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.
