A Complete Guide To Jaisalmer 

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Photo of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India by Avinash Jha

I will give you all the information about how to reach Jaisalmer, its attractions, best time to visit Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is an important travel and business town due to its location on the camel trade route. Jaisalmer is famous for its beautiful fort, lakes, and gardens. The city gives us a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage and colors of the state of Rajasthan. The festivals in Jaisalmer attract visitors from various parts of India and the world.

See - When Three Days Were Not Enough For Us - Jaisalmer(Part1)

1. Jaisalmer At A Glance

Jaisalmer which literally means “the Hill Fort of Jaisal”, is a major tourist attraction of India. Jaisalmer is named after Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king who founded the city in 1156 AD. The city is known for Desert Safari and its Jaisalmer Fort, which is a living fort and is also known as the Golden Fort. The city of Jaisalmer is also known as ‘the Golden City’.

Population – 6,72,008(2011 Census)

Area – 38,401 Sq Km

Geo Location – North West

Ideal Duration - 2-3 Days

Altitude – 225m 

 State – Rajasthan(India)

STD Code – 02992

Famous For – Historical Monuments

Language – Hindi, Rajasthani, English, Urdu

Weather – Summer(25-44⁰C) Winter(5-24⁰C)

Best Time To Visit – October to March

2. History

Jaisalmer city was founded by Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king in 1156. The history of Jaisalmer also reveals the courage and determination of the Rajputs. The city used to be a major trade center as it was the trade route of the western countries to India.

3. Location

It was Located in the Western Part of the Indian state Of Rajasthan. It is also largest district of Rajasthan and third largest in the country in India. Located in the heart of Thar desert it has neighboring Pakistan on its western side and beautiful city of Bikaner in the south. Jodhpur is located in the eastern part of Jaisalmer, another city of colour and tradition. Population of this city is quite low compared to other parts of the state.

4. How To Reach

By Air  - Jaisalmer is not directly connected by air. Jodhpur Airport, located some 300 km away from Jaisalmer, is the nearest airport to the desert land. From Jodhpur Airport, tourists can hire cabs to reach city.

By RoadJaisalmer city lies on NH 15. Deluxe and ordinary buses of Rajasthan Roadways as well as many private operaters connects Jaisalmer with all important cities of the country. From the bus terminus, passengers can avail local means of transport to reach their respective hotels or attractions.

By Rail - Jaisalmer has daily connectivity with all important cities of India. Direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur can be availed to reach Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is also one of the major stations in the journey by India's most luxurious train "Palace on Wheels".

Distance From Major Cities:

Delhi: 793 Kms

Jaipur: 585 Kms

Jodhpur: 294 kms

Udaipur: 522 kms

Also See - When Three Days Were Not Enough For Us - Jaisalmer (Part 2)

5. Places To Stay

Jaisalmer is an important place of tourist interest in the state of Rajasthan. There are a variety of options available for accommodation for the tourist. You can choose from a range of hotels in Jaisalmer and guest houses varying from budget hotels to luxury and heritage hotels. One can also obtain desert camps and tents in Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri. These tents in the camps are equipped with various modern facilities and all care is taken to ensure the comfort for the tourists.

ALso read - When Three Days Were Not Enough For Us - Jaisalmer(Final Part)

6. Places To Visit

• Jaisalmer Fort(Jain Temple, Palace, Musuem, City View Point)

• Kuldhara- An Abandoned Village

Amar Sagar

Sam Sand Dunes

Jaisalmer War Museum

• Gadisar Lake

• Patwaon Ki Haveli

• Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

• Salim Singh Ki Haveli

• Bada Bagh

• Thar Heritage Museum

• Indo Pak Boarder(Longewala Post and Tanot Mata Temple)

Must Read - 11 Things To Do In Jaisalmer

7. Things To Do

• Camel Safari

• Jeep Safari

• Boating at Gadisar Lake

• Desert Festival

8. Fairs and Festivals

The fairs and festivals give a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of the city. Desert Festival is the main festival of Jaisalmer which is celebrated in the month of February and March. The festival is celebrated at the Sam Sand Dunes which is located at a distance of 42 km from the city. Major attractions of the festival include camel races, folk performances and cultural events.

Ramdevra Fair is another popular festival which is celebrated in the city. The festival is celebrated to pay tribute to Saint Baba Ramdev. The city is thronged by tourists during these festivities.

9. Shopping

Jaisalmer is well-known for its mirror-work embroidered garments and carpets, blankets, oil lamps, old stonework items, colorful fabrics, wooden items, silk textiles and silver jewelry. Some famous markets in Jaisalmer are Sadar Bazaar, Pansari Bazaar, Seema Gram, Gandhi Darshan, Manak Chowk and Khadi Gramodyog Emporium. The fort also contains good shops, where you can buy Rajasthani traditional stuffs. It’s a must visit if you are in Jaisalmer. Talking about Jaisalmer market, one shouldn’t be good at bargaining, the shopkeeper is very fair in their price.

10. Itinerary

Day 1- Visit Kuldhara and Amar Sagar, Desert safari, camel rides, overnight camp at the Thar desert

Day 2- Visit War Museum, Gadisar Lake, Patwaon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli

Day 3- Explore the streets of Jaisalmer Fort, enjoy Palace museum, Visit local markets and Salim Singh Ki Haveli.Visit local bazaars and handicraft stores, enjoy local dishes and Rajasthani cuisine.

Day 4- Visit Bada Bagh And Indo Pak Boarder(Longewala Post and Tanot Mata Temple)

The people here in Jaisalmer, along with the people on the train into Rajasthan, seem different than the majority of individuals we've met. Most people here in Jaisalmer speak good English, clean clothing, and are not beggars. They are very friendly, jovial and helpful in nature. People are hardy and have great power of tolerance.

Moving towards the bottomline, I will personally recommend each and everyone to once visit this one of a kind golden city. Its beauty will always leave you in amazement and will tag a mark in your heart.

This post was originally published on Travel With Jha.