Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Hello Folks, I am back again with Jaisalmer Tourism 2020 Top-Places guide. In this article, I am going to tell you everything about what to do? And what to visit? While you are in Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading centre and a princely state in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city derives its name after Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati ruler who founded the city in 1156 AD. Jaisalmer means the Hill Fort of Jaisal. The city is famous as the "Golden City," too because of its yellow sandstone architecture and is a major attraction site or tourists from all over the world. Scroll down to know more about Jaisalmer.
How to Reach Jaisalmer?
By Air
Jaisalmer city doesn't have an Airport. Jodhpur Airport, located some 300 km away from Jaisalmer, is the nearest airport to the desert land. The airport connects Rajasthan with all major Indian cities. From Jodhpur Airport, tourists can hire cabs to reach Jaisalmer.
By Road
Jaisalmer serves the rest of India by the well-maintained network of roadways. Deluxe and ordinary buses of Rajasthan Roadways, as well as many private, operates connects Jaisalmer with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Barmer, Mount Abu, Ahemdabad. From the bus terminus, passengers can avail local means of transport to reach their respective hotels or attractions.
By Rail
Jaisalmer is well connect by both broad gauge and metre gauge railway tracks. Direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur are available daily to reach Jaisalmer. The luxury train 'Palace on Wheels' also go to Jaisalmer. On reaching the station, visitors can avail auto-rickshaws and private taxis to reach their respective destinations at nominal fares.
What To Visit
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Ghadsisar Lake
- Patwon's Haveli
- Fort Museum
- Vyas Chatri
- Bada Bagh
- Jain Temple
- Tanot Temple
- Kahaba Fort
- War Museum
- Haunted Village Kuldhara
- Sam Sand Dunes
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 and is a proud chattel of the Bhati clan. Rawal Jaiswal was the founder of Jaisalmer city, and Jaisalmer fort was built in his reign. It is a 250-foot tall fort, which is protected by 30 feet long walls. The fort constitutes 99 bastions, amongst these 92 were built between 1633 and 1647. One can see the fusion of Islamic and Rajput architecture. Jaisalmer Fort is situated on Trikuta Hill and had been the scene of many battles. The main attractions inside the fort are Raj Mahal (Royal palace), Jain temples and the Laxminath temple. The fort is made as per the actual Rajasthan standards and features a city against a red-and-yellow background.
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort is one of the few living monuments in the world and home to a fourth of the city's population. The view sunset view from this fort is a treat to the eyes for all the travellers, and especially photographers. Jaisalmer fort is popularly Famous as the "Sonar Kila" because it is made of yellow sandstone. The fort looks golden in the early morning when the first rays of the sun reach the ground. The Jaisalmer fort seems like a palace in the fairy tales and dominates the tinted small town of Jaisalmer.
Ghadsisar Lake
Ghadsisar Lake is a rainwater lake which supplies water to the city. Sar means a lake. King Ghadsi of Jaisalmer had built it 650 years ago with the help of the people. The Lake has a vast number of catfishes and surrounded by many temples and tombs of holy saints. One can enjoy the boat ride also at Ghadsisar Lake.
Ghadsisar Lake
Nearby are the desert cultural centre and a local museum built out of the collections of a local schoolteacher, Mr N.K. Sharma. This centre conducts puppet shows in the morning and evening.
Patwon ki haveli
Patwon-ki-Haveli is a ten-minute walk from the main gates of the fort and quite magnificent. It's a collection of five houses, each one for the son of a wealthy trader who made money lending to the government. One of the Havelis (closest to the street) has been restored and turned into a government museum.
Patwon ki Hav eli
Expect to spend two hours there. Great view back towards the fort. Entry Rs 500 (foreign tourist). Guides wait around outside and offer their services for as little as Rs 50. However, they offer a rushed tour, and there is plenty of information on signs inside
Fort Museum
The Jaisalmer Fort Museum or Raja Mahal is the main point of tourist attraction in Jaisalmer Fort. Many numbers of rooms and pavilions are on display. The best way to know about the place is an audio guide. The audio guide explains well about the Royal family rooms and things they used with the excellent narration of history. Wonderfully architecture rooms and terrace will make you wonder. From the top of the Fort, the view of the Golden city is incredible. While the sunset its become magnificent, so have time in your hand to do some photography if you love it.
Fort Museum
Vyas Chatri
Vyas Chhatri is located in Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer, and It is one of the most beautiful examples of Rajasthani architecture. This old Brahmin cemetery, full of local versions of cenotaphs, is dedicated to Ved Vyaas, the sage who wrote the epic, Mahabharata. Cenotaphs throughout, this place is more popularly referred to as the sunset point of Jaisalmer.
Vyas Chhatri
Every evening, hordes of people visit the Vyas Chhatri to get a glimpse of the beautiful desert sunset. Everywhere around here, you can see beautiful golden sandstone chhatris that are covered in intricate and delicate carvings. A popular destination among tourists, Vyas Chhatri, offers a bird's eye view of Jaisalmer, the fort, and even the adjoining areas. Visitors can also witness several locals at Vyas Chhatri, playing Rajasthani tunes on the Algoza, a double fluted instrument, making it an experience that astounds the senses.
