Jaisalmer is a golden city situated amidst the Thar Desert.
This city is situated at a slight altitude and it is really fascinating to see the view of the entire desert from here. Gadisar Lake is situated in the middle of the city, which is considered the lifeline of Jaisalmer.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Jaisalmer Tourism
Gem of Rajasthan: Travelogue of Jaisalmer
Friends, it is not possible to be fond of traveling and not think of Rajasthan! Rajasthan is famous worldwide for its magnificent forts, colorful culture and royal heritage. Today we take you on a tour of such a beautiful city of Rajasthan, which is also called “Sonar Fort” – Jaisalmer!
City of Golden Dunes: A Brief Introduction to Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is a golden colored city situated amidst the Thar Desert. It was named after Maharaja Jaisal Singh, who founded this city in 1156 AD. Jaisalmer is known for its huge fort, grand havelis, magnificent temples and vibrant culture. Being situated in the middle of the desert, seeing the sunrise and sunset here seems no less than a dream.
The buildings here are made of yellow sandstone, which shines golden in the sunlight. This is the reason why Jaisalmer is also called “Sonar Fort”. Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in India, and is the most prominent landmark of the city. There are magnificent palaces, temples and mansions inside the fort, which are witness to the artistry of Rajput rule.
Why is it important to visit Jaisalmer? Importance of Tourism
A trip to Jaisalmer will not only take you closer to history and culture, but it will also give you an experience of desert life. Some of the top reasons to visit here are:
History and Architecture: Jaisalmer Fort, Pattoon Ki Haveli, Sonar Fort, Jaina Temple – these historical places will introduce you to the grandeur of the Rajput rule.
Desert Adventures: Camel Safari, Parasailing, Day Camping – Desert adventures are available in abundance in Jaisalmer.
Handicrafts and Shopping: Seeing and buying Jaisalmer’s colorful handkerchiefs, mirror work items, woolen blankets and leather goods is its own pleasure.
Traditional Dance and Music: The evenings of Jaisalmer resonate with folk dances and musical tunes. The puppet dance and music of Manganiyar community here will mesmerize you.
So friends, if you want to see the beauty of Rajasthan closely and experience the thrill of the desert, then Jaisalmer is the perfect place for you.
Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
Get lost in the colorful streets of Jaisalmer: Best places to visit
We learned that Jaisalmer is a beautiful city of Rajasthan, which is also known as “Sonar Fort“. Today we take you on a tour of those best places in Jaisalmer, without seeing which your trip to Jaisalmer will remain incomplete! So let’s go out to get lost in the colorful streets of Jaisalmer!
Heritage of magnificent forts and havelis: historical sites
Jaisalmer Fort: This is one of the largest forts of India. There are many magnificent palaces, temples and mansions inside this fort. Here you can see beautiful buildings like Jain temple, Rajmahal and Lakshminath temple. Seeing the view of the entire city from the height of the fort seems no less than a dream.
Patavon Ki Haveli: These are a group of five havelis, which were built by two Jain merchants in the 16th century. The specialty of these havelis is their intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. The artworks on the walls here give you a glimpse of the lifestyle of that time.
Sonar Fort: Located just outside Jaisalmer city, this fort is a bit small, but it is special in itself. This fort is also known as Mirror Palace. The mirrors on its walls shine in the sunlight, which looks really amazing.
Hidden gems amidst the desert: natural beauty
Gadisar Lake: Located in the heart of Jaisalmer city, this lake is the lifeline of the city. Here you can not only enjoy the peaceful moments by sitting on the banks of the lake, but also do not forget to watch the sunset here. In the evening the water of the lake shines in golden color, which is really charming.
Thar Desert: The specialty of Jaisalmer is that it is situated amidst the Thar Desert. Come here and experience the thrill of the desert. Go on a camel safari, go parasailing over the sand dunes or stay at a day camp overnight to see the starry sky. You will remember this experience throughout your life.
Kuldhara Village: Located about 20 kilometers away from Jaisalmer, this village contains mystery and history. It is believed that in the 18th century all the villagers here left the village overnight. Now this village has been turned into ruins, but this mystery still attracts people towards itself.
Things to Do in Jaisalmer
Thrill lovers live these moments: fun activities for tourists
Camel Safari: It is natural to come to Jaisalmer and do a camel safari! Traveling through the desert on a camel amidst golden sand dunes, this experience will be remembered for your whole life. On the way, you can see desert birds and also capture the sunset in your camera.
