Source – flickr.com/photos/somabiswa/
An ancient city in the province of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer was once the trading centre of this region. Jaisalmer is known for its palaces which was built by the Maharajas, constructed with yellow stones stand giant structures and beautiful palaces which give this town its name the “Golden City”. Jaisalmer is a city where one can witness the grand palaces of the Maharajas and also particularly the Thar Desert which is the only desert in India. Thus Jaisalmer trip is a voyage that mixes history, culture and natural beauty. It is a certainly a great place to go for a weekend getaway.
How to reach Jaisalmer?
By Bus – As the rest of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is well connected via roads and government busses ply on a daily basis which helps the tourist operation in the area. Bus services are provided by Rajasthan State Transport Corporation as well as other private bus operators.
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By Train – Jaisalmer railway station has daily trains that connect Jaisalmer to Delhi and other major cities of the country. Palace of Wheels is a luxury train that is counted among the “Most expensive and Luxurious trains in the World” runs through various provinces in Rajasthan including Jaisalmer.
Places to visit in Jaisalmer
Historical Monuments and Places
1) The Thar Heritage Museum –
It is cultural hub that gives the tourists and travelers an insight about the traditions and cultures of the region. It also helps in the guided tours of the Jaisalmer city. The museum also showcases various historical folk art & artifacts which are of great value for students of history and cultural studies. However it is also a great place for travelers who are enthusiastic about understating and knowing a place they visit.
Location – Gandhi Chowk Road, Sadar Bazar, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Timing – 10AM – 8PM
2) Desert Cultural Centre Jaisalmer –
Source – jaisalmerdesertcamps.com/About-jaisalmer/
It is yet another cultural hub but it does not only cater to the cultures and tradition of Jaisalmer but the whole of Rajasthan. The cultural centre also organizes daily puppet shows which are really famous art form in Rajasthan and is thus enjoyed by tourists from all around the country who visit this place. One can also see and buy traditional craft items and also traditional Rajasthan fabric which make up for great collection items and also souvenirs. Thus this is certainly one of the must visit places to make your trip the best Jaisalmer trip.
Location –
Gadisar Road, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Timing – 10:30 AM – 6 PM
3) Government Museum –
Established by the Archeological Department of India, the government museum is a favorite place of all tourists who visit Jaisalmer. The most striking display here is Rajasthan’s state bird – Godawan (the great Indian bustard). Other than that there are many other articles like rock carvings, paintings, ancient jewelry and so on which are of great value and immense historical importance. Thus this is a place of enlightenment, which is famous among students and tourists.
Location – Police Line, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Religious Places
1) Amar Sagar Jain Temple –
Source – flickr.com/photos/saumil/
The temple is built in the traditional style of using yellow rocks. The temple is located deep within the desert region, however it is surrounded by a shallow lake and one can also get the glimpses of the windmills of Jaisalmer. It is a calm and serene location for you to go on a spiritual journey.
Location – Lodurva, Rajasthan
2) Parcha Ganesh Mandir –
As the name goes this temple is dedicated to Lord “Ganesh”. It is a small temple, built in the traditional style that provides as a house of worship for the locals as well the tourist who visits this place.
Location – Ram Kund, Kishan Ghat, Rajasthan
3) Chundhi Ganesh Mandir –
Source – flickr.com/photos/
It is a famous Ganesh temple at Jaisalmer. On Ganesh chaturthi there is a fair organized by the local people which is when this temple area becomes populated by both children and adults of this region.
Location – Bada Bag, Rajasthan
Natural Structure and Sightseeing
1) Jaisalmer Fort –
Source – flickr.com/photos/asianu/26807276304/in
Built in the year 1156 AD by the Rajput Rawal Jaisal in the city of Jaisalmer, the Jaisalmer fort is among the few fully preserved forts in India. It is a magnificent structure which is surrounded by walls of yellow stone. Prior to the British Raj in India, it served as a refuge centre for the travelers of the Silk Road. The fort is also known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort for its golden color of the walls especially during the dusk when the sun rays falls on the yellow stones to make it shine in golden color.
However, in recent times the fort has been turned into a tourist spot as a museum that showcases Rajput pride. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is thus maintained by the Archeological Department of India.
Location – Fort Road, Near Hanuman Circle, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Timing – 9 AM – 5 PM
2) Bada Bagh –
Source – flickr.com/photos/pbarry/
According to the city tour guide it is located at a distance of about 6 kilometers to the north of Jaisalmer. Bada Bagh also called Barabagh which literally means Big Garden. This garden complex houses chhatris or royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Jaisalmer state, including that of Jai Singh II. The location of the garden is such that it offers wonderful sunset vistas to tourists. Thus best Jaisalmer packages must contains this location under the place to visit in Jaisalmer which will make it the best Jaisalmer trip while you’re on your weekend getaway.
Location – Bada Baugh Chhatris Road, Rajasthan
Timing – 9 AM – 6 PM
3) Khaba Fort –
Source – flickr.com/photos/asad7874/
The Fort is small and is in ruins and it being rebuilt by the Government of Rajasthan and the tourism department. Road to Fort is good; one can see beautiful peacocks on the way. From the fort one can see the ruined homes made of sandstone, there are steps downward from fort which goes to Khaba village. Inside the fort there are some fossil remains. It is 18 km from Kuldhara, so while going to Sam Sand Dunes, and one can take a small stopover at Khaba.
Location – Khaba, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
4) Rani Ka Mahal –
Source – flickr.com
Maharana Jai Singh (1680-1698 AD) built Rani ka mahal for his youngest queen in Veerpura. There are many tales who are associated with this place but for tourist it is a great spot as it is located on top of a hill from where one can have the panoramic view of the city below which is really beautiful.
