ve got it right 🙂
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That sunset looks stunning! I am also very fond of Jaisalmer.
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Yes, Jaisalmer has a unique charm. Thanks for dropping by, Mridula. I am glad you liked the pic. 🙂
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The pictures are beautiful Moon! The name Shonar Kella is truly justified…
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Yes… you are right 🙂 Glad to see you after a long time. Thanks!
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Getting back to blog hopping 🙂 take care girl!
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yes…you too 🙂
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What beautiful captures 🙂
Scarf Dress
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Thank you Ananya. I am glad you liked the post. 🙂
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You take some real awesome shots! Thanks for sharing. http://www.segmation.wordpress.com
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Thank you for kind appreciation. Glad you liked the photos 🙂
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Beautifullllllllllllll…..when I hear Rajasthan I curse myself of missing out on this state 😦 The details shared fantastic, the pictures so amazing….super post Moon 🙂
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Aww…don’t curse yourself …you can visit it next time you come to India, right? 🙂 You’ll fall in love with the place for sure 🙂 Love you for such kind words…boosts my confidence and enthusiasm.
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Lovely pics. You took me there again!
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Happy to know that 🙂 Thanks Indrani
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Ohhh!! The sunset!!
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🙂
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Love the pictures. So very beautiful Moon.
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Thank you for kind appreciation Somali
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Beautiful pics…Great post.. 🙂 Thanks for sharing..
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Thank you UK 🙂
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I am already in love with Rajasthan (particularly Jaisalmer). Stunning shots!
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Me too 🙂 … rajasthan is enchanting! Thank you
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Magnificent buildings and pleasant palette of colors – this post is a real visual treat.
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Thank you Antonina. I am glad you liked the post.
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So much Gold in the photos! 😀
Lovely pictures and beautiful accounting. As a matter of fact, logue of my Jaisalmer trip is coming soon on my blog too!
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Hahaa… enough for wedding jewelry, no? 😀 Jokes apart, thanks for dropping by. Would love to read your travelogue on Jaisalmer. Happy trip!
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Nice Pics
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Thank you 🙂
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