Jaisalmer, a captivating location tucked away in the middle of the Thar Desert, is the crown jewel of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer, often known as the “Golden City,” enthralls tourists with its sandstone buildings, gorgeous scenery, and rich cultural past. Lakes, elaborate Jain temples, and havelis decorate the city.
The beautiful Jaisalmer Fort, one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site are one of the most notable attractions in Jaisalmer. The fort, known as “Sonar Quila” or the Golden Fort, was built with golden-yellow sandstone and appears to disappear into the surrounding desert. Explore the majestic Maharaja’s Palace, the havelis with their elaborate carvings, and the small, winding passageways inside.
Jaisalmer is more than simply a city; it is a dynamic example of how desert communities can persevere and build a prosperous oasis in the middle of harsh environments. The winter months of October through March are the ideal times to visit Jaisalmer because of the excellent weather that makes it ideal for visiting the city and engaging in desert activities.
Destinations in Jaisalmer
1. Jaisalmer Fort
Nestled on the beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Fort is more than just a fort; it’s a miniature town complete with homes, temples, stores, and eateries. It is included among the “Hill Forts of India” category of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jaisalmer Fort, which was constructed in 1156, was named after the former Bhati Rajput emperor Rao Jaisal. Within the fort walls reside almost three thousand people. The path leading to the top of the fort has several entrance gates, the last of which leads to Dashera Chowk, a well-known public area. With walls that rise to a height of thirty feet, the fort is surrounded by an amazing 250 feet of height. Because of its height, it provides a breathtaking and expansive view of Jaisalmer city, which is covered in golden yellow!
2. Desert Safari in Jaisalmer
Travelers often visit Jaisalmer in Rajasthan because of its huge desert dunes. Sam Sand Dunes is where popular Jaisalmer Desert Safaris take place. The camel ride begins and lasts for approximately ninety minutes after a Jeep transports you to a location close to Sam Sand Dunes, which is about 45 kilometers outside the city. Along the journey, you’ll also make a few stops at various attractions.
The safaris can be done in the morning or the evening, and they are followed by a delectable supper and a musical dance performance that highlights Rajasthani customs. There are a few operators like Trotters that will take you to Khuri Sand Dunes if you would rather have an unusual experience than partake in this one.
3. Gadisar Lake
The stunning Gadisar Lake, which resembles an oasis in the middle of a desert, is located outside of Jaisalmer in the parched state of Rajasthan. In the middle centuries, Rajasthan’s dry regions lacked irrigation systems, canals, or other modern means of obtaining water. Raja Rawal Jaisal constructed this reservoir with the needs of his people in mind. Situated near the Jaisalmer fort, the lake provides a welcome diversion from the scorching, arid desert weather. Particularly as the sun rises and casts its rays on the upper stories of Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake presents breathtaking views of the surrounding fort and the lake itself.
4. Jain Temples in Jaisalmer
The Jain Temples of Jaisalmer, housed in the Jaisalmer Fort, are a must-see while visiting the city. Even though they are old, the temples are associated with ancient knowledge and have great religious value. Constructed in the globally renowned Dilwara architectural style, these temples honor the renowned Jain hermits known as “Tirthankaras,” Rikhabdevji, and Shambhavdev Ji. The Jain Temples, a popular destination for pilgrims, are a priceless gem of Jaisalmer City and a great place for historical and religious enthusiasts to visit. The same golden-yellow Jaisalmer stone was used in the construction of all seven temples, which are interconnected.
5. Nathmal Ki Haveli
Located in the center of Jaisalmer, also referred to as the “land of the Golden Fort,” stands the elaborate architecture of Nathmal ki Haveli. It was given the go-ahead to house Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the prime minister at the time. Every visitor is blessed to witness the amazing exteriors dripping with carvings and the virtuoso work of the Haveli, which are similar on either side but not identical. Two limestone elephants guard the entry.
As the name implies, yellow sandstone is primarily used in the construction of the Jaisalmer fort‘s architecture and sculptures. These structures therefore shine like gold when the sun’s rays strike them. In addition to the amazing wall carvings and paintings made with 1.5 kg of gold leaf, this fusion of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles has a fascinating history. It is reported that Hathi and Lulu, the two architects, began construction on two distinct sides of the structure. Because there were no devices available to monitor continuity back then, the structure took on an uneven appearance. Remarkably, the interior murals feature contemporary conveniences like automobiles.
6. Kuldhara Village
Kuldhara Village is one of the most fascinating and fascinating tourist destinations that you should not miss from your itinerary. It is about 20 kilometers from Jaisalmer, the Golden City. The settlement is rumored to be eerie and haunted, with more tales and legends than anyone could know. It lives up to its name with its desolate and hauntingly beautiful aspect, standing solitary amid the wide stretches of desert. There have been reports of spectral and paranormal activity in and around the village, but as usual, no one was able to offer any conclusive evidence. If you want to be surrounded by mystery, go there.
According to legend, everyone in the neighborhood fled the region overnight to protect their lives and honor from the despotic minister. As a result, everything is serene but frighteningly quiet! Though there isn’t anything to do, the experience itself is worth it all. The government is transforming the area into a full-fledged tourist destination by erecting cafes, restaurants, and even lodges for overnight stays with the assistance of some private construction businesses.
7. Desert National Park
With an area of 3162 square kilometers, Desert National Park is one of the biggest of its kind in the nation and is located close to the town of Jaisalmer. The park spans a vast territory, from the border between India and Pakistan to Jaisalmer/Barmer. Despite being situated in the heart of a dry, sandy, and arid desert, the desert national park offers an amazing chance to view animals including blackbuck, camels, wolves, chinkara, desert fox, and Bengal fox. The fascinating landmark features intermedial spaces, fixed dunes, jagged boulders, and compact salt lake bottoms—everything one might hope for in a desert ecosystem. Twenty percent or so of the park is made up of dunes.
In addition, a variety of birds can be observed here, including vultures, buzzards, falcons, kestrels, short-toed eagles, tawny eagles, spotted eagles, laggard falcons, and kestrels. It is possible to witness the life forms constantly struggling to survive in the hostile environment and emerging to produce yet another amazing work of nature. In addition to its impressive avian population, the desert park is home to a collection of animal and bird fossils, some of which date back over 180 million years. Dinosaur fossils dating back about 6 million years have also been discovered nearby. One of the best ways to spend a holiday is to visit the desert national park and see the majestic birds soar through the sky while taking in the shifting desert environment.
Popular Packages for Jaisalmer
| Packages | Price | Days | Inclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaisalmer, Jodhpur | ₹ 16,050* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Jaisalmer | ₹ 9,700* | 2 Nights / 3 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Jaipur, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur | ₹ 25,900* | 6 Nights / 7 Days | Hotels, Car, Meals | |
| Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur | ₹ 22,560* | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals, Other | |
| Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer | ₹ 50,916* | 6 Nights / 7 Days | Hotels, Sightseeing, Meals |
The Ideal Time To Go To Jaisalmer
The ideal time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and March because of the excellent weather during this period. Located in the center of the Thar Desert, one should avoid the intensely hot and dry summers. Your body would undoubtedly suffer from the heat, making it impossible for you to fully enjoy your trip. Warm clothing is required throughout the winter months because the temperature might drop as low as one or two degrees Celsius, especially at night. Another fantastic time to visit Jaisalmer is during the monsoon season. You may catch a glimmer of some greenery blooming on the parched turf during this period. Jaisalmer is a bright and lively city with an even more exquisite culture; it ought to be a must-visit.
