Things To Do in Jaisalmer-The Golden City Of India

Jaisalmer Travel Guide

JAISALMER

This blog is about Friends trip to Jaisalmer. Have you wondered what is there in Jaisalmer to visit you will get your answer here this blog will tell you places to visit, food to eat, things to do and how one can have best 3 days of his life in Jaisalmer?

This blog is my real experience from the trip which I recently had with my friends.

Jaisalmer Know Before You Go

About Jaisalmer- Jaisalmer is about as far west as most people get in India. It’s incredibly dry, hot and isolated. The ‘ Golden City’ is known to be a majestic place. A huge fort sits atop a hill in the centre of the city, overlooking the sun-kissed houses. Sand dunes which are not far from the city serve as a great tourist hotspot for camel safaris and jeep tours. There are many great spots I discovered and awesome things to do in Jaisalmer during my trip to the ‘Golden City’ of India.

Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer

Weather-wise November to March is the best time to visit Jaisalmer.

November-March⇒ These are the months of winter in Jaisalmer also makes the best time to visit Jaisalmer. Sightseeing and all other activities like camel ride and the desert safari are best enjoyed during this time as the maximum temperature does not go above 24-degree Celcius. Also, it is the busiest tourist season in Jaisalmer and it will be expensive to visit Jaisalmer during this time.

April-August⇒These are the months of summer in Jaisalmer. The temperature varies from 45-25 degree Celcius. Which makes it difficult for tourists to explore the city during this time. So it is advised not to visit Jaisalmer during this period as it will be of no good.

September-October⇒These are the months of monsoon in Jaisalmer, but very little rainfall is observed in this area. The little amount of rainfall increases the humidity in the weather of Jaisalmer. However, October witnesses pleasant weather and accounts for the start of the tourist season.

How to reach Jaisalmer

By Air⇒Jaisalmer Airport is a military airport and supports only chartered flights, hence is sparingly used by travellers. Although air travel is generally not considered an ideal mode of transport for travelling to Jaisalmer, some people do travel by air to save on time.

By Train⇒Jaisalmer is well connected with a wide network of trains covering most of the Indian cities like Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur and others. Some of the popular trains are Delhi Jaisalmer Express, Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express, Howrah Jaisalmer Express and Lalgarh Jaisalmer Special.

By Road⇒Buses from other states arrive at the Jaisalmer Bus Station. Most of the inter-state buses arrive at this station as well. You can also take a road trip to Jaisalmer as the condition of highways is very good and accommodation can be easily found on the route.

Source of Information: MAKE MY TRIP

Best hotels in Jaisalmer

There are many budgets as well as luxury hotels in Jaisalmer some of them are recommended below. These recommendations are based on public reviews and my personal experiences.

1.Chokhi Dhani The Palace Hotel Jaisalmer

Chokhi Dhani The Palace Hotel

Chokhi Dhani Group has unravelled with a Luxury Palace Hotel in the heart of Jaisalmer. An ideal place for a perfect vacation and adventure trips. Richly and tastefully adorned with ethnic decor, they offer all comforts of a 5-star hotel and a unique ambience we enjoyed our stay there, and will surely recommend staying here. You can book a room there on Booking.com or Make my trip and can also check its prices and amenities on their website.

2.Hotel Suryagarh Jaisalmer

Hotel Suryagarh Jaisalmer

   

The exalted Suryagarh is situated in Jaisalmer. Structurally pure and true to a prehistoric craft, the luxurious hotel features beautiful courtyards and grand Rajasthani architecture. The elegant rooms at the hotel come with traditional handcrafted furnishings and hereditament art pieces. Each well-appointed room is fitted with a flat-screen TV and minibar. Bathtub or hot shower facilities are provided. 

You can book a room there on Booking.com or Make my trip and can also check its prices and amenities on their website. 

