Golden City of JAISALMER
Area-wise, one of the largest districts of Rajasthan, the city of Jaisalmer, lies at the far end of Rajasthan, near the border that we share with Pakistan. Rajasthan is diverse in many ways, and this part of Rajasthan adds glory to our national history.
Stretching over the Thar Desert, this city, steeped in history, oozes with tales and folklore from every corner. Ancient holds hardly any meaning as you visit the forts, palaces, Jain temples, Step wells, and cenotaphs; each is a witness to the glory of valor and courage for the sons of the Golden City.
Travel to the land of SUN, SAND, and STONE
As my flight cruises on the tarmac, I am excited to unravel many of the tales. What catches me as I step out is the chill in the air; it is indeed very welcoming. Winters in my part of the world have lost their charm due to climate change; woollens have become fashion garments and not a necessity.
Hint: A four-night, five-day itinerary can cover Jaisalmer and Jodhpur in one trip. It’s a great way to save money and yet cover 2 bucket list travel destinations.
Travel Months: September to March
Welcoming the Conventional Way
At the airport, dhol and marigold garlands are set to welcome the groom arriving for a wedding party, and I take the opportunity to join the bandwagon.
The spectacular city of Jaisalmer stands with the backdrop of the Jaisalmer fort on a yellow sandstone ridge, keeping an eye on the honeycombed city.
” Nachana Haveli,” The Royal Stay
My stay at ” Nachana Haveli,” a living Haveli, is 16km away, and as we crisscross the narrow alleys, the yellow sandstone buildings pass by until, we enter a very crowded marketplace to then drive in a 400-year-old haveli.
Right in the heart of the city, very next to “Sonar Kila,” also called the living fort of India …
We are welcomed by his highness of the haveli …Vikram Singh Nachana and Meghna Kumari Singh.
The next three days are Jiffy with activities, right from staying in accommodation with a lot of the ancient design on a poster queen bed. To a fuming breakfast and walking the alleys of Jaisalmer.
Explore
- The Jain temples
- Kuldhara (The haunted village)
- The Suryagarh Palace Hotel
- Sam dunes on a safari
- Sonar Killa or Jaisalmer Fort (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SIGHT)
- Patwon ki haveli
- The cenotaph
We hit the town to visit the Jain temple Amar Sagar, built some 800 years ago.
Rich History
Founded in the 12th century by Rajput king Rawal Jaisal, the name of this city is derived from its king Jaisalmer, and as it’s perched on a mountain also known as Meru in Hindi, it has eventually become known as Jaisalmer.
Ruled by the Bhatis from the 12th century to almost 1947, the history of this town is centuries old, and so is its drainage system, also called the ” GHUT Nali.
The Living fort and the conventional systems bear the weight of not updating to today’s way of life
The narrow alleys in the living fort and the open drainage system are a deadly combination for a foul stench all over the town. This system can be understood in the living fort due to the space constraints, but the outskirts of the fort also seem to be following similar patterns, making it a challenge for the governance to rebuild it.
Technology has reached the city, but the historical and religious mindset of the residents seems to be a hindrance to making this beautiful inheritance last for long.
The fort seems to be buckling under the pressure of its residents and the renovation they bring.
Holding its grandeur, this, the 2nd oldest fort in Rajasthan, the first being Chittorgarh, holds 870 years of poise, dignity, sustenance, and security, which we see through its museum and many artifacts displayed as a visual treat for the tourist.
While dwelling deep, the Golden City of Jaisalmer in the THAR Desert thrives on tourists. Accessible for a limited time window of 5 to 6 months, as in summer the temperatures soar to 50 degrees and above in the summers.
It’s interesting to know that the residents of Jaisalmer thrive on
- Tourism
- The sandstone carving for housing
- The traditional gold filigree work
- The patchwork textile art pieces.
- The camel leather goods
Guide: It is a must. They come in with great storytelling powers and keep you entertained with all facts, figures.
Some uncanny sightseeing
- The blackbuck sightseeing
- The Bishnoi village and the interesting stories about blackbucks, Afeem, and the traditions of not cutting trees (Love for nature is appreciated)
Experiences
# Star Gazing
# Sand Dune Bashing
# Shopping
# Longewala
# Visiting the Royals (with prior appointment only)
# Roof Cafes with the fort background
Food Love
They love their Mirchi Bhajiyas and Ghotua ka ladoo.
Animal Love
They also love cows, whom they feed a bundle of grass …which the cows reciprocate by having stomach upsets and dirtying the narrow alleys, leaving no place to walk and adding to the stench from the open drainage system.
While talking to the resident, when I asked why this had not been taken care of… with a broad smile, he replied that this is what tourists come to experience. Beg to differ.
Every citizen must be made responsible for sustaining the Historic city
The Golden City of Jaisalmer today is the responsibility of the residents to do their bit by keeping it clean and stench-free, covering the open drainage system …to take this city as an inheritance and keep it as a historical witness for the generations to come. Connect with us.
Did you enjoy reading this blog? Read my other blog;
http://localhost/justonewayticket/melbourne_kaleidoscope-to-the-worlds-most-livable-city/
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