Top 6 Places to visit in Jaisalmer is a striking tourist destination situated on the north-western side of Rajasthan. Due to the presence of golden sand dunes, this place is also referred to as the Golden City, and apart from dunes, the true beauty of Jaisalmer lies in the beautiful lakes, lavish Jain sanctuaries, Havelis, its culture, and whatnot.
It is as if the whole city of Jaisalmer speaks of the valor of Rajputana. One of the most prominent highlights of the city is the Jaisalmer Fort which is also compared to be the crown of the city. It is considered to be the second oldest fort in Rajasthan and also has a lake present there with numerous brilliant sanctuaries which have been made of sandstone.
Jaisalmer is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the northwest part of India or you can say among the best places to visit in Rajasthan. While visiting this place, you can enjoy different activities for example Jeep Safari, and Camel Safari. There are many popular Top 6 Places to visit in Jaisalmer, which you will like very much and you would like to come here again and again.
Jaisalmer Tourism is a place, where tourists like to visit, and 95% out of them go for Desert Safari for sure. To avoid the heat of Jaisalmer, you can enjoy this Desert Safari in the morning or evening only. Along with this safari, you can also enjoy delicious food, music, dance programs as well. The golden sand here makes the Jaisalmer tourist places even more beautiful.
Jaisalmer Fort
Built with honey-colored sandstone amidst the golden desert, Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world. Popularly known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort, it emanates the elegance and valor of its royal rulers Top 6 Places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Housing temples, Havelis, residential complexes, shops, and restaurants, the fort is nothing short of a town itself. Around 3000 people live in the fort to date, making it the only living fort in Rajasthan. In 2013 it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the ‘Hill Forts of India’ category. It is a major tourist attraction in Jaisalmer.
Built in 1156 by Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer Tour Packages, the massive structure is situated atop Trikuta Hills at a height of 250 feet and is secured by 30 feet tall walls on all sides. The fort had strategic lookouts to keep an eye across the surrounding plains, still it had been raided multiple times. You can enjoy panoramic views of the glowing Jaisalmer city from these lookouts.
As you walk through the buoyant lanes, you can imagine the Rajputana way of life and how life has progressed from those times of war. The major attractions of the fort include Raj Mahal, Laxminath Shrine, the Jain temples, and its four gateways.
Gadsisar Sagar Lake
An oasis on the outskirts of the arid Jaisalmer city, Gadisar Lake is man-made and dates back to 1400 AD. It was built near the Jaisalmer Fort by Raja Rawal Jaisal as a reservoir to supply water to the residents of his city.
As the water was scarce in the desert region, the lake was considered holy and is surrounded by several shrines. It still collects and holds rainwater throughout the year and is a popular Top 6 Places to visit in Jaisalmer.
You can enjoy splendid vistas of the parched desert surroundings from the several watchtowers around Gadisar Lake. Witness the picturesque sunrise and sunset with your family and loved ones, or spend some quiet time all by yourself enjoying the tranquil scenery.
Some fun activities such as boat rides, watching local and migratory birds, visiting the nearby shrines and feeding fish can be enjoyed at the lake. A stroll along the banks of Gadisar Lake is a soul-soothing experience.
Patwaon ki Haveli Jaisalmer
The first Haveli to be constructed in the city, Patwon ki Haveli, is also known as the Mansion of Brocade Merchants. Renowned for its architectural brilliance, it is the largest mansion in the city and one of the prominent Top 6 Places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Located in a narrow street, it is a group of 5 small Havelis with intricately carved windows and balconies. Commissioned around 1805 by a wealthy trader and banker, Guman Chand Patwa, the Havelis were completed in around 50 years and were built for use by the five sons of the Patwa family.
The five Havelis were inhabited by the Patwa trader and his family and the artifacts and stonework exhibits give visitors a glimpse into their sumptuous lifestyle.
Later, when their fortune started dwindling, they left the city, and the first Haveli was sold to Mr. Jeevanlalji Kothari and renamed Kothari’s Patwa Haveli. Controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Haveli is ranked among the top three in Jaisalmer and is a distinguished architectural and historical site.
The resplendent interiors are embellished with exquisite wall paintings, decorative mirrors on walls, and intricately carved balconies, gateways, and arches. It is one of the most visited landmarks of Jaisalmer, popular among tourists for its elaborate latticed façade. You can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings from around 60 balconies on the premises.
Bada Bagh Jaisalmer
Bada Bagh translates to ‘Big Garden’ and is a collection of Cenotaphs of the famous rulers of the region. Located just 5 kilometers away from the city, Bada Bagh is a beguiling Top 6 Places to visit in Jaisalmer.
The relics are a testimony to Rajasthan’s legendary past set near a garden in the desert. Construction of the cenotaphs was started in the 17th century with the first one built as a tribute to Maharaja Jai Singh II by his son.
The work continued till the 20th century and several other structures were dedicated to the valiant members of the royal family. Bada Bagh is seemingly built on a garden that existed on the site, hence the name.
Locally referred to as ‘Chattris’ due to their dome shape, the cenotaphs are built of yellow sandstone. They are varying in size and some of them are elaborately carved while some are plain.
The date of construction and the name of the ruler they are dedicated to is inscribed on each of them, and some have detailed descriptions too. The area is close to a dam and is popular among tourists for its striking beauty.
Nathmal ki Haveli Jaisalmer
An architectural jewel crafted by two Muslim jewelers, Nathmal ki Haveli is one of the prettiest places to visit in Jaisalmer. It was constructed under the aegis of Maharawal Berisal in 1885 CE, as the residence of the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Diwan Mohata Nathmal.
According to folklore, the architects of the monument were brothers named Hathi and Lulu. Both of them were jewelers by profession, and each worked on one facet of the Haveli. The result was a stunningly beautiful Yellowstone building Top 6 Places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Interestingly, the building isn’t symmetrical as the front has three stories while the rear is two-storied. Also, the pattern on both sides isn’t identical but impressively resplendent. The architecture is a delicate blend of Rajput and Islamic styles.
You will be astonished to look at this magnified piece of intricately designed jewelry. The design is precious with carved windows, illustrious balconies, and walls engraved with images of birds, cattle, elephants, flowers, horses, steam engines, and soldiers.
Salim Singh ki Haveli Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer has been an integral part of Rajasthan’s history and resplendent stately residences of eminent personalities of those times add to the heritage of the state. Salim Singh ki Haveli is located in the heart of the city and a Top 6 Places to visit in Jaisalmer.
It was commissioned in the 19th century by the then Prime Minister of the state, Salim Singh, and had been built over the remains of a 17th century Haveli. The front of the building resembles a ship’s stern and hence it is also referred to as Jahaz Mahal.
This 300-year-old edifice is popular as the most beautiful Haveli in Jaisalmer. It has been built using strong iron rods unlike the other popular cement and mortar structures from those days.
You will be mesmerized by the architectural elegance of the five-floored mansion. Two carved elephants grace the entrance and the arched roof is shaped like a peacock.
Famous for its exquisite architecture, the Haveli has 38 delicately carved balconies, each designed distinctively. The walls and interiors adorn imperial paintings, exuding sheer elegance.
You can imagine the entertainment scenes of aristocrats and royal courtiers in that era as you walk through the beautiful Moti Mahal inside the Haveli premises Top 6 Places to visit in Jaisalmer.
