Being called the ‘Golden City’, Jaisalmer lives up to its name and offers a promising shelter to all the weary travelers amidst the Thar desert. Massive sand castles, forts, and colorful bazaars all enclosed within the yellow sandstone architecture makes it a breathing dream of the Agrabah marketplace from Aladdin.

Arunita has just completed her Ph.D., and works as a website developer, with much zeal and enthusiasm to explore the unexplored. She is currently residing in Rajasthan.

Hop on to your flying carpet, you are in for a magical ride to Jaisalmer!

Having spent more than a month in this beautiful city, Arunita has become more than just a traveler or a newcomer. Living in the place makes her the perfect guide to show us all around Jaisalmer. She came for work but stayed for the mellow environment.

Arunita lives in the fort. Yes, you read it just right. The royal fort of Jaisalmer is more than just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, Havelis, hotels, and homes. And you certainly don’t need to be a royal to live in it. The interesting fact remains that the fort has never once been abandoned in the last 800 years since its inception. It is one of the few living forts in the world, which also makes it a top destination on your checklist. 

Where the forts are still alive

The fort lies in the heart of the city and the villages have taken life around it. Within the city, there lie 3 Havelis that are an architectural marvel, Salim Singh ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli, and Nathmal Ji ki Haveli. Having lost their original glory to time, these Havelis still have managed to retain the beauty and are structurally sound. You’ll be amazed to know that some descendants of the original resident still reside in these. They are open to people who take pleasure in history, architecture, or just leisure. 

Arunita also tells highly of the spooky village, Kuldhara which was abandoned overnight by villagers and has no account of them thereafter. People say they have experienced paranormal activity around the area. Now whether it is real or not, it still piques the interest. The place however closes down at 6 and there is no entry after that. 

Now if geology interests you, this one’s for you. The Wood Fossil Park which housed a thick forest back in the time now lies in the reminiscence of the life that once existed. You can see well-preserved trees that date all the way back to the prehistoric Jurassic era and a multitude of fossils. You can explore this 21-hectare area in Safaris.

Create your own sand story

A trip to Jaisalmer is not complete if you haven’t experienced its deserts. A large number of tents offering a luxurious stay under the starry sky, away from the urban chaos makes it a perfect place to be. The charm of the night, cultural fiesta, bonfire, and warm sand under your feet are enough to create your own sand story. The place also offers multiple sports activities like parasailing, dune bashing, camel riding, desert safari, and quad biking. 

Sunsets are one of the most fascinating things about Jaisalmer. Other than a few points, the main fort offers an excellent view of the city and the sun setting over it. 

Jaisalmer has something for everyone

Arunita says that these activities often come in packages with the stay and the cost just for the stay in the tents can range between INR 2000* – 5000*/- and upwards according to your choices of luxury. She takes pride while describing Jaisalmer and says the city is much less crowded than its neighbors and is very hospitable. However, the market closes by 6-7 pm but you can still enjoy the cafes around the place. The transport is quite easy to find, but she recommends renting a bike to explore the most. This is the most feasible option to commute locally other than during peak times. That is when the prices are on the higher side. So make sure to plan your trip accordingly. The best months to visit Jaisalmer are between November and February. 

Our traveler also recommends planning your trip in advance and trying to eat and enjoy at local places, as food can be a little expensive. And being a female herself, she says it’s quite safe for other female solo travelers.

So this was an amazing walk, through Jaisalmer, where the city awaits your arrival. 

For more photos and videos, check out Arunita’s page: @aruiiyaa

And for more such authentic travel experiences and curated itineraries follow us at @indichalk and stay tuned for the next blog.