Varnasi

About Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer's vibrant city has an even vibrant history to boast. The city of Jaisalmer was established by the Bhati Rajput ruler, Raja Rawal Jaisal in 1156 after he moved from Lodhruva to Jaisalmer in search of a safer capital. Jaisalmer became an important site for traders since it connected the regions of Egypt, Africa, Persia, and India and provided for a trading route through the desert.

Understanding its geographical importance, Jaisalmer levied taxes on the camel caravans which passed through the capital and was a prominent source of income for the kingdom. But later, as the sea trade flourished, and the border of India and Pakistan were closed up, the city's tax revenue from being a trading route declined.

A witness to a number of wars and battles, Jaisalmer finally signed a treaty in 1818 with the British to safeguard itself from enemy forces. It was after Independence that the princely state of Jaisalmer was integrated into the Union of India and became part of the state of Rajasthan.

Quick information about Jaisalmer

State Rajasthan
Coordinates 26.9157° N, 70.9083° E
Geographical area 38,401 square kilometers
Popular Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer Golden Fort and its palaces, Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmal ji ki Haveli, Salim Singh ji ki Haveli, Mandir Palace, Lakshminath Temple, Ramdevra Temple, Tanot Mata Temple, Gadsisar Lake, Desert Cultural Center and Museum, Sam Sand Dunes
Popular Festivals of Jaisalmer Jaisalmer Desert Festival, Gangaur Festival, Ramdevra Fair
Languages Spoken Rajasthani, Hindi, English

Tourism in Jaisalmer

The 'Queen of Thar,' Jaisalmer is inarguably the best travel destination in Rajasthan. Believed to offer tourists an unparalleled holiday experience, the city is the gateway to the culturally and historically abundant Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is also referred to as the 'Golden City', due to its beautiful structures made of yellow sandstone.

It is in Jaisalmer that one is able to witness the perfect blend of nature, architecture, hospitality and adventure. This prized tourist destination is all about providing an unmatched experience to witness Rajasthan's warm hospitality while relishing in its art and architecture.

Jaisalmer also offers various enthralling adventure activities and memorable camel safaris in its desert. Jaisalmer is a popular destination in Rajasthan and a tourism haven with its massive forts, fascinating havelis and hot desert, but it is also about the coexistence of these attractions in perfect harmony.

Forts and Havelis- of the Golden City

The major tourist attraction of the city is its stunning Golden Fort. Located in the Thar Desert, on the Trikuta Hills, the Golden Fort was made by Raja Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Hill forts of Rajasthan.

The fort is called so due to the structure being entirely made of yellow sandstone. The fort houses many palaces, shops, temples, and places where hundreds of people still live today and hence is also known for being one of the few living forts in the world.

The sunsets at the fort are particularly breathtaking when the sun shines on the sandstone structure and makes the whole place shine. There are architectural masterpieces in Jaisalmer in the form of ancient havelis like the Raja ka Mahal, Rani ka Mahal, Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmal ji ki Haveli, Salim Singh ji ki Haveli, and the Mandir Palace.

Raja ka Mahal Palace is the main palace of the Golden fort and is the palace where the then kings of the kingdom resided. The palace is intricately designed all over and is an architectural marvel. The various balconies, courtyards, jharokhas, and chambers add to the beauty of the structure.

As you enter the palace, you will notice orange colored hand prints. These belonged to the women of the palace who committed Jauhar at the Dussehra Chowk in the fort. Jauhar was a ritual, practiced primarily by the Rajput women where they self-immolated at a central spot in case of an assured loss against the enemy.

Death by Jauhar was done to avoid being captured by the enemy forces and was considered an honorable way to die.

Close by to the Raja ka Mahal Palace is located the Rani ka Mahal Palace. As the name suggests, the palace was the place of residence for the royal women of the kingdom.

The extravagant Patwon ki Haveli is a cluster of 5 Havelis situated at Jaisalmer. Built in 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, the palace is also called the Mansion of Brocade Merchants and is the largest haveli in Jaisalmer.

