Jaisalmer is the crowned gem of a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. From being the destined palace of every Bollywood movie to the destination of big fat Indian weddings, it swells of royalty in every aspect. It is located in the western part of the state and is known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to the Jaisalmer Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vibrant culture of Jaisalmer can be experienced through its traditional festivals and markets. Additionally, the city is known for its desert landscape and is a popular destination for camel safaris.
Jaisalmer is a perfect place for those who want to experience the rich culture and history of Rajasthan, along with the beautiful desert landscape. It continues to be the land of the royals, taking you back in time, breathing into the beautiful era of the kings. Staying in a heritage hotel or camp will give you a chance to live like a Rajput prince, and also have a chance to explore the desert life and culture.
Jaisalmer has a copious history dating back to the 12th century. It was founded by the great Rajput ruler Maharawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. The city was an important trade center and served as a hub for the trade routes that passed through the region during colonial times. The Jaisalmer Fort, also known as "Sonar Quila" was built during this time and served as the main stronghold of the city's rulers.
During the medieval period, Jaisalmer was a major center of trade, with merchants from Arabia, Persia, and Central Asia visiting the city to trade in textiles, precious stones, and other goods. The city's merchants grew wealthy, and this wealth is reflected in the grand havelis and palaces that were built during this time. The Jaisalmer Fort, Palaces, Havelis, and Jain temples are major tourist attractions and it is also a popular destination for desert safaris.
There are several ways to reach Jaisalmer, depending on your location and mode of transportation.
By Air: The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is the Jodhpur Airport, which is about 285 km away. There are regular flights from major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Jaisalmer.
By Train: Jaisalmer has its own railway station and it is well connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. It is also connected to Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaipur through Express and Superfast trains.
By Bus: Jaisalmer is well connected to major cities in Rajasthan by road. Regular bus services are available from cities like Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur and Udaipur. You can also take a taxi or a self-drive car.
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations. If you prefer to visit Jaisalmer during the off-season, then April to June is the best time to visit. During this time, the weather is hot but you can still explore the city and its attractions. However, keep in mind that the heat can be intense during the day, so it's best to plan your activities early in the morning or late in the evening.
The ideal number of days to stay in Jaisalmer depends on your interests and the activities you plan to do, but 2-3 days is enough to see the major attractions, while a longer stay of 4-6 days or more will allow you to explore the city and surrounding areas in more depth.
1. Jaisalmer Fort: the glory of Jaiselmer, also known as the "Sonar Quila," this 12th-century fort is one of the most iconic landmarks of Jaisalmer. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into the city's rich history. Inside the fort, you can visit the temples, palaces, and havelis that have been converted into museums and hotels.
2. Patwon-ki-Haveli: This is one of the most impressive havelis in Jaisalmer. It was built in the 18th century by a wealthy merchant and is now a protected monument. The haveli is known for its intricate carvings and frescoes.
3. Gadisar Lake: This artificial lake was built in the 14th century by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer. It is a popular spot for boating and picnicking, and also offers a beautiful view of the sunset.
4. Salim Singh ki Haveli: This haveli is one of the most photographed buildings in Jaisalmer. It was built in the 18th century and is known for its blue dome and intricate carvings.
5. Camel Safari: Jaisalmer is known for its camel safaris in the Thar desert. You can take a half-day or full-day safari and experience the desert life and culture, and also enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner and cultural performances.
6. Bada Bagh: This is a garden complex which is located 6 km from Jaisalmer. It is a place where you can see the royal cenotaphs of the Rajput kings who ruled Jaisalmer.
7. Kuldhara: This is an abandoned village which is located 18 km from Jaisalmer. It is said that the village was abandoned by the Paliwal Brahmins in the 19th century due to some unknown reasons.
Jaisalmer offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly guest houses to luxury resorts. Here are a few recommendations for where to stay in Jaisalmer:
~Heritage Hotels: These hotels offer a unique experience of staying in a traditional Rajasthani building while also enjoying modern amenities. Some popular heritage hotels include Fort Rajwada, Hotel Nathmalji-ki-Haveli and Hotel Jaisalmer Haveli.
~Boutique Hotels: They are typically smaller in size and offer more personalized service. Some popular boutique hotels include Hotel Saira Fort, Hotel Shree Ram Heritage, and Hotel Golden Haveli.
~Camps: If you want to experience the desert life, you can stay in a desert camp. Some popular camps include Desert Haveli, Mandir Palace Desert Camp, and Desert Luxury Camp.
~Luxury Resorts: For those looking for a more upscale experience, there are several luxury resorts in Jaisalmer like Suryagarh, The Serai, and The Royal Desert Camp.
