Jaisalmer, a desert city of Rajasthan, located on west part of Rajasthan. This city is situated close to India –Pakistan border, which holds a strategical position over the border. Jaisalmer stands in the heart of Thar Desert and popularly known as Golden city too. Jodhpur & Bikaner are closest cities to Jaisalmer and can be reached by road in approx. 6hours drive. One can easily reach Jaisalmer by train or flight from any part of the country by direct or indirect flights / trains. As of now few cities of India has been connected directly to Jaisalmer by air, however Jaisalmer station is well connected with all major cities of Rajasthan.
Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer receives extreme climate conditions throughout the year due to proximity to Thar Desert. It is hot and dry during summer period. The temperature can go up to 44 degree and beyond. You can’t venture out for any activity or sightseeing during day time due to extreme heat, so this season is certainly not preferred by tourists. April to July is marked as summer months, so you avoid planning to Jaisalmer during this period. August and September are marked as monsoon, but it receives very less rainfall or no rainfall due to arid desert town. People experience much humidity when it receives light showers, so again you may not love to opt for outdoor activities. Winter season is the best time to plan a trip to Jaisalmer, which you may count from October till February. During this period, you would enjoy pleasant weather to take all the activities such as camel safari, jeep safari, bonfire shows and any sightseeing or shopping in city. This is the high season for tourism in Jaisalmer. Tourists visit Jaisalmer to enjoy soothing climate and infamous Desert festivals of Jaisalmer.
Top places to visit and activities in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is certainly one of the major tourist attractions of India. This city is popular for its desert safari. Besides it Jaisalmer offers a number of options to keep you entertained. Let’s list out some of top places and activities you must experience during your trip in Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer fort which is the most important icon of the city also known as Sonar Quila. The fort was built during 12th century is only living fort in Rajasthan, which has everything inside. It is still a home to approx. 3000 people including generations of families who have lived in for centuries. It is also a World heritage site. The Fort has many doors and is almost 5 stories high. It attracts the attention quickly as located at the top of a hill, called Trikuta hill. There is so much to do and watch out. You may hire a guide or even without guide you can discover things for yourself, like massive gateways and Jain temples – you must admire intricate carving and architecture on these temples, havelis with little balconies and Raj Mahal or Royal Palace which is the highlight of this fort. Also must enjoy city view point from a top of Jaisalmer Fort, it is amazing for sunset view as well.
Havelis in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is known for its amazing fort and many beautiful havelies, some of them are as Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli. Actually the group of five havelies forms Patwon ki Haveli. It was the first Haveli built in Jaisalmer, most elaborately carved, five storey structures sit in narrow lane in Jaisalmer. However this Haveli has lost its early glory, but still it offers an insight like how rich this small town of Jaisalmer was in past. Salim Singh ki Haveli again is a beautiful architectural building must to visit during your Jaisalmer trip. Nathmal ki Haveli again attracts the tourists; it has two wings, having amazing carving outside and inside of it.
Gadisar Lake
This lake actually was an artificial reservoir for water which was the only source of water supply in the city until 1965. This lake is surrounding by small temples. One can enjoy a boat ride or simply sit on the bank of this lake. Sunset is especially beautiful to watch from here.
Camel Safari and Camping in Sand Dunes
Camel safari is one of the most exciting activities in Jaisalmer, which every tourist want to experience it. For this one has to drive till sand dune villages, it is approx. half an hour by drive from city. If as per your Jaisalmer tour itinerary, you are going to stay a night in desert, then first check in at your camps and then start a ride with camel that takes you miles into the sands. Enjoy the lifestyle of locals here, it is a lifetime experience. In the evening you would love to watch and join Rajasthan Folk dances with dinner. Stay overnight in camps and enjoy a night in Sand dunes.
Jeep Safari in Desert
Jeep safari is the most thrilling activity, must-do in Jaisalmer during your trip in Rajasthan. You can book it on spot or in advance, however it is advisable to make an advance booking. A professional driver only will take you on this amazing safari; have a great time driving through the sand dunes. It’s about half an hour safari you can enjoy in the morning or evening. It is an off road activity must experience at least once during yours stay in Jaisalmer Sand dunes.
Parasailing
Parasailing is another must do activity in Jaisalmer; it is now quite comment in desert areas. Fly high in the sky and enjoy amazing bird’s eye view. You can easily get it organize with your tour operator or contact your desert camp for any assistance.
Shopping in Jaisalmer City
Rajasthan is quite popular for its colorful markets. A trip to any city of Rajasthan can’t be considered as completed till you bring any product of the city with you. The colorful markets offer a wide range of products, display items, jewellery which you can buy as gifts to your loved ones. However Jaisalmer city is famous for antiques, ancient stones, embroidery, blankets, rugs, shawls and much more. You can try something for your own as well.
