This is an excerpt out of a 12 days trip to Rajasthan last year, because I think that it is Jaisalmer that is the truest picture of Rajasthan. It is placid, raw, far from the city madness and camels are actually still a part of populations daily life, not just for the tourists. Also, this is more of a photo blog rather than a detailed description, because a photograph speaks a thousand words and I am lazy. Have fun.
Bada Bagh Jaisalmer- The Royal cenotaphs (chattris).
An eeriness fills the complete area along with the brilliance of the famous royal cenotaphs of Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer. It's located in the middle of nowhere which makes it a crazy location for photography or just to hang out.
p.s. You are not allowed to stay back post the sunset, but that's when the actual magic happens.
The photograph consists of 3 shots put together. I had forgotten to carry my wireless trigger, hence ended up running up & down the hill twice to press the shutter and light up the cenotaphs from behind and then a third time to stand in the frame.
Pro tip - Eat almonds for good memory.
Sam Sand Dunes - The never ending.
As the harsh day of the desert gives way to the tranquility of the evening, a lone villager makes his way across the dunes to his home. Camels still serve as a major transport for a lot of villagers in the interior parts of Rajasthan, others just choose to walk. Simple lives.
Every day in Rajasthan is a celebration, literally, owing to Tourism being the state's mainstay. It's ironic how a state actually covered 60% in the desert, is so deeply associated with vibrant colours.
Gadisar lake is an oasis in middle of the golden brown colour that represents Jaisalmer city. Recee and find a vantage point and prepare for a colour riot in the evenings n mornings.
A land of forts, each splendid, each a mammoth, you lose count as you travel around the state. What separates the Jaisalmer fort from the others, is the fact that it is perhaps the only living fort in the world, with normal people like you and I staying inside the fort.Imagine having your address as 'Jaisalmer Fort'! Now compare that to your address.
The Old lady sits at her door reading her morning prayers, which opens directly into the fort streets, with thousands of people walking past her, everyday. She is in her own zone, it's her house.Her gaze doesn't leave the book even once, even as I get this close to her to take the photograph. Also, check out her flawless hair.
And that ultimately is the quintessence of Rajasthan, a state that has stayed true to it's culture and heritage in this mad frenzy around it. A place which moves forward with time but still hasn't forgotten where it started from. Go on, pick up a bag and take a time travel .