Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer will mesmerise you with its beauty the moment you step in. It is also known as the Golden City of India because of the yellow sandstones that make up most of the buildings in this fort city, this picturesque city in the middle of the Thar Desert witnesses the maximum tourist footfall among all cities in Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is adorned with lakes, ornate Jain temples and havelis. Climb onto the camel saddle and make your way through this desert to camp under the starry night sky for an unforgettable experience.

WEATHER

 

AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rainfall (mm)	2.1	3.5	3.3	4.7	7.8	16.1	46.9	53.9	21.0	4.1	1.8	1.6

 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

October to March is the best time to visit Jaisalmer as the weather during this time is pleasant. Situated in the heart of Thar Desert, the summers are extremely dry and hot and must be avoided. The heat will definitely take a toll on your body, and you will not be able to enjoy your trip to the fullest. During winters, the temperatures fall up to 1 or 2 degree Celsius, especially during the night, so warm clothing is necessary. The monsoon season is also a good time to travel to Jaisalmer. During this time you might get a glimpse of some greenery growing on the arid turf. Jaisalmer is a colourful and vibrant place with an even more beautiful culture that should be a must-visit.

CUISINE

Add just a tiny hint of rich non-vegetarian food in a typical Rajasthani cuisine and subtle influences of North India, and the rich and mouth watering menu that you will get will be Jaisalmer's cuisine. Murgh-e-Subz is a chicken delicacy that you must not miss while in Jaisalmer. Along with this are other non-vegetarian preparations such as Tikkas and kebabs. Other than these Ker Sangri, Banon Aloo and Kadi Pakora are popular and almost define the food here.

The Gatte Ki Sabzi is a dish of besan fritters served in a creamy yogurt curry. Do stop at any roadside eatery for a typical Rajasthani breakfast of Pyaaz Ki Kachori (dough filled with a spicy onion stuffing). And do not miss Dal Baati Choorma. Wash down the meal with a Makhania Lassi and round off with Ghotua Laddoos to satiate the sweet tooth. 

SHOPPING

Here is the list of famous places to go for shopping in Jaisalmer.    

Sadar Bazaar: if budget is your worry, then Sadar Bazaar is where you should go. The famous bazaar in the town is mostly reputed for leather goods, but there are paintings, carpets, handicrafts, jewellery, clothing and almost every delight of Rajasthani.

Pansari Bazaar: For the ethnic shopping in Jaisalmer, this is the best choice. It is one of the oldest street markets and is also referred to as the Villager’s market. Shop for handicrafts, traditional dresses, puppets, etc.

Sonaron ka Baas: Rajasthani jewellery is truly exquisite and shopping for these ornaments boost Jaisalmer Tourism. To shop for these, go shopping at Sonaron ka Baas. Whether you want to buy gold, silver, precious stones, funky accessories, you can find treasures.

Bhatia Bazaar: Another popular shopping joint in Jaisalmer, Bhatia Bazaar sells clothing of Rajasthan, especially Sarees. From the best of silk fabrics to complete sets of traditional attire, fulfil your shopping spree.

If not for shopping, do walk through the markets as these are truly colourful places to visit in Jaisalmer. You can enjoy the sights and also taste some delights of local food.

LANGUAGE

Mainly, Hindi is the language spoken by the people of Jaisalmer. But, English is also well-understood by most of the people but they don’t know how to speak perfectly. Local people used to speak Rajasthani.

THINGS TO DO

1. ENJOY A DESERT SAFARI

Jaisalmer is a frequently visited place by tourists. Out of the total number of visitors, almost 95% out of them go for tours of the desert safari. These tours are conducted either in the early morning or during the evening to avoid the scorching heat. Also, after one gets over with the safari tour, they can enjoy a delicious meal alongside gipsy musical dance program which is present at the desert camps at Sam. If anyone visits Jaisalmer, it is like a compulsion to go for desert safari and make the trip, even more, fun and memorable. It is undoubtedly the one of the topmost things to do in Jaisalmer.

