Jaisalmer Travel

The city of Jaisalmer shimmers like a mirage amidst the desolate beauty of the hot barren deserts of Rajasthan. It is a small city that can be covered within two hours of leisurely strolling through the lanes and by-lanes, and has an extraordinarily medieval feel and incredible atmosphere. The havelis (mansions of rich merchants) which are the pride of Jaisalmer's architecture and a part of the national heritage should be seen and admired at an unhurried pace. The Jaisalmer Fort, perched atop the triangular-shaped Trikuta Hills, contains some gems of Jain temple buildings, while beautifully decorated havelis are scattered throughout the town. The city is also famous for its beautiful embroidery.

During the medieval times Jaisalmer made rapid progress due to its strategic location on the camel trade route between India and Central Asia. Even now, especially after the two wars with Pakistan, its strategic importance has led to the building of national highways, a railway track, and an airstrip, and made Jaisalmer Tourism popular among people.

The climate of this city is of typical desert character. Temperatures range between 46?C and 35.4?C in the summers, and 14?C and 2?C in the winters. The best season to visit is between October and March, especially between January and February when Jaisalmer becomes a hub of tourist activities during the desert festival.

Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer has a large number of tourist sites of unsurpassed architectural wealth.

Jaisalmer Fort

The Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur. It commands the desertscape from its 250 feet high pedestal on the Trikuta Hill. Three strong walls protect the citadel. The fort has five palaces called Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal. Jali or latticework screens of excellent craftsmanship shade interiors from the fierce heat and desert winds. The Rang Mahal has some exquisite murals painted on arches and spandrels. The fort contains one-third of the city's population. Many houses provide budget accommodation to visitors and have curio shops.

The Jain Temples

Three exquisitely sculptured Jain temples dedicated to Rishabhdevji, Sambhavanathji and the Ashthapadi temple are located within the fort. Their ornamentation, done in the style of the Dilwara temples at Mt. Abu, is marvellous. The emerald icon of Mahavira here is an unparalleled gem.

Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli

The Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli is a magnificent edifice whose two upper storeys had to be demolished and yet whose surviving structure has unsurpassed splendor. Particularly noteworthy are the rows of peacocks below the jharokhas (projected arched balconies).

Patwon-ki-Haveli

Near the city centre is the Patwon-ki-Haveli. Its five suites built between AD 1800 and AD 1860 are an evidence of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The balconies are delicately chiseled, and oblique sunrays create enchanting and dramatic shadows. It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, a veritable museum piece in the open.

Nathmal-ki-Haveli

This haveli has two identical-looking portions, which are in fact, two different parts united by a common fa?ade. The projected balconies or jharokhas are a perfect example of jeweler's art applied to stone carving.

Desert Culture Centre and Museum

The Desert Culture Centre and Museum has a number of old coins, different kinds of textiles, traditional Rajasthani instruments, and some fossils that were discovered in the desert. It gives a visitor an insight into the history of Rajasthan.

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer

In the month of February, every year, Jaisalmer organizes the 3-day Desert Festival. One can enjoy the rich cultural songs and dance to the tunes. Sponsored by the Rajasthan State Tourism Corporation, the festival has snake charmers, folk performers, acrobats and puppeteers.

Excursions in Jaisalmer

There are plenty of excursion sites of varied character near Jaisalmer.

Lodurva

Lodurva, the ancient capital of the Bhattis, is 16 km from Jaisalmer. Its ruins are visited for the great Jain temple and the Kalpataru, a mythical tree of wish fulfillment. Lodurva has a great number of peacocks that hover around the temple walls lending spectacular colour to the dry and stony landscape. Amar Sagar is a grand artificial reservoir for water with a temple and a promenade on the bank that is a lovely place for a picnic.

Akal Wood Fossil Park

The Akal Wood Fossil Park is a 21-hectare preserved area that takes you back to the Jurassic period when the whole Thar region lay under the sea. Fossilized logs of trees trunks lie exposed to view. Innumerable trunks lie buried deep under sand, 25 are seen and 15 are above the ground. The largest log is seven meters in length and 1.5 meters in width.

The ghost village of Kuldhara, the Sam Sand Dunes and the Desert National Park are the other places that must be visited.

Best Time to Visit

Winter (November to March) is the best time to visit Jaisalmer; especially for camel ride and desert safari. Summers (April to August) should be avoided as Rajasthan is extremely hot during this time. Monsoons (September to October) see very little rainfall, so pleasant climate; hence travel can be planned.

How to Reach

By Air: Jaisalmer does not have an airport, so the nearest to it is Jodhpur airport, around 275 km.

By Rail: With broad gauge and meter gauge railway tracks, Jaisalmer is connected to cities like Delhi and Jaipur. Palace on Wheels also connects Jaisalmer.

By Road: Many state transport and private buses connect Jaisalmer to the cities of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Tourists can board a bus from Golden Bus Terminal and Roadways main bus stand. Cab services are also available.

Important Travel Information

Jaisalmer is famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, and the finely cut antiques. It is a good place for buying exquisitely embroidered garments with mirror work in a brilliant mosaic of colours, traditional rugs, blankets and shawls, silver jewellery, stonework, carpets made from camel hair, and colourful silk and cotton cloth. The Desert Festival that is held between January and February is a celebration of the Rajput heritage, with lots of singing and dancing, cultural programmes, camel races and other interesting competitions.

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