Jaisalmer Travel Guide

[Desert Festival: February 19^th to 21st 2008]

Jaisalmer is one of the most important tourist destinations and cities of Rajasthan, India.

Also known as the Golden City, the city of Jaisalmer is known for its forts, havelis, temples, and rich culture and glorious past. The name Jaisalmer evokes a spectacular picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Set amidst the barren Thar Desert, the desert city of Jaisalmer was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. The most prominent feature of Jaisalmer is Jaisalmer Fort. The majestic Jaisalmer Fort is made of yellow sandstone and shining like gold in the desert sun. So the fort is also called Golden Fort or Sonar Kila. This magnificent fort is situated on the top of Trikuta Hill. The fort was founded by Bhatti Chief Jaisal in 1156 AD. One can also enjoy romantic sand dunes during the tours the desert city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. The romantic sand dunes of Jaisalmer reminds you of the Arabian Night’s Stories, which you have read in your school days.

Apart from magnificent Golden Fort (Jaisalmer Fort) and romantic Sand Dunes, the desert city of Jaisalmer also provides a different experience during shopping in the bazaars of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. One can purchase ancient crafts, exquisite handicrafts, silver jewellery and embroidery and much more during shopping in markets of Jaisalmer. Shopping in Jaisalmer offers totally a difference experience. Don’t miss to enjoy shopping in the markets of Jaisalmer during your tours to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. The desert city of Jaisalmer is also known for its fairs & festivals. Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is famous all over the country.

Some major attractions in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort : Jaisalmer Fort is the major attraction of the desert city of Jaisalmer,

Rajasthan, India. The Fort is also known as the Golden Fort or Sonar Kila because it is made of yellow sandstone and shines like bright gold. So the city of Jaisalmer is also known as the Golden City. The fort is perched on the top of Trikuta hills and houses the entire township of Jaisalmer within its ramparts. Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol are four gateways to approach the fort.

Havelis : Havelis of Jaisalmer are also worth visiting attractions of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. Some worth visiting Havelis of Jaisalmer are Salem Singh Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli. These havelis were the magnificent houses of the rich merchants of the former kingdom. Don’t miss to explore the Havelis of Jaisalmer during your tours to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.

Jain Temple : The Golden Fort of Jaisalmer has three architecturally beautiful Jain jantemple

Temples. These temples are exquisitely carved and worth visiting. These temples are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars – Sambhavnath, Rishabhdev and Paraswanath. Don’t miss to explore these architecturally beautiful and exquisitely carved Jain Temples during your tours to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.

Gadsisar Lake : Gadsisar Lake is a rainwater lake. It shows the evolution of the rainwater conservation in the ancient times. Gadsisar Lake is surrounded by green environments. There also some small temples and a beautiful museum around the Gadsisar Lake.

Sam Sand Dunes: About 42 km from the desert city of Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes are also popular among tourists. One can enjoy here camel ride and beautiful view of sunrise and sunset. Don’t miss to go to Sam Sand Dunes and enjoy camel safari during your tours to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.

Desert Festival : The Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is also very popular among the tourists. The three-day long Desert Festival shows the royal, rich, vibrant and colorful culture of Rajasthan, India. Camel Polo and Camel Dance are organized this festival which provide a pleasant experience. Turban tying competitions are also organized during this festival.

How to arrive in Jaisalmer
By Air : The nearest airport is Jodhpur.

By Rail : Jaisalmer is connected to Jodhpur by a regular train service.

By Road : Roads in Jaisalmer connects it to major cities of Rajasthan, which are well linked to rest of the country.