Exploring the Fort City
For my second morning in Jaisalmer, I give the dusty festival a rest and take the time to investigate the huge fort dominating the city. On top of a minor hill in the center of the town, golden sand-stone walls reach a modest height. A cluttered collection of beautiful Haveli buildings peak out over their edges, tempting with promises of a grand world of history waiting within.
I ascend the cobbled path through the series of gates and push my way through the relentless touts. This city has obviously been well-explored and all the citizens are well acquainted with tourism. I feel rude ignoring so many calls of “Hello! Friend!”, but I know it will lead nowhere if I give them a second of my time. I manage through the thick of it and find a few areas of solitary pleasure and more than enough photogenic gems.
See all of my photos from Jaisalmer Fort
On a rare change of heart, I decide to heed the call of a man deep in the heart of the fort city. He invites me into his 400 year old Haveli and explains the significance of it’s many architectural features and history. After the short tour is over, he thanks me for visiting and kindly says goodbye at his front doorstep without asking for anything in return. I’m glad to have had the faith in the encounter, but I wonder how many unique opportunities like this that I have previously missed. Still, the endless barrage of touts, beggars and hustlers has worn down my typically outgoing nature. I know that most people approaching me are only looking for a few rupees, but times like this only bring up the question as to where the line should be drawn.
See all of my photos from the Shyam Bhaki Haveli
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Tags: - Photography, Asia, Festival, India, India: Karnataka, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Adam Shane
There’s been alot of controversy over whether to stay or not stay in the Fort. It’s eroding from increased water usage and tourists are contributing to the problem. I’m trying to raise awareness about the situation so tourists can get involved.
Check out this link, it shows the different viewpoints so readers can have more info about this important question and get involved to help out!
http://beta.flowgram.com/fgshare/FLOxsnFr/
Happy Travels!