A Complete guide to Jaisalmer is an icon city of Rajasthan with enchanting beauty, utmost in historical significance and top of the all, blessed with ample of natural splendor. Therefore, being glorious city of Rajasthan, it is also well-known as the ”Golden city” and is great tourist alluring place of Rajasthan. This desert city is situated 575 kms away from Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan and spreaded over an area of about 1429 sq.km enclosed with Pakistan in the west, Bikaner in the north, Barmer and Jodhpur in the south and Jodhpur in the east. Jaisalmer is Rajasthan’s largest district and is very developed city in a rectangular shape.
Rajasthan of India feels very pride to have Jaisalmer in their boundary as it is one of the precious gems in the tourist industry. Though climatic condition of Jaisalmer is not that much favorable as other tourist city but then also, many of people enjoy here and takes away with them something different type of memories of desert area. To reach the city is very easy and simple task as there are the best connectivity available through air, road and rail A Complete guide to Jaisalmer.
Literally, Jaisalmer means the hill fort of Jaisal. RawalJaisal, the BhattiRajputs’ successor, founded this historical and majestic city. Jaisalmer Tourism is famous for its golden colored desert. The main attractions of this splendid place of Rajasthan are magnificent forts, majestic palaces, fabulous temples, entertaining parks, pre-historic museums and gorgeous havelis. Jain temples of this city are also famous worldwide for their mind-boggling architectural style.
Other than tourist spots, tourists also get attracted towards Jaisalmer because of it vibrant festivals, camel shows and also thrilling rides. Warm welcome and hospitability of people of Jaisalmer makes your trip unforgettable throughout your life. Therefore, those who want to enjoy the natural beauty of hub of TharDesert along with the helping nature of local people, then they are right place!!
Interesting Facts about Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer is one of the only living forts in India.
- It is one of Bollywood’s favourite shooting destinations.
- You will find several deserted, haunted villages around the city.
- India’s most luxurious train, the Palace on Wheels, passes through Jaisalmer.
- The city has one of the largest wind farms in India.
- India’s first nuclear test was done at Pokhran, which is nearby.
History of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer’s history comes in the medieval period when the golden city was founded by Rajput chief Jaisal. Jaisalmer’s history is sung in the form of tables by local boards, cars and evenings. To prevent the potential encroachment of the enemies, the city was established in the year 1156 above the triangular hill by the Maharaja. Bhatti was in the initial capital of the Rajput dynasty, Lodruva, which is located 15 kilometers south of Jaisalmer Tour Packages.
Jaisalmer emerged as a prosperous state in medieval times. This area was facilitated due to the presence of routes of two countries which connected India with Western countries, Africa and Persia. During the 13th and 14th centuries, Muslim rulers attacked the city. Royal protection was returned to Rajput King, Sabala Sinha during the reign of Shah Jahan. After achieving independence, the state was connected to the Indian Union A Complete guide to Jaisalmer.
The legend is that the city Jasal founded the devotee, on the order of the year. Jaisalmer attractions grew up in medieval times and collected a lot of money from caravans crossing this area. Two routes connected with India from Persia, Africa, Egypt and Western countries provide trade facilities in this area. The strategic location of the city prevented the invasion of foreign rulers In the 13th and 14th centuries, the rulers of the city, known as Raval, were entangled in the nine-year war with the Turks of Afghanistan, Al-ud-Din Khilji. Rajkumar was defeated in battle and since then he maintained cordial relations with the Delhi Sultanate.
Subsequently, after his rival contribution in the battle of Peshawar, Sabla Sinha was honored by Shah Jahan with the royal patronage of the city. In Jaisalmer’s modern history, his association with the British Empire included. After achieving independence, the state joined the Union of India. Hereditary fences, carons and bars sing songs of the wise rulers of the city. A Complete guide to Jaisalmer lost his economic importance after the establishment of the port city of Mumbai. After the partition of the country, it also lost the trade route passed through Pakistan. Now it has emerged as one of the important tourist destinations of the country.
Major Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is so loaded with its cultural heritage that every corner of the city has a past to depict. Though it is a little tough to list all the places you simply cannot miss visiting whilst in the city, there are a few extremely famous places in Jaisalmer that even our school history books could not exclude.
Jaisalmer Fort: Sonar Quila
The very first name in the list of places to visit in Jaisalmer is Jaisalmer Fort. This 800-year-old fort emits golden radiance as it glows proudly under the beautiful sun of Rajasthan. It is considered one of the few living forts of the world. It still holds around 4,000 residents. It is the second-largest fort in Rajasthan and is built on a hill that is 250 feet tall. The fort has many temples and small palaces within its premises. The fort is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
The fort has three layers of walls within its premises which protects it against enemy invasion. It is suggested that you take guided tours to grasp the intricate details of Jaisalmer Fort fully. There are many big and small details that one might miss if they are not pointed by seasoned guides. Even though the fort is hundreds of years old, it still stands tall and solid. There is a great selection of shops within the fort and one can shop for gifts and souvenirs here.
