Jaisalmer Travel Guide
Jaisalmer is situated in the Indian state of Rajasthan which has an average altitude of 225 m above the sea level. The local language of this place is Rajasthani. Jaisalmer is regarded as one of the beautiful and exclusive city of India. It is also known by the name of Golden City.
Jaisalmer is the western most town of any significance in India and has extraordinary medieval feel, with its crenelated golden sandstone walls and narrow streets lined with exquisitely carved buildings. All buildings are built out of honey colored sandstone.
Jaisalmer is the final approach to the hot barren desert is magical as the city shimmers like a mirage. It was founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156 and later it grew to be a major staging post on the trade route across the forbidding Thar Desert from India to West. The merchants prospered and invested a part of their wealth in building beautiful houses and temples with yellow sandstone.
Today tourism is the mainstays of the local economy. Holi is especially colorful in Jaisalmer as well in whole of Rajasthan. The Desert festival amid of the sand dunes where folk dancing, duet shows course of camel races, camel polo and camel acrobatics are the events organized at the Desert festival. The craftsmen work in Jaisamer is also famous all over. Mouth watering local cuisine is served almost everywhere and is loved by the tourists visiting here.
How to Reach Jaisalmer
- Air – Nearest airport is Jodhpur which is connected to Delhi and Jaipur.
- Rail – Nearest Jaisalmer rail head is the railway station of Jaisalmer. It is connected with Delhi via regular trains.
- Road – Daily Buses are run by RSRTC to Jailsalmer from the town.
Distance of Jaisalmer from Below Places:
| Place | Distance (KM) |
|---|---|
|
Jodhpur |
290 |
|
Ajmer |
442 |
|
Jaipur |
584 |
|
Udaipur |
575 |
|
New Delhi |
800 |
Weather
Jaisalmer Temperature:
- Summer (Mar to Jun) – Temperatures are high and range between (16°C) to (42°C). Not a recommended season for tourists due to the excessive heat
- Monsoon – (Jul to Sep) – Being a desert area, rainfall in Rajasthan is not very high. Temperature is on the higher side.
- Winter – (Oct to Feb) – Temperatures are low and range between (9°C) to (35°C)
- Best Time to Visit – Oct to Feb is the best season for tourism
What to See In Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort is also known as The Golden Fort or more commonly as Sonar Quilla is the main attraction of Jaisalmer. It was built by Raja Jaisal in 1156 AD; it is built on the Trukuta hill. It is called the Golden fort because of the color of sandstone used to build it. During the daytime the color reflects is yellowish brownish and after sunset a honey color effect is reflacted making the lace just wonderful.
The fort dominates the surroundings.The fort has witnessed many wars in the ages of history. The fort reflects the medieval age of India. The jail work in the interiors and delicately ornamented balconies and windows with Bengali style eaves break the solidity of the thick walls which affords protection from the heat. While the high plinths of the buildings keep off the sand.
In both the fort and the city there are many exceptional havelis, the mansion of rich merchants. Many of them are as fine as Venetian counterparts with beautifully carved facades, jail screens and oriel windows overhanging the streets below. Patwon-ki Haveli is a group of five havelis built for five brothers possibly the finest here. It has carved murals and caved pillars. A profusion of balconies cover the front wall. The inner courtyard is surrounded by richly decorated apartments.
Sam Sand Dunes lies 42 km west of Jaisalmer. Popular with camel safari is as there are proper sand dunes. The dunes cover an area of 1 sq km area and are very impressive. Sunset and sunrise is the best view of this place. Even night safari is very famous here. Spending the nights in the thatched hut is a wonderful experience one will witness.
The Gadi Sagar also known as Gadisar or Gharisar tank lies on the south west part of the city. It was the oasis which led Prince Jaisal to settle here. Lack of rain has always been a problem which is alleviated by the laying of water pipe to Gadi Sagar. It attracts migratory birds and has small shrines around it and is well worth visiting especially in the late afternoon. The delightful archway is one of the best view of the place.
Bada Bagh is also known as Bada Bagh lies 6 km north of Jaisalmer . Fruits and vegetables are grown here in the oasis around the old large dam. There are also royal chattris or devals. This is a popular place to visit at sundown to view Jaisalmer.
Desert National Park
Desert National Park lies close to the city of Jaisalmer and is one of the largest parks in India covering an area of 3,000 sq km. The park was created to protect the Thar Desert. The park attracts various types of migratory birds. Superb view of sunset can be seen from here.
Other Details
What to Do
- Camel Safari—trips to the desert and camping. Meals and water provided. It can vary from 2 to 7 days depending on the tourist.
- Move around the forts and palaces in the town.
Where to Eat
- Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets — Street off Gopa Chowk. The most famous sweet shop in Jaisalmer, for decade’s this place has been serving excellent mouth- watering sweets.
- Trio — Street Gandhi Chowk. Fort view, music, atmosphere that is what Trio offers you along with a verity of Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines in veg and non-veg forms.
- Bhang Shop — Street Gopa Chowk. Bhang is an Indian alchohol. This is not the best place to go to. But then again it is worth trying out. And in case you don’t like it go for the lassi. There’s also the camel pack option.
What to Buy
- Camel Leather Items
- Jewelry
- Handicrafts
Get Around
Getting around in Jailsalmer is best via bicycle or you can hire a cab also.
Popular Tour Plans - Rajasthan
1-3 Days
1. Jaipur (2N/3D)
4-6 Days
1. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur (6N/7D)
7-10 Days
1. Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Bikaner-Jaipur (9N/10D)
2. Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Udaipur (8N/9D)
3. Delhi-Agra-Ranthambhore-Jaipur (9N/10D)
> 10 Days
1. Jodhpur-Jaisalmer-Mount Abu-Udaipur-Pushkar-Jaipur (12N/13D)
2. Delhi-Corbett National Park-Agra-Bharatpur-Ranthambhore-Jaipur (12N/13D)