Jaisalmer – The land of the Golden Fortress.

Jaisalmer is a city of Golden Fort in the heart of the Thar Desert. In 1156, the Bhatti Rajput Rawal Jaisal of the Yadav dynasty removed the capital from Lodhurba and established it here. The Jaisalmer Fort was built on the top of Trikut hill – the Golden Fortress. The only fort in the country with a whole city. Thousands of people live in the fort. The second oldest fort in Rajasthan stands at a height of 80 meters on 99 towers. The four entrances of the fort are Akshaypole, Surajpole, Ganeshpole, and Hawapole. Huge cannons mounted on the roof of the fort, from here the view of the city of Jaisalmer is magnificent. City Palace and Museum inside the fort. Golden Fort opens from 9 AM to 6 PM. Besides, the Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries are open from 8 AM to 12 noon. There are many good restaurants in Jaisalmer around the fort, you can have your lunch here when you return to see the fort. On the way out of the fort are three famous mansions – Selim Singh’s Haveli, Patwa Ki Haveli, and Nathmalji Ki Haveli. The entrance time is from 10 AM to 5 PM. Also, the note is the Desert Culture Center and Museum near Gaddisar Lake, a tourist reception center created by rainwater. Desert Culture Center and Museum open from 10 am to 5 pm. A puppet show is held here at 7.30 PM. Sam Sand Dunes, 45 km from Jaisalmer. Watching the sunset in the desert on the back of a camel, enjoying the cultural programs of local artists and Rajasthani thali is an everlasting experience.

How to reach

By Air – Jaisalmer Airport is a military airport and supports only chartered flights, hence it is sparingly used by travelers. Jodhpur Airport is the closest domestic airport to Jaisalmer. Mejor cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Udaipur have regular flights to Jodhpur. Jodhpur is approximately a 5 to 6 hours’ drive from Jaisalmer. Prepaid and a private taxi available from the Airport to reach Jaisalmer. Once you reach the station, there are so many auto-rickshaws and private taxis available at the station. 

By Train – Jaisalmer is well connected with most of the Indian cities like Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Kolkata, and others. Some of the popular trains are Delhi Jaisalmer Express, Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express, Howrah Jaisalmer Express, and Lalgarh Jaisalmer Special.
By Road – Jaisalmer is situated in the Thar desert & has well road connectivity with various cities. Several state transport and private buses run on the routes between these cities. The Golden Bus Terminal and Roadways bus stand are the two main bus stands here. The cities of Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Ajmer are located at a distance of 275 KM, 270 KM, and 375 KM from Jaisalmer. It also has good connectivity with the state capital, Jaipur to Jaisalmer distance 500 km approx.

Best time to visit

Jaisalmer is set on the edge of the Thar Desert. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is winter from October to March as the temperature lies between 10°c to 27°c.

 

Must-Do in Jaisalmer

1. Visit Jaisalmer Fort – A visit to the Jaisalmer Fort are some things that you simply will find in every Jaisalmer itinerary. it’s one among the sole few ‘living forts’ within the entire world as a substantial portion of the city’s population still lives in and around it. Its beauty and magnificence make it the crowning glory of the Golden City.

2. Camping at Sam Sand Dunes – Sam Sand Dunes offers an unforgettable experience within the heart of the Thar Desert where you will camp in luxurious accommodations, surrounded by the dramatic great thing about the desert. Located at about 45 kilometers from Jaisalmer city, the campsite gives the sensation of an oasis with several tents placed one next to the opposite. You will enjoy desert safaris, light a bonfire, and luxuriate Jaisalmer camel safari. Not just camels, the desert is home to a spread of wildlife, a number of which are exclusive to the region, and may be spotted on a desert safari.

3. Cultural Show at Sam Sand Dunes – You will light a bonfire and warm yourself because the temperatures drop after sunset and luxuriate in delicious Rajasthani food. If you wish to explore the local culture and interact with other travelers, then this may be one of the foremost fun activities in the Thar desert for you.

