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Jaisalmer Rajasthan

It was a cold winter, and the desire to ski was scarce. Consequently, we decided to explore Rajasthan, which boasts a perfect climate during the coldest season. It was a splendid journey that I will divide into several different accounts. Here, I will share my experiences in Jaisalmer, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. We traversed the entire state of Rajasthan, traveling by train and taxi, departing from Delhi and returning after 13 days of exploration.

Jaisalmer, an extraordinary city in Rajasthan with over 60,000 inhabitants, is situated on the outskirts of the Thar Desert, near the border with Pakistan to the west. The most incredible aspect of the city is its immense fortress, the upper part of which is a whole town in itself. During our visit to the fortress, we stumbled upon a small hotel within one of its towers (if memory serves, it had only six rooms). This hotel had a breakfast area on the rooftop of the tower, offering breathtaking panoramic views. It may not have been a luxury hotel, but its location made it truly exceptional. We arrived in the evening, and it was love at first sight…

 

We arrived in the evening, and it was love at first sight…
The hotel’s terrace can be seen on the third tower from the left

The hotel’s terrace can be seen on the third tower from the left. In the morning, breakfast seemed to last an eternity as we kept moving to different spots on the terrace to spy on the city with binoculars…

Behind Andrée, the palace positioned on a “point” of the fortress
Behind Andrée, the palace positioned on a “point” of the fortress. On one of the fortress towers (besides an actual town), there is a small hotel with very few rooms… but above it, on the terrace, there’s space for breakfast with an insane view, both of the royal palace and the city below.

The town constructed within the fortress resembles a labyrinth, a challenging passage where one must pause every few meters to explore a bustling market or simply to observe one of the city’s remarkable characters with keen fascination.

                

Above, you can spot two women transporting goods for sale, a taxi (indeed, a camel!), or you might even find yourself purchasing a mere hundred grams of saffron for just a few euros… and a bit further along, you could encounter a street musician…

As one ventures outside the fortress walls, they encounter individuals of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, living in the vicinity of the fortress but not affluent enough for the wealthier part of the city. Some are part of the local community involved in organizing camel safaris, like this mother with her little one, who treks several miles across the desert to return home.

At sunset, the temperature dips slightly, making it more enjoyable to take a camel ride (which are actually dromedaries, for genuine camels, it’s better to go to Bactria). 

The interior of the fortress and the city is replete with intricate and truly spectacular architectural wonders.