Once a sleepy desert city, Jaisalmer has transformed itself into a major tourist destination of India. Situated amid picturesque Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer city commands premiere position among the tourist attractions scattered all over the desert land of Rajasthan. The Jaisalmer city is revered both by Indians as well as foreign tourists.
Like various other cities of Rajasthan, you will discover different facets of Jaisalmer as you explore this wonderful city with us. Tough there are historical monuments scattered all over the city but the Jaisalmer Fort will immediately command your attention. Made of sand stones and locally known as Sonar Quila, the Jaisalmer Fort is a dominating structure amidst sands. The Jaisalmer city is also known for its old mansions, better known as Havelis. Among many of them you will find Salim ji ki haveli and Nathmal ji ki haveli as the most striking. There are other monuments too, which are equally important because of their distinct and individual architecture. The amalgamation of ancient and the medieval era architecture will catch your fancy.
The Jaisalmer city is a prominent educational as well as cultural hub in the region and regularly showcases the vivid cultural aspects of Rajasthan. Among others, it includes folk dances as well as semi classical and folk music.
The city is easily accessible and people are warm and welcoming. In spite of harsh living conditions, Rajasthani people are known for their warm hospitality all over. So come to Jaisalmer and enjoy the traditional rhetoric of 'padharo mahare desh' (welcome to our lands).
You can also choose to go on excursions while you are in Jaisalmer. Some of the many places that you can visit are Sam Sand dunes. You can stay in the camp in solitude and just look at the sun setting behind the horizon. Or else you can also opt for Khuri sand dunes and can get pampered by Rajasthani hospitality, listen to local folk music and enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine. You can also visit Lodurva, the ancient capital of the Bhattis and appreciate the Dilwara style paintings scattered all around the ruins. Or you can also peek in to the history of this majestic place and can choose to visit Amar Sagar or Bada Sagar and live the rich cultural heritage once and forever. A visit to Fossil Park could also be a wonderful option. If you are a conservationist, you can try your hands at the Desert National park or opt for Phalodi for extreme solitude. There is so much to see and explore in Jaisalmer!
If you are a fun loving and adventurous person then you can take up camel safari in the Desert and jeep safari in the Sam Sand Dunes and Phalodi. You can opt for the same in the Desert National Park too. You can also enjoy the very famous desert festival at Jaisalmer that falls during the months of January - February. With all its attractions the Jaisalmer city commands premiere position among the tourist places scattered all over the desert land of Rajasthan and is is revered both by Indians as well as foreign tourists.
Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer has a large number of tourist sites of unsurpassed architectural wealth.
» Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort The Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur, and 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 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 façade. 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.
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