Jaisalmer was the 6th city that I visited during my ‘desert sojourn’ – an exhaustive, memorable tour of Rajasthan."Jaisalmer" means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal" and is named after its founder Rao Jaisal. Jaisalmer is also called as the Golden city of India because the yellow sand gives a yellowish-golden touch to the city & its surrounding area.On the recommendation of a friend we had chosen to stay at the Hotel Mandir Palace. We had travelled to Jaisalmer via Jodhpur which has the closest airport. From Jodhpur, we had boarded a train to Jaisalmer railway station from where the hotel is barely 2.4 kms away at Gandhi Chowk.
Hotel Mandir Palace is an exquisitely carved architectural marvel that has the potential to take your breath away with its grand and imposing structural beauty. We received a royal welcome on our arrival at the Hotel Mandir Palace and were charmed by the efficient and gracious hotel staff, who made us feel like real maharaja’s on a trip.
We had opted for a suite and as we entered we were overwhelmed by the palatial rooms luxuriously furnished with period furniture.Elaborately carved Jharoka balconies, intricately chiseled screen windows offer a visual treat.
Sheer luxury was reflected in virtually every thing -the ethnic quilts, tapestries with exquisite mirror work, brass vases, antiques, miniature paintings and folk décor.Combine this with all conceivable modern amenities such as attached baths with hot and cold running water, telephone connectivity, televisions and cable connection, room service at all times of the day and what you have is a guarantee of a perfect holiday.
Dining at the Mandir Palace is veritable a food adventure of sorts. A delectable selction of cuisines from local delicacies to North Indian fare, to Continental and Chinese delicacies with a choice to dine at the palace restaurant, or in the exquisite courtyard or at the roof top with a panoramic view of the fort. In the evening we checked out the bar which offered a excellent selection of vintage wines and beverages. Later we enjoyed a rather spirited performance by local artists with a enigmatic display of traditional folk dances and music performances.
Some of our treasured moments at the Mandir palace were spent on the roof deck that offered great views of the fort at dawn and dusk .It was lovely to sit up there and read, have a drink, and just watch the color of the fort change at the end of the day.
The hotel also includes many other facilities that are provided to ensure a hassle free stay and include credit card acceptance, doctor on call, travel Desk, florist, car parking, room service, laundry, beauty parlor, travel counter, conference and banquet facilities, money changer, safety deposit vaults, gift shop etc.
The Mandir Palace is in close proximity of splendid heritage spots such as Nathmalji ki Haveli, Jaisalmer Fort, the Jain temples at Lodurva, Akal wood fossil park and the deser national park.The sifting sands of the dunes at Sam, on the edge of the Desert National Park, relentlessly moving and changing were a breathtaking sight and the sunset was simply spectacular.
The Mandir Palace leaves an indelible impression of the unmatched medieval charm and magnificence of Jaisalmer. I can still vividly remember the view of the fort as it turned in to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets on Jaisalmer. Mesmerizing!
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