Gadisar Lake
This beautiful lake was built by the first ruler of Jaisalmer, Raja Rawal Jaisal. The entry fee to the lake is free. The lake is surrounded by intricate chatrris and has many important shrines within its premises. Migrator birds from Bharatpur bird sanctuary can be spotted in Gadisar Lake which adds to the beauty of the lake. The lake is among the most charming palaces to visit in Jaisalmer and is frequented by devotees, tourists, and locals alike. It is especially crowded during weekends, so it is best that you visit the lake during weekdays to avoid the crowd.
The best time to go boating is early morning or during sunsets. The lake gets open for tourists by 8 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. Boating in this beautiful lake is an aromatic activity for couples and can also be a fun activity for a group of friends or family A Complete guide to Jaisalmer.
Jain Temples
Jaisalmer is famous for many Jain Temples that are situated within its limits. These temples are dedicated to Jain Tirthankars and are popular around the world for marvellous Dilwara style paintings. The architecture of these temples is mesmerizing. The temples are open only till noon, so it is important to start your day with them. These temples are made of yellow sandstone which is very distinctive in A Complete guide to Jaisalmer buildings. Many of these temples were made in the 11th and 12th centuries and continue to spread joy and newness even after hundreds of years.
Lodurva Jain Temple is one of the most famous among the Jain Temples. It has great religious and historical significance. It has brilliant mirror work that seems new even after hundreds of years since the construction. Guided tours of Jain Temples frequently take place.
Sometimes tourists are not allowed in the premises when religious activities are taking place inside, so it is suggested to check whether the temples are open for public viewing or not. One can spend as long as half a day or an hour to explore these temples depending on their interest. For a more detailed travel references & information, you can checkout our Rajasthan travel guide. It can help you in Jaisalmer visiting the city and explore the best palaces and best things to do in Jaisalmer.
Desert National Park
The Desert National Park is spread across 3162 kilometers and has a rich wildlife. The endangered great Indian bustard makes this park as one the most exciting tourist palace in Jaisalmer. It is most famous for hosting migratory birds like Short-toed eagles, sand grouse, tawny eagles, etc. Despite arid conditions, flora and fauna are fascinating here. The Desert National Park has an exclusive collection of dinosaur fossils which attract many tourists. The most favourable time to visit the national park is from November to January. If you are lucky, you can also spot migratory birds in the park.
The Desert National Park’s geography looks monotonous, but it is actually very complicated. The landscape comprises of salt beds, jagged rocks, and sand dunes. The topography of the desert appears lifeless but bellow the surface it is brustling with life. There is a complex system of flora and fauna surviving in the park. The Desert National Park was founded in 1980 and is spread in A Complete guide to Jaisalmer and Barmer. It is not safe to venture in the park by oneself and one should always get a tour guide who can show you around for safety and educational purposes.
Tanot Mata Temple
Tanot Mata Temple is a religious place dedicated to Tanot Mata who is believed to be an incarnation of goddess Hinglaj Mata. The temple is situated near the Pakistan border and survived the Indo-Pak war of 1971. According to a modern legend, it was because of the temple’s divine spirit that India won the war and the temple withstood the damage of the battle. The temple is situated 122 kilometres away from Jaisalmer, and it takes close to 2 hours to go travel there. Despite the distance, Tanot Mata Temple is often brimming with tourists and devotees.
Patwaon ki Haveli
Constructed by Gulam Singh Patwa in 1805 CE, the Patwaon ki Haveli is considered to be one of the most beautiful Havelis of Rajasthan. This place is merely 500 metres away from the grand Jaisalmer Fort and 1.5 kilometres away from the Jaisalmer Railway Station. The haveli has beautiful architecture and excellent carvings. This haveli has 5 parts and closes to 60 balconies. The whole structure took 55 years for its completion. There is a museum in the building premises which displays some of the best artefacts and precious objects A Complete guide to Jaisalmer.
Patwaon ki Haveli is open from 8 am to 6 pm, and the tickets are priced at INR 20 for Indians and INR 100 for foreign nationals. An additional charge of INR 50 is placed for the camera. Currently, this building is maintained by the Rajasthan State Government. It has the offices of Archeological Survey of India, the Craft Department, and the Art Department. One might need close to two hours to explore the haveli fully.
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
Once the residence of Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister, Diwan Mohata Nathmal, this haveli is a tourist attraction today. It is a prime example of Rajput and Islamic architecture. Built by two brothers named Hathi and Lulu, the beautiful haveli has an irregular finish as it was made simultaneously and yet independently by the bothers. The fact that it withstood the test of time and did not fall also says a lot about the structure’s rigidity. The haveli is situated in the centre of the city and is open till 5 p.m.
