Jaisalmer – The Golden City

We arrived at Jaisalmer Station around 11.30am.  It was a gruelling 20+ hour overnight sleeper train journey from Delhi (Survival on an Indian Sleeper Train).

We met our convoy of jeeps which took us and our luggage to the base of the large fort walls.  The limited vehicular access into the walled fort meant a steep walk dragging our packs behind us.

Lack of sleep, the heat of the midday sun, combined with hundreds (and I mean hundreds!) of locals trying to enter the fort called for some serious testing of all of our patience levels.  We stood for some time at a ‘pinch point’ trying to enter the main gate through to the inner sanctum which is within the massive walls.

It was a hot wait to get through the main gate of the Fort

Accommodation

It was worth the wait.  The Deepak Rest House is situated right on one of the fort walls and well placed to experience all that Jaisalmer has to offer.  The building is over 350 years old with a stunning rooftop restaurant. The seating area was just amazing and we enjoyed our evenings in this amazing spot, overlooking the city and desert in the distance.

Our 350-year-old guest house with its amazing rooftop spot. Relaxing with our guide Kush.

Jaisalmer 

Nicknamed ‘The Golden City’, Jaisalmer is a World Heritage Site.  The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone and the Fort stands proudly above the city.  

Alleyways and architecture – a sandstone cityscape

Built back in 1156 The Fort has been the scene of many battles throughout the centuries. During the day the buildings are a tawny colour.  Just on sunset, it turns a magical honey-gold colour.  It became clear why they called it the Golden City.

Sunset turned Jaisalmer into the ‘Golden City’ as viewed from across the valley

Jaisalmer is situated within the Thar Desert.  More on this in my blog – Our Night in the Thar Desert.

There are approximately 3,000 people who reside within the walls.  Tourism and the area’s many military installations (Pakistan is just a few km to the west) are the pillars of the local economy.

It has an ancient water tank system.  Water is pumped up to hundreds of rooftop plastic tanks every morning.

Out and about in B&W

Exploring more of this amazing ancient town would have to wait as we had a couple of hours to shower, change and pack an overnight bag.  We were heading to the pick-up point in the Thar Desert.  We had a date with a number of camels.  It was time for our Camel Safari to our overnight camping spot in the middle of the desert.

Exploring the Golden City of Jaisalmer

We returned from our night under the stars in the Thar Desert.  It was time to explore more of what Jaisalmer had to offer.

The interior of the walled city is a labyrinth of narrow streets.  Lined with mirrored and embroidered textiles, clothes, brass wear and jewellery for sale.

The original traditional homes form the maze of narrow lanes.  They have intricately carved patterns and latticework which are made entirely out of sandstone.

In the centre of the citadel is the Jain Temples.  Built in the 12th and 15th centries, they were dedicated to various Jain Tirthankars (Hermits).  The area was extremely busy.  It is only open to tourists in the mornings.  We appreciated the structure from the outside.

Every corner of the wall offered up different landscapes and structures

We spent the rest of the day walking just inside the perimeter of the fort wall.  This gave us a changing panoramic view of our surroundings.  It made sense why they built the fort on this spot.  They would have seen the enemy coming from all directions.

We had a stunning buffet dinner on the rooftop of our guest house. The owner and his family dressed us up in local traditional ethnic clothing for the occasion.  

Our special rooftop dinner

Coming up is our next journey which is a 6-hour train trip to Jodhpur.

Click on the link below for a video on our highlights in Jaisalmer.