The Thar Diaries

Tripoto
15th Aug 2019
Day 1

Reached the camp early evening and set out for the Jeep Safari. Enjoyed the local music and sunset in the middle of the desert. And then some more performances in the camp under the moonlit sky!

Jeep Safari in Sam

Photo of SAM SAND DUNES, Sam, Rajasthan, India by Amrita Chowdhury

Some music under the setting sun

Photo of SAM SAND DUNES, Sam, Rajasthan, India by Amrita Chowdhury

Local artists performing at the camp

Photo of SAM SAND DUNES, Sam, Rajasthan, India by Amrita Chowdhury

The harmony of Khartal and claps!

Photo of SAM SAND DUNES, Sam, Rajasthan, India by Amrita Chowdhury
Day 2

Visited Kuldhara - a once prosperous village that has gained haunted status now. Set off to the Golden Jaisalmer fort - Sonar Kella next and walked up to the top through the colorful markets, rooftop cafes, the Jain temples with their awe inspiring architectures - to witness the Golden City from the top.
Visited Patwon ki Haveli, the largest Haveli in Jaisalmer which belonged to the brocade merchants and a witness to their lives then. Off  to the Nathmal ji ki Haveli next known for its exemplary design and symmetry despite the differences (if you catch them!). Later a quick visit to the Bada Bagh.

The remains of Kuldhara

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

The Jaisalmer fort guarding the town!

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

Entrance of the fort.

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

Going around the Sonar Kella

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

Jain Temples inside the fort.

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

One of the marvels of architecture here - the ceiling of the temple.

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

Can we get enough of such artistry?

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

A peaceful little rooftop cafe inside the fort

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

And this is why Jaisalmer is called the Golden City. A view from the top of the fort.

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

Portion of the Patwa Haveli

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

The glass work inside the haveli

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

View of the streets

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

From the terrace of the haveli

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

Just one of the shops to engage yourself in. There are many more.. colorful and buzzing with life!

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

Nathmal ji ki Haveli

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

A closer look - symmetrical yet different

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury

Bada Bagh

Photo of The Thar Diaries by Amrita Chowdhury
Day 3

A visit to Tanot Mata temple and victory pillar, 122 km from Jaisalmer and close to the Indo-Pak border. Back to Jaisalmer for the Gadisar lake and the last tryst with the Thar again for a camel ride in the sun setting sky.

Tanot Mata Temple

Photo of Tanot Rai Mata Mandir, Police Line, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by Amrita Chowdhury

Victory Pillar

Photo of Tanot Rai Mata Mandir, Police Line, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by Amrita Chowdhury

Gadisar Lake

Photo of Tanot Rai Mata Mandir, Police Line, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by Amrita Chowdhury

When in Rajasthan, make time for a puppet show

Photo of Tanot Rai Mata Mandir, Police Line, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by Amrita Chowdhury

Ghoda keeje kaath ka, Pag keeje Pashaan, Bakhtar keeje lauh ka, Jad pahuche Jaisan Lines to depict the difficult life in the desert.

Photo of Tanot Rai Mata Mandir, Police Line, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by Amrita Chowdhury

And one last tryst with the desert on the last day before we return back to our duties!

Photo of Tanot Rai Mata Mandir, Police Line, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by Amrita Chowdhury