As ignorant as I was. Blame it on my full-time job, the habit of traveling only the luxurious way, depending on the tour managers, or just simply unschooled that I was about traveling. I kept this preconceived notion that a road trip with full-time travelers might not allow me to have my plans. This trip changed it all!
I had my me-time on that corner of the couch on the veranda of The Silk Route Hotel on a cold winter night, just lying there, with absolutely no thoughts. The cold breezy Jaisalmer winds were running through my hair. Having traveled only with family and friends in all these years, I had not got a chance to be myself. And there I was walking the City Palace alone, requesting random people to click my pictures. I saw myself bargaining with the Jodhpur Jooti wallahs and exploring the market near Ghanta Ghar, talking to the shop owners about purchasing some local things. It was all worth it!
Sunset in Rajasthan
So, a team of 15 super talented boys and girls, content writers, photographers, full-time travelers, bloggers decided to explore Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Udaipur. That’s the road-trip which converted me to a traveler from a fancy tourist that I was. I understood the importance of doing some serious homework before traveling. I understood that the true essence of traveling is to take the local transport wherever possible, have a conversation with the locals, indulge in the regional delicacies, hear out the history about the place, and sit at a quiet place without your mobile phones and social media (the last one is very important).
Day 1 - Jaisalmer – Walking tour
We met one local guide, Jawan Singh (he was omnipresent, we saw him almost everywhere in Jaisalmer, from whichever nook & corner we came, he would be right there, standing in front of us with a big smile).
I am adding some adorable pictures of each place, some clicked by me, some by my talented teammates in this entire write-up. Be ready to explore these 3 cities through my humble attempt.
Place 1: Mandir Palace/ Tajia/ Badal Vilas.
Apparently, Mirchi Sheth from the Bollywood movie “Sarfarosh” was shown staying here. Some parts of this palace are 600 years old.
For more detailed information: Mandir Palace
Place 2: Nathamal ki Haveli
You must stand outside the palace and listen to the history from the local guide. This palace has 2 completely different designs on the left and right sides, which were acquired by 2 brothers.
For more detailed information: Incredible India
Place 3: Nachna Haveli
Make sure to see this beautiful palace which comes straight out of a Bollywood film set. Every corner is colorful, beautiful, and screams royalty.
Place 4: Patwo ki Haveli
5 huge havelis standing one next to the other is a very interesting place to visit in Jaisalmer. Trust me on this one, incredible architecture, you will be awestruck to see the minute details of the design.
The hotel we stayed for 2 nights: Hotel The Silk Route, Jaisalmer (Had an incredible view of Jaisalmer Fort and oh-so-amazing sunrise for 2 consecutive days)
Patwo ki Haveli
Place 5: Jaisalmer Fort
Fun fact: This is called a “living fort” because most of the city’s population stays inside the fort. Isn’t it interesting? Just imagine telling someone your home address and calling a fort your home!
The houses here are no less than palaces. They use yellow sandstone which gives this exceptionally attractive look to the homes. The photo will tell you the tale in detail!
I insist, please make sure to see the temples inside the fort and listen to the interesting stories about the idols from the Pandits/Pujaris. Each one of them readily explained to us the peculiar features. We were just nodding our heads in agreement, trying to register each story and getting amazed by each one of them. The experience was fascinating.
Lunch was at Delight Restaurant, 41, CVS Colony, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001. Sorry, I do not have a photo of that mouth-watering “Daal-Baati-Churma”, a local delicacy that you MUST try at any cost. I can vouch for the taste and the quantity was too much. The staff was proactive and happy to serve.
We went back to our hotel, took some rest, and then headed to see the sunset.
Day 2 at Jaisalmer
Place 1: Sunrise: Gadisar Lake
Without showing an ounce of laziness, everyone was up and awake to catch-up with the stunning sunrise at this place. And we were at the destination even before the sunrise!
We wanted to see Vyas Chatri, however, the gates were closed.
Place 2: Kuldhara Village, The abandoned village of India.
Kuldhara is an abandoned village in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It was established around the 13th century, once a wealthy village inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins. It is approx. 17 km west of Jaisalmer. The guide told us an interesting story about why this village is abandoned and also cursed. Popular because it was supposedly haunted too.
