I packed my bags and headed to Delhi from Kathmandu, and upon reaching Delhi I took an overnight train to Jaisalmer. Upon reaching there, I instantly realized that Jaisalmer is a quiet city. Compared to overcrowded Delhi, this city feels like an oasis of calm. It exudes a sense of timelessness that you won't find in busy cities.
I had booked a room at Hotel Shahi Palace, a budget hotel, nearby the Jaisalmer Fort. Walking up to the view of the Jaisalmer Fort, which is at a height of 250 feet above ground level, 1,500 feet long and 750 feet wide, was a moment I'll never forget. The only living Fort in India was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler and it still has that aura of regality.
In the two nights and three days I spent there, I explored the city as much as I could. The Sam Sand Dunes was a sight to behold with the setting sun gleaming in the distant horizon, and at the Salim Singh Ki Haweli the intricate carvings had me staring at it in amazement. Gadsisar was another epitome of beauty in Jaisalmer apart from the Jaisalmer Fort.
Later, I took a train to Jodhpur. It was a six hour long journey that was worth the time and effort. This place was equally majestic. Once you see Mehrangarh Fort, you find everything tiny in comparison. The only downside of Jodhpur was that it wasn't a well taken care of city. The locals weren't that conscious about keeping their surroundings clean.
However, that doesn't take away from the fact that Rajasthan, on a whole, is a magical place. Visit it once and you won't be able to get the colorful lifestyles and spectacular views of sand dunes and forts out of your mind. It's forever etched in mine.
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Camel rides are quite popular among tourists in the evening when the view of the landscape is picturesque.
Tourists throng to the Dawn concert at Jaswant Thada in front of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur where locals play Rajasthani folk music.
The Blue City at Jodhpur. People paint their houses blue to ward off insects.
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A view of the Ranisar Lake in Jodhpur.
At Sam Sand Dunes (Jaisalmer), camels ferry tourists.
The never ending Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer.
Cultural shows, in the evenings, are also a major attraction of Jaisalmer.
Back view of Salim Singh Ki Haweli in Jaisalmer.
A vendor sells musical instruments in front of Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer.
The Jain Temple at Jaisalmer Fort.
The residential part of Jaisalmer as seen from 1the Jaisalmer Fort.
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.
