Jaisalmer, known for its Havelis, forts, sand dunes, and rich culture, is one of Rajasthan's most popular tourist destinations. It is not only a wonderful place to visit with your family, but it is also a popular destination for solo travelers, backpackers, and groups of friends. There are many tourist attractions in Jaisalmer, and one of the best aspects of a journey to Rajasthan is the people's hospitality. Sightseeing in Jaisalmer is a common activity that most visitors participate in. Another famous activity in the city is camping and staying in tents. And don't forget about camel safaris and traditional shows!
Jaisalmer, located near the Pakistan border, is one of Rajasthan's most visited cities and a popular tourist destination. Because of its grand sand dunes that stand proudly in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is also known as the 'Golden City.'
Lakes, opulent Jain temples, havelis, and forts made of golden-yellowish sandstone adorn Jaisalmer. Don't forget the desert safari on a camel's back and the rich desert adventures in a camp under the bright night sky when you're in Jaisalmer.
The Jaisalmer Fort is a proud crown that adorns the city's skyline and provides a beautiful contrast to the desert landscape. The ancient families that live in the small alleyways near the fort have been living in these same houses for decades! The one-day local sightseeing tour in Jaisalmer is a spectacular show of Mewari history, heritage, and grandeur.
Jaisalmer is a must-see destination for those interested in art, ancient customs, photography, or learning more about bygone eras. During the Desert Festival, which takes place every year in February, this lovely city is a sight to behold.
Here is how you can enjoy Jaisalmer in its full glory in one day:
Jaisalmer Fort
The megastructure, known as Sonar Qila, rises from the sand and blends in with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in their most bright colours, giving it a fairy tale appearance. It's simply magical; the bastions encircle whole townships, which include palace complexes, various security sources, and the havelis of wealthy merchants carved with an incredibly light touch, many temples, and the residential complexes of armies and traders strategically placed on the trade route, from where the ancient caravans passed en route passing all the riches for the prosperity.
Patwon ki Haveli
This Haveli, which stands in a narrow street, is one of Jaisalmer's largest and most elaborate. It has five stories and is intricately carved. It is split into six houses, two of which are occupied by the Indian Archaeological Survey, two by families who own craft shops, and two private residences. On some of the interior walls, there are remains of paintings, as well as some mirror work.
This five-story structure is known for its intricate carvings and jharokhas (balconies). The family of Ghuman Chand Patwa, an exceedingly wealthy patwa (trader of brocades and costly embroidery), began construction of this mansion in the early nineteenth century, and it took half a century to complete.
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
The haveli was designed in the 19th century by two architect brothers. Surprisingly, although one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left, resulting in a symphony that epitomizes the symmetry of side by side building. In the interior, miniature paintings monopolize the walls. The haveli is guarded by mighty tuskers cut out of yellow sandstone.
Vyas Chhatri
The Vyas Chhatri, one of the grandest of all memorials, features exquisitely designed cenotaphs, making it a marvelous tourist attraction. This memorial plaque in Jaisalmer is dedicated to Sage Vyas, the author of the Mahabharata epic, and serves as a formal cremation ground for Brahmins. The Sage's cenotaph is located to the north of the entire building. These cenotaphs were built as a mark of reverence for the royal family's clans after their deaths. The cenotaphs are made of yellow sandstone, and the pillars are topped with intricately carved chhatris.
Kuldhara Abandoned Village
Kuldhara, located 18 kilometers southwest of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, has been a deserted village since the early 1800s. The village, according to popular belief, is now haunted by ghosts. The "haunted" village, once home to wealthy Paliwal Brahmins, was deserted by its residents after atrocities committed by Jaisalmer's influential minister, Salim Singh.
To enjoy Jaisalmer in its full glory in just half a day, here is what you need to do:
Tilon Ki Pol - Gadisar Lake and Folklore Museum
Tazia Tower - a replica of Mausoleum of various Imams
The Thar Heritage Museum showcasing antiquities, turbans, musical instruments, fossils, etc.
The Bada Bagh - garden complex, home to the royal tombs
Vyas Chhatri - an air array of brilliant sandstone chhatris located on an old Brahmin graveyard
Jaisalmer War Museum - a historical war museum of the Indian Army showcases its inspiring contribution in mainly 1965 Indo-Pak War and 1971 Longewala battle.
Jaisalmer Fort - one of the largest forts in the world and the most dominant attraction of the city.
Jaisalmer, India's 'Golden Capital,' is located in the heart of the Thar desert in Rajasthan and is built on a base of yellow sandstone. The gleaming yellow stone statues are a sight to see in the sunshine. Jaisalmer has a diverse range of attractions, including yellowed forts, golden palaces, and even abandoned cities! Jaisalmer is a once-in-a-lifetime experience due to its unique charm, which is reflected in the contrasting hues of gold against bright shades of blue and green.
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from October to March. It gets very hot in the summers.
There is no airport in Jaisalmer; the nearest airport, Jodhpur, is 300 kilometers away. Jaisalmer, on the other hand, is well connected to the rest of India through India's extensive rail network. Weekly direct trains run between New Delhi and Jaisalmer, while regular trains run between Jaisalmer and other cities in the province.
Jaisalmer is linked to other cities in Rajasthan by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, which operates buses and Volvos. Inter-state buses run regularly from Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and New Delhi, according to some private bus operators.
Some of the must-visit spots in Jaisalmer are the Jaisalmer fort, Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli, Mandir Palace, and Kuldhara.
In comparison to other cities in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is a very peaceful city with high security. Visitors are not permitted to walk across the border regions, despite the fact that it is very close to Pakistan.
Jaisalmer, unlike other towns, has small lanes that are still bustling with hawkers and shoppers. Most of the time, riders on bikes or scooters drive erratically. So be cautious when going down those streets.
Since you're in Jaisalmer, you can expect to see products made of leather (mostly goat, as camel leather, is now illegal to sell in Rajasthan), silk embroidery, and cotton. Most of the job is undertaken locally or by village "widows." Handcrafted garments and bedsheets, silver jewelry, and antiques are also available (knives, swords, utensils, etc.)
- The small city can easily be explored on foot, but bikes can be rented to explore the city and some of the surrounding areas.
- Bicycles and auto-rickshaws are also common modes of transportation in Jaisalmer. If you have enough cash, an auto rickshaw is a better option, especially in congested areas. There are several landmarks near alleys, and bicycles are useful for avoiding bottlenecks. There are numerous locations, such as Gandhi Chowk, where you can rent a bicycle for $5 to $30 per hour or day.
- Cabs are accessible from both private and government-run companies. However, they are more expensive than private sightseeing vans.
Some of the specialty food items in Jaisalmer are: Pyaaz ki kachori, gatte ki sabzi, makhaniya lassi, daal baatu churma, ker sagri, bhaang lassi, mirchi bhajiya, chana Jaisalmer, kesariya thandai, and Rajsathani laal maas
The desert begins on the outskirts of the city. The major sand dunes in the desert are about 40 kilometers from Jaisalmer.