Bara Bagh
Located at a distance of 7 kilometers, Bara Bagh is a garden complex which is made of cenotaphs or chhatris. The cenotaphs or chhatris are made in remembrance of old kings of Rajasthan. The oldest chatri is dedicated to Maharawal Jait Singh. The tradition of making chhatris at Bara Bagh was discontinued after the 20th century. The discontinuation happened because the chatri dedicated to Maharaja Jawahar Singh was left incomplete because of his son’s untimely death. Since then the making of chhatris has been marred with bad luck.
The timings to visit Bara Bagh are from 8 am to 6 pm. The ticket price for foreign tourists is INR 50 while for Indian nationals the ticket price is INR 20. The best time to visit Bara Bagh is during the golden hour when the structures glow beautifully in the golden light of the sun. The chhatris are intricately designed in Mughal, Rajput, and Paliwal style. The statue of the king accompanies some of the chhatris. The Bara Bagh also has a tank and dam. The tank is a huge structure with 1,200 feet in height and 350 ft in breadth. A tower made to commemorate the construction of the tank is also in Bara Bagh.
Things to do in Jaisalmer
In this city of 78,000 citizens, there is a lot to choose from, and one can find a diverse mix of relaxing retreat and adventure sports alike. While major tourist sports like Jaisalmer Fort or Sonar Quila, Gadisar Lake, Desert National Park, Vyas Chhatri, Jaisalmer Government Museum, Jain Temples, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, and Khaba Fort are one everyone’s itinerary, there are also many fascinating activities that one should experience here. The diversity of activities and events that Jaisalmer Safari provides will have something for everyone be it kids, older people, adventure junkies, or history buffs.
Boating at Gadisar Lake
Boating at Gadisar Lake: The best time to go boating is early morning or during sunsets. The lake gets open for tourists by 8 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. For a simple two-seater paddleboat, the price is INR 100, for a four-seater peddle boat is 200, and for a six-seater rowboat, the price is INR 300. Made in 1400 AD by Maharawal Gadsi Singh, Gadisar boat is a refreshing spot and a top tourist destination in Jaisalmer. It is often visited by migratory birds which makes it an ideal spot for bird watching. Boating in this beautiful lake is an aromatic activity for couples and can also be a fun activity for a group of friends or family.
Camel Safari
Since Jaisalmer is situated in the beautiful Thar Desert, it makes it the prime place to undertake camel rides. These rides help one truly get the full taste of desert life. Camels are gentle animals, and it’s a delight to take a camel ride and enjoy the views of beautiful A Complete guide to Jaisalmer. One can get their camel tours booked online or many ride services are can booked on the spot. Before booking your ride, make sure that you know which dunes you would be visiting. The best time to experience camel rides is sunsets as the views are prettier and the sun is not as sharp as it would be during the day.
Desert Camping
Camping The Thar Desert is a beautiful pace with its golden sand and starry night. The best way to soak in and experience these beautiful surroundings is by taking a camping day or night in the desert. There are many luxury camping services in Jaisalmer that can be booked online with plans that span for two to five days. A regular desert camping involves born fires, traditional food, and cultural programs at night that include traditional dance and music performances.
Parasailing
Parasailing: Parasailing is a perfect and safe adventure sport to indulge in, at beautiful runways of A Complete guide to Jaisalmer. In Parasailing the parachute is tied to a jeep which helps the person riding the parachute to glide over the plain ground. One can book their parasailing lessons online at various Jaisalmer based facilities. Make sure that your instructor is certified and their equipment is of high quality before participating in this sport.
Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari: One of the best activities to undertake in Jaisalmer is jeep safari. It is the best mix of adventure sports as well as scenic rides. This activity is best enjoyed by families and solo travelers alike. The best destinations for jeep safaris are Fossil Park and Desert National Park. Eary morning and evening time is mellow sun rays elevate the best time to go for your jeep safari ride as the beauty of the desert. During jeep safari, one should carry a scarf to cover your face against the sand. For those with sensitive skin sunscreen and a hat should be another must.
Best Time to Visit
Winter (November to March) is the best time to visit Jaisalmer; especially for camel ride and desert safari. Summers (April to August) should be avoided as Rajasthan is extremely hot during this time. Monsoons (September to October) see very little rainfall, so pleasant climate; hence travel can be planned.
How to get to Jaisalmer: Getting to the hill fort is easy
By Road – You can drive down to Jaisalmer from Delhi. Do break your journey at Jaipur or Ajmer as you won’t get good accommodation after that until you reach your destination. There are no direct buses, private or state-run. However, you can take a bus up to Jaipur and then switch from there. Remember to book your seat in advance as they are limited.
By Rail – You can book a train to Jaisalmer from nearly all the major cities in India. Once you reach, there are several auto-rickshaws and private taxis waiting outside to take you to your destination A Complete guide to Jaisalmer.
By Air – The closest airport to Jaisalmer is the Jodhpur airport, which is connected to most Indian cities by regular flights. From there you can take a cab to drive to Jaisalmer which will take 5-6 hours. Jaisalmer does have an airport but it is a military one and supports only chartered flights.
