Lucky, Raj, and Yogi were about to embark on a venture into the hotel management business. Our friendship began with them asking me lots of questions about what foreigners like. It didn’t take too long or too many beers before they invited me to stay at their hotel free of charge. When I saw the location, I completely understood their enthusiasm and I found myself staying a few extra days.

Jaisalmer is known as the Golden City and gets its namesake from the honey-colored sandstone used in all the buildings. Over 850 years ago, an imposing fort was built on a bluff overlooking the city. There are countless Rajput forts, but the what makes the Jaisalmer Fort unique is that people still live inside and life continues within is walls, only now with a few modern conveniences and a lot more tourism.

The trio secured a lease for a small section within the fort that includes eight rooms lined with ancient stone, many adorned with balconies that hang out over a golden bluff offering picturesque views of the city. The rooftop and restaurant has the ambience of an Arabian Nights tale complete with the warm glow of candles on low-slung tables and floors dotted with colorful silk pillows. Walt Disney himself could not have dreamt up a more enchanting set, although he probably would have put diapers on the street cows.

While Lucky, Raj, and Yogi have some renovation work to do, these energetic 20-somethings are ready to make their way in the world. The combination of hotel location plus their energy inspired me to spend the next few days exchanging ideas, taking photos and offering western insights. It was hard not to take them up on their offer of becoming the fourth partner, but I know my path takes me elsewhere.

  My new friends spent the next days showing me Jaisalmer’s hidden treasures, taking me to meet their families and evenings enjoying dinner and drinks on the rooftop restaurant.
Their hospitality made it difficult to go, but after assurances I would return at the end of June for their grand opening (and possibly Lucky’s wedding) I moved on.

 If you’re ever in the area, be sure to visit Surja Hotel & Lounge and tell them Pete sent you, they will be sure to give you the maharaja treatment.

www.surjahotel.com

Surja Hotel
East Fort Wall, Kotri Para
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan India 345001
eMail: laxmandavid2001@yahoo.com
PHONE: 91-9982098680

 

PS: Hang in there Lucky, maybe your parents will decide you can get married next year.

Magic within the walls of The Golden City5.053
Tags: India, Fort, Jaisalmer