3.Jaisalmer Marriot Resort & Spa

Jaisalmer Marriot Resort & Spa

The Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa in Jaisalmer, India, is surrounded by captivating architecture and beauty of an ancient era. Jaisalmer is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Rajasthan, and it features a magnificent fort, vast sand dunes, and detailed Havelis. The 5-star luxury hotel overlooking Jaisalmer Fort is just minutes from shopping destinations and top tourist attractions in the city. You can book a room there on Booking.com or Make my trip and can also check its prices and amenities on their website. 

4.Gorbandh Palace-Jaisalmer

Hotel Gorbandh Palace Jaisalmer

Located in the alluring city of Jaisalmer, Gorbandh Palace facets an outdoor swimming pool and a spa and wellness centre. It is barely 100 m from the BSF Battalion Camp. Free Set in an old-world, fort-inspired building surrounded by sand dunes, this elegant hotel is a 14-minute walk from Jain Temple and 6 km from the Folklore Museum. It's 4 km from Jaisalmer train station. You can book a room there on Booking.com or Make my trip and can also check its prices and amenities on their website. 

5.Jaisalkot - A Luxury Boutique Hotel

Jaisalkot- A Luxury Boutique Hotel

Jaisalkot – Hotel in Jaisalmer away from the hustle-bustle of Jaisalmer, Jaisalkot incorporate 25 acres of land and is enclosed within a strong and awesome fort. The atmosphere is that of a lost world of royalty – quiet and elegant. Each room overlooks either the huge front Maidan or the mammoth desert scape. The pool, spa, gym, restaurant, and bar are unfurled luxuriously across the architecture. In spite of the old world allure, the hotel is accoutred with all modern amenities required for a comfortable and peaceful stay. You can book a room there on Booking.com or Make my trip and can also check its prices and amenities on their website. 

Places to visit in Jaisalmer

Here are the 10 best places to visit in Jaisalmer.

1. Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort, snuggle on the golden sands of Thar Desert, is not just a fort but a mini-town with houses, temples, shops, and restaurants. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which falls under the category of 'Hill Forts of India'. It was Built-in 1156,  by the king Rawal Jaisal from where fort gets its name. More than three thousand people live within the fort walls with multiple entrance gates on the path up to the top. The fort stands at a stately height of 250 ft. and is bordering by a 30 ft. tall walls. Owing to its altitude, it offers a stunning and panoramic view of Jaisalmer city enclose in golden yellow.

2. Jain Temples In Jaisalmer

Jain Temples 

This group of beautiful temples within the Jaisalmer Fort walls have chisel structures which delineate pictures of sages, hermits, animals, etc. Built-in the Dilwara technique that is popular all over the world for its architecture, these temples are devoted to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdev Ji, the famous Jain ascetic known as 'Tirthankaras'. Being a significant pilgrimage spot, the Jain Temples are true jewels of the Jaisalmer city and a fun place to be at for all those tourists who are interested in history and religion. 

3. Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake

Built-in the 14th century, it was once the source of drinking water for the entire town of Jaisalmer. Now it has flourished as a tourist spot with many temples and holy places bordering the lake. Gadisar Lake offers picturesque and scenic views of the lake and the adjoining fort. Gadisar Lake has many beautiful experiences to offer. You can go boating in the lake or simply enjoy a walk around the lake. If you are visiting in winter you might get lucky enough to see beautiful exotic migratory birds chirping around the lake from the neighbouring bird sanctuary of Bharatpur.


4. Sam Sand Dunes

Sam Sand Dunes

These dunes are 42-45 km away from the Jaisalmer and have well built non-bumpy road which is maintained by Indian Arm forces. The best time to visit these dunes is either sunset around 4-6 pm or sunrise 4-6 am. There are many other activities which one can enjoy like camel safari and jeep safari. You can also experience closely the culture and tradition of Rajasthan with dances and musicals that are conducted around the campfires at night.

One can also stay here at night with many camps available which provide all the facilities and activities. The list of best camps in Jaisalmer is provided on the adjacent page.


5. Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan is primarily a memorial adjacent to a garden, located about 6 km north of Jaisalmer, on the way to Ramgarh. The set of royal cenotaphs are basically chhatris of the Maharajas which once ruled the Jaisalmer state. The gardens are quite an interesting sight in the middle of the sand dunes, forming a luscious sight for the eyes. 