2. ENJOY A BOAT RIDE AT GADISAR LAKE

On the outskirts of Jaisalmer in the arid state of Rajasthan lies the filled to the brim Gadisar Lake like an oasis in the heart of a desert. Located pretty close to the fort of Jaisalmer, the lake is frequently visited by travellers from all around India as well as foreigners. Gadisar Lake offers scenic views from all sides of the lake, especially when the eastern sky is blood red and the sun rises, striking its rays on the top floors of Jaisalmer Fort. Boating is one of the major attractions here and also one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer.

3. EXPERIENCE RAJASTHANI CULTURE AT SAM SAND DUNES

Sam Sand Dunes are visited by those who seek solace away from the conventional site hopping and want to spend some time under the open sky. Here you can experience the real wilderness of the desert and the vibrancy of the authentic Rajasthani culture. The dunes are a wavy stretch of golden yellow sand stretching for around 2 kilometres along the borders of the Jaisalmer Desert National Park and offer a very picturesque and unobstructed view of the true expanse of the Great Thar desert. Travellers come here to witness the sunrise and sunset and the brilliant scenery they create over the fast stretches of barren land. Make sure to definitely include this in your top things to do in Jaisalmer.

4. VISIT THE OFFBEAT KULDHARA VILLAGE

Kuldhara Village, located within 20 kilometres from the Golden City Jaisalmer is not always a known name among the tourists, but a little research will show how this is one of the most interesting and intriguing attraction sites that you should absolutely include in your itinerary. The village, rich with its fair share of legends and myths, is said to be a spooky and haunted village. The abandoned and eerily beautiful appearance of it, standing solitary amidst the vast stretches of desert, lives up to its reputation. Kuldhara village is an exciting place to visit just for its architectural beauty and the vibe of history. If you are a fan of offbeat places, make sure to include this in your bucket list of things to do in Jaisalmer.

5. DUNE BASHING

Dune Bashing is one of the most exclusive and unique things to do in Jaisalmer. If you have an adventure streak, this is one activity you should definitely try. You will literally feel your adrenaline rush up when you are rafting through the pits and falls of the majestic golden desert even when you are safely seated in the car with seat belts fastened to you.

6. JEEP SAFARI AT DESERT NATIONAL PARK

Situated near the town of Jaisalmer, Desert national park is one of the largest of its kind in the country, encompassing an area of 3162 sq kms. The park seems endless and covers a huge area extending from Jaisalmer/Barmer all the way to the India-Pakistan border. The intriguing landmark offers everything one can expect from a desert ecosystem, craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes. If you want to explore the majestic wildlife at the Desert National Park, then the best way to do so is by going for an adventure-filled jeep safari which will be an entirely new exciting experience and is truly one of the better things to do in Jaisalmer.

7. CAMPING & CULTURAL EVENING

The golden fort, sand dunes, and the enchanting palaces make Jaisalmer an ideal destination for Camping and Cultural evening. A camping tour is a must on the bucket list of anyone who wishes to dig deeper the real essence of Rajasthan. It is one of the must things to do in Jaisalmer. Many tour providers offer camping along with safaris, parasailing, para motor gliding and so on. Riding a desert camel along the arid landscape is another exciting activity. The evenings are mostly to enjoy the Rajasthani culture with music and dance reflecting the rich cultural heritage.

8. EXPLORE THE GOLDEN DESERT ON QUAD BIKES

Quad Biking is another one of the very exciting and thrilling things to do in Jaisalmer. The adrenaline rushing sport offers a surreal ride on what are called the ATV Bikes. The activity is performed under strict guidance and supervision of a professional. You can live your 'heroic' moment trying to capture the vast desert on your high speed bikes.

