Few cities in the world can compete with Jaisalmer’s magnetic attraction. Imagine the sun setting over Gadi Sagar, a small lake access through a sandstone archway with it’s dark golden glow at sunset. Ducks swim, enjoying the cool evening after the city’s blazing hot day. Indian tourists take small boats out onto the lake. A small temple with it’s dome await them, as they’ve done for 100’s of years. Nothing changes in this desert outpost.
I walk by a camel, his head facing behind him, who curiously gazes at us. He seems to smile. It pays to have a long neck.
The ancient city is guarded by large 12th century fort rising from the flat desert plains. Climbing up the 76 m to the entrance in the 37C (99F) degree heat leaves me tired, but ready to explore. It’s cooled since summer, where it can reach 45C (113F) or higher. On the way, I pass shops sells selling silk pashminas, hats and other assorted goods.
Today, the lanes are lined by shops, selling clothes, carpets and desert jewelry. My mind replaces these with shops selling spices, turbans, swords and camel saddles.
Sand dunes lie in the desert surrounding the city. It’s possible to camp out in these dunes, or simply take a sunset camel ride to watch the sand turn dark orange while your camel driver rides across the dunes.
