Jaisalmer - Day 1
Jaisalmer, one of the most enchanting city of Rajasthan is also known as the desert city due to its location amidst the Thar Desert of India. The sand dunes and its unique Havelis had invariably enticed me and a strong desire to visit Jaisalmer always captivated my mind.
In the month of February my father took a 10-day L.T.C tour to Rajasthan----along with Jaisalmer we also visited other cities of Rajasthan.
The time was perfect as we were having our holidays and the weather was quite pleasant. I along with my parents and younger brother (Mukul) started for our journey. It was a night ride, the train left for Jaisalmer at night, and when our eyes opened in morning we were in Jaisalmer. We had our accommodation booked with one of my father's office Guest Houses, I tell you these guest houses are far better then any other accommodation-well maintain and quite reasonable in their rates.

That afternoon we started our excursion by visiting many temples, the company's driver who himself was an experienced one and was very happy that we had come at the auspicious time, took us to the 3 auspicious temples -Osiyan, Ram Deograh and Bhadriya of the city. He gave us enough time to pay our homage and say our prayers, in fact more then us he was very keen that we should perform our rituals in a proper way.

We drive past the Pokaran area although, far away from the site of the nuclear blasts-quite a restricted zone, and reached the desert city of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer City plays and important role in generating revenues from the tourist Industry, but due to Indo-Pak tension, the tourism industry has got a setback-but slowly and slowly Jaisalmer is gaining its popularity, as the city has so much to offer to the average tourist.

We then drove to the Sam Sand Dunes. A charming scenic beauty welcomed us - the sun ready to submerge in the earth, camels walking gracefully along the sand dunes and the colorful attire of the native village people - all ready to bewitch tourists. My brother and me enjoyed the camel safari to the sun set point, where as my mother preferred to be there at the cottages. Viewing the sun merging into the horizon was so much a captivating sight that we even forget that we have to go back where our mother was waiting. The camel ride was definitely the highlight of our day!
Mukul and I even climbed the sand dunes, it was one of the most enthralling experience. Evenings had much in stores for us -- charm of the folk dances and folk songs by the local artisan was another attraction of the desert. We even participated joyously in the extemporaneous song and dance feast. After enjoying the magnificent Sam Sunset and bonfire dances, all our energy was drained out and finally we retreated to our tent accommodations--- a very gratified tract.

Jaisalmer - Day 2
Morning after typical Rajasthani food, we headed for our next destination, drive passing through dunes after dunes and dry desert vegetation. We went for long driving through the barren landscape - dotted with shrubs, cattle, sheep, donkeys, camels, and of course, the sturdy Rajasthani folk. I cherish the persistency of desert people and the hardships they bear in this desert land.

We visited Havelis - beautiful sandstone mansions that had been built by Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants. These Havelis were not less then any art gallery, these intricately carved buildings, some 300-400 years old, are still a great source of attraction. The small-latticed windows of the havelis were quite engaging, we also enjoyed the panoramic view of the entire city from the terrace of the havelis. I will like to mention here, the few names of the most renowned havelis-- Patwon-ki-Haveli, Jaisalmer Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, and Salim singh-ki-Haveli. Don't forget to add these masterpieces in to your tour itinerary.

Gadsisar Lake a man-made lake constructed by Maharaja Gadsi Singh Ji in 1367 was not to be missed sight. We also enjoyed boating in the blue waters of the lake, an ideal place for luxuriating. There were also numerous temples around the lake where my mother paid her visit.

Next, onwards to Jaisalmer Fort - the colossal fort, made out of red sandstone, and has the peculiarity of being the only fort that houses the city's residents. The architecture of the fort was just awesome and captivating, I could easily foresee the opulence of the gratifying era long past. Our tour guide was the city's first official tour guide living with his family for more then 30 years. He deliberately took us through the extensive meandering roads of the fort and gave us a detailed explanation of its history - every nook and corner had some interesting illustrative story to be revived!
The tour of the fort was the easy part! Thereafter, our zealous cruise began into the desert-countryside, which proved to be a very unique and memorable experience as we visited Jain temples, Thanot temple and participated in the most ritual ceremonies of the temple. There, in the temple the celebrations of Ram Nawami festivities were going on. The temple had a gratifying story - the local inhabitants had a strong belief that at the time of Indo-Pak war of 1965, about 15 live Pakistani missiles were thrown in the premises of the temple, but had not burst out. Moreover, as the Pakistanis couldn't seize the holy shrine, it led to the doctrine that almighty intervention was accountable for this wonder, and for India's eventual victory in the war. Thus, there is immense respect for the Thanot Devi in that area, which also illustrates the large, numbers of military-forces that flocks the holy shrine.

After lunch, all with a unique experience, we drove a few km further to Longewala, the site of a Pakistani tank. These remnants of the 1965 war are a reminder of how far our enemies had advanced into Indian Territory before they were revolted. A upsurge of 'love of country' overcast me, ---" how much we owe to our army officers, and how little identification they get"--- I asked this question to myself…

On our return journey, we visited Ludarwa Temple -- a very prominent Jain Temple that is more than 300 years old. Its architectural splendor was worth a watch and we were bound to think that -- 'how it was possible to do such an intricate carving, out of sandstone in those days? The temple is famous because of its divine tree, which is more eminent for its power of, fulfilling the wishes of its devotees. Along with my mother, I also made a wish, something for myself!

In the late evening we reached the guesthouse extremely tired, but fully contented. Our tour to Jaisalmer was completely a exhilarating, adorned with lakes, forts, temples, long and dusty drives dotted with huge sand dunes, and glimpses into the life of an Indian soldier.
My expedition to Jaisalmer was a unique one, absolutely out of this world experience, that will be always carved on my heart.