“IT’S LIKE A GIANT SANDCASTLE IN THE HEART OF THE THAR DESERT.”
– ZARITHA VAN WYNGAARDT
In the heart of the Thar Desert in India’s Rajasthan, lies a princely state distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture, Jaisalmer (The Golden City).
The Jaisalmer Fort which dominates the city’s skyline was built in 1156AD by Rawal Jaisal, the Rajput ruler. The Fort served as a backdrop for trade battles on the Silk Route from East to West.
Jaisalmer Fort, beautifully preserved, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the largest forts in the world with a population between 4 and 5000. It houses hotels and ancient havelis (homes). Simply follow the narrow lanes to discover more of Jaisalmer’s great architecture, shops and markets.
Zaritha van Wyngaardt, owner and founder of the Obvious Choice, spent 2 days in Jaisalmer on her latest journey through India.
Here are some of her highlights in short:
- Narrow lanes and jaw-dropping architecture
- Markets and shops with a sense of humour
- Beautiful people and a burst of colourful costumes
- Holy Cow (no pun intended)
- Rain on Day 2
- The Royal Cenotaphs
- Kuldhara
- Camel Safari
To view these moments and colourful images in SWAY, click here.
As an experienced traveller and always up for an adventure, Zaritha recommends that you explore and participate in the following options and activities just beyond the border of the Golden City.
1. VISIT THE ROYAL CENOTAPHS
BADA BAGH, 6km north from Jaisalmer, literally means Big Garden. It is also called Barabagh. This ancient garden houses royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas of the Jaisalmer state, including that of Jai Singh ll.
2. VISIT KULDHARA
Kuldhara is 1 of 84 medieval villages that were abandoned overnight by the Paliwal Brahmins. Various stories abound about the great exodus of these villages, but nobody is really sure. Villagers are hesitant to enter the site as they believe that the place is cursed. Cursed or not, the ruins of Kuldhara remain proof that the architecture from that era was nothing, but brilliant.
3. CAMEL SAFARI
The camel safari is an absolute must. Experience the raw and unfiltered beauty of the desert on the back of a camel en route to your night camp. One can also book a camel caravan for groups to travel to the night camps where visitors can enjoy food, music and dance performances. An evening under the stars…
Can life get any better? I doubt.
Like what you’ve read so far?
Then, why not experience this for yourself?
Why not go on an adventure or do something that you have never done before, like the camel safari, or a romantic dinner on one of the many rooftops or simply hang out with the locals at a local Bhang Shop?
If this is your sort of adventure, contact Zaritha at the Obvious Choice.
ABOUT THE OBVIOUS CHOICE
Owner and founder of The Obvious Choice, Zaritha van Wyngaardt, is passionate about travelling and offers corporate clients, as well as individuals, the opportunity to travel to vibrant destinations to experience, energise and revitalise.
For further information, visit the Obvious Choice website at www.obviouschoice.co.za or send Zaritha an email at zaritha@obviouschoice.co.za.
The Obvious Choice is your one stop solution for Experiential Travel, Conferences, Incentives and Event Management.
