Situated atop the Trikuta Hill, Jaisalmer is a typical desert city situated in the heart of Thar Desert or Great Indian Desert. The monochromatic view of Sonar Qila made up of golden-yellow sandstone rising from the golden sands seems to be a mirage in itself. The haunting Rajasthani music and acrobatic folk dances add character and life to the barren landscape. The smiles and colorful attire of brown skinned people, beautiful frescoes adorning its Havelis or mansions, intricate mirror work of veiled Rajasthani women, and unique turbans and moustaches and men - all provide exotic charms to a Westerner. However, the camels seem to have a most profound and long lasting effect on the minds of the tourists.
Places to See
Main tourist attractions of Jaisalmer are:
- Golden Fort or Sonar Qila
- Jain Temple
- Patwon Ki Haveli
- Nathmalji -Ki -Haveli
- Salim Singh Ki Haveli
- Sam Sand Dunes
- Desert National Park
- Bada Bagh
- Wood Fossil Park, Aakal
- Tazia Tower
- Gadsisar Lake
- Amar Sagar
- Mool Sagar
- Lodurva
- Barmer
Shopping
Handicrafts, tie-and-dye fabrics, fabrics with traditional embroidery and mirror work, wooden decoration items, and camel leather goods such as handbags and footwear are popular buys at Jaisalmer. Carved stone pieces, turbans and typical Rajasthani musical instruments known as ravanhattas lure tourists and art collectors. You will several curios and fabric shops lining the lanes inside the fort, near Jain Temple and the Havelis. However, until you are an expert you should not buy crystals, precious minerals or dinosaur fossils.
Where to Stay
Jaisalmer has some of the finest luxury hotels to good budget hotels with basic facilities. We recommend:
- Fort Rajwada
- Himmatgarh Palace
- Hotel Rawal Kot
- Gorbandh Palace
- Hotel Dhola Maru
- Heritage Inn
- Deoki Niwas Palace
- Narayan Niwas Palace
- Jawahar Niwas Palace
How to Reach Jaisalmer
Known for its remarkable sand dunes and incredible camel safaris, Jaisalmer is easily accessible by road, rail and air.
By Road: Jaisalmer is close to the Indo-Pak border. It has well maintained roads and state-owned and private bus services connect Jaisalmer to major cities in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Two major bus stands in the city include the one opposite to the railway station and the Golden Bus Terminal near State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur.
By Rail: Broad gauge and meter gauge railway tracks connect Jaisalmer to major Indian cities and tourist attractions. Direct trains are available from Delhi. Jodhpur is also accessible by the famous luxury train ‘Palace on Wheels’.
By Air: The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is Jodhpur, 300 kms from the city. All major government and private airlines operate from here connecting it to major metropolitans of India.