Location – Khejer Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Timing – 9 AM – 5 PM
5) Raja Ka Mahal –
Built in the ancient architectural style Raja ka Mahal is the palace that housed the Kings who ruled the lang. Located inside the Jaisalmer fort along with other Jain Temples, Hindu Temples, The king’s Palace is also built with yellow stone which gives it the golden look.
However, recently the place has been turned into a posh hotel and also houses many shops and restaurants for tourists to enjoy the royal comfort while the palaces draw in some revenue. If not for staying then a visit to this palace is a must to experience the grandeur and magnificence of the Royal living. Among the many things to do here, a simple stroll at the fort will surely give you a great understanding of the Rajput lifestyle. Best Jaisalmer packages always have this place in their list of places to visit.
Location – Khejer Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
6) Patwon Ki Haveli –
Source – flickr.com/photos/ajay_g/
It is counted among the first palaces in India, built during the early 1800s it is surely a place that screams of history and culture. The Haveli or palace is now turned into a museum that showcases the art and culture of the early inhabitants of Jaisalmer featuring intricate designs and architecture which are a treat to the eye. Best Jaisalmer trips are incomplete without a visit to this palace.
Location – Patwon ki Haveliyan, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Timing – 9 AM – 7 PM
7) Desert National Park Jaisalmer –
Source – flickr.com/photos/tourcompanies/
The Park formed of sand dunes, jagged rocks preserves and displays the best of the desert ecosystems and wildlife. Great Indian Bustard, one of the world’s heaviest flying and the National bird of Rajasthan can be seen here as well along with many other species like the black buck, chinkara and desert fox. The Park also hosts many migratory raptors. Thus a visit to the Park is a must to have a complete experience of the desert life and make it the best Jaisalmer trip.
Location – Myajlar Road, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Timing – 7 AM – 5 PM
8) The golden city- Jaisalmer-
Source – flickr.com/photos/vil_sandi/
An ancient city in the province of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer was once the trading centre of this region. Jaisalmer is known for its palaces which was built by the Maharajas, constructed with yellow stones stand giant structures and beautiful palaces which give this town its name the “Golden City”. Jaisalmer is a city where one can witness the grand palaces of the Maharajas and also particularly the Thar Desert which is the only desert in India. Thus Jaisalmer trip is a voyage that mixes history, culture and natural beauty. It is a certainly a great place to go for a weekend getaway.
Location – Hanuman Chauraha, Sadar Bazar, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
9) Tilon Ki Pol Gadisar Lake –
Source – flickr.com/photos/manveerjarosz/
It is a grand 2-story yellow sandstone gateway which is a fantastic place to spend the evening, sitting on the stairs beside the Gadisar Lake watching sunset at the horizon with temple bells ringing. Boating facility is also available in the Gadisar Lake for tourists. Location – Postal Colony, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan || Timing – 6 AM – 9 PM
10) Badal mahal –
Source – flickr.com
Situated at the top of the Kumbhalgarh Fort, the Badal Mahal or the Palace of Clouds is a two storied structure. Mardana Mahal and the Zanana Mahal are the two structures which are built in the 19th century architectural style. Location – Gandhi Chowk Road, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan || Timing – 8:30 AM – 6 PM
11) Vyas Chhatri –
Source – flickr.com
Vyas Chhatri is located just outside the city and this place is calmly placed on a mountain top which makes it a great vantage point to see a good sunset with the city down in the valley below and the fort towering above it. The Cenotaphs of the Kings are quite striking. Location – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
12) Kuldhara –
Source – flickr.com/photos/pichigh/
It is an abandoned village in Jaisalmer which was established in the 13th century but is now in ruins. Previously inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, the village was abandoned in the 19th century for reasons which are till date unknown but according to the city tour guide it was later established that due to the earthquakes this and many surrounding areas were abandoned. But the ancient architecture and the city system still attracts tourists.
However, over the years this place has earned the reputation of being a haunted location and thus among the many things to do at Jaisalmer, visiting the Kuldhara village after dusk is a completely prohibited by the government.
Location – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Activities in Jaisalmer
1) Dune Bashing –
Source – flickr.com
This one of the most important and famous activity in many gulf and desert areas. Jaisalmer being the place of the Thar Desert, tourists enjoy this activity of Dune Bashing. According to the city tour guide the Sam Sand Dunes are famous among thousands of adventure junkies who have a yearning to experience this sport of driving a car though sand dunes and going up and down the sand hills. It is a truly exhilarating activity. So Dune Bashing has to among the things to do here at Jaisalmer to have a complete experience of the Desert scenario here.
Location – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Price – INR 699 (approx.)
2) Parasailing at Jaisalmer – Parasailing
Source – flickr.com/photos/hannes_steyn/
is the human way to see life from the eye of a bird. It is a fun sport in Jaisalmer which attracts tons of travelers. However, by the name it is a sport which is done on water but here the water is replaced by the vast sandy arena of the Thar Desert. Best Jaisalmer trips are not complete without a taste of little thrill and adventure.
Location – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Price – INR 1050 (approx.)
3) Desert Camping and Camel Safari –
Source – flickr.com
– The ship of the Desert – Camel is obviously an important animal here. Tourists can enjoy a ride on the back of the camel though the Desert region having the feel of actual desert nomads and spend nights in the Desert camp under the starry sky which is a breath taking experience. Best Jaisalmer Packages often offer camping nights in the desert.
Location – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Price – INR 4000 (approx.) combo price
