The Golden City of Jaisalmer

For the second half of my trip around India’s “Golden Triangle” I delved into the deserts of Rajasthan to visit three very different cities – Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner.  Jaisalmer was my first stop and an overnight 2nd class train ride away.  It was quite an experience – triple bunks and no linen, a couple of useless fans on the roof, no glass in the windows…  One of those different and fantastic travel experiences!

I arrived at dawn and was greeted with an amazing sight: the old city of Jailsalmer rose like some massive sand castle above the golden sands of the desert.  It was a delightful town that I really enjoyed exploring, not least for the beautiful Rajasthani fabrics and crafts I found there.  There were also some mansions dotted throughout the streets that were covered in ornately carved sandstone.

A typical street market scene.

Some of the incredible sandstone carvings on a local Jain mansion.

   
A Jain temple in the old city.                      The palace exterior.

Cute!!!