Jaisalmer

What You Should Know More About Jaisalmer

• About the Destination

  The Golden Yellow fort of Jaisalmer is a magnificent site. Built in 1156 AD, it is a huge sand castle rising from the sandy plains just like a mirage from the lost era. It summons for a massive camel train trade which is a major drawcard here. The defenses of the fort include 99 bastions of which 92 were constructed during the period spanning from 1633-47. These bastions encompass the fort’s still-inhabited wiggling lanes. On the interiors, you can see a royal palace, shops encased in bright embroideries and a couple of businesses that are waiting to extract some tourist currency from you. Despite the industrialism burgeoning here, it is impossible to not be lured by the desert castle of the city. Underneath the fort, particularly towards the north, the narrow streets of the Jaisalmer enounce within it breathtaking havelis that are beautifully carved from the same honey (Golden yellow) sandstone as the Jaisalmer Fort, well justifying its tag of Golden City. It wouldn’t be peculiar to say that Jaisalmer almost rose from the dead in the past 5 decades. Jaisalmer may be old but is certainly not forgotten. It wouldn’t be an overestimation to say that Jaisalmer today is the biggest tourist attraction of Rajasthan. In the past few years, it has been noted that many tourists who visit Rajasthan come exclusively for Jaisalmer and not the other surrounding attractions like Thar Desert. On the whole, Jaisalmer is a much laxer and hassle free city in comparison to other cities like Jodhpur and Jaipur.

• Travel Advice

  • On the lower section of the Jaisalmer fort, you may find several women selling silver jewelry. They’ll claim that the jewelry pieces are 70% silver however, they are absolutely fake. Some may look real and have an antique look but they are in no way silver.

  • The lanes in old markets are very narrow and less crowded. Avoid going in these lanes alone.

  • Beware of pick pockets here.

  • Be weary of the guys on wheels. They have a habit of breaking traffic rules.

  • The infrastructure of the Jaisalmer fort is in deep trouble. Its drainage system cannot handle the demand and some of the walls have already collapsed. Avoid planning a stay inside the fort. You can find hotels outside the walls of the fort. Staying there is a far better idea.

  • Taking a camel ride may not be the best thing to do. Your legs may hurt and it may get uncomfortable after a while.  

  • It gets really hot here during summers. Carry with you enough water and keep yourself hydrated.
    When buying water bottles from the stalls, make sure the seal on the bottles is intact. Don’t buy bottles of the brand you don’t know.

  • Be wary of the touts.

  • Bargain for the handicrafts.

  • Avoid consuming any dairy product from a street market.

  • Don’t get into verbal spats.

  • Bring essential medications from home.  

  • Bring a sunglass and sunscreen.

  • Don’t get friendly with the strangers.

• Drinking Law

  The legal age for drinking in Jaisalmer is 21. Anyone below 21 years may be prohibited from buying or consuming alcohol.

  
  

• Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?

  Jaisalmer Fort
  It is the most prominent landmarks in the city of Jaisalmer. Notably one of the largest forts of the world, it is also known as the Sonar Qila and was built in 1156 AD. The fort is huge and houses a number of shops, hotels, eateries and museum. It is a photographer’s delight.

  
  

  Patwon Ki Haveli

  Patwon Ki Haveli is one of the largest havelis of Rajasthan. It is formed from the assemblage of 5 small havelis. The construction of the haveli was started by Guman Chand Patwa and it took over 5 decades for the completion. This is an architectural marvel that is dipped in breath taking shades of gold. The haveli is mostly popular for its archways, beautiful balconies, wall paintings and gateways. When here, do take a walk in the haveli to explore it well.  
  

  
  

  Salim Singh ki Haveli
  Salim Singh ki Haveli was built by Salim Singh. When Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state, he was the prime minister. Today, the haveli is 3 centuries old and still looks as spectacular as it always has been. It adorns an alluring arched roof that is in the shape of a peacock. There is a section in the haveli that is still occupied.

  
  

  Bada Bagh

  Situated about 6 km from Jaisalmer, Bada Bagh is an important destination here. The place is frequented by the tourists who come here to explore the royal cenotaphs.
  

  
  

• What you will like there?

  The very feel of the Arabian Nights

  The breath taking architecture of Jaisalmer will take you back in time and give you the very feel of being part of those ‘Arabian Nights’ with anecdotes of the camels, sand, desert, and everything exotic.   

  
  Spectacle of colors from Sunrise to Sunset

  Every house, resort, hotel or restaurant in Jaisalmer looks like an extension of the fort. Wherever you look, it is Golden Yellow. You have several viewpoints both inside and outside the fort to watch the enchanting sunset of the city.  

  
  A royal stay

  Jaisalmer Fort though a representative of the city’s history has not lost its charm, not even a bit. It is a functional fort that has rooms where one can actually stay. Even outside this fort, there are several hotels and havelis where you can stay. Give yourself the royal feel by staying in one of those luxurious havelis here.  

  
  Camel backride on magical Sand Dunes

  Mostly all of us have been on a camel ride on the sandy beaches but have you tried camel ride on the sand dunes? Believe me, Sand Dunes are a different fun all together! You can visit Sam Sand Dunes or Khuri to enjoy a majestic camel ride on the dunes. Make sure you reach the dunes before the sunset and experience how things change dramatically post sunset. To make the most of it, you can take a nice stroll around the place at night. If you are daring enough, plan a stay over night! 

  
  Beautiful Starry Night – the Clearest EVER

  The crystal clear night sky of Jaisalmer will leave you mesmerized. It does not matter whether you are a star gazing person or not, if you look at the stars when you are on the dunes, you’ll definitely enjoy it. 

  
  The shopping

  The city’s charming and colorful shops that house boho chic clothing with its authentic mirror work, flowy cotton skirts and alike, can make any girl skip a beat. Take note, the farther the shop is from the fort, the better is the deal you are going to get. 

  
  The Food

  Jaisalmer has an array of cafes and restaurants that offer superior quality European food. Besides, you must definitely try the local cuisines here. Some of the dishes that are a must try here include ker sangri, junglee maas  and laal maas. 

  
  

• Recommended reads for destination (govt. websites, travel forum articles)

  Website :

  Rajhasthan Govt Tourism 

  
  

  Forum :
  

  Rajhasthan TripAdvisor Forum