Into the Desert

Last year I was confronted with a choice between Udaipur or Jaisalmer given my limited time. In the end I chose Udaipur due to warnings that Jaisalmer was way too hot this time of year (55 degrees celsius?!).

I think I had chosen wisely, not only due to the serendipitous nature of how Udaipur worked out last year, but also how when I arrive at Jaisalmer last night, I brought with me a much celebrated torrential rainstorm — Jaisalmer’s first in 6 years.

It’s nice how the weather can work out for you sometimes (knock on wood).

Since our journey from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer:

The markets around the Jodhpur clock tower.

Last year in Jodhpur I had the best damn lassi I ever had: Hotel Shri Mishrilal serves these saffron lassis for 20 rupees that are to die for.

The "to go" packaging of these divine saffron lassis.

While on the 5 hr. (190 rupees) bus to Jaisalmer

Hello Jaisalmer Fort; honeycomb colored living museum…rising out of the Thar Desert like a diamond in the rough.

After an hour of wandering around the fort, we’re back at our hostel (Jeet Mahal House) about to embark on an overnight camel safari. Say what? That’s right, we’re heading into the desert with camels for an overnight stay in the Thar Desert. It’s touted as one of the must-dos in Rajasthan, and I was kicking myself last summer when I opted out of it to go to Udaipur instead.

So I will report back in 20 hours when we return next morning. We’re worried that the intense lightning storm we brought with us last night will return again tonight (that would really really suck). Moreover, some of the girls with me are feeling the effects of the oppressive heat here, so we’re hoping that a little bit of Electral + water, and the cool desert nights will cure the maladies quickly before going on the camels. Fingers crossed!- At time of posting in Jaisalmer, it was 80.6 °F -

Humidity: 82% | Wind Speed: 19km/hr | Cloud Cover: scattered clouds