The desert life...Jaisalmer, India

Jaisalmer is home to only 45,000 people and the Pakistan border is only 150klm away.

It's called 'The Golden City' because the entire city is made out of sandstone.

I feel it's as peaceful and tranquil as India can get.

The fort that contains restaurants, hotels, shops and palaces and overlooks the new town was built in 1250. It's breathtaking from every angle inside and out. It's streets are narrow and quietly active.

A Haveli is the Indian version of a mansion. There are three Haveli's in Jaislamer. Five generations have lived and owned this Haveli. One of the oldest and most spectacular in the town. The carvings in sandstone, which you can't see from the photo are ridiculously intricate and a work of art.

Sure Jaisalmer has an element of dirtiness (where in India doesn't?) but the beauty and charm and character and view and smells and sounds and people make this place brilliant.

This also where the safari begins.

An hour drive from town and I end up in the middle of nowhere, aka, the desert dunes.

A further 45 minute ride on camel back and I'm at a peaceful and secluded spot to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.

After the sun goes down we leave the tranquility and head back to base for some music and dinner and a bit of dancing. 

Then it's back on the camel again to head out to sleep under the stars.

The bed consists of two blankets. One to sleep on and another to sleep under with a mound of sand for a pillow.

It's about 10 degrees and as I finally bunker down I can hear a flute playing in the not so far distance. When thats finished it's dead silence except for a few dogs howling briefly. 

Sleeping in this desert is not five star accomodation, it's a sky full.

Happily I met some great people and made some more new friends along the way. 

I'm very interested to see if there's anywhere else in India that I'll like and enjoy as much as here.