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Jaisalmer Travel Guide
Jaisalmer Travel Guide
Far out in the Great Indian Thar Desert, Jaisalmer rises like a mirage from the sands, a huge fortified city in the middle of nowhere. Architecturally, the city has a wonderful
legacy of old buildings, united by the common use of local yellow stone and beautifully preserved due to the isolated location. Enclosed by an imposing sandstone wall, the
fort stands on a hill 250 ft. high.
Jaisalmer Fort 
Some of the glories of Jaisalmer are the mansions called Havelis of the Rajput Nobles and merchants. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli has a beautiful arched roof and exquisitely
carved details, with brackets in the form of peacocks. A large stone Elephant guards the entrance.
Also visit the spectacular Patwon-ki-Haveli which has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers; and the Sagar Tank – surrounded by a small temple
and shrines.
No tour to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sands. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes that create an enchanting mirage is a
wonderful view. Various cultural programs are organized against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes along with a camel ride to view the sun set over the sand
dunes.
Shopping
Shopping in Jaisalmer can be a heady experience. Jaisalmer is famous for embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, old stonework and antique. One can watch
sun sets in Jaisalmer as these provide spectacular sights.
Attractions
Jaisalmer Fort :
Jaisalmer fort was built in 1156 and is the second oldest in Rajasthan. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet
high, it has 99 bastion, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. The fort is also known as the Golden Fort, for its amber hue, attracting a large section of tourists from
all around. Almost one fourth of present Jaisalmer lies inside the complex of this massive fort. The fort nestles over Trikuta Hill and is guarded by number of gorgeous
havelis, beautifully carved Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD and 5 royal palaces. The Havelis or mansions built by the wealthy merchants in the 19th century within
the complex are famed for their exquisitely carved sandstone facades. The fort also has 4 gateways - Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. Today, the fort has
been populated by merchants and shop owners living within its walls. Small, winding lanes are peppered with houses, temples, and shops. The Golden Fort of Jaisalmer is
alive with people going about their daily routine lifestyle.
Government Museum :
The Government Museum of Jaisalmer is situated on Police Line Road near RTDC Hotel Moomal. It was opened in 1984. the large collection of wood and marine fossils
in the museum gives an insight into the geological past of the area. The sculpture from the ancient townships of Kiradu and Lodurva dating back to the 12th century pulsate
with youth and grace and depicts the artistic skill of the time a glass case exhibits the Great Indian Bustards and Tilor which are birds of the desert.
Jain Temples :
The Parswanath Temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures. There is a small
dome which is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower.
Folklore Museum :
Jaisalmer HavelisFor anyone interested in seeing the culture of Jaisalmer on display through the ages, the Lok Sanskritik Sangrahalaya or the Museum of the Folk
Culture situated on the bank of Gadsisar Lake in Mehar Bagh Garden is a must. This museum was established in 1984 by N.K. Sharma, a local connoisseur. This well
organized museum is divided into six sections and has a rich collection of paintings, photographs, costumes, hairstyles and jewellery, utility articles of rural life, camel and
horse decorations, fossils, ornamental arches, as well as articles connected with folk and cultural lifestyles.
Havelis of Jaisalmer : Havelis of Jaisalmer are some very interesting places to visit. The intricately latticed Havelis of Jaisalmer are elaborately designed. Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Salim Sing
ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli all with exquisite lattice work are worth visiting.
Desert Fair :
Jaisalmer exercises immense charm, but with the staging of the annual Desert Festival (January - February), it has also become one of the annual calendar. Essentially, it
is a showcase of the region on the desert citadel. A number of amusing events at the stadium include turban tying competitions and camel races.
Weather
In Summer : 41.6 C (Max) - 25 C (Min)
In winter : 23.6 C (Max) - 7.9 C (Min)
Rainy Season : July to Mid Sept, and very humid (upto 90%)
Our suggestion : Best time to come: Nov. to Mar.
How to Reach Jaisalmer
By Air : The nearest airport that caters to Jaisalmer - bounded travellers is at Jodhpur. Jodhpur is connected to many other indian cities by air.
By Bus :
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned buses from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner. The roads are very good and fairly comfortable.
By Train : The nearest railway station that caters to Jaisalmer - bounded travellers is at Jodhpur. Jodhpur is connected to many other indian cities by train.
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