Jaisalmer is a delightful city situated in the middle of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. This fairy tale city is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. I enjoyed every minute that we spent in Jaisalmer exploring the Desert, Havelis, Palaces, Fort, Temples, Shops, Lakes, and so on.
Jaisalmer situated 575 Km from Jaipur is also known as the golden city, because when the sun drenches the buildings, the sand stone fort and the sand dunes, they glimmer like gold as though touched by Midas!
Jaisalmer was founded by King Rawal Jaisal in 1156. Hence, the name of the city means “the hill fort of Jaisal”. The majority of the inhabitants and ruler of Jaisalmer is Bhatti Rajputs.
The west and south west border of Jaisalmer district is the Pakistan border. As Jaisalmer was on the trade route to the countries lying to the north west of India, the main income was from the tax collection from traders. When the trade route was sealed, the place deteriorated. Later, road and rail were built to connect the hitherto remote town to the rest of the country. Now, Jaisalmer is one of the main attraction and has boosted the tourism industry to a large extent. People from all over the world and India visit the place to experience the desert knitted with colors, music, dance, cuisine and adventure.
In Jaisalmer Camel leather ware is very popular among shoppers. Ker Sangri, Dahi Pakodi is some of the delicacies of the region.
Winter is the best time to visit Jaisalmer. During January and February, a three day festival is held where the rich history, culture and heritage of the region is on display. Unique contests like camel racing, turban tying, and best mustache are held. Folk music and dance under the moonlight is worth all the travel fatigue endured to reach this place.
The best way to explore the city is by foot and the desert by camel safari.
Interesting places in and around Jaisalmer:
- Jain temples of Jaisalmer
- Gaddisar Lake
- Patwon Ki Haveli
- Sonar Qila/Fort
- Sand Dunes – Sam and Kuari
- Desert Safari
- Godi Sagar Lake
- Amar Sagar
- Bada Bagh
- Desert Cultural Center Jain Temples
- Salem Singh Haveli
- Nathmal Haveli
- Lodurva
- Tanot Mata Temple
- Kuldhara Village
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Desert City
Situated: Rajasthan, India
Distance: 299 Km from Jodhpur, 333 Km from Bikaner, 558 Km from Jaipur
Transport: Well connected by Rail and Road
Facilities: Hotels, Restaurants, Desert Camp, Resorts are available to suit all types of budgets
