Five Fantastic Experiences in The Golden City of Jaisalmer | Experience Rajasthan | StarLit Eyes!

The Golden City of Jaisalmer 

Hey guys! I'm back!!

It been two months since we last went on an adventure... You must be wondering where I've been? Well, I been through CHANGE! Change, the one definite constant in all of our lives. Let's talk about change for a bit before I take you to the next exciting destination in our journey of Starlit experiences. We've all been through change in our lives at one point or another. Sometimes that change is beautiful sometimes it's ugly or unexpected. Sometimes it's big, sometimes it's small. Sometimes it may be self imposed and sometimes it's not. Sometimes it teaches you a lesson and sometimes it rewards your efforts. Whatever the case may be, remember you will not stay forever but change is here to stay! So accept it with open arms and let it take you to your destiny!

I believe that's enough food for thought or philosophy (whatever you wanna call it 😜) for the day!!

Jharokho Ki Nagri Jaisalmer

Continuing with our Rajasthani adventures, let me take you to another amazing part of Rangeelo Rajasthan.... Jaisalmer!
Jaisalmer is also known as " Jharokho Ki Nagri" (literally meaning the Land of Windows) or "Golden City". The city gets its name due to it's several historical edifices adorned with " jharokhas " made with the famous locally sourced golden coloured sandstone. Lying in the middle of Thar desert, Jaisalmer is a tourist city with many local attractions. Here's a list of my top 5 Jaisalmeri experiences!

1. Jaisalmer Fort

Located within the city of Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer Fort is the primary tourist attraction of the city. The fort was built in the 12th century by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput ruler of Jaisalmer. In 2013, Jaisalmer Fort was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's most unique feature is that Jaisalmer Fort is perhaps the only living fort in the world. Nearly one fourth of the city's population resides within the fort. Apart from being home to the people of Jaisalmer, the fort also houses several artisan shops, restaurants and temples. The Jain Temples present within the fort walls are famously known for their intricate designs and magnificent architecture.

Another unique feature of the fort is it's tradition of painting wedding invitations on walls. It is believed that all the residents of Jaisalmer Fort are related to one another. Thus, when there is a wedding, all fort residents are invited. Instead of printing hundreds of paper invitations, it is customary for the bride and groom households to paint their outside house wall with a general invitation informing the fort residents of the impending nuptials!! Now, that's an eco-friendly idea😎

Filled with the hustle and bustle of tourists, vendors and residents, littered with vibrant colours, beautiful artifacts and exotic merchandise, Jaisalmer Fort is a sight to behold!

 

2. Patwon Ki Haveli

Located in Patwa valley, Jaisalmer, Patwon Ki Haveli aka Mansion of Brocade Merchants is a architectural feat. In a small lane, you'll find five mansions commissioned by Guman Chand Patwa, a rich trader of his time, for his five sons. What makes this a must see attraction is the extremely fine design of the mansion's facade. Made in Jaisalmer's famous golden yellow sandstone the havelis glisten in the desert sun and will serve as the perfect spot to take your next Facebook DP!! 

3. Desert Safari

The formidable Thar Desert with its miles long stretches of golden sand and big and small sand dunes is a treat to the eyes! A ride of the desert in a open jeep was a thrilling experience! Going up and down on the sand dunes was like sitting on a roller coster without a seat belt. We also danced with the Rajasthani folk dancers in the sand creating our very own version of Sridevi's hit desert song " Morni baga me dole"!!😂

4. Camel Ride 

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when you think desert (the sandy kind not the chocolatey kind). CAMELS!! Right! Riding a camel in the Thar Desert seemed like the thing to do. However, for me, this wasn't the fun activity I had expected it to be. From the moment I sat on the camel's back, I was terrified. So much so, that the normal 30 minute ride was cut to 10 minutes for me! Anyways, the rest of my family had a lot of fun and recommend it as a must do activity. I did take a picture sitting on the camel though, so it wasn't a complete waste😜 

It would have been a great photo, but it wasn't. If you could see my face, you'd know why I'm saying this!!!

5. Jaisalmer War Museum 

Built as a tribute to Indian Armed Forces, the Jaisalmer War Museum is on my must visit spots in Jaisalmer. Its maintained by members of the Indian Army. Monuments commemorating fallen soldiers, captured war tanks and writings documenting acts of bravery committed by our armed forces in battle fill you with a sense of pride and patriotism. A stream of patriotic songs playing in the background accentuates these nationalist feelings. 

 

That's all for our Jaisalmeri adventures! Keep watching this space for the next destination!