PLACES TO VISIT

1. JAISALMER FORT

A trip to Jaisalmer is literally incomplete without a visit to the famous Jaisalmer Fort. You should know that when you plan a visit to any of the cities in Rajasthan, you will be blessed with some exquisite real-time appeal of the place's cultural prowess. Jaisalmer Fort is no different to this phenomenon. Owned by the Bhati clan, the fort was constructed back in 1156 and continues to stand tall as one of the oldest and largest forts in the world! The blend of excellent Islamic and Rajput architecture will blow your mind! The unmatched grandeur of the place also comes with some interesting things to do. Be it shopping for traditional Rajasthani chappals, carpets, jewellery, souvenirs and more, you can indulge in the same within the premise.

2. PATWON KI HAVELI

Also known as the Mansion of Brocade Merchants, Patwon Ki Haveli is a famous tourist attraction in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. At first glance from the narrow street it faces, one would see several windows and balconies with intricate carvings, and once inside, they would get to witness the grandeur of the Haveli. It is a cluster of five small havelis built by a rich trader in the 19th Century. Locals also refer the haveli as Kothari’s Patwa Haveli. The five havelis were built for the family and together, the entire complex forms the largest mansion in the city. It still possesses an ample number of artefacts and stonework that give a glimpse into the regal lifestyle of the Patwa family. It is one of three havelis that are deemed impressive in the city. The building comes under the Archaeological Survey of India, and it is recognized as a renowned architectural as well as a historical site.

3. SAM SAND DUNES

Easily one of the most popular places to visit in Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is a safari that you should definitely check out. Perhaps rent a jeep or sign up for a desert safari or even a camel safari. You will be taken through some of the gorgeous tracks on the Thar Desert. As long as you plan your visit to Jaisalmer in the right season, you will get the best desert experience right here! Plus, of course, you can even opt for a camp setting in the Thar Desert.

4. KULDHARA ABANDONED VILLAGE

You have probably heard of spooky tales that encompass some of the tourist places in Jaisalmer. While Kuldhara is not essentially a spooky place, it is an abandoned village that has found prominence thanks to the tales told by the locals. Inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins a long time ago, the whole clan fled the site one night for unknown reasons. The houses are still present but in ruins, while there are many theories on what could have propelled the people of Kuldhara to evacuate in the middle of the night. Maybe you could quench your thirst for an inquisition by visiting the place?

5. DESERT NATIONAL PARK

Shoes are a big must when working out. Just because you're working out at home does not mean you ditch the shoes. Your feet are quite sensitive, and wearing the wrong shoes could lead to blisters and other concerns. Hence, make sure to wear the right shoes. Further, they also enhance the grip of the body to stand steady or opt for challenging exercises.

6. JAISALMER WAR MUSEUM

Jaisalmer War Museum was established in the military station in order to honour the soldiers of the 'Battle of Longewala' that was fought in the year 1971. It embraces the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Army. It was inaugurated and opened for public viewing on 24 August 2015. It took place on the day of Golden Jubilee commemoration of the India-Pakistan war in 1965. The museum popularly known as JWM, houses two information display halls, an audio-visual room and a souvenir shop. It also has an Honour wall that has engraved the names of gallantry award winners of the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra. Along with tanks, guns and military vehicles, the display has a repertoire of trophies and vintage equipment. 

The place also includes murals of soldiers who lost their lives during the war and the weapons used for the same. The audio-visual room screens the movie about the battle in which Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, a recipient of Maha Vir Chakra gives a detailed account of the soldiers who fought the war. Located 2 hours away from Jaisalmer, on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, the memorial is a salute to Indian Army.

7. SALIM SINGH KI HAVELI

Salim Singh ki Haveli is a beautiful edifice at the heart of the city Jaisalmer. It is one of the major tourists' attractions built in the 1815 CE and commissioned by Salim Singh, the then prime minister of the Kingdom. It also holds another beautiful name - Jahaz Mahal as the front facet of the Haveli resembles a ship stern.

