Jaisalmer is located in the west of the special state of Rajasthan. This city is also called the Golden City because of its sand-colored, golden buildings. The sand-colored buildings fit in well with the environment. Jaisalmer is in the middle of the desert, the Thar desert to be precise. The city is not as often visited by tourists as other cities in Rajasthan, but you are certainly not the only tourist. Many locals get their income from these tourists; something you will immediately notice. The highlight of Jaisalmer is the fortress of the same name, but also a camel ride through the desert is a great experience.
Jaisalmer Fort
The huge sand-colored Jaisalmer Fort is a beautiful complex. It is not just a building, but actually a city in itself. Indeed, there are many homes within the fort, where around 3000 people live. It is also full of (souvenir) shops, all aimed at tourists. Shopaholics can indulge themselves here, because they really sell everything at the many markets in the city. Of course, don't forget to bargain properly.
Plan a day to explore the fort. In the morning it will be busier than in the afternoon, so to avoid the crowds, you go a little later in the day. Don't forget to take enough drinking breaks, because it can get very hot in Jaisalmer. Walk through the narrow alleys, visit the palace and view some of the temples that are located in the fort. Also pay attention to the so-called havelis: stately houses that were once built for the rich merchants of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The facade, completely in Indian style, is packed with details and is beautiful to see. Patwon Ki Haveli, the Nathmal Ki Haveli and the Salim Sing Ki Haveli are the best known havelis.
Also view article best places to travel in rajasthan with friends for more information.
Attractions in Jaisalmer
The biggest attraction in the city is the Jaisalmer Fort. There are also some highlights that are nice to visit. You can find the Bada Bagh 10 minutes' drive from the center. There is a special building in this garden complex. Other special 'buildings' can be found in the form of temples. Inside the Fort you will find a number of Jain temples (only to be visited in the morning), but if you head towards Lodhruva, you will find even more. Near the border with Pakistan you will also find the Tanot Mata temple.
Watching the sunset is also unique in Jaisalmer - from the desert, that is. Sam Dune or the quieter Khurij are the places for this.
The Gadisar Lake is also a beautiful sight. It is a landscaped lake in a beautiful setting. For example, you can take a boat trip here. Get a taxi for Jaisalmer trip from Taxi service in Udaipur.
Do you want to take in all the highlights in Jaisalmer? Then you book a sightseeing tour. This two-hour tour takes you to all the sights of the city. You will also have enough time to shoot beautiful pictures!
Camel ride
As mentioned, Jaisalmer is in the Thar desert. In this sandpit you can make a trip on a camel, definitely recommended. It is a popular activity - tours are offered throughout the city - but this does not make it any less fun. On a camel you drive through the deserts and get an idea of ​​life here. However, we prefer the two-day trip, so you spend the night in the desert. The silence, the starry sky and the fresh air make this an experience you will never forget.
Stay the night in Jaisalmer
Just like in most cities in India , spending the night here is incredibly cheap. You can get good hotels for a good price, or you can opt for even cheaper guest houses. There are also a few accommodations that focus on backpackers.
How do I get there?
You can of course take the train. From Jodhpur you are on the road for about six hours, the train from Bikaner takes a little longer and from Delhi you are on the road for about eighteen hours. The easiest way to buy train tickets online is through 12GO Asia .
The bus is in most cases the fastest option to get to Jaisalmer. It takes about five hours by bus from Jodhpur , the bus from Bikaner takes six hours, the ride from Jaipur takes eleven hours and from Udaipur another hour longer.