Kuldhara Village, The abandoned village of India
Place 3: Khaba Fort
It was an empty fort in the middle of a remote desert.
We were supposed to see the Jaisalmer War museum; however, it was closed. Must-visit if you get a chance.
Lunch was at D’Desi Aroma Restaurant, Jaisalmer. Another gem we discovered. The food was extremely delicious. All thanks to our omnipresent guide Jawan Singh aka Our God from Jaisalmer.
Say Hi to Tikam Singh, the restaurant attendant when you visit this delightful place.
Place 4: Sam Village
We proceeded to Sam Village, to see Sam Sand Dunes. Bookings at Sky Desert Safari, Kanoi was pre-booked and confirmed.
Camel Safari near Sam Village.
Sam Village, Sand Dunes
The stay was comfortable & the resort staff was friendly. The evening Traditional Cultural Night is one activity you must not miss. The artists are talented and you will surely enjoy the evening.
With an additional INR 1800/-, we booked the Jeep Desert Safari to see the sunrise. The experience was bone-breaking. With the jeep taking long flights on the dunes you better hold on to the handles!
After having our breakfast which was included in the package we proceeded towards another attractive place.
Place 5: Bada Bagh / Entry fee: 500
We met Rahul, the guide who was excited to click photos and knew the angles perfectly! This place is a set of royal-looking chhatris constructed by the Maharajas of Jaisalmer in the 18th/19th/20th century. The name is self-explanatory, Bada Bagh means Grand Garden. Each cenotaph has a marble slab with inscriptions about the deceased royal Maharaja, Maharani, Prince, and so on.
Bidding bye to Jaisalmer we proceeded our Journey towards Jodhpur (India’s blue city)
Distance: 280 km
Bada Bagh
Jodhpur Place 1: Ghanta Ghar
It's the magnificent clock tower of Rajasthan, situated in Sadar Bazar. It is a prominent landmark in Jodhpur and was built by Maharaja Sardar Singh about 200 years ago. The surrounding places have many shops.
We had our evening snack at this small eatery near Ghanta Ghar which is famous for the Omelette bread combination.
Makhania Lassi & Rabri - Shri Mishrilal Hotel
You might get a joy ride in your mouth while having the Lassi and keep ordering some more Rabri. And do not keep a calorie count while enjoying these delicacies!
Place 2: Mehrangarh Fort
Just as the name suggests, the fort is magnificent, huge, and stands 4100 feet above the city. Dress up nicely and comfortably because you get a lot of picturesque places to click pictures but also make sure you have good shoes because you have to walk a lot.
The beautiful interiors speak about the illustrious past. The colors depict the majesty of the kings and queens. Look at these stunning photos. Aren’t they elite?
For more details: Mehrangarh Fort
Stop and listen to these artists.
Place 3: Jaswant Thada
Built by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Jaswant Singh. These are cenotaph (A cenotaph is an empty tomb or a monument erected in honor of a person or group of people whose remains are elsewhere.)
The architecture is in perfect symmetry, a paradise for photographers.
Place 4: Brahmapuri
Later in the afternoon, we did a walking tour around Brahmapuri. You must have seen those blue-colored houses photos on Instagram. Those tiny-miny extremely narrow lanes and houses colored in blue. History says it was something related to the caste system however the scientific reason is blue color radiates much less heat than any other color. And Jodhpur can get hot in summers hence folks colored their homes blue.
That gives a different look to the entire area. If you want to see this place, be ready to walk for 2-3 hours. One among us wanted to do portrait photography/street photography. He got some really good pictures here.
That extremely famous photo of a boy in mid-flight by the professional photographer Steve McCurry was taken in these lanes. If you are fortunate enough you might be able to search that house because that family has framed and pinned this photo to their house.
Badi Lake, Udaipur
As I pack my bags filled with memories and souvenirs, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for the strangers turned friends, the guides turned storytellers, and the destinations turned dreams. So here's to embracing the unknown, to stepping out of our comfort zones, and to always finding joy in the journey, one quirky anecdote at a time. Until next time, fellow travelers, may your wanderlust never wane and your passports always be ready for another escapade! Safe travels and happy trails! 🌍✨