Jaisalmer

Area -126.27 sq. km
Languages -Marwari, Rajasthani, English and Hindi
Best Time to Visit -October to March

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Jaisalmer Travel Guide

Jaisalmer - A Introduction

Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. A desert city, it was founded by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in the year 1156. Jaisalmer could be regarded as the western sentinel of entire India and a place worth visiting to get an idea of the native Rajasthan. Located at the heart of the great Thar Desert, it offers the visitor an enchanting world of fable, colour, and history. Moreover, the magnificent wood-and stone-carved mansions and buildings display the love and interest Rajputs had for the fine arts. The desert festival held here by the end of the winter season, during the months of January and February, attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Places of Interest

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer fort is the main attraction of this picturesque desert city of Rajasthan. Located on the top of the Trikuta Hill, it is visible from a distance of about 15 kilometres. The ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at sunset. You can also have a look at a cultural programme organised by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) at the local Poonam Stadium, just below the fort. Camel rides and camel races are a common sight in the Jaisalmer festivals. The parade of the gaily-caparisoned camels presents a spectacular sight. The characteristic colourful turban tying competitions of the locals, the camel decor competitions, tug-of-war along with a prize for the most impressive moustache are some of the many interesting events that will not only thrill you but also make you come here again and again.

Jain Temples

Within the fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Maharawals (rulers) of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus but were tolerant of Jainism, and encouraged art and religion. There are 7 temples in the complex - Chandraprabhu, Parasnath, Shitalnath, Sambhavnath, Shantinath, Kunthunath and Rikhabdev Temple. The temples are all connected by a series of corridors and walkways. Closeby is the Gyan Bhandar, a library founded in 1500 A.D. This house is priceless ancient manuscripts and other exhibits like astrological charts, besides the Jain equivalent of the Christian Shroud of Turin.

Laxminath Temple

It is located in a centre of the fort. The less ornate Hindu temple in the complex features an interesting dome that exhibits fine paintings.

Havelis

Jaisalmer's strategic position on the camel terrain route bought it great wealth. The merchants grew prosperous and commissioned great havelis, or mansions, to flaunt their ever growing status in society. Made of local golden-yellow sand stone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent condition. The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. The haveli was built between 1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis that are opened to visitors.

Gadi Sagar Tank

Once the source of water supply to the city. The tank is surrounded by shrines and temples and a variety of waterfowl can be spotted here in the winter months.

Excursion: Places nearby Jaisalmer

Khuri Village

Located at a distance of about 40 kilometres, Khuri is another place to visit during your excursion. The village is known for its camel rides, shifting sand dunes that are about 80 metres high and exceptionally beautiful sunset, which could be followed by an exclusive dinner. Many places are available here for eating as well as lodging. You can also experience the desert solitude and beautifully decorated houses of mud and straw.

Manvar

Another place to include in your excursion itinerary is Manvar. The place is famous for its amazing mustard and red chilli fields in the middle of the desert, craftsmen at work, cobblers making jutti, unexplored sand dunes, desert fox, chinkara, peacocks, desert camp with all the facilities, camel safaris and the sunset. A stay in a traditional farmer/'s hut here gives you an glimpse of rural Rajasthan.

Pokhran

Pokhran is famous as a place where India conducted its nuclear tests. India conducted its first nuclear test here on 18 May 1974. Later on 11 May 1998 India carried out five more nuclear tests here. However, Pokhran also attracts the attention as a tourist spot. Located just 112 kilometres, the place has some interesting mythological legends related to it. According to the legend, Ram once fitted his bow with a powerful arrow, which generated great heat, in order to dry up the seas of Sri Lanka. Cajoled not to do so, he instead fired it into the mythical river Saraswati as a result of which the river dried up making the place a barren desert. The Maheshwari havelis, colourful Rajasthani dresses, cenotaphs and temples and the Pokhran Museum are some of the other sites that you can see in Pokhran.

Sunset camel ride on the Sam Sand Dunes

A trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without this visit to most panoramic Dunes of Sam, where the wind is unceasingly carving out scenic patterns on this desert sand, truly the essence of the desert, the ripples of the Dunes create a enchanting mirage. By visiting the Sam Sand Dunes, it is possible to get an insight into desert, Camel rides on the Sand Dunes are a thrilling experience, as is the brilliant sunset.