Jaisalmer

Location Western Rajasthan, 795 Km from Delhi

Must Visit Jaisalmer Fort, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Patuwon Ki Haveli,

Temperature Max 46 º C, Min 35 º C (summer); Max 14º C, Min 02º C (winter)

Languages Hindi, Rajasthani and English

Ideal Time October to March is the ideal time to visit Jaisalmer

JaisalmerSTD Code 0141

Jaisalmer in RajasthanThe city of Jaisalmer is named after Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput ruler. He founded the city in 1156. A local hermit advised him to set up his new residence on the Tricut Hills, abandoning the old fort at Luderwa. During the medieval times, Jaisalmer served as the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The 13th century saw the Jaisalmer fort being besieged for 9 years by the emperor of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji. When the defeat of the fort seemed impending, the women folk committed Jauhar (self immolation).


The battle with Ala-ud-din Khilji resulted in the death of Duda, son of Jaitasimha and a Bhatti hero. Jaisalmer continued to be ruled by the descendants of Duda afterwards. The year 1541 saw another battle in Jaisalmer, with Mughal Emperor Himayun. Later Sabala Simha ruled Jaisalmer under the patronage of Mughal Emperor Shahajahan. He earned this right as a reward for battle distinctions in Peshawar. During the British rule, the state of Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British.

The city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India is divided into two parts - the old city and the new city. Once surrounded by a now battered wall, the old city has seen ages coming and going on. Amongst the many attractions of the city, the main one is Jaisalmer fort. Built in the 12th century, this fort provides a magnificent view of the golden desert below. The other attractions include massive havelis built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer. Also, a desert safari of the city, providing a glimpse of sand dunes, will leave you with a sight forever etched in your memory.

Withstanding the harsh climate and battering winds of the desert, the city of Jaisalmer has kept its age-old charm. Jaisalmer travel and tourism will take you back to the royal bygone era of the once princely state. The age-old traditions and culture of the city makes it a unique experience. This desert city weaves magic on you, leaving you speechless and mesmerized. The hostile terrain of the city fades in front of the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer

Visiting Jaisalmer itself means a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort. Built over the Trikuta hill, this fort is the biggest and the most beautiful landmark of the city. The fort is occupied by shops, stalls, and a number of other business concerns. This fort accommodates quarter of the city's population.


Just outside the fort is the Manakchowk, the famous marketplace of Jaisalmer. It is a good place for bargaining the local products.


The Jain temple, a place worth visiting, is also situated inside the fort itself. The temple, made between 12th and 15th century, bears testimony to Rajasthan's unique artistry.


Havelis are the mansions built by the wealthy merchants, which are still in very good condition. The intricate craftsmanship is beyond parallel. The havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli and Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli are remarkable for their exclusive cutwork, yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped decoration of peacocks.


Gadsisar Sagar Tank is a famous place for an outing. Earlier it used to be the source of water for the entire city. A number of migratory birds flock this place during the winter season.


Desert Culture Center and Museum is another place that would give the visitor a clear insight of the place. The museum has a number of old coins, different kinds of textile, traditional Rajasthani instruments, and some fossils that were found in the desert.


Baba Bagh is an oasis at the bank of a man-made dam. It has greenery all around to give a much-needed relief to the local people.


The Jain temple of Lodhruva, which reminds of the glory of the former capital city Lodhruva, is a place worth visiting.


Sam Sand Dunes, situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, is a place gaining tremendous tourist attraction these days. This sandy place is famous for watching sunset and taking a camel ride.


Khuri, another place in this glittering golden sand, impresses the tourists with its mud houses and straw roofs.


Desert National Park is another place that preserves the natural ecosystem of the desert land. Cactus, thorny trees and shrubs could be seen growing easily without being taken care of. It has some vegetation that survives in the dry and arid soil. It also has few animal species like the monitor lizard, desert foxes, porcupines and black bucks, etc.