A Pearl in the Desert
By Jutismita

The whole city houses and other structures are made of yellow sand stones. The older they get more beautiful they become. Painting your house in Jaisalmer equals to a crime. So, this golden city looks like a gold ring shining in the desert from the top of the Jaisalmer fort. Our pre-journey research had told us that Jaisalmer fort is the only living fort on this earth. A city lives, eats and sleeps inside this great fort. We weren't impressed- we were dumbstruck. The increasing population inside the fort is a matter of concern but the kind of effort they have put to hang on to the originality, is really laudable.

Who says beauty doesn't exist in the desert? A setting sun behind the sand dunes spread into infinity; indeed, represents beauty in an exceptional form... Jaisalmer was our destination and we were already amazed to see the scenery on the way. For a bright sunny January morning and a fort city- 'mesmerizing' can be an understatement. As we struggled to find the exact word, our cab found its way to our hotel quite easily. A neat golden structure welcomed us and we almost refused to believe that it was a hotel. An ideal castle like setting can simply be mistaken for a heritage structure. A sumptuous breakfast at the hotel's dining room felt like something what the doctor had just advised.

                After that, we brimmed out of our room to explore the city. What we saw was riots of colour spread everywhere except for the houses. The whole city houses and other structures are made of yellow sand stones. The older they get more beautiful they become. Painting your house in Jaisalmer equals to a crime. So, this golden city looks like a gold ring shining in the desert from the top of the Jaisalmer fort. Our pre-journey research had told us that Jaisalmer fort is the only living fort on this earth. A city lives, eats and sleeps inside this great fort. We weren't impressed- we were dumbstruck. The increasing population inside the fort is a matter of concern but the kind of effort they have put to hang on to the originality, is really laudable. The wind at the top was bone piercing but the warmth of the people around compensated for the chill.

                It was a rush time in Jaisalmer as the desert festival was going on. The essence of this festival lies in the camel safari, spectacular puppet shows, exotic Rajasthani cuisines, colourful clothes and other accessories. The desert festival in Jaisalmer goes on till the end of February. Art and culture is the soul of Rajasthan and Jaisalmer mirrors its worth. So, spend one rejuvenating week in this city and you will swear by the good time you had for the rest of your life. You can dance away your stress in the open air dance arenas and it will outdo your discotheque experience. We danced and sang with the local folk dancers and puppeteers for a long time. Later, at dinner time, we realized so much of physical activity can actually burn a hole in your pocket. We were so hungry that we ate like demons and the bill was like a bomb just dropped by the enemy.

Architecture
                Next morning, the initial excitement had settled down and we went out for some serious sightseeing. Our first choice was architectural signatures. There are several havelis (personal palaces of the affluent) spread across the city. We spinned around, sniffing the history behind these architectural delights. After all, you don't have to be a historian to dig out the times gone by- one just needs to share the passion they possessed.  Someone had said it before; that History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future. Pardon us for being so philosophic but a 'desert spell' unquestionably brings out the philosopher in you. The most famous among these is Patwon Ji ki Haveli. This Haveli was the first in Jaisalmer which is actually the collection of 5 small Havelis. The continuity in design reflects in the Nathmal Ji ki Haveli. A subtle fusion of Rajasthani and Islamic school of architecture serves an interesting study. Another Haveli called Salim Ji ki haveli, built in 1815, is famous for its unique Peacock architecture.

Shopping and Eating out
                Now if you feel like moving out of these havelis, a boating out in the Gadsisar Lake will be like a fresh breath of air. Grab some shopping at spots within the fort and at the Sadar Bazar, Sonaron ka Bass, Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazar, Gandhi Darshan, Seema Gram, Rajasthani Govt. shop and Khadi Gramodhyog Emporium. Plus, we don't need to tell you what to buy. Just seize everything you like. Everything about Rajasthan is exquisite and you will never regret your decision. As for food, 'Trio' is one of the most famous restaurants that specialize in authentic Rajasthani cuisines. 'Chokhi Dhani' is another famous restaurant which is the epitome or special Rajasthani hospitality. A long list of cuisines under one roof is a foodie's paradise. 

Jaisalmer is also known for the great Jain temples built in various parts of the city by different affluent Jain businessmen. They are unique and represent an important passage in the history of Jaisalmer. This place, in older times, was a key root to the major business hubs of the world such as Egypt, Persia and Portugal. So, to please the local Rajputs of this place, the Jains used to offer wealth and infrastructure to this land.

                Jaisalmer is also known for the great Jain temples built in various parts of the city by different affluent Jain businessmen. They are unique and represent an important passage in the history of Jaisalmer. This place, in older times, was a key root to the major business hubs of the world such as Egypt, Persia and Portugal. So, to please the local Rajputs of this place, the Jains used to offer wealth and infrastructure to this land. The efforts not only made a mark in the locale's heart but also in the history. We visited some of them existing inside the Jaisalmer fort.
                Next, we visited the Desert Cultural Center on Gadi Sagar Road to take a sneak peek of Rajasthani culture. It is a place where you will get to know about the rich cultural heritage and customs of Jaisalmer. The museum showcases a collection of traditional Rajasthani textiles, utensils, weapons, musical instruments and fossils. 

Wildlife Safari and the Sand Dunes
But, we being Faustian souls craved for more and finally satiated ourselves at the Desert National Park, a protected sanctuary near Jaisalmer. The region is a heaven for migratory and resident birds of the desert. Eagles, Harriers, Falcons, Buzzards, Kestrel and Vultures, Short-toed Eagles, Tawny Eagles, Spotted Eagles, Laager Falcons and Kestrels are the most common among these. Otherwise, a barren landscape which comprises of lakebed of extinct salt lakes and prickly scrubs is a wonder in itself. 

We set out on an adventure-filled jeep safari on the third day into the park. Lonely roads, tranquil dunes and our jeep- a quixotic experience, left us wanting for more. As they say the more you get enlightened the more you want. Our jeep safari extended into a camel safari at the orifice of the Thar Desert next day. We shuddered in thrill at the prospect of spending a night at this Great Indian Desert. The view of women carrying water from a distant oasis felt like a scene flashing straight of a Hindi film.

Call it a canvas or a beautiful poem; never had we imagined a desert to be so enchanting. The temperature at night was minus three degrees Celsius but the tents at the desert were cozy enough to spend that wonderful night. The desert camp soaked in the light of coloured lamps and a huge bonfire seemed surreal. Our camera ate up innumerable happy moments. A good mobile network, a well maintained bathroom, some good food and a nice warm bed will never make you homesick. What can you expect more than that? We didn't want our mobiles to work. But, a call from the office was necessary to wake us up from that beautiful dream. Our visit was over and we were required badly back at office. Or else we would have never come out of that medusa hex. We returned to our world but we can't refrain from enlightening others with our experience. And we just got you.