What to Avoid in Jaisalmer

I've watched the same handful of mistakes happen to travellers for years. None of them ruin a trip, but all of them cost money, time, or a good mood. Here's the honest list, from someone who sees it from behind the counter.

1. Booking your safari with the first person who approaches you

The touts around the railway station and the Fort gate are everywhere. They're friendly, they're fast, and they'll quote you a price that seems fine, until you discover you've been passed to whichever camp pays them the highest commission. The safari itself isn't dangerous; it's just that you'll pay double and get the worst seats.

The rule I tell my guests: never book anything from anyone who approaches you first. Walk into an office with a sign, call a number you found on a real website, or ask your guesthouse. That's it.

2. Believing 'the Fort is closed today'

The Fort does not close for lunch, it doesn't close for festivals, and it certainly doesn't close right when you arrive at the gate. That's a script. The man saying it wants you to follow him to 'his' shop or his cousin's tour instead. If anyone tells you the Fort is closed, smile, nod, and walk through the gate anyway.

3. Being afraid to say no

The biggest one. You'll be offered 'free' blessings, 'free' chai, 'free' tours, and none of it is free. It's fine to be polite and it's fine to say no. A firm, cheerful 'no thank you' and keep walking is all it takes. The sellers here are persistent but they're not rude once you've clearly declined.

Mohabbat Singh, from the office in Indira Colony