Parasailing: Do you like going to heights? Then definitely enjoy parasailing in Jaisalmer. You can see the view of the entire desert while hanging in the air above the sand dunes. You will remember this thrilling experience for a long time.
Day Camping: What would it be like to stay under the starry sky in the middle of the desert at night? There are many day camps in Jaisalmer, where you can spend the night. Sitting near the bonfire, watching folk artists dance and tasting desert food, these moments will take you away from the hustle and bustle of cities.
Jeep Safari: If you want to travel with more people, then you can choose jeep safari. By riding in a jeep, you can see different parts of the desert and learn about the life of the people living there.
Connect with culture, embrace tradition: cultural experiences
Folk Dance and Music: The evenings of Jaisalmer resonate with the tunes of folk dances and music. Here you can see and hear puppet dance, Gawari dance and music of Manganiyar community. These artists will introduce you to Rajasthani culture through their presentation.
Art Exhibitions and Workshops: Art exhibitions of local artists are held at many places in Jaisalmer. You can go here and see their artworks and if you wish, you can also participate in workshops like painting or pottery making.
Temple Darshan: There are many beautiful temples in Jaisalmer, where you can go and find peace. Here you can see the magnificent architecture of Jain temples and can also visit Salasar Balaji.
Enjoy Shopping, Make Memories: Best Places to Shop
Sadar Bazaar: Get lost in the colorful streets of Jaisalmer and browse the shops of Sadar Bazaar. Here you will find colorful handkerchiefs, mirror work items, woolen blankets, leather goods and many handicrafts. Don’t forget to bargain!
Sonar Fort: Along with visiting Sonar Fort, you can also buy some souvenirs from the shops present there. Here you will find paintings, sculptures and traditional clothes.
Havelis: Some havelis of Jaisalmer also have shops. Here, from the shops located in the havelis, you can buy some special things that reflect the specialty of Jaisalmer, like jewelery made of camel bone, shoes with mirror work and T-shirts with the picture of Jaisalmer Fort.
Savor the food, sweeten the memories: Special food of Jaisalmer
A trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without enjoying the delicious food here. Must try here:
Dal Bati Churma: You will find this traditional dish of Rajasthan in abundance in Jaisalmer also. The combination of spicy dal, spicy baati and sweet churma is really amazing.
Kadi-Pakora: You can find this light snack everywhere in the streets of Jaisalmer. You will definitely like the taste of curry made with curd and gram flour pakora.
Lapsi: If you are fond of eating sweets then definitely eat Lapsi. This is a sweet dish made from wheat and pulses, which is fun to eat and is also beneficial for health.
Raw mare meat: If you are non-vegetarian, then definitely try raw mare meat. This spicy dish is the specialty of Jaisalmer.
How to Reach Jaisalmer
Travel to Jaisalmer: How to reach “Sonar Fort”?
The plan to visit Jaisalmer has been made, but the question of how to reach there still remains. Don’t worry, today we will tell you all the ways to reach Jaisalmer – by plane, train, or road, you can choose as you like!
The way to the sky: traveling by plane
Jaisalmer does not have its own airport, but do not worry, there are airports in nearby cities from where you can reach Jaisalmer.
Jodhpur Airport: Jodhpur Airport, located about 300 kilometers from Jaisalmer, is the nearest airport. From here you can fly to many big cities of India. You can reach Jaisalmer from Jodhpur by taxi or bus.
Jaipur Airport: If you want more options, you can also fly to Jaipur Airport (about 570 km away). Taxis and buses are easily available from Jaipur to Jaisalmer.
Traveling on Rails: Traveling by Train
Jaisalmer railway station is connected to North-Western Railway. From here you can catch trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur and other cities.
Direct Trains: Direct trains run from Delhi and Mumbai to Jaisalmer. If you like railway travel, then this can be a good option for you.
Connecting Trains: If there is no direct train to Jaisalmer from your city, you can take a train to a bigger city like Jodhpur or Jaipur and from there catch another train to Jaisalmer.
Road Adventure: Road Trip
Jaisalmer is connected by road to many cities of Rajasthan. If you want to see the nearby cities during the journey, then traveling by road can be a good option.