What attracts tourists to this place is its architecture, with its fascinating mirror work, intricate carvings and paintings; it's a sight to behold. There is even a museum at the Haveli that you can explore.

It gives a glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived in the haveli. The gorgeous balconies and the colorful murals on the walls, you are bound to love the place.

Located in the Sadar Bazaar of Jaisalmer, the Nathmal Ji ki Haveli is another top tourist attraction of the city. It is another one of the beautifully carved sandstone structures the city prides itself in and served as the residence of the Prime Minister of the kingdom of Jaisalmer at the time, Diwan Mohta Nathmal Ji.

The palace is decorated with miniature paintings from within along with paintings made of gold-leaf and intricate wall carvings. There are various stories about how the palace came about to be, with each more interesting than the previous.

A popular one is that the palace was built by 2 brothers who started constructing the place from each end. A lack of communication between them gave the palace a distinct look with each end of the palace looking different from the other. How different do they really look? If you're curious you might want to find out for yourself.

The Salim Singh Ji ki Haveli is another one of the popular spots to visit on your trip to the city of Jaisalmer. It is said to be built in 1815 by the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Salim Singh Ji. The beautiful palace is also called Jahaz Mahal, given its resemblance to a ship's stern.

The Palace adorns 38 intricately carved balconies along with the roof made to look like a peacock. The Moti Mahal inside the palace is a place you must visit. The beautiful palace was once the place where aristocrats and the royals of the kingdom gathered to enjoy the royal dances.

Another gem in Jaisalmer tourism is the Mandir Palace. Built as a residence for Maharaja Moolraj, the palace is a cluster of structures and houses beautiful structures within. One such structure is the Badal Vilas. It is a tall structure that includes the Tazia Tower. The tower was made by a muslim craftsmen and is called so since it is shaped like a Tazia.

The tower is 5 storeys tall and offers a panoramic view of the entire city. The Mandir Palace was made by Maharaja Moolraj due to his desire of living in a place with lots of temples. Even though the palace was built by him, other structures have been added over the years by his descendants.

Today, the palace stands as a heritage hotel and hence a number of architectural changes have been made over time, yet the essence remains unchanged.

Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer

Summer Season in Sikkim

Summer Season in Jaisalmer

In Jaisalmer, the summer season boasts a temperature range that often climbs to scorching highs. The climate, though intense, reveals a unique charm of this golden city, making it a mesmerizing, albeit warm, experience for visitors.

Monsoon Season in Sikkim

Monsoon Season in Jaisalmer

The monsoon season in Jaisalmer brings a milder temperature range, offering a respite from the intense heat. The climate transforms, as rare raindrops kiss the golden sands, revealing a fresher and rejuvenated face of this historic city.

Winter Season in Sikkim

Winter Season in Jaisalmer

In Jaisalmer, the winter season presents a cooler temperature range, making the climate pleasantly crisp. The golden city shimmers under a softer sun, inviting visitors to explore its wonders in the refreshing embrace of its winter warmth.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort

Majestic fortress standing tall, encapsulating Jaisalmer's rich history and royal splendor.

Tazia Tower Jaisalmer

Tazia Tower Jaisalmer

A unique five-storied structure, showcasing splendid architecture and cultural heritage.

Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake

Serene water body, surrounded by ancient archways, perfect for tranquil boat rides.

Jain Temples Jaisalmer

Jain Temples Jaisalmer

Sacred shrines, intricately carved, reflecting the city's profound religious harmony.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

Distinctive architecture, with a peacock-shaped roof, narrating tales of royal grandeur.

Patwon Ki Haveli

Patwon Ki Haveli

Cluster of five havelis, showcasing Jaisalmer's traditional artistry and opulent lifestyle.

Nathmalji Ki Haveli

Nathmalji Ki Haveli

Dual carved elephants welcome you to this ornate residence of old-world charm.

Desert Cultural Center

Desert Cultural Center

A treasure trove of Rajasthani traditions, offering glimpses into the desert's vibrant culture.

