People of Jaisalmer and the Humanity I Experienced
Important Notes for First-Time visitors
This was not a planned holiday.
We chose Jaisalmer to escape the extreme winter cold and found something much deeper.
History, humanity, honesty, and warmth—Jaisalmer gave us everything.
Why We Chose Jaisalmer in Winter
- Winters in Rishikesh are extremely cold
- We wanted a warmer, dry climate
- Peace mattered more than luxury
Jaisalmer felt right even before we reached there.
Road Journey: Rishikesh to Jaisalmer by Car
- Distance: Approx. 1,050–1,100 km
- Travel time: 18–20 hours (real driving time)
- Route: Rishikesh → Haridwar → Haryana → Rajasthan → Jaisalmer
We started our journey at 1:30 PM with a sudden plan and calm minds.
Lunch Break at Haridwar: Comfort Before the Long Drive
- Stop: Sarovar Portico Haridwar
- Purpose: Lunch + small work meeting
Food ordered
- Dal Makhani
- Butter Naan
The place was peaceful, premium, and comfortable.
Exactly what we needed before a long drive.
Entering Rajasthan at Midnight: Silence Like Never Before
- Time: Around 12:00 AM
- No street lights
- No houses
- No shops
Only long, dark roads.
It felt scary at first.
But slowly, it felt grounding.
Midway Stay at Jhunjhunu
- Location: Jhunjhunu
- Clean and comfortable 3-star hotel
- Peaceful night stay
We rested well, had breakfast there, and resumed our journey to Jaisalmer.
Hunger Near Jaisalmer & A Small Dhaba Miracle
- No restaurants nearby
- Sudden hunger
We found a small dhaba.
Food eaten
- Rajma
- Rice
No expectations.
But it tasted like home.
Midnight Arrival in Jaisalmer & Hotel Search Reality
- Arrival time: Around 12:00 AM
- Limited hotel options at night
- Most hotels look like real forts
- Prices felt high
We rejected one hotel due to poor value.
Fatigue caused arguments.
But rest was necessary.
Stay Experience: First Gate Hotel
Hotel Highlights
- Very close to Jaisalmer Fort
- Walking distance to the fort
- Fort-style architecture
Facilities
- In-house restaurant
- Rooftop café
- Fort-view seating
Breakfast
- Included during booking
- Fresh and delicious
From the rooftop, the outer fort view is clearly visible.
It feels royal yet peaceful.
First Gate Hotel Pricing (Honest Information)
- Stay: 2 nights
- Total cost: ₹21,000
Payment detail
- Card payment → tax applied
- UPI payment → no tax charged
Prices may vary, but the experience is worth it.
People of Jaisalmer: Where I Found God
- Honest conversations
- No fake pride
- Natural humility
When you appreciate them, they don’t feel proud.
They simply say, “This is who we are.”
That’s when I realised:
God doesn’t live only in temples.
God lives in the people of Jaisalmer.
Camel Ride in Jaisalmer: Charges & Experience
Charges
- Early morning: ₹50 per person
- Daytime: ₹100–₹200 per person
Additional Ride
- Thar desert ride
- Charged us: ₹3,500 for two people
- Prices may vary
Important note
- Camel landing is scary for first-timers
- Height difference is sudden
But you adjust slowly.
Bablu & Michael Jackson: The Innocent Desert Souls
- Camel names: Bablu and Michael Jackson
- Calm, innocent, gentle
Once the fear passed,
The ride became beautiful.
Desert Camp Night: Culture, Cold & Kindness
- Cultural performances under open sky
- Singing and folk dance
- Extremely cold night
Dinner
- Around 10 dishes
- Authentic and fulfilling
The owner sat with us like family.
Staff members were from one village, working in harmony.
Before leaving, the owner gifted me a special Jaisalmer souvenir.
That moment stayed with me.
History of Jaisalmer: Simply Explained
- Founded in 1156 AD
- Founder: Rawal Jaisal
- Built on ancient trade routes
- Made of yellow sandstone
Jaisalmer Fort: A Living Fort
- One of the few living forts in the world
- Families still live inside
- Shops, homes, temples exist within
Earlier:
- One side housed Brahmins
- Other side housed Rajputs
- On festivals, everyone assembled together
This unity still reflects in today’s people.
Gates of Jaisalmer Fort
- Ganesh Pol – for auspicious beginnings
- Akshya Pol – symbol of victory
- Suraj Pol – royal entry gate
- Hawa Pol – ventilation and defence
Each gate slows you down mentally.
Gadsisar (Gadisar / Ghanghor) Lake
- Built by Rawal Gadsi Singh
- Main water source of ancient Jaisalmer
- Still exists and respected
The royal family now lives in Delhi,
but their legacy remains alive here.
Weather, Food & Cost Reality
- Winter weather: Pleasant days, cold nights
- Fog: Possible, even zero visibility
- Food prices: Reasonable
- Hotels: Heritage stays start from ₹6,000/night
Final Thoughts on Jaisalmer
We are sharing more than a destination — we are sharing a way of life.
If you can earn money mindfully, you can travel without fear or limits.
Once in your life, go to Jaisalmer — trust me, you will truly experience it.
The desert teaches silence, freedom, and a slower rhythm of living.
Travel needs freedom, and freedom begins when you learn how to earn money.
Read Mindful Mumma Nest to earn money without investment and travel your way.
FAQs
Is Jaisalmer good in winter?
Yes, it’s the best season.
Is road travel safe?
Yes, but long and dark at night.
Is Jaisalmer expensive?
Hotels can be, food is affordable.
Sources & Tools
- Rajasthan Tourism (official)
- Incredible India
Local experiences and conversations