Amid the bounteous golden dunes of Thar Desert, near the Pakistan Border, sits the Golden City Jaisalmer – A World Heritage Site.
Clad in Yellow sandstone, the Queen of Thar, ‘Jaisalmer’ meaning the Hill Fort of Jaisal acts as a gateway to the historically ostentatious Rajasthan. With its unsurpassed art and architecture, hospitality and adventure, inarguably, it is the best travel destination in Rajasthan, which never fails to impress.
Jaisalmer Fort
One of the largest forts in the world, popularly known as Sonar Qila, Jaisalmer Fort, built in 1156 AD, is the signature landmark in the city. Unlike any other fort, it houses a museum, shops, hotels, houses and eateries housed within. This ‘living fort’, have thousands inside its walls who earn earning their livings through the fort’s shops, restaurants and temples.
Gadisar Lake
Enjoy a boat ride in the 6-century old artificial Gadsisar lake which was built by Rawal Jaisal. Apart from storing rainwater, the place is home to some beautiful temples, ghats and chhatris. Photo enthusiasts can click pictures of migratory birds.
Haveli’s (Mansions) of Royal families
At Jaisalmer, there are some beautiful Havelis which used to be the residences of Jaisalmer royal family. Now, a Museum, they have carefully treasured the articles, textiles and furniture, once used by the royal family. Some of the popular Havelis to visit while in Jaisalmer are Patwon Haveli, Salim Singh Haveli, Raja ka Mahal and Nathmalji Ki Haveli.
Bada Bagh (Cenotaph)
A memorial was built by the royal family of Jaisalmer, it commemorates the kings of the bygone era. Here, one will find yellow sandstone Chhatris, sandstone built domes, an artificial water tank & dam and Square Pavilions to remember their kings, especially Jaisal Singh.
Vyas Chhatri (Cenotaph)
A beautiful Chhatri dedicated to the great author of Epic Mahabharata, Shri Ved Vyas. It has some sandstone built domes, cenotaphs, Square Pavilions, Wall cravings & statues. A place worth visiting to admire Rajasthani architecture.
Sam sand dunes
One of the most popular sand dunes in Jaisalmer district, Sam sand dunes is about 45 km west of Jaisalmer city. Tourists can enjoy a Camel safari & kart ride, take a jeep safari for dune bashing, see a tribal dance at desert camps or spend the night at desert camps.
Jaisalmer War Museum
Walkthrough the history of Indo-Pak wars in the War Museum in Jaisalmer. It presents an impressive collection of the captured war vehicles of 1965 war, captured tanks of 1971 war (Indo-Pak) and captured arms ammunition of 47, 48, 65, 99 war. Sip a coffee in the cafetaria here and also buy some souvenirs from a shop here.
Desert Culture Centre & Museum
Run by Mr NK Sharma (historian, writer, teacher), the museum is a great place to understand the culture of Jaisalmer. Watch a puppet show in the evening and take back some souvenirs.
Shopping in the rustic charm of the Golden city Jaisalmer, is a completely different experience. Here one will find 5 famous markets that present the true essence of ancient Rajasthani culture. Choose from:
Desert Festival of Jaisalmer
Comes February and Jaisalmer becomes host to the famous Desert Festival that presents the culture and heritage of Rajasthan and its people. An annual event, the festival has the famous turban tying or the Mr Desert competition. For 3-days, enjoy the rich cultural songs and dance to the tunes. Sponsored by the Rajasthan State Tourism Corporation, the festival has snake charmers, folk performers, acrobats and puppeters.
Winter
November to March is the best time to visit Jaisalmer. Outdoor activities like camel ride, desert safari are more enjoyable during this time as the temperature drops down to 7 or 8 degree Celsius.
Summer
April to August are the hottest months, hence tourist activities are less during this time. Just like day, afternoons can also be hot, hence travellers are advised to carry a strong sunscreen and a hat during this time.
Monsoon
September to October sees very little or no rainfall, but the weather is quite pleasant. This is a tourist season hence the city gets crowded.
By Air
Jaisalmer does not have an airport, so the nearest airport to it is Jodhpur airport, around 275 km.
By Rail
With broad gauge and meter gauge railway tracks, Jaisalmer is connected to cities like Delhi and Jaipur. Palace on Wheels also connects Jaisalmer.
By Road
Many state transport and private buses connect Jaisalmer to the cities of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Tourists can board a bus from The Golden Bus Terminal and Roadways main bus stand. Cab services are also available.
