In a place where yellow sandstone buildings imbue a golden light to the city, one can’t help but believe in magic. The expert craftsmanship of the historical architecture of Jaisalmer makes the stone come alive; there are stories etched into the carvings, and regality transcends time. Just standing in one of the palace gardens can transport you to the old world of royalty, imperial celebrations, and ethnic luxury.
THE PALACES
A series of palaces, Patwon ki Haweli is now a museum where you can see the furniture and artwork of the nineteenth century. It is a journey through the olden times as you are also educated on the lifestyle of the people who inhabited Jaisalmer in the 1800s.
Jaisalmer Fort, also known as ‘Sonar Kila’ (‘Golden Fort’), rises from the sand and is unified with it by the golden hues, but the beauty of the fort is seen when the setting sun shines on its walls and the Sonar Kila truly has a divine, regal glow.
Two hawelis you can’t go wrong with are Nathmal Ji ki Haweli and Salim Singh ki Haweli, both of which are known for the marvels of their intricate carvings. Stories go that two brothers designed Nathmal Ji ki Haweli—each brother took one side, and the result was an impeccable symmetry of design. Salim Singh ki Haweli is famous for its arched roofs that are supported by carved brackets shaped like peacocks.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
For wildlife enthusiasts, Desert National Park is the ideal place to enjoy nature. It gives a home to one of the world’s heaviest flying birds–the endangered Great Indian Bustard, and also has fossil evidence that dates back to the Jurassic Period.
The Desert Safari is the most exciting way to live the Jaisalmer adventure. With night camps and bonfires as a part of the package, it is the true exploration of the city in all its glory—wild, or glamorous!
The Gadisar Lake is a manmade water reservoir that was constructed by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer. In the olden days, it was the only source of water for the city. With artistically carved structures emerging from the water, the lake has an ornamental essence to it which makes it a beauty to watch during the sunset.
CUISINE
The food in Jaisalmer enchantingly captures all the beauty and rich history of the city in just one bite. From the spicy Pyaaz ki Kachori (onion-filled fried dumplings) to the luscious Gatte ki Sabzi (gram flour nuggets dipped in a lush and medium-spicy yoghurt-based gravy), every dish tells a chapter of Jaisalmer’s story with its flavours. Street vendors can be found all over the city, displaying their unsung expertise in cooking this exquisite cuisine. While the rustic element is an attraction for the street food, the royal experience is offered by the fancy restaurants in the luxury palace hotels.