4. Boating at Gadisar Lake – Boating at the picturesque Gadisar Lake is one of the simplest things to try to do in Jaisalmer. this is often a man-made lake, surrounding the lake are several Hindu temples and Ghats where you will enjoy the enchanting music of the evening Aarti as you ride your boat. In winters, the boat rides become even more beautiful as you will spot several species of migratory birds at the lake.

5. Visit Kuldhara – About 15 kilometers far away from Jaisalmer is an abandoned Indian village that is known as Kuldhara. The village, which looks more sort of a town, was once known for its large population. Travelers who wish to imagine a world through its ruins are recommended to go to the abandoned village of Kuldhara. Today the ruins of this village are a tourist site, giving travelers the chance to think and understand what happened centuries ago.

6. Visit the Salim Singh ki Haveli – This Haveli is slightly different from the other Havelis in terms of art and sculpture. The roof of this Haveli has been inbuilt the shape of a peacock. At the doorway of the Haveli, there are tuskers made from sandstones guarding the haveli. This haveli has 38 balconies and every balcony has its own artistry. The name given to the present Haveli is Jahaz mahal due to the front of the haveli resembling ship stern. Thrillophilia recommends a visit to the present Haveli to ascertain how beautiful art is often.

7. Visit the Patwon ki Haveli – The Patwon ki Haveli is taken into account to be one among the foremost important Havelis of Jaisalmer due to two important things: it had been the primary haveli to be ever inbuilt Jaisalmer and it’s a cluster of 5 different havelis making it one among the most important Havelis. The opposite name given to the present haveli is that the “Mansion of brocade merchants” because the Patwa family wont to deal with gold and silver. The gateways and arches of this haveli also are masterpieces. The whole haveli is formed of yellow sandstone and therefore the main gateway of this haveli is brown.

8. Watch a Puppet Show – Puppet Show has been a neighborhood of Jaisalmer and its history for hundreds of years. From buying handmade puppets to watching interesting puppet shows which tell age-old tales. The puppet shows last for around 40 minutes and include puppet dancing, singing, and story-telling, making it a fun activity for the whole family. During a souvenir shop where you will buy puppets to require home with you after the vacation.

9. Shopping at Local Bazar – There are many places to ascertain and things to try to do in Jaisalmer if you’re keen on shopping. From buying hand-made puppets at Pansari Bazar, buying antique furniture at Bhatia Bazaar, you will spend days in these markets. Some of the foremost famous bazaars of Jaisalmer are Sadar Bazaar for carpets, leather goods, paintings, etc. Bhatia Bazaar for the simplest silk fabric and sarees; “Sonaron Ka Baas” for both precious and imitation jewelry and Manak Chowk for souvenirs among others. you will spend days roaming the bazaar, haggling with the shop-owners, or just enjoying the colorful wares as you enjoy the delicious street food.

10. Visit Indo-Pak Border – If you would like to participate in some out-of-the-standard activities in Jaisalmer, then, a visit to the Indo-Pak border must get on your list. You will get a chance to go to a number of the main posts of the Indian army, including Longewala and Tanot. Aside from some amazing tank displays and military men going about their day, you’ll also enjoy the gorgeous views of this mostly unoccupied area.

 

Best Hotels in Jaisalmer

1. Fort Rajwada (9828049555).
2. Hotel Suryagarh (7827151151).
3. Hotel Jaisalkot (7300090432).
5. The Desert Palace (7923977600).
6. Hotel Royal Villa (02992250074).
7. Heritage Inn (02992250901).
8. Gorbandh Palace (02992253801).

Best Restaurants in Jaisalmer

There are several good restaurants in Jaisalmer. Not only good quality and authentic
taste of food but also the splendid view which you can enjoy from several of the restaurants in Jaisalmer. It is sure to give you some amazing unforgettable memory.
Foodies with every preference can find a place to dine in Jaisalmer.
Here are a few best restaurants in Jaisalmer.
3. Shanti The Peace Restaurant.
4. Fotiya’s Restaurant.
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