About Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, the Golden City, epitomises the charm of a sandy desert, along with the royal palaces and fighting camels of Rajasthan. This world-famous tourist destination is situated in the middle of the great Thar Desert. Also, serving as the administrative headquarters of the Jaisalmer district, it shares its borders with Pakistan, Bikaner, Barmer and Jodhpur. This Golden City is just 575 km away from the state capital, Jaipur. Tourism is the major sector playing a key role in the economy of the district. The city has been named after its founder Rawal Jaisal, who ruled Jaisalmer during the 12th century.

This Golden City is famous for Rajasthani folk music and dance forms which are highly appreciated in the global forum. The most sensual dance form, Kalbeliya, is performed by the indigenous tribes on the occasion of the Desert Festival at Sam Sand Dunes. This is a three-day annual festival held in the month of February. The camel races, turban tying and the best moustache competitions attract tourists from far flung areas. Besides, camping, bonfire and camel safari in the great Thar Desert are sure to give an unforgettable experience to the travellers visiting Jaisalmer.

A famous UNESCO world heritage site, this yellow sandstone architecture in Jaisalmer is aptly nickname ‘Sonar Qila’ (or Golden Fort). While the other forts in Rajasthan are more of an exhibit for the tourists, the Jaisalmer Fort is alive and bustling with shops, hotels and exquisite havelis – all inside the fort walls!

Some the famous havelis (aristocratic bungalows) Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Patwon Ki Haveli – all of which display intricately yellow sandstone carvings and miniature paintings. Gadisar Lake is a 14th century artificial lake in Jaisalmer by the then ruler to meet the water needs for the arid lands. Today, the lake, with dozens of half submerged lakes and shrines, is a crown jewel of Jaisalmer Tourism.

The Government Museum in Jaisalmer house some of the rare and exclusive household items, jewelery, statues from 7th and 9th century offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural past. Bada Bagh (literally Big Garden) is another tourist hotspot in Jaisalmer known for scores of royal cenotaphs (chattris) of Maharajas of Jaisalmer kingdom. Desert National Park offers best of the Thar Desert ecosystem like undulating sand dunes, serrated rocks and dense salt lake bottoms complement the various thriving wildlife species such as endangered Great Indian Bustard, desert fox, chinkara and black buck.
During the winter, the park is blessed with the visits of migratory birds such as Himalayan and Eurasian Griffon Vultures.