In the past few days,lock down has changed our routine and our priorities. We now make time to speak to our friends/family and also enjoy the joys of home cooking. Most of all,though we aren't travelling we are hoping for the day where we can travel without fear and I dare say,now we will enjoy the process of travelling more than before.
On this note, I would like to share with you the last trip that I have embarked before the pandemic hit us- The Golden City, Jaisalmer
Travel Details:
Flight from Hyderabad to Ahmedabad and then over night bus journey from Ahmedabad to Jaisalmer
Day 1: Jaisalmer Fort-Gadisar Lake-Cafe the Kaku
This place can be best visited during the sunset hours. Boat ride along with the stories of the place narrated by the boat driver has been one of the best experiences in Jaisalmer.
Reached Jaisalmer around 8 am and took an auto to our hotel. It is pretty easy to travel around Jaisalmer, you can easily find a auto or a cab depending on your comfort and the distance you would want to travel.
Stay Details:Golden Sandstone Hotel(It is around 1-1.5kms from the fort but since it was easy to grab a transport we were okay with it. If you do not want to travel much to see the attractions you can choose one of the many stays in the Jaisalmer Fort itself)
Cost for 2: 3000/night
The first thing we decided to do was to grab some brunch and so we headed to the fort area.After having a fulfilling brunch we headed to the magnificent Jaisalmer fort. Also known as the Golden Fort it was bult in 1156AD. Inside the fort you will find people living there,restaurants,hotels as well as shopping. So,exploring the fort along will take you about half a day! (There is no ticket as such in order to enter the place). In case you need a guide,the place is filled with them and it would require no effort from your end.
For dinner, we headed to Cafe the Kaku where you will find the best night view of the fort. The food experience here has been amazing as well, though a little expensive.
Note: Make sure you bundle up before heading here as the outdoor seating gives you the best view, while the chill of the December air remains.
After spending the first half for the day sightseeing and shopping and as I was craving for the authentic thali of Rajasthan, we stopped by Jaisal Italy, a restaurant right next to the fort. With a fulfilling meal here and little more shopping, it was time for us to head to Mala Ki Dhani -a one of its kind experience!
After having a 'Pleasant' meal we headed toward 'Patwon Ki Haveli'.(It was about 800 m from the place so we just choose to walk). This place has an entry ticket (150/-) and again one of the busiest tourist attraction. For the shopping enthusiasts, the streets below offer a variety of stuff at cheap prices.
We started of the 2nd day with breakfast at Pleasant Haveli. Its a rooftop restaurant offering Indian as well as continental dishes. The aalo paratha and the masala omelet that we had here were very tasty! Also the place as such, is very scenic and serene at the same time.
Also,did you know that just outside the palace gates there is an official Bhang Shop? The person who runs this place is Known as 'Dr.Bhang' who explains the different options that they have along with the optimal usage.Saying so, the shop offers several kinds of Bhang Lassi,milkshakes and you can also get cookies for takeaway in different doses.
After an eventful morning, we headed into the city for lunch at The Trio. This place is sophisticated offering a wide variety of dishes.
Dish to Try: Lal Maans,which is a royal favourite of Rajasthan
For dessert head to the sweet shop right in front of the restaurant for some amazing jalebi.
Though the desert safari is not popular in winter season (you would not spot as many species of birds and animals) we decided to do it before leaving as 2 of our friends are interested in watching birds. So after having breakfast we headed into the Thar Desert.
Cost of Desert Safari : 5000/Jeep
The next place on our agenda for the day was to go to the Gadisar Lake. The place is heavily crowded with tourists (During new year's) and for the boat ride you would easily have to wait 20-30 mins.
Day 2: Patwon ki Haveli-Mala Ki Dhani
Mala Ki Dhani is located around 18kms on the outskirts of the Jaisalmer city. This place has only 4 mud houses with straw roof and the next closest village was approximately 2kms away!
Cost for 2: 950/night with dinner and breakfast
Travel Cost: 800/6 people
We spent the night chit chatting with friends around the camp fire.The food served is minimal, from the house of the locals(Do not expect restaurant kind of food)
Caution: Definite need for very warm clothes here,as there is nothing surrounding this place and the night temperatures are very low and very windy.
Also,there is only 1 outdoor washroom Indian style.
Day 3: Village walk-Sam Sand Dunes-Desert Camp
The next morning we walked towards the village 2kms away and met some villagers,spent some time clicking pictures with the kids.Also, If you are interested in camel rides they have the facility for it at the village.
For our next destination, we headed towards our stay for the night in the Desert Camp.
Travel cost from city: 3000/6 people (To and Fro; 45 kms one way)
Desert Camp: Rajasthan Desert Safari Camp (2000/Person with dinner and breakfast)
Dropping the luggage in our respective tents we headed towards the Sam Sand Dunes(This is part of the package). Here you get to do many activities like Camel ride,Jeep Safari and Quad Biking.Also,one may observe breathtaking views of sunrise or sunset at this place.
Night at the desert camp was spent watching a folklore dance show with camp fire in between. This performance was followed by dinner and then after a long day we retired to our rooms.
Caution: You will find strong winds here during the night but the tent is very well protected and as long as you are inside the room you are well insulated.
In the 2-3 hrs of our safari ride, we have spotted around dozen species of various birds and one fox along with the above amazing view of the desert with oasis in between.
All in all it was a very different and amazing experience for me as it was the first time for me spending time in a desert and also the first time getting sun burnt!
This is a short video on our travel in Jaisalmer, hope you enjoy it! Also, hoping that this article will give you insights into planning your next trip to Jaisalmer.
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