8. KHURI

Khuri is a quaint little hamlet in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is here that travellers can get a complete traditional desert-like experience in the middle of a vast expanse of sand dunes. The village is located in the Desert National Park and draws a considerable number of tourists each year. It has some resorts, camps and guest houses offering authentic food and humble accommodations. There are also a number of entertainment options and other activities for a complete holiday experience. It might seem like the place is in the middle of nowhere, but those who want to escape their stressful lives are sure to find some peace and serenity in Khuri. In its own unique way, the village is sure to make you feel close to nature.

9. AMAR SAGAR LAKE

The Amar Sagar Lake is an oasis near the palace of Amar Singh. The 17th-century citadel was constructed by Maharawal Akhai Singh is located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer city. The palace complex comprises of number wells and ponds along with chhatris and an ancient Shiva temple made of marble in the 18th century.

10. BADA BAGH

Bada Bagh is primarily a cenotaph adjoining a garden, located about 6 kms north of Jaisalmer, on the way to Ramgarh. The set of royal cenotaphs are basically chhatris of the Maharajas which once ruled the Jaisalmer state. The gardens are now largely neglected, but the hill with the cenotaphs is still quite an interesting sight in the middle of the sand dunes.

11. RAMDEVRA TEMPLE

Located 12 kilometres from Pokhran on the Jodhpur – Jaisalmer route lies Ramdevra Temple. While most people assume it is a temple dedicated Lord Ram, it is in fact, dedicated to renowned saint Baba Ramdevji. The temple marks the eternal resting place of Baba Ramdevji and is visited by people of all faiths. Between August and September, a large fair known as Ramdevra Fair is held here, and it attracts large numbers of devotees who sing devotional songs all night long.

12. TANOT MATA TEMPLE

Some 120 kilometres away from Jaisalmer is the Tanot Mata Temple. Tanot Mata is considered to be a reincarnation of Goddess Hinglaj. There are many stories of how during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, Tanot was under heavy attack and shelling. However, none of the shells or bombs fired at the temple exploded. This reaffirmed people’s faith that Goddess the temple. Post the war, the Border Security Force (BSF) rebuilt the temple and today, the temple is managed by a BSF Trust.

13. LAUNGEWALA WAR MEMORIAL

One of the first major engagements in the Western sector during the Indo Pakistani War of 1971, the Battle of Laungewala is an inspiring tale of courage in the face of unconquerable odds. A shining example of the courage, bravery, and valor of the Indian soldiers, the Battle of Laungewala created history on 4 December, 1971, when about a hundred Indian defenders halted the advancing troops of about 2000 Pakistani soldiers and 60 tanks. To celebrate the grit and steely resolve of the Indian soldiers who stalled Pakistani forces from their aim of cutting deep into the Indian Territory, the Desert Corps at Laungewala have constructed the Laungewala Was Memorial. An inspiring destination, this war memorial commemorates the valor and the supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers, instilling in you a sense of pride when you visit this site.

14. POKHRAN FORT

Pokhran fort also known as Balagarh was built in the 14th century by Marwar Thakur, Rao Maldeo. Marwar Thakur Rao Maldeo was the chief of the Champawats, the clan of Rathores of the state of Marwar-Jodhpur.

Pokhran means the place of five mirages enclosed by sandy, rocky, salt ranges. Although a small temple made of red sandstone, the fort is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is situated in a remote region of the Thar Desert which also served as a test site for India's first underground nuclear weapon detonations.

The majestic fort has a huge door with sinister spikes jutting out to stop elephant stampede. It houses a museum displaying armoury, pottery, miniature paintings and costumes worn by the maharajas of the bygone era. Surrounding the fort is the village of Pokhran that welcomes every traveller with a warm heart. The local weavers and potters working at the market, safari over the sand dunes, a community that feeds the migratory birds are all the beauty of Pokhran.