Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer-Rajasthan

Sam - a small village, is the closest place from where one can lose oneself in 'the Great Thar Desert'.

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Jaisalmer , the desert heartland of the state of Rajasthan, is the famous “The Golden City” More

Jaisalmer , the desert heartland of the state of Rajasthan, is the famous “The Golden City” of India, thanks to its bright yellow sandstone buildings, forts and architecture. This unique fortress shot into world attention when the legendary film director Satyajit Ray made a gripping adventure film “Sonar Kella” (The Golden Fortress), where the fort and its surrounding desert lands provided an intriguing backdrop to a nerve-wracking chase for the detective Feluda to save a little boy from his kidnappers.

Located almost in the heart of the Thar Desert, on the Meru Hill, Jaisalmer was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Maharawal Jaisal Singh, from whom it draws its name Jaisalmer.

Extremely popular among Indian and foreign tourists, the desert Safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is a memorable experience. The tough desert terrain and scorching heat are offset by the warmth of the local people here, their colorful dresses and their spontaneous hospitality.

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By Air
Jaisalmer Airport is not yet operational. There is no commercial air service to Jaisalmer. However chartered flights are used to bring passengers to Jaisalmer.

By Rail The Indian rail network connects Jaisalmer to all major cities such as Delhi, Jodhpur. There is a direct train from Old Delhi that reaches Jaisalmer via Jaipur, Jodhpur and Pokharan. Palace on Wheels - the luxury train, also stops at Jaisalmer every Sunday.

By Bus
Bus service is available from Jodhpur, Jaipur and Bikaner to Jaisalmer.

By Car
Chauffeur-driven car service is also provided by several tour operators and travel agencies. Jaisalmer is 800 km away from New Delhi, Jaipur (570 km), Udaipur (575 km), Bikaner (330 km), Jodhpur (300 km), Mumbai (1140 km) and Agra (800 km).

Getting around the city:
You can explore the city on foot or rent a bike or a car.

Budget Hotels
Hotel Deep Mahal
Hotel Siddhartha
Hotel Bharat Villas

Luxury Hotels
Chokhi Dhani
The Desert Camp Resort
Royal Desert Camp
Hotel Sonargarh Fort
Hotel Rang Mahal

Jaisalmer Fort: Also known as “Sonar Quila,” Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort unlike other historic forts as it still houses people who live and work in this majestic fort. The magical golden hues of the desert especially at sunset make it look like an imposing and majestic palace straight out of a fairy tale. Major attractions inside the fort include Raj Mahal, Laxminath Temple and Jain Temples.

Patwon-ki-Haveli: Located only a ten minute walk from the main gates of the Jaisalmer fort, Patwon-ki-Haveli is a cluster of 5 small havelis. Architecture of the haveli, paintings and mirror-works are something to look for. Various old items and exhibits are on display here.

Bada Bagh Cenotaphs: Bada Bagh or the Royal cenotaphs is a place where the rulers of Jaisalmer were cremated. Built of the golden Jaisalmer sand stone, the Bada Bagh is located atop a hill and is about 7 km away from Jaisalmer.

Sam Sand Dunes: The village of Sam in Jaisalmer is renowned for its beautiful sand dunes. Enjoy camel safaris and sunsets here. Another highlight is the performances by Kalbelia dancers, Manganiyar singers and puppeteers.

Jain group of Temples: There are seven Jain temples located inside the Jaisalmer Fort. These are beautifully carved temples dating back to 12th to 15th century.

GadiSar Lake: Surrounded by temples and tombs, it is a rainwater lake. Take a boat ride or sit on any of the Ghats and enjoy the lovely view here. The lake against the backdrop of the Jaisalmer Fort offers a picture postcard setting.

In Jaisalmer, you will find restaurants catering to all types of tourists offering Rajasthani as well as western cuisines. Milap Restaurant: It is highly recommended by the locals for vegetarian thalis and Rajasthani specialties such as Dal bati churma. 8July is one of the restaurants inside the fort walls that offers great food.

While in Jaisalmer, look for traditional items such as camel leather, silk, embroidery work, cotton, jewelry and handicrafts. You can buy antiques from inside the Jaisalmer fort as well. Head to Bhatia Market to buy silver Rajasthani jewelry, gemstones, bronze statues and various collectibles.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival: This three day Desert festival is held every year in February. It is a rich cultural extravaganza that presents the glorious, rich culture, history and heritage of Rajasthan. Enjoy enchanting folk music under the stars, puppet shows and traditional acrobatics by local performers.

Lipi Bhattacharya

A travel enthusiast and voracious reader. Lipi Bhattacharya spends her free time travelling to historical places and those lesser known terrains Visit my Blog

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer

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