The fortress of Jaisalmer is an impressive sight: from the plains of sand, a huge sandcastle emerges like a mirage of the previous era. Nowhere better evokes the trade routes of exotic camels and the secrets of the desert. Ninety-nine bastions surround the crooked fortresses still inhabited. Inside, the shops are wrapped in bright embroidery, the Royal Palace and many companies looking for their tourist rupee. Despite uncontrolled commercialism, it is difficult to enchant the desert citadel. Under the walls, especially in the north, the narrow streets of the old town hide beautiful havelis (traditional residences decorated with ornaments), all carved in the same sandstone with golden honey as the fort, hence the designation of Jaisalmer as the Golden City.
Places To Visit In Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
Located in the golden sands of the Thar Desert, Fort Jaisalmer is not only a fortress but a small town with houses, temples, shops and restaurants. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and belongs to the “Hill Fortress of India” category. Built-in 1156, Fort Jaisalmer is named after the former ruler of Bhati Rajput, Rao Jaisal. More than three thousand people live in the walls of the fort, with several entrance doors on the upper road, the last of which leads to the popular public square Dashera Chowk. The fortress is at an impressive height of 250 feet and is surrounded by walls 30 feet high. With its altitude, it offers an impressive and panoramic view of Jaisalmer, wrapped in golden yellow. The fort is one of the places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Safari at the Thar Dessert
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is a place that tourists often visit due to its vast expanses of desert sand. Most visitors prefer desert safaris and planned packages. These tours are carried out early in the morning or at night to avoid burns. Once the desert safari in Jaisalmer is complete, you can also enjoy a delicious meal along with a musical dance program that represents the local culture of Rajasthan. The desert safari is usually done by jeeps or cars; You can also enjoy a camel safari through the dunes, giving you the feeling that you have returned to history. Although visitors generally prefer to use these safaris early in the morning, the night is when the desert really comes alive.
Jaisalmer with fine golden sand looks even more beautiful. It is also known as the “Golden City of Rajasthan” and is also where the former Jaisalmer Fort is located. There are two types of Safari on the site, Camel Safari and Jeep Safari in Sand Dunes.
The camel safari requires a camel rider for a 90-minute safari tour. The same can be hired for a trip from a local tour operator. On a jeep safari, you must travel 45 km to Sam’s sand dunes. The only means of transport is a private cabin.
Patwa-Ki-Haveli
The largest fish in the haveli pond (traditional mansion, ornate manner) is Patwa-ki-Haveli, which stands on a narrow path, its intricate stone-like honey-coloured lace. It was divided into five sections and was built between 1800 and 1860 by five Jain brothers, who made a fortune in brocade and jewellery. From the outside, everything is very impressive; however, the first of five sections, the private Patwa-ki-Haveli museum in Kothari, evokes 19th-century life and is the only one worth paying for admission.
Gadisar Lake
On the outskirts of Jaisalmer in the arid state of Rajasthan is the beautiful Lake Gadisar, which is located as an oasis in the heart of the desert. In the Middle Ages, there were no canals or irrigation systems or other scientific methods to bring water to the dry areas of Rajasthan. This warehouse was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal with regard to the needs of his people. Located near Jaisalmer Fort, the lake is easy to relax from the dry and warm desert weather. Lake Gadisar offers panoramic and scenic views of the lake and the adjacent fortress, especially when the eastern sky is blood red and the sun rises, hitting its rays on the upper floors of Fort Jaisalmer.
Whether you want to spend a quiet time alone or have fun with your family, Lake Gadisar has a handful of experiences. You can sail the lake or just enjoy a boat ride. If your time to visit in winter, you might be lucky to see beautiful exotic migratory birds flow around the nearby Bharatpur Bird Temple.
Jain Temples In Jaisalmer
Located in Jaisalmer Fort, the Jain Temples in Jaisalmer are a must-see while you are in the city. Temples, although ancient, have a high religious significance and are associated with ancient knowledge. Built-in Dilwara style, known throughout the world for their architecture, these temples are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdev Ji, the famous Jain hermits known as the “Tirthankaras”. Jain temples are an important pilgrimage site and are a true treasure of Jaisalmer and a fun place for all tourists interested in history and religion. The seven temples are connected and built with the same golden yellow Jaisalmer stone.
Each temple seems to be a puzzle for visitors who have their story to tell. These temples, dedicated to Rishabhdev, Sambhavnathu, Chandraprabhu and Parsvanathu, have the most beautiful prints engraved. One can enjoy impressive sculptures around walls protected by glass cabinets and columns carved by gods and heavenly women.
If someone is particularly interested in finding the ancient remains and the history of these temples, there is a place for that: Gyan Bhandar. As the name implies, Gyan Bhandar is a very small and attractive library founded in 1500. The library contains invaluable ancient texts and manuscripts. Jain temples in Jaisalmer are a must, especially if you are interested in architecture and history.
Shopping In The Golden City Of Rajasthan
One of the most important tourist destinations in Rajasthan is Jaisalmer, properly called “Golden City”. Founded in the twelfth century, this world heritage site attracts people to museums, desert festivals, temples and Jain palaces. Lake Gadisar, Fort Jaisalmer, Fort Khaba, Patwon Ki Haveli and the Indo-Pak border are some of the famous destinations that are at the top of the tourist lists. However, whether you visit the city due to the sand dunes or your Havelis, any trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without exploring the maze of the markets.
Here is the list of famous markets in Jaisalmer:-
- Bhatia Bazaar
The bazaar is located in the main area of Jaisalmer. It is one of the oldest markets and a popular spot for tourists known for its silks, souvenirs and saris. - Sadar Bazaar
If you want to shop in Jaisalmer, head to Sadar Bazaar – one of the main markets of Jaisalmer, which sells a wide range of products such as dupatta, scarves, jewellery, paintings, carpets and especially leather goods. - Pansari Bazaar
Looking for traditional, ethnic Rajasthani objects? Head straight to Pansari Bazaar. one among the oldest street markets of Jaisalmer, it’s also called the Villager’s market. The shops here sell a spread of handicrafts and residential décor items. it’s the simplest place to get traditional clothing items and puppets.
How To Reach Jaisalmer?
Jodhpur is the nearest airport, about 300 km. From there, one can take the train. Jaisalmer is well connected by rail to all major cities.The city is well connected to the rest of the state’s cities by well-maintained roads as well.