Traveling with your own car: If you have your own car, you can enjoy a road trip. You can see many beautiful places on the way and travel at your own pace.
Travel by Bus: Jaisalmer is connected to many major cities of Rajasthan by bus service. You can book bus tickets as per your convenience.
Inside Jaisalmer city: Public transport
You have several options for traveling inside Jaisalmer city:
Autorickshaw: Autorickshaw is the easiest and economical option to travel in Jaisalmer. You can go to any place by fixing the fare.
Taxi: If you want a comfortable journey, you can hire a taxi. Don’t forget to fix the fare in advance.
Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks also run in Jaisalmer. These small vehicles are great for taking you around the small streets of the city.
Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer
Visit to Jaisalmer: When to visit “Sonar Fort”?
The plan to visit Jaisalmer has been made, but this question must be coming in your mind that what is the best time to visit Jaisalmer? Don’t panic, today we will tell you which month will be best to experience the beauty of Jaisalmer!
Thar’s heat and cold nights: Jaisalmer weather
Jaisalmer is a city situated in the middle of the Thar Desert, so it is obvious that the weather here is a bit extreme. Here both summer and winter seasons are quite intense.
Summer (March to September): Jaisalmer’s summers are very hot. The temperature can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius. It becomes very difficult to travel in such weather, hence it is not advisable to visit Jaisalmer in summer.
Monsoon (July to September): Monsoon season is also very weak in Jaisalmer. There is very little rainfall and the weather remains humid.
Winter (October to February): Winter is considered the best time to visit Jaisalmer. The weather is pleasant during this period. There is mild sunshine during the day and the nights become quite cold. This season is most suitable for traveling and enjoying desert adventures.
Best time to visit: Ideal months to visit
October to March is considered the best time to visit Jaisalmer. During these months the weather is pleasant and you can move around comfortably:
October and November: In these months, the heat subsides and the weather becomes pleasant enough to travel. There is a lot of excitement here around Diwali.
December to February: Winter is the peak season. The weather becomes quite cold, but there is no problem in moving around. There is a huge crowd of tourists here around Christmas and New Year.
March: The weather remains pleasant till the end of March, but the effects of heat start becoming visible from April.
Color of festivals: special occasions and celebrations
To make your trip to Jaisalmer more memorable, you can also plan your trip around any special festival:
Marudhar Mahotsav (February): This is the main folk festival of Jaisalmer, in which folk dance, music, camel race and handicraft exhibition are organised.
Gangaur (March-April): This is a major festival of Rajasthan, which is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jaisalmer. During this time, colorful processions are taken out and there is an atmosphere of devotion.
Days Festival (February): Days Festival is also organized in Jaisalmer in the month of February, in which desert games, camel safari and cultural programs are organized.
Jaisalmer Tourism History
Jaisalmer: A unique confluence of history and tourism
Jaisalmer is known for its golden forts, grand mansions and colorful culture. But do you know that the tourism industry of Jaisalmer also has an interesting story in itself? Today we will tell you about the history and development of tourism of this “Fort of Sonar”.
Searching for desert treasures: the beginning of tourism
Jaisalmer was founded by Rawal Jaisal Singh in the 12th century. At that time this city used to be a major center of trade. Silk, spices and other things were traded from here. But tourism started much later.
Mid-20th century: After India’s independence, tourism gradually started in Jaisalmer. Foreign tourists started getting attracted to see the beauty and uniqueness of this golden city.
Railway support: Jaisalmer got connected to the railway network in the 1960s. This made it easier for tourists to reach Jaisalmer and gave impetus to the tourism industry.
Lack of airports: However, even today Jaisalmer does not have its own airport. Tourists have to come by plane from nearby cities, such as Jodhpur or Jaipur.
Witness to History: Historical Importance of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer’s tourism industry has flourished not only because of its beauty but also because of its rich history:
Trading Centre: Jaisalmer was once an important stop on the Silk Road. The magnificent forts and mansions here testify to the splendor of that time.
Rajput Rule: Jaisalmer was ruled by Rajputs for many centuries. These rulers have presented a wonderful example of art and architecture here, which attracts tourists today.
Desert Lifestyle: The desert area of Jaisalmer is special in itself. The unique lifestyle here, adventures like camel safari and day camping attract tourists.