Desert Cities In Rajasthan Carved out of its very rocks and painted in the dyes culled from its natural surrounds, the cities of Rajasthan are not only magnificent but also a vibrant mix of colours, the geru coloured pink city, the refreshing blue houses and lanes of Jodhpur, the burnished glow of Jaisalmer and the soothing whites of princely Udaipur. Add to this the riotous costumes of the locals and the spirit of festivity that permeates the very air here. Packed with exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis, and a testimony to the imperial grandeur of Rajasthan, its cities are as fascinating today as they were centuries ago.
Hubs of art and culture they have kept their artistic talents and traditions alive and the craftsmen here create exquisite articles of such fine details that its markets have become a huge draw for designers from across the globe. Dip into any of its exotic stores and find yourself a precious trinket. Each of its cities even provides a slight variation in authentic Rajasthani cuisine and a host of spicy savouries, so when in Rajasthan Tourism, do indulge.
Jaisalmer [Desert cities in Rajasthan]
Jaisalmer is one of the jewels of Rajasthan, a medieval walled city that is perched on a sand-coloured rocky hill in the middle of the Thar desert. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156, Jaisalmer became a major trading post on the southern Silk Road routes from Central Asia. Merchants grew wealthy from the passing camel caravans and built many beautifully carved wooden and sandstone havelis which are still present in the city today, including the Patwon Ki and Salim Singh Ki Havelis.
The narrow cobbled lanes of the old city also numerous packed Jain temples, forts and palaces built from sandstone, giving Jaisalmer a wonderful medieval atmosphere and earning it the name ‘The Golden City’. The thick city walls are over 10 metres high and include 99 bastions, while the fort contains the palace of the Maharawal.
This Phenomenal town of grace resides in the Heart of the Thar Desert [blessed with some of the appealing tourist attractions and fun-packed activities]. Make the most of the thrill-driven activities like
- Camel Ride
- Jeep Safari
- Overnight Camping
- Folk dance and music performances etc.
Maharawal Jaisal Singh [a Rajput King] founded this wondrous city in 1156 AD and this is where it gets its name from; Jaisalmer means the Hill Fort of Jaisal. Jaisalmer is home to some tough and daring backdrops, well-known for leather products such as leather made messenger bags.
Places To Visit In Jaisalmer –
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Gadisar Lake
- Vyas Chhatri
- Patwon Ki Haveli
- Jaisalmer War Museum
- Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum etc.
Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer – From the start of November to the mid days of March.
Jodhpur [Desert cities in Rajasthan]
At the edge of the Thar desert lies Jodhpur, Rajasthan’s second largest city. Jodhpur is known as the Blue City due to the large number of pale indigo painted houses in the Old City, which signify that they are the home of Jodhpuri Brahmins, the high caste Hindus. Founded in 1459 by the Rajput chief Rao Jodha, Jodhpur is dominated by the magnificent Meherangarh Fort, which sits on steep escarpment overlooking the city, with magnificent views of Jodhpur and the surrounding desert.
Inside the walls and gateways of the Fort lie many palatial buildings and courtyards of classic Mughal style, once home to the Jodhpuri Maharajas but which now house one of Rajasthan’s best museums. Elsewhere in the Old City, the narrow alleys around the famous Clock Tower are very atmospheric and renowned for their bazaars selling textiles, silver and handicrafts while the immense 16th century wall which still surrounds the city is almost 10km long.
The extra-ordinary forms of creation like the Palaces, Forts and Temples reside in the kindness of this enchanting city. It sets in the outlining landscape of the Great Indian Desert.
Places To Visit In Jodhpur –
- Mehrangarh Fort
- Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Achal Nath Temple
- Jaswant Thada
- Kunj Bihari Temple
- Umaid Palace Museum
- Ghanta Ghar
- Kaylana Lake and Garden
- Balsamand Lake
- Iskcon Temple etc.
Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer – Commencing from the month of October to the mid of March.
Bikaner [Desert cities in Rajasthan]
Nicknamed as the Camel City; it’s a prominent city situated in the Northwest region of the state of Rajasthan. This striking city was founded by the Rao Bika in the year 1486.
Bikaner gratefully celebrates its foundation day on Akshaya Tritiya by initiating numerous exciting activities like flying Kites and having ethnic food [bajre ka khichda and imli ka paani].
The famous city of Bikaner is located in the middle of the Thar Desert [lives in Hot Semi-arid climate – receives very less rainfall].
Places To Visit In Bikaner –
- Camel Research Farm
- Junagarh Fort
- Prachina Museum
- Laxmi Niwas Palace
- Karni Mata Temple
- Lalgarh Palace
- Bhandasar Jain Temple
- Laxmi Nath Temple
- Sursagar Lake etc.
Best Time To Visit Bikaner – Beginning from the month of October to the end of March.
Osian [Desert cities in Rajasthan]
A remarkable and excellence infused ancient town situated in the Jodhpur district of the largest state of India by area [Rajasthan].
Osian is an oasis in the Thar Desert, popularly addressed as the “Khajuraho of Rajasthan” for its fine carved temples. This place of exploration is famously known for serving as home to the cluster of Jain and Brahmanical Temples, which dates to the 8th to 11th Centuries.
During the Gurjara Pratihara Dynasty; Osian assisted as the major religious destination of the Kingdom of Marwar. One can spend a few quality days in this dazzling destination [calm and graceful place of quirkiness].
Places To Visit In Osian –
- Osiyan Mata Temple
- Harihara Temple
- Camel Ride With Desert Safari & Camp Stay
- Katan Bavdi etc
Best Time To Visit Osian – The winter months are the best; starting from the month of October to the mid of March.
