Whenever I hear the words sun and sand, it usually ends with ‘sea’. Or perhaps because I had never experienced the relationship of sun and sand, to know what it has to offer to the beholder. And such chemistry is best witnessed in the endless stretches of a desert. Never having visited the desert of our very own Rajasthan, I lapped up the opportunity when it came by. I had to be in Jodhpur for an event and I had a long weekend before I had to fly back home. This gave me enough time to explore the Golden City of Jaisalmer.

Reaching Jaisalmer

When traveling from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, I passed through the hinterlands of Rajasthan. This was where I found the true character of the state. Crossing the lesser towns and villages like Guman Singh Pura, Phalsund, Bhainsara, and Devikot. Once I reached Jaisalmer, I availed of a reliable car rental in Jaisalmer with an experienced driver, who would know the right places to show to a first-time traveler and allow me to take a deep dive into the city’s real authentic vibe.

The best of Jaisalmer

The very thought of basking in the glow of winter sun or lying under a starry night in the middle of a vast desert and walking the historic desert trails on a camel can give you an adrenaline rush, doesn’t it!. Amidst exploring the historical sites, learning about the local culture, and indulging in classic Rajasthani food, my weekend pretty much covered the best of what Jaisalmer has to offer. Here you check for the best Jaisalmer day out activities.

Jaisalmer Fort

The cynosure of the town, this 12th-century fort, also called the Golden Fort, has found a place in pop culture, movies, and literary works. Built atop the Trikuta Hill, it is one of the largest forts in the world and one of the biggest in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort proudly sat in the middle of the great Thar Desert, looking like a giant lion overlooking the jungle. The massive yellow sandstone walls enclosed fortresses, ornate temples and palaces. There were four major gateways to enter the fort interiors, namely, Ganesh Pol, Rang Pol, Bhoota Pol, and Hawa Pol. On seeing up close, I was moved by the fort’s architecture. A harmony of Rajputana and Islamic styles, the intricately carved pillars, sculptures, and arches were marvelous and awe-inspiring. The Maharawal Palace and its parallel Tazia tower were the highlights of Jaisalmer Fort. There was also a museum displaying weapons, arms, royal clothes, and antique memorabilia.

Nathmalji Ki Haveli

At about 500 meters from the fort, this 19th- century mansion stood like a real-life painting. Although not a royal building, it was a renowned site of Jaisalmer and known for its delicate architecture. Owned by Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the property also once served as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer (when it was a princely state). There was a strange thing that I noticed, which perhaps makes this building unique. The two sides of the mansion look similar but not identical. It is said to have been built by two brothers who started building it simultaneously. The façade displayed folk art motifs, with carvings of birds, elephants, flowers, steam engines, and soldiers, and two huge elephants guarding the entrance. The stone-carved screen windows of the mansion are known to resemble magnified versions of famous pieces of royal jewelry.

Gadisar Lake

I ended the first day at the beautiful Gadisar Lake, about a couple of kilometers from the fort area. Like most water bodies of Rajasthan, the Gadisar Lake was also artificially cut out. But over the years with rainfall, the area has become the most refreshing natural zone of the town and a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. The lakeside promenade seemed like a popular place to sit and enjoy sunset views or visit the sacred temples on its embankments. One has to go through the beautiful archway called Tilon Ki Pol, to get to the lake. There were boating facilities for those want to sail around and get a view of the city skyline. The lake also becomes a bustling site during the local Gangaur festival.

Sam Sand Dunes

How could I leave without walking the desert trails, through the dunes? The next day, I headed for the Sam Sand Dunes. About 40 Km from Jaisalmer town, this was on the edge of the Jaisalmer Desert. The road through the town to the desert was once a part of the historic Silk Road, leading traders, merchants, and caravans between the continents. As soon as we touched the desert area, the surroundings changed drastically. With almost no vegetation or human life (except for tourists on camels or cars), the Sam is a remarkable stretch of sweeping dunes extending for three kilometers but looked infinite to my naked eyes. Here, I left the car and took a camel ride, swaying on the humpback through the sunset, I felt almost like a Bedouin.

While most cities of Rajasthan are predominantly a portrayal of the state’s royal legacy, Jaisalmer lets you see its landscape in its rawest form and enjoy the ultimate desert vacation. Booking a highly-rated Jaisalmer taxi service made the trip all the more worthwhile.