How to Reach Jaisalmer ?

By Air

By Air

Jaisalmer Airport facilitates easy access to the city. Several domestic airlines connect Jaisalmer to major Indian cities. Once landed, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for city transit, ensuring a hassle-free journey.

By Train

By Train

Jaisalmer Railway Station links the city to India's extensive rail network. Direct trains from key cities make for a comfortable journey, allowing travelers to immerse in the rustic charm of Rajasthan right from their window seats.

By Road

By Road

Jaisalmer is well-connected by a robust network of roads. State-run and private buses ply frequently from major cities. Alternatively, one can hire taxis or self-drive through scenic routes, witnessing the changing landscapes of Rajasthan as they approach the Golden City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is Jaisalmer famous for ?

The city of Jaisalmer is also called the Golden city due to the structures of the city that are made with yellow sandstone which make the whole city glow during the sunset which makes it a popular tourist attraction. Another thing Jaisalmer is famous for is its desert safari. Being situated in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer provides an amazing desert safari experience with camel rides, cultural performances, and adventure activities.

Q. What is the best time to visit Jaisalmer ?

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between the months of October and March when the weather is colder and pleasant. It is the peak season for tourism in the city since the weather makes it pleasant to travel. Being close to the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer can get extremely hot in the months of April to June with temperatures reaching up to a scorching 46 degrees celsius, and is not ideal for travel. It is therefore best to avoid the summer months. The city experiences monsoon from July to September. There might be fewer crowds as compared to other months but the weather can get pretty humid and uncomfortable.

Q.How many days are recommended for a trip to Jaisalmer ?

The city of Jaisalmer has so much to offer, from its ancient temples to its majestic forts to its expansive desert, and so you would require a total of 3 - 5 days to fully explore the city and take in its beauty.

Q.Is Jaisalmer safe for solo female travelers ?

Yes, Jaisalmer is completely safe and an ideal destination for female travelers who wish to travel solo in the city.

Q.Which are the top tourist attractions to explore in Jaisalmer ?

The top tourist attractions to explore in Jaisalmer include the majestic Golden Fort and its palaces, Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmal ji ki Haveli, Salim Singh ji ki Haveli, Mandir Palace, Lakshminath Temple, Ramdevra Temple, Tanot Mata Temple, Gadsisar Lake, Desert Cultural Center and Museum, and the Sam Sand Dunes.

Q.What are the best local dishes to try in Jaisalmer ?

Local dishes that you can try at Jaisalmer include Dal Baati Choorma, Ker Sangri, Gatte ki Sabji, Laal Maans, Safed Maans, Pyaaz Kachori, Mirchi Bada, Makhania Lassi, and Ghotua Laddoo from Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets.

Q.What are the popular must see festivals in Jaisalmer ?

Festivals that you must see in Jaisalmer include the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, Gangaur Festival, and the Ramdevra Fair.

Q.How to get around in Jaisalmer ?

The best way to travel in Jaisalmer is by hiring a taxi or by the local auto-rickshaws.

Q.What are the best places for holiday shopping in Jaisalmer ?

The best places to shop on your trip to the city are Sadar Bazaar for handicrafts and leather goods, Bhatia Bazaar for embroidered cotton fabrics, Sonaron ka Baas for some pretty silver jewelry, Pansari Bazar for Rajasthani themed home decor, and the Manak Chowk.

Q.How are the summer, monsoon and winter seasons in Jaisalmer ?

Being close to the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer experiences a desert climate and remains hot and dry most of the year. Summer in Jaisalmer is from April to June and sees the average temperature of 34 degree celsius, and can reach up to 46 degree celsius on the hottest days.

The months of July to September bring in rains due to monsoon and the weather remains slightly cooler and sees an average temperature of 30 degree celsius. But due to the rains, the weather gets pretty humid during July and August.

Jaisalmer experiences winter between the months of November to February with an average temperature of 20 degrees celsius.

Why Choose TMI for Jaisalmer ?

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