Oh Rajasthan. Our first destination was Jaisalmer: home of the Thar Desert and the infamous camel safari. We were really excited about coming to Jaisalmer, and even though 99% of our time here was a horror story, Jaisalmer was my favorite experience and likely the one I will talk about for ages.
In terms of tout-dodging it was an Epic fail on our part. We somehow ended up at a place promising cheap accomodations and zero hassle about camel safaris only to get ripped off and sick as hell. We were so tired after a 14 hour train ride that we somehow ended up signing up for a camel safari with this total smuck of a tour operator and lived to tell the tale.
We started our ride into the desert where our driver pulled over on the side of the road in a village. He told us tourists like to walk around and take pictures. Stepping ONE foot out of the vehicle, over 20 children came running at us asking for candy and rupees. The driver stood there allowing the kids to climb into the vehicle and start grabbing our bags. He then proceeded to drive off with the kids still attached to the vehicle, who began jumping out the back of the jeep as we gained speed.
And then there was the food poisoning. It alllll started with the water that came from a public well in the middle of the desert, which was used to prepare food. After Delhi, I really didn't think it could get any worse. I wontbore you gross you out with stories about our trip but nobody should ever have food poisoning where there is no toilet. It turns into a scary minefield where one should never have to step foot.
Our guide not only managed to help us get sick, but also constantly reminded us that he was poor, that we should give him money, that he would like to have most of the things we brought with us (clothing, headlamp, Evan's watch.....) I don't think I'd ever been happier to leave a place as I was when we started our depart from Jaisalmer.
Highlights:
Jumping in the dunes
Sleeping on a cot under a clear sky full of stars
Paying only 100 rupees for a room with private bath. Thats less than 2 dollars, folks.
Lowlights:
Just about everything else. Period.
Tips
Book ahead with accomodation that has been vouched for online or through a friend.
If you're going on a camel safari, pick a reputable agency. Dont be pressured by your hotel.
Try your hardest to not get scammed by touts. Easier said than done but go by your gut and don't agree to anything that doesnt feel right.
Don't plan to spend a whole lot of time in Jaisalmer. Book tickets ahead so you can be in and out.
In terms of tout-dodging it was an Epic fail on our part. We somehow ended up at a place promising cheap accomodations and zero hassle about camel safaris only to get ripped off and sick as hell. We were so tired after a 14 hour train ride that we somehow ended up signing up for a camel safari with this total smuck of a tour operator and lived to tell the tale.
We started our ride into the desert where our driver pulled over on the side of the road in a village. He told us tourists like to walk around and take pictures. Stepping ONE foot out of the vehicle, over 20 children came running at us asking for candy and rupees. The driver stood there allowing the kids to climb into the vehicle and start grabbing our bags. He then proceeded to drive off with the kids still attached to the vehicle, who began jumping out the back of the jeep as we gained speed.
And then there was the food poisoning. It alllll started with the water that came from a public well in the middle of the desert, which was used to prepare food. After Delhi, I really didn't think it could get any worse. I wont
Our guide not only managed to help us get sick, but also constantly reminded us that he was poor, that we should give him money, that he would like to have most of the things we brought with us (clothing, headlamp, Evan's watch.....) I don't think I'd ever been happier to leave a place as I was when we started our depart from Jaisalmer.
Highlights:
Jumping in the dunes
Sleeping on a cot under a clear sky full of stars
Paying only 100 rupees for a room with private bath. Thats less than 2 dollars, folks.
Lowlights:
Just about everything else. Period.
Tips
Book ahead with accomodation that has been vouched for online or through a friend.
If you're going on a camel safari, pick a reputable agency. Dont be pressured by your hotel.
Try your hardest to not get scammed by touts. Easier said than done but go by your gut and don't agree to anything that doesnt feel right.
Don't plan to spend a whole lot of time in Jaisalmer. Book tickets ahead so you can be in and out.
Travel-What a destination has seen in you is equally important as what you see at a destination.
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