. . . I was in India.
When I first heard of the city of Jaisalmer I was entranced, it seemed to me to be at the end of the world. The golden city is dominated by the fort, a living, vibrant place that has a life of its own, hanging on the edge of the far west of India.
It’s a very commercial town, everywhere you turn someone is trying to persuade you that you need spices you’ve never heard of, saris, wall hangings, ornaments of all types. I expect it’s even more touristy now. But that doesn’t spoil it’s charm, the twists and turns of each cow inhabited alley, gets under your skin and even deeper into your nostrils.
There are several Jain temples, with finely detailed interiors, and a plethora of Buddhas.
The stoneware is so beautiful it’s hard to know where to look.
But there are quiet spots to reflect,
And sculpture to wonder at,
Haveli’s are mansion houses of the wealthy. While some in Rajasthan are dilapidated, many are well maintained and open to the public for a few hundred rupees. This one was a museum come antique shop, I think pretty much everything was for sale at a price, even though it was also a home.
In the afternoon of October 20th,we went wandering around the streets. As in cities all over the world, groups of men gather on street corners and squares to play cards and board games, while the women are hard at work trying to feed their families.
The fort is one of the biggest in the world, built high on a hill with three layers of walls and ninety nine bastions. Here is a view from one.
In time for sunset, we went just outside the town to see the fort change colour, by day it’s the colour of a lion, but at sunset it turns to a honey gold.
Although the sunset was disappointing, traveling friend and I were happy to be all dressed up in our finery, in the most mesmerising city at the end of the world.
Jaisalmer is around 800 kilometeres from Delhi, and it can be reached by train, an overnight journey. Better still, try a slow journey and stop along the way. Rajasthan is wonderful and the people are warm and friendly, who are justifiably proud of their heritage.
Lucid Gypsy 
They should be proud. Very beautiful fascinating pictures 😊
Thanks my sis, I only had a simple camera back then and I wasn’t much of a photographer, but you can get some idea of how beautiful it was.
Beautiful memories Gilly. I love the vibrancy of the colours & the intricate designs on the buildings. Not a place on my list but it looks magical.
Thanks Julia, it is an incredible place but not everyone’s cup of tea. In an ideal world I’d go back but I don’t think its likely.
Such a fascinating place to visit, Gilly. Great photos of your special trip. 🙂
Thanks, I would take better photos now ten years later. Have you been Amy?
I haven’t, I love to visit there in the future, maybe join a travel group.
Stunning photographs, Gilly. Superb, intricate workmanship. Magnificent color. I feel the sound and movement of life from waayy over here. Wow. Thanks for sharing, ❤ ❤ ❤ What the heck did I do before the internet? ^^'
I know, I’ve learnt so much and met so many wonderful people – you included,.glad you liked this post, do fancy visiting India?
It had crossed my mind after China, but no-one I know wants to go there… And then, there’s the long flight (about 17 hours from here) and it’s expensive. *sigh*
I hope I get to visit there someday. It’s one culture I find fascinating.
If you can get a reasonable flight it’s an inexpensive destination and like no other!
Ah, that warm and happy smile says it all! Thank you for sharing this beautiful experience, Gilly! 🙂
That photo was before I got sick 🙂 🙂 🙂
Not a place I have heard of, but you certainly look happy to be there. I think anywhere in India you will find someone trying to sell you something – it is a country which assaults all of your senses all of the time! That is one big fort and you have some lovely photographs to look back on. Did you do a tour of India? I’m just wondering how you got to this place.
Yes, a private tour, with our own Rajasthani driver!
That’s the way to do it 🙂
Must have been an interesting experience
It’s one of my favourite trips ever!
Sounds like an amazing adventure. It made me think of China. It has been 3 months and one day I will say “10 years ago when I lived in China…”Makes me cherish my time there even more.
I’d like to live in another country, long enough to immerse myself in its culture, it must be great.
I had always wanted to do that too… and I never would have guessed it would be China. I always dreamed Europe. However, it was so interesting to learn about another culture like that. I felt so lucky and blessed to be more of an insider.
Love the expression ‘a plethora of Buddhas’, Gilly! 🙂 The sculpture is entrancing, isn’t it, and you capture it so beautifully. I especially like the shot through the pillars of the man at prayer and the one before it.
Wonderful memories, hon! 🙂 Is that the same friend who accompanied you to Tavira?
My photography – and my camera have improved since then! Yes that’s Lindy, my crazy American friend 🙂
beautiful place to visit and have the memories.. brill photos..
Thanks Gerry I’d like to go back with a better camera and photography skills 🙂
Lovely memories through your images, Gilly… I have always wanted to visit that area, never did and I feel my health prohibits it now. Oh, well, such is life
How are you in dry heat Sue? It doesn’t have to be rough and tough 🙂
Better than in humid heat, but any heat makes me very fatigued…and also, because my immune system is shot to bits, I do worry about stomach bugs….
Lovely photos of a country I’ve never been to, Gilly. “Cow inhabited alleys” conjures up quite a picture in the imagination. 🙂 Wonderful view over the city!
Thanks Sylvia, cows are everywhere in India, goodness knows how they survive in the city streets!
Superb post, Gilly. 🙂
Thanks my dear Celestine!
I were very happy to provide my services to Lindi and Gilli for Rajasthan ttrip 10 year ago.
Looking forword again to provide my services if some one want.
Regards
magan singh
That heading itself has rekindled the want in me to blog again for fun 🙂
Been a long time since I did any real blogging.
Nice photos 🙂
India is a great place to visit – there is something for everyone.
I were happy to provide my services for that trip to Rajasthan india.
Regards
magan singh
http://Www.heritageindiaprivatetours. com
Thanks for posting this article reminding me of my trip to India now 15 years ago, but the sights, sounds and smells plus the vibrancy of the colours and the wonderful people I met there make it seem like only yesterday!
I travelled to Jaisalmer too, rode a camel into the Thar desert at sunset, visited the rat temple at Karni Mata, travelled on the overnight train from Delhi to Bikaner and also stayed at Jaipur and the wonderful Lake Palace in Udaipur. What a wonderful experience which will live forever, my photos are beattifully stuck into albums with tickets and souvenirs, as it was unfortunately pre digital days! Perhaps I will get them out and try to rephotograph them…
Or maybe scan them? I didn’t go to Udaipur, but I went to Pushkar. I have a post about Karni Mata that I intend to re-blog soon. Jaisalmer remains one of my favourite places. Would yo go back Anne?