Trip to Rajasthan - Day 3: Jaisalmer - Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli, Gadisagar Lake

After a very good night's sleep, we welcomed the new day with some healthy breakfast -- bread, omelette, and freshly sliced fruits. On the first two days our itinerary was pretty packed and it was going to be no different on the third day as well. Being our last day in Jaisalmer we had quite a few things to tick off from our list. 

Of course the first destination was the fort. Since our hotel was pretty near we decided to walk it, probably a wrong decision. The sun was blazing down, and about midway from the fort we were looking for a ride to the fort. However, nothing was available and we had to continue on foot. Close to the fort there was some respite as the ramparts cast a shadow on the street. The unique thing about Jaisalmer's fort is that it is still residence to a sizable population. And this becomes evident as soon as you enter the fort. There are vendors everywhere selling anything from fruits to toys, students peeping out of their classroom windows, and families offering food to their cattle. All of this adds to the noise, colour and life of the place. The narrow lanes are lined by two- or three-storey buildings often with ornate sandstone carvings on their windows and balconies. Their ground floors are mostly occupied by shops selling souvenirs for tourists. We spent a long time in one, whose owner, himself an artist, was busy completing an intricate Rajasthani miniature piece. After a crash course on the nuances of this art form from the artiste himself, we got ourselves a souvenir from and then headed to where the cannon was. Much in demand among tourists, the place offered a magnificent view of the city below. 

Next we headed to the Palace Museum and spent an hour inside. While there were things to explore, am pretty sure we spent a few extra minutes just to escape the sun. The grandeur or opulence that one is witness to in other forts of Rajasthan was not present here though the roof of the palace again offered some stunning views of the ramparts and the city. It was now time for some lunch. We found a place in the fort itself overlooking the city. A pleasant breeze and a glass of chilled lassi did wonders to our spirits and having after a meal of butter nun with some chicken masala, we were ready for the second half of the day.

Up next was Patwon  ki Haveli. We were walking again. In about 20 minutes, having crossed the narrowest of lanes, stopping for directions and almost going through people's houses, we had arrived. A cluster of five multi-storied mansions along a very narrow lane, these buildings will leave anyone spellbound with their rich and intricate stonework on their facades and jharokas. That there were people who could conceptualize something as lavish as that and then actually go ahead and bring it to fruition is amazing. We just marvelled at the unimaginable craftsmanship that would have gone in creating every square inch of the buildings. The only trouble is that you have to continuously stare up at the buildings leaving you with a stiff neck.

As evening approached, it was time to wind down our stay at Jaisalmer. And which place better than the Gadisagar lake. A vast water body originally built to provide water to the entire city of Jaisalmer, it was now a tourist destination. Thankfully, when we visited there were not too many people around and we could just sit back and soak in the atmosphere. A priest at a nearby temple was saying his prayers, a group of young people were enjoying their boat ride and a flock of birds would circle the lake and come to rest at one of the chhatris and then again fly away only to return a minute later.

It was finally time to head back to the hotel and pack up and get ready for the next leg of the trip. Catching trains have been eventful and it continued to be so. Our hotel was to arrange for a car to the station. We had packed well in advance and were waiting for the car at the lobby but there was no sign of any car. It was quite late in the night and there was no alternative but to depend on the hotel to arrange for the car. Apparently the owner went to visit one of his friends and was on his way back and he only will take us to the station. A few frantic calls, and with the hotel staff themselves were looking worried the car finally arrived. We dumped our bags in the boot of the car, the owner sped through the empty streets and in 10 minutes we were at the station, just in time. However the train was delayed, and we had to while away some time at the station. Here I met a guy whom I had seen at Patwon ki Haveli in the afternoon. From his conversation with his guide I knew he was from Baracelona and given my love for Messi I couldn't help but introduce myself to him. Love for the football club was mutual and we discussed a little bit about the game, our heroes and about my plans to visit his city, someday. The train slowly trudged into the station and it was time to bid farewell. Jodhpur next.