6. Kuldhara Village

Kuldhara Village

Kuldhara Village, located around 20 kilometres from the city is one of the most fascinating and interesting attraction sites that one should absolutely visit. The village, is full of legends and myths, is said to be a haunted and spooky village. The deserted and strangely beautiful appearance of it, standing lonely amidst the full stretches of desert, lives up to its reputation. There have been many stories of paranormal activities in and around the village, but no one could provide any solid proof of it till date. Visit this if you wish to be surrounded by an air of thrill. 

7. Patwon Ki Haveli

Patwon ki Haveli

It is a group of 5 Haveli which was believed to be built by the Patwa, a wealthy trader who constructed the floors for each of his 5 sons.

The five Havelis were built for the single-family and the entire compound forms the largest manor in the city. It still possesses a large number of artefacts and carvings that give a glimpse into the grand lifestyle of the Patwa family. It is one of three Havelis that seem to be the pride of the city. The building is taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India and it is recognized as an eminent architecture as well as a historical site.

8. Tanot Mata Temple

Tanot Mata Temple

The temple is located 122 km from the city of Jaisalmer, Tanot Mahal is an ancient temple at the Longewala border in Rajasthan. The temple is enfolded with numerous tales that inculcate curiosity in every visitor. Although it is located very close to the India-Pakistan border, it remained untouched during the war in 1971.

It is situated in the Tanot village of district Jaisalmer and serves as a major attraction for those visiting the Jaisalmer. The heritage site is maintained by the Border Security Force (BSF) of India since the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971. 

9. Jaisalmer War Museum

Jaisalmer War Museum

Laungewala War Memorial is established in the military station to honour the war heroes of the 1965 war. It enclasps the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Army. The museum was inaugurated and declared to the nation on 24 August 2015which was also the day of Golden Jubilee of the India-Pakistan war in 1965.

It also features an Honour wall that has engraved the names of gallantry award winners of the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra. Along with tanks, guns and military vehicles, the display has a collection of trophies and vintage equipment. The cinematic show which screens the movie about the battle in which Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, a receiver of Maha Vir Chakra gives a detailed account of the soldiers who fought the war. The museum is located 2 hours away from Jaisalmer, on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, the memorial is a salute to Indian Army.

10. Laungewala War Post

Laungewala Post

It is the place where the war of 1971 was fought by a handful of fearless Indian soldiers. Some of the tanks are displayed which were captured by the Indian army and also all other artilleries and equipment used. There is also an audiovisual show narrated by one of the army men which tells about the incidents took place at the time of the battle. This place is approx 120 km from the city but it is worth visiting this place.


Itinerary for Jaisalmer

It requires only 3 days for a good trip to Jaisalmer.

Day-1⇒Arrival in Jaisalmer early morning, take a cab to your hotel. Visit local areas of city starting from the giant and historical Jaisalmer fort and to its nearby Gadisar lake, Patwon ki Haveli, Jain Temples. Also one can shop at the market situated near the temples. Before sunset one can visit Bada bagh situated around 6 km north of Jaisalmer.

Day-2⇒Book a cab and leave early morning for the Tanot Mata Temple situated approx 120 km from Jaisalmer followed by Laungewala post. Around 3 pm reach Sam Sand and Dunes and enjoy jeep and camel safari visualising the beautiful sunset in the midst of the desert. Attend many recreational activities such as programs by local folk singers and musicians which keep the guests entertained. You can also enjoy the traditional cuisine of Rajasthan.

Day-3⇒Visit Kuldhara village 20 km from Jaisalmer in the morning one can book a cab or can take auto-rickshaw. It is worth visiting the village and from there visit the Jaisalmer War Museum also known as Longewala War Memorial a great place to visit and know more about the sacrifices made by our Army men return to the city in the night and can have a walk around the fort at night.

Day-4⇒This can be your returning day from Jaisalmer before departing you should try sweets and other snacks at Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia.