About
Jaisalmer
Named after its founder Rawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer was founded in 1156 AD.
Famous for its a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert,
Jaisalmer is one of the very few destinations visited and revisited by the
visitors from India and abroad. Also known as the 'Golden City', Jaisalmer
kept itself almost untouched by outside influences, due to its remote
location.
Magnificent surroundings of Jaisalmer has attracted many from all the
corners of the world. Located in the heart of the Thar Desert Jaisalmer, is
one of the most aesthetic and remarkable destination of Rajasthan.
When to Travel
Best time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and March.
How to Reach There
One can reach Jaisalmer in any of the three routes - Air, Rail or Road. The
nearest airport to Jaisalmer is Jodhpur. Indian Airlines has regular flight
service which connects Jodhpur with Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur & Mumbai.
Jaisalmer is connected to Jodhpur by a regular train service. Jodhpur has
direct train connections with Agra, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur,Jaisalmer and
Udaipur. Regular bus services link Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Ramdeora and
Bikaner.
Where to Stay
Jaisalmer has many deluxe, heritage, luxurious and bugdets hotels for the
ease of stay of its tourists visiting almost all the 365 days of the year.
Some of the 2 star & 3 star hotels to provide the complete comfort to
the visitors of Jaisalmer are - RTDC Hotel, Moomal; Hotel Heritage Inn,
Gorbandh Palace, Jaisal Castle, Narain Niwas, Dhola Maru and lots more.
Tourist Attraction
One of Rajasthan's most alluring cities, Jaisalmer, dwelling on the ocean
of sands, boasts of its ancient palaces, temples and quaint settlements
sprawling almost at every part of the Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is famous for its
intricately constructed Havelis with exhibiting facades.
Some
of the must see places in Jaisalmer :
Jaisalmer Fort :
This 12th century fort, lies deep in the heart of the Thar desert. Seems to
rise out of the ocean of sand, the rounded ramparts of golden sandstone of
the Jaisalmer Fort, echoes the colour of the desert. Several entrances,
called 'pols', guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal, which carry the
royal symbols of the Bhatti clan's lunar lineage. Outside the fort, is the
main market place called Manek Chowk. From Manek Chowk, one can walk into
the lanes, where the famous & intricately carved Havelis are to be
found. The fort also shelters a number of small Mahals, such as the Janaki
Mahal, Moti Mahal, and the Phool Mahal.
Excursions around Jaisalmer
Camel Safaris :
Camel safari is the identity of rajasthan tourism and Rajasthan. The best
way to explore the magnificent sights around Jaisalmer and Rajasthan is to
take a camel ride. Often passing through millet fields, small hamlets and
interesting deserted ruins, most of these safaris last for three to four
days. The caravan of camels stops at night and all camp out in tents as star
in the open sky being the watchman all night. This usual circuit includes
many of the following places:
Sam Sand Dunes : This is 42 km from Jaisalmer, almost the
closest point to witness the total sandy and extensive desert. One can see
the wavy patterns carved out by winds on the sand. Camel rides on the sand
dunes are an unforgettable experience as is the sunset in Sam, Jaisalmer.
Sam has a truly splendid stretch of sweeping dunes.
Some other places of interest covered by the camel safari are - Bada Bagh &
Chatris, Amar Sagar, Mool Sagar, Barmer, Lodurva, Kuldhera, Khuri, Akal Wood
Fossil Park, Desert National Park and lots more.
Shopping Delights
Jaisalmer has been the trader's paradise from the time of its foundation.
It was famous then and it is famous now for its flourishing trade, making it
one of the best places not only in Rajasthan but whole of India to shop for
mementoes. Prices are comparatively high at Jailsamer, but the choice of
saleable here, are nowhere less then Pushkar and Jaipur.
The list of things one can buy here is endless from, woven jackets,
tie-dyed cloth, wooden boxes and ornaments to camel-leather slippers (
jhoolis ), Western-style clothes, Puppets and lots more. One can find every
conceivable kind of traditional Rajasthani textile, sold at shops adjoining
the fort.
Main places of shopping are
Number One or "First Fort" Gate : Puppets are sold inside this
gate. But to get better prices buy them from the puppet-makers' located
north of town, immediately below the "Sunset Point", going by the
Bhatia Bazaar and Narayan Niwas Palace hotel.
Barmer
Embroidery House :
Located near the Patwon-ki-Haveli, Gangana Para, in the north of town. The
stock here ranges from standard Jaipuri block-printed bedspreads and mirror
work or appliqu? cushion covers to rare door- hangings ( ), ornately
embroidered cradle covers, sari blouses ( choli ), Lamani chillum pouches,
camel tack, and silk-woven mashru skirts from the remote Muslim villages of
Kutch.
One can visit various government-run Khadi Gramodyog shops dotted around
town (biggest branches at Gadi Sagar Gate and Gandhi Chowk). The best
bargains, and most authentically regional pieces, are the tough, richly
patterned hand-loom shawls and woollen blankets from Khuri and other
villages near the Pakistani border, all sold at fixed prices
