Jaisalmer is a lovely town in the royal state of Rajasthan surrounded by golden sand dunes to enjoy vacation. Jaisalmer, also referred as Golden City is famous for its adventurous camel safaris that can run up to several days. It's a wonderful experience to travel Jaisalmer considered as crown jewel of the Thar Desert due to its proximity to largest desert in India.
Jaisalmer is largely dependent on the tourism. People of Jaisalmer has known for their warm hospitality. Foreign tourists are often won over by the simplicity, rich culture and heritage and the hospitality of Jaisalmer's people. This wonderful city takes pride in welcoming the guests with open hearts.
Jaisalmer travel trip is generally dominated by visit to fort and several havelis in the town. Jaisalmer Fort proudly standing on the Trikuta Hill is the main attraction of city along with several havelis like Patwon-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji-ki-Haveli with history dating back hundreds of years.
Desert safaris are also highly recommended to people who travel to Jaisalmer. Traveling through the golden sam sand dunes on the camel is an experience no one can even forget. The views of sunset and sunrise are also very popular attraction of Jaisalmer tourism. While visiting to Jaisalmer do not miss the opportunity to get glimpse of local culture, folk music and dance of Jaisalmer.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
The best time of the year to travel Jaisalmer is October to February. Tourists who are visiting Jaisalmer during January came take part in the annual Desert Festival. Avoid traveling to hot summer months of April to July where temperature could reach 45 degrees.
JAISALMER ATTRACTIONS
Jaisalmer Fort - The fort is located on the Trikuta Hill in Jaisalmer. It used to be the home of Rajput King Jaisal who built the fort in 1156. The massive limestone walls of the fort turns into honey golden color during the sunset that has earned Jaisalmer Fort a nickname called Sonar Quila which means Fort of Gold. The fort has seen many battles during the years of Rajput rule in Rajasthan. The main attraction inside the fort are Royal Palace where royal family used to reside and the Laxminath temple.
Patwon-ki-Haveli - Patwon-ki-Haveli is classic example of Rajasthani architecture and culture. This five storey haveli was built by Guman Chand Patwa and his sons. The construction of the Patwon-ki-Haveli took 50 years. Today it is the grandest of all havelis in Jaisalmer. One of the havelis has been turned into wonderful museum that displays local art while another haveli is turned into a shop where tourists can buy traditional art and craft by local craftsmen which is very popular around the world.
Salam Singh-ki-Haveli - Built in 1815, Salam Singh-ki-Haveli has a wonderful arched roof with peacock carvings on the walls. This haveli is another fine example of local architecture and art during the 18th century. Salam Singh-ki-Haveli served as a source of entertainment for wealthy and royal family. There used to be dance performances to entertain courtiers. All the walls of the haveli are covered with wonderful paintings with local as well mughal influence.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli - The haveli is famous for its unique architectural creativity that leaves tourists speechless. Travelers are greeted by 2 giant elephants made of complete yellow sand stones at the entrance. The walls and ceilings of Nathmalji-ki-Haveli is decorated with fine art and paintings.
Desert National Park - This is one of the largest national parks in India located near Jaisalmer. Desert National Park is a great example of Thar Desert's ecosystem. The park is famous for abundance of birdlife. Bird lovers travel from all parts of the world for unique bird watching experience at Desert National Park. The park is home to several bird species like endangered Great Indian Bustard, eagles, harriers, Spotted Eagles, Laggar Falcons and many more.
Wood Fossil Park - Located 17km from Jaisalmer is the Wood Fossil Park that is famous for the fossils of Dinosaurs. Some dinosaur fossils are over 180 million years old. Visiting this fossil park is like a time travel back to the prehistoric Jurassic era.
Camel Safari - Camel Safari through the golden sand dunes of Thar desert is very popular among the foreign tourists. There are varieties of camel safaris available from Jaisalmer that starts from day long trips to 2-7 days desert safari trips where you will experience staying in a tent. Tour Operators provide all the necessary needs like mineral water, food according to the length of the trip. The camel or desert safaris are most important aspect of Jaisalmer tourism. No tourist should miss this once in a lifetime opportunity. These camel safari tours in Jaisalmer are offered for Sam Sand Dunes and the Khuri Sand Dunes.
Jeep Safari - Tourists who are not comfortable traveling to the camel can opt for jeep safari instead. The jeep safaris are offered for places like Desert National Park and Wood Fossil Park. You can also opt for Sam Sand Dunes located 40km and enjoy a night stay at Desert Camp.
HOTELS IN JAISALMER
There are several world-class hotels in Jaisalmer due to dependence on tourism. Several Palaces and havelis have been turned into hotels in the city. Some of the best hotels in Jaisalmer are Mandir Palace Hotel, Gateway Hotel Rawalkot, Hotel Jasmin Haveli, Fort Rajwada, Himmatgarh Palace Hotel, Jawahar Niwas Palace etc.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - A new civilian airport has been constructed in Jaisalmer that will offer direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Jaipur etc. The airport will be functional ahead of tourism season in 2012.
By Train - There are direct trains to Jaisalmer from Delhi and Jodhpur. Shalimar Exp is the train from Old Delhi that departs in evening and reaches Jaisalmer in the morning. There are trains to Jaisalmer from other Indian cities as well. You can also take luxurious Palace on Wheels train by Rajasthan tourism to reach Jaisalmer.
By Road - Rajasthan Roadways as well Private companies offer deluxe and regular buses from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Mount Abu, Delhi, Ahmedabad etc.