Bada Bagh
About six km out of town is a private cenotaph garden at the bottom of a hill where several dozen chattris stand to memorialise local rulers. Nobodies are buried here: these are empty "tombs." The tradition of constructing these cenotaphs was discontinued in 1947. There is a small fee to enter.
Bada Bagh
The gardens are mainly untended, but the beautiful chattris are quite interesting. Screaming peacocks will be practically the only sound you will hear. There are no facilities here: no toilets, no vendors, no food and no water, so plan accordingly.
Jain Temple
There are seven beautiful temples inside the fort walls. These temples have been build between the 12th century to the 15th century. Walkways and corridors well connect all the temples. It is compulsory to remove your shoes and all other leather articles (belts, wallets, purses, etc.) before entering any Jain temple.
Jain Temple
The very first temple which a tourist can visit is dedicated to Chandraprabhu, who is the eight Tirthankar (Jain God). The symbol of God Chandraprabhu is the moon. This temple is 600 years old and has been made with fine yellow stones. They are only open from 8 am to midday. Leave a good hour to see them. Entry is Rs 200 (including camera). Take your shoes off and leave them near the ticket window. (Pay a small tip after you come back).
Tanot Temple
One of the essential places in the outskirts of Jaisalmer is Tanot Mata Temple near to Pakistan border. The BSF maintain the temple. Because of the divine power of mother goddess during 1965 Indo - Pak war none of the bombs exploded dropped by the Pakistani army within the surroundings of this temple. There is a museum beside the temple where you can see the fused bomb.
Tanot Temple
Kahaba Fort
The ancient fort of Khaba dates back to the 13th century set amid a barren desert village was once populated by the Paliwal Brahmins. This fort was once an essential part of Kuldhara administration and was the first point of entry for the traders who came from the Middle East and China. Today, most of the fort is in ruin and abandoned. I explored the ruins of the fort- century-old artefacts, pots. The view of the barren desert village standing on the top of the fort is breathtaking. There is also a geological museum exhibiting fossils inside the fort.
Kahaba Fort
I had this eerie feeling as I wandered on the dusty streets of the barren village picturing the past life of its inhabitants. The best part of this place is that it is public free. There were very few tourists when I visited this place. It is better to visit this fort during the sunset or sunrise to enjoy sweeping desert views. Located at an approx distance of 35 km from Jaisalmer city, is a must-visit place for photographer and adventure seekers.
War Museum
The War Memorial is excellent exhibits the Saga of Indian Army. With a vast compound, with Tanks, Fighter Plane, and other War materials are placed, with 2 exhibition hall, one especially for Longewala war, one video show hall. A place that is undoubtedly going to thrill you n make you feel patriot—the Video show on Indo -Pak War on Longewala Border, then to the Longewala Hall.
War Museum
The history and the armours exhibitions used in the war can make one feel goosebumps—the huge tricolour flag flying in the glory of real army men. A war museum is a must-visit place for one who visits Jaisalmer.
Haunted Village Kuldhara
Kuldhara is around 20 km from the central city of Jaisalmer, and it takes around 40 minutes by car to reach here. It is located at a slight diversion from the Jaisalmer – Sam – Dhanana Road, which leads to the deserts. There are many signboards for guidance. In short, you can conveniently reach Kuldhara even if you are driving on your own. As you take the sandy path that leads to it, you will observe the limited occurrence of human existence. The vegetation is negligible – the timid straying herd of animals who have possibly feasted on the remaining bits.
Haunted Village Kuldhara
As per history, Kuldhara was once upon a time a very prosperous and happy settlement of Paliwal Brahmins. But now it is a haunted and cursed village of Rajasthan. According to the local legends, Salim Singh, the powerful and corrupt prime minister of state, his evil eyes fell on the chief's daughter and desired to marry her. He threatened the villagers that there would be heavy consequences if they did not obey his wish. He gave them a deadline. The villagers and the neighbouring 84 village's chiefs met and decided to leave their homes, and they vanished in the dark of the night. Nobody knows where they went. Before leaving the village, villagers put the curse that no one will ever settle in their village from that day after.
Sam Sand Dunes
City Jaisalmer is located amid Thar desert and is close to the number of dunes. One of the famous tourist attraction is the Sam dunes. One may observe breathtaking views of sunrise or sunset at this place. The region around has several camps where people enjoy cultural shows, campfires. These camps serve you with good snacks, dinner and breakfast.
Desert Camp
Activities
Camel safari, Jeep safari, camel race, paragliding. Location - 40km from the Jaisalmer city. To reach Sam Sand Dunes, one has to book a private cab or auto. One must make sure that the one who brings you the place takes you back to the city; otherwise, you might not get the ride here. Best time to visit is winters (Oct to Feb) in evening 4 p.m. to the morning at 6 a.m.
Camel Safari
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