Jaisalmer had always been on my bucket list. Not only for the forts and sand dunes, but because everyone I had ever known who had been to Jaisalmer said the same thing — “You’ll fall in love with the golden glow.”

They weren’t wrong.

First Impressions — Golden City Magic

As I exited the train and into the heat of the sun in the desert, all that surrounded me glimmered with a golden light. Even the atmosphere was different. Serene. Arid. Tranquil. I rode a rickshaw to the fort section, and along the route, went through sandstone homes, men wearing colourful turbans, and women wearing embroidered ghagras, walking with water pots in elegance.

The city was locked in time — but in the most lovely way.

Photo by Jeet Dhanoa on Unsplash

What I Explored — Forts, Bazaars & Desert Vibes

Jaisalmer Fort: It’s not a monument, it’s pulsating with life. People inhabit the place, operate cafés, and vend handicrafts within its walls. I wandered for hours through its winding alleys, hearing the sounds of folk music wafting from balconies.

1 Patwon Ki Haveli: Breathtaking carvings, mirror work, and a peek into royal lifestyle.

2 Gadisar Lake: Went there during sunset and went for a paddle boat. The sky was orange-pink, and the whole thing felt like a movie.

3 Sam Sand Dunes: Camel ride during sunset, local musicians performing, stars in the sky — an experience that really lingers.

Photo by Sergio Capuzzimati on Unsplash

Culture & Clothes — Colour Everywhere

Jaisalmer is colourful. Not only in appearance, but also emotionally. The locals are expressive and warm, and wear bright, beautiful traditional attire. I got a bandhani dupatta, experimented with a turban, and even wore a Rajasthani-inspired kurta around the desert evening. And yep, I took close to a hundred photos wearing that.

Food — Spicy, Royal & Soul-Filling

The food here is rich, bold, and intensely satisfying:

1 Dal Baati Churma — The Rajasthani cuisine’s hero. I ate it at a local dhaba, and they gave it with so much ghee, I could not help but cry (tears of happiness).

2 Ker Sangri — A tangy and different desert vegetable dish.

3 Laal Maas — Red spicy mutton curry. A must-have for non-vegetarians.

4 Gatte Ki Sabzi — Gram flour dumplings soft and in spicy gravy.

5 Malai Ghewar — Dessert. Sweet, soft, and royal.

And the masala chai? Strong to perfection, served in earthen cups, and enjoyed best sitting out with a view of the fort.

How I Found My Stay — Thanks, CheQin.ai

Now let me confess. I hadn’t booked anything prior to my arrival. I was looking for flexibility and local choices. So I used CheQin.ai — fed in my preferences:

“Heritage-style stay, walkable from fort, good food, within budget.”

Within minutes, I received actual offers from local hotels. I chose a renovated haveli with jharokha windows, fort scenery, and complimentary breakfast. Even the owner assisted me with planning my schedule.

The clincher? No mindless scrolling, no second-guessing. Just actual, fast decisions.

Last Thoughts — Jaisalmer Was More Than A Trip

This was not a holiday. I think I stepped into a book — a book with kings, camels, and bright skies.

Either when I was sitting with a local craftsman sipping chai, or when I saw the desert light up with music and bonfires, I was deeply rooted. Jaisalmer taught me beauty — not only in buildings and food, but in people and simplicity.

And having a smooth stay experience made it even better. CheQin.ai didn’t feel like a booking app — it felt like a travel companion that just got it.

If you ever want a mix of royalty, rustic charm, and raw beauty — Jaisalmer is the place. Just go slow, eat well, and soak in the golden peace.

Living the Jaisalmer Way: Royal Food, Desert Nights & Local Vibes