Poised at the edge of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is blanketed in golden-brown sand, evocative of Arabian tales and legends. The town itself is a wonder: Studded with stone forts and palaces that resemble sand castles, the enchanting city is one of Rajasthan’s secret gems. Its sandstone ramparts, tanned to a honeycomb color by the setting sun of Rajasthan, have given Jaisalmer its reputation as the “Golden City”.
From the lakeside city of Udaipur, we head further north, deeper into the heart of Rajasthan. This region is known for its strong adherence to traditions of the past – man wearing colorful turbans, women in bright saris, cows roaming its streets. That’s precisely what makes Rajasthan such a compelling place to visit.
Jaisalmer Fort
Rising above the city of Jaisalmer is the golden-brown sandstone fort. From the fort, you can get a gorgeous panorama of the compact town and the surrounding Thar Desert. Jaisalmer’s skyline is packed with square sandstone housing and sharp towers of Hindu temples.
Embellished with latticed balconies, peacock-shaped windows and mosaic tiles, the fort resembles a lavish palace more than a battle ground. The old Maharajas’ (kings) sleeping area, throne and jewelry are all on display.
Jain Temples
Within the fort itself lies several Hindu and Jain temples, each dedicated to a different god. Admire the intricate carvings or give offerings to the shrines built within. While traveling in India, I have stumbled upon temples of distinctive background, beliefs and practices. Amongst them, the Jain temples in Jaisalmer are some of the most unique I’ve seen.
Lavish Havelis
Mansions built centuries ago have long lost their shine, but today, these havelis still stand strong, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the region’s prosperous past. The havelis’ intricately-carved exterior, elaborate latticed patios and beautiful fountains are evident to yesteryear’s glory.
Streets and People of Jaisalmer
Backdropped by the ubiquitous sandstone, the streets of Jaisalmer are beautifully livened up by colors. The bright red, purple, orange saris and turbans that Rajasthani people adorn contrast immaculately against a blanket of yellow.
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Great article. I'm taking part in a charity Rickshaw Race at the beginning of next year and the start location is Jaisalmer. We finish in Kerala 2 weeks later. Man it's gonna be one hell of a journey…
Wow a Rickshaw Race sounds very interesting! I can imagine it to be pretty rough. Good luck with that, and we\’ll definitely cheer you on!
Oh yeah it's definitely gonna be rough. But that's part of the adventure
Not just the palaces resemble to sand castles, the whole city looks as if it was made out of sand. I loved all those pictures but specially the one with the fountain.
a beautiful castle. interesting assessed in terms of culture or history
Ohh love all of those!! Pretty knobs make such a difference. We have a rllaey ugly piece of furniture that I\’ve had for ages and I just recently switched out the knobs and voila not gorgeous, but much, much better
The city as if, pigments itself with the golden yellow color of the loose sands and sturdy rocks. A saunter at the main market selling colorful dress materials, bedspreads, woolens, stone-carvings, ornaments, located right below the hill or walk on the lanes near Amar Sagar gate calls forth great charm.
“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca
Travel Job
Congratulations on your first year. I’ve just today discovered your blog, menotined on Chromasia, and I’m glad to have stumbled over. You’ve some magnificent work, in regards to both composition and processing. Some interesting subject matter as well. I look forward to stopping in daily from here out to see what you’ve got to offer.
The city as if, pigments itself with the golden yellow color of the loose sands and sturdy rocks. A saunter at the main market selling colorful dress materials, bedspreads, woolens, stone-carvings, ornaments, located right below the hill or walk on the lanes near Amar Sagar gate calls forth great charm.
“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca
Travel Job
That place looks amazing. It just got added to my wishlist.
I so loved Jaisalmer, my favorite city in the Rajasthan. My first time in India, I so miss it
Rajasthan is amazing this winters. To really experience Jaisalmer and the rest of Rajasthan stay in some of the most luxurious havelies and homestays of India. Visit http://www.tripvillas.com/holiday/villa/rajasthan… to check out what is available.
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Thanks Andi! Jaisalmer is my favorite place in India, esp its fort setting and honey color.