What an exotic place to be just at the start of a fresh year. As rightly called the Golden City, Jaisalmer with its enchanting views and delicacies have amazed me inextricably.

It was an unplanned vacation…just a break from regular hustle bustles of life. One of my friends suggested that February is an ideal time to run away to discover the beauty of the yellow. So, I and my husband planned to head towards Jaisalmer. We took the railway route as it would be more convenient and give a feel of holidaying. We could feel the amazing smell of this culture rich city as soon as we stepped down at Jaisalmer junction. Our stay was planned at a homestay for three nights and three days to soak in the culture and the historical beauty of this place.

Exploring the City

Our first stop was the astounding Jaisalmer Fort and the Gadisar Lake. We boated on the lake for quite a while and then the most awaited place. A woman’s favorite place can be none other than a shopping destination. How I extravagantly spend on the beautiful embroidered shawls and the bandhej mirror work dupattas. And then a few home décor antique stuffs. On our way back we stopped to witness the most beautiful show of my life till date. I am talking about the puppet show which is a traditional art form and source of entertainment in Rajasthan. Then what we saw was a spectacular and eye catching sight of lissome women wearing colorful clothes decorated with mirror and embroidery, balancing a column of brass pots on their head and swaying in time to the traditional melody. We enjoyed the folk music and the dance of these ladies who were like simply awesome and not for once did they hold their brass pots to balance. Geniuses!! Back at our homestay we were served an elaborate authentic Rajasthani food which was delicious, to say the least.

Camel Safari

With the camel safari planned, we were filled with more enthusiasm and expectation. The golden sand and the camel ride remains an unforgettable journey etched in our minds. A camel cart accompanied us carrying the essentials. What a ride to the Sam Sand Dunes, but having covered 40 kilometers up and down was very tiring, so once we were back, we rested at our beautiful and homely homestay.

Outskirts of the City

The next day we moved to the outskirts of the city. We went to the famous Amar Sagar Lake, an ancient five storied haveli famous for its outstanding murals. The Bada Bagh Jaisalmer is known for the three beautiful things – a garden, a tank and a dam. We also saw the Cenotaph known as chattris.

Every monument in Jaisalmer has a story behind it, an unbelievable history of our past. After having a visual treat we went to the famous restaurant ‘Trio’ for dinner. The next day, we had our flight back home. Our short trip to Jaisalmer gave us a lot, the colorful visual treat, a trip back to our ancient history, outstanding handicrafts, mouth-watering and spicy Rajasthani food, a warm and friendly host at our homestay, and the beautiful temples. In true sense, Jaisalmer is the Golden City of Rajasthan.