Travelogue S46- Jaisalmer - Hotel Reviews and a fun Desert Safari experience !

During our shoot we also covered many places to stay in the city. There are a lot of beautiful places to stay in the golden city of Jaisalmer. Each one different and special in its own way. Our decided to see for ourselves two of the most recommended places - and now you are coming along with us 😊

The Thar Desert in the Evening

Helsinki House

The first property we stepped foot into is the Helsinki House. You would find many popular travel sites recommending this property and it does stand up to its reputation. Apart from admiring a great desert view from your window, Helsinki house also allows you to get an overview of the entire city along with the majestic Mandir palace. The property is located near Gadisar Lake, the place is quiet and perfect for a serene morning breakfast on the rooftop. The Haveli style architecture and royal hospitality will transport you to another time from where you might not want to come back. So be very careful!

Deluxe Room

The hotel is just a four mins walk from the Golden Fort of Jaisalmer. The railway station is just 2.5 kilometres away and the airport is around 14 kilometres. The room rates start out at USD $23/INR 1700 (Approx.) They provide pick and drop facilities to the airport and the railway station, so do check with the hotel once you book.

Nachna Haveli

Another property that pops up in tourist recommendations is the Nachna Haveli, which is managed and owned by the Royal Family of Jaisalmer. Built in the 18th century, the palace is situated in old city sharing its walls with the great old Mandir Palace. Exuding an unmistakable sense of history, the palace is carved entirely of sandstones and a lavish use of space - with high arches and many courtyards.

Saffron restaurant on the roof provides gourmet dishes from around the world. With personalized service and delicious servings-the Haveli gives you no reason to step out of the palace apart from sightseeing. With the family members still residing in the premise - the property feels more like home. The staff is very cordial and always has interesting trivia and anecdotes to intrigue and entertain you.

Nachna Haveli is also close to the railway station. Around 2.5 kilometres, the airport is also very close, around 4 kilometres. The rates are premium, the rooms start out at INR 4500/USD $60 per night.

A combination of luxury, heritage and calm the hotel allows 13 rooms for guests. The rooms are adorned with silk furnishings and antique furniture with an exquisite art collection to keep up with the character of the Haveli in mind. Each comfortable and opulent in their own right.

Enjoy the sunlight in the courtyard with a cup of tea, walk barefoot on cold sand stones for a quiet afternoon walk and spend a serene evening with world cuisine at your service on the rooftop. Nachna Haveli promises and delivers the complete Jaisalmer experience.

One of the interesting experiences that was organized for us was the camel and jeep desert safari. Both camel and jeep safari are separate activities. You can do both though. We did!

A Day in Desert: The Jaisalmer experience

When you think of a weekend getaway - beaches and hills are often the first thing on your mind. But what we tend to forget is that the deserts sometimes could also surprise us! The experience is definitely worth it.

The rates start out low around INR 2500/USS $30 and goes up depending on the nature and duration of the safari. The range goes from simple safaris that include just a jeep ride and breakfast in the desert to a full day and overnight stay under the stars. All kinds of packages are available. We went for something in between. We went for a jeep safari in the morning and an evening camel safari and dinner with the local Kalbeliya tribe.

We started our day long adventure with a jeep ride across the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. A safari usually lasts an hour and a half and can take you across the city as well apart from going through the dunes. The experience can be quite the rush if you are not used to adrenaline generating activities. The breakfast in the desert was new experience, the food was yum!

The evening safari was even better. The golden glistening sand, rhythmic camel walk gives us an authentic experience. Riding through a sunset, with the sky turning pink in the backdrop is an experience that can only be lived. Getting up on the camel can be tricky if you are new. Also, if one is not positioned properly there usually is a tendency to fall forwards especially if the tourist is on the heavier side.

Next up - camel back or a jeep - stopping over for a Kalbeliya dance was on our must to do list. A performance by the Kalbelia tribe - known for its serpent like moves bound us to its tunes.

Kalbeliya Dancer

Complemented by cool desert evenings this was the perfect end to our day. Alcohol is available on request for an additional charge. You can also carry your own hipflask!

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much I enjoyed sharing this. If you wish to know anything about this do reach out via the comments section below. I will try my best to share.

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Cher!