The magical golden sandstone city of Jaisalmer, situated in Rajasthan's Thar desert,
conjures up images of an Arabian Nights fable. Be inspired by this
list of must-see attractions and places to visit! For a hassle way of
seeing the sights, take this Private Half Day Tour of Jaisalmer's
Golden Monuments.
To experience the full splendor of the city, go during the annual Jaisalmer Desert Festival, usually held in February or late January.
Jaisalmer Fort and Fort Palace
Jaisalmer ethereal sandstone Fort,
which resembles a massive sandcastle rising from the desert, is the
city's focal point. The Fort was built in 1156 by Rajput ruler Jaisal,
who also founded the city at the same time. It's one of the largest
forts in the world. However, what's really remarkable about it is that
it's the largest living fort in India. Around 2,500 people reside
inside its walls. It's also home to numerous hotels, guesthouses,
temples, handicraft stores, restaurants, and the former rulers' palatial
palace. The palace is open to visitors, for a fee, and guided audio
tours are available. Jaisalmer Magic runs a daily, three hour heritage
walking tour through the Fort.
Jain Temples
One of the main attractions inside the Fort is a stunning series of seven interconnected Jain temples
that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Carved out of
sandstone, the detail on them rivals that of the marble Jain temple
complex at Ranakpur. You'll need to remove your shoes and all leather
items before entering, and there's an admission fee of 30 rupees plus
camera charges. The temples are open daily from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Havelis
Jaisalmer is also known for the fairytale architecture of its
magnificent historic havelis (mansions), located both inside and out of
the Fort. Many can be found in the narrow lanes north of the Fort. In
this area, the towering 18th century Patwa Haveli is the city's biggest
and most important haveli. Built by five Jain brothers, it's most
impressive from the outside, with its breathtaking intricate stonework.
Two sections of it are open to the public -- one is an interesting
privately operated museum that's worth a look. In the same area, the
distinctively shaped Salim Singh Haveli and extraordinary Nathmal Haveli are worth visiting as well. Inside Nathmal Haveli, the beautiful gold paintings are a highlight.
4. Camel Safaris
Most tourists take a camel safari -- it's the quintessential Jaisalmer experience! A camel safari
will also give you the opportunity to witness the rustic, rural desert
life of India. It's possible to go on a quick one day safari or a
hardcore safari as long as 30 days! However, it's important that you
choose the provider carefully as the safari business is extremely
competitive and you definitely get what you pay for.
5. Sand Dunes and Desert National Park
Hordes of people head to the famous and picturesque Sam Sand Dunes,
around 40 kilometers west of Jaisalmer, at sunset. Cultural performances
and camel rides create a carnival atmosphere. It's possible to stay at
a desert camp in the area. The majority are located close to the Sam
Dunes. However, there are other options that provide unique,
non-touristy experiences. Here are five of the best ones. On the way to
the Sam Dunes, Kuldhara Abandoned Village is a worthwhile place to
visit. If you'd prefer a more peaceful desert experience, the dunes
around Khuri village in Desert National Park, 45 kilometers
southwest of Jaisalmer, are an appealing alternative. Accommodations
are available in traditional-style huts and small resorts. You can go on
a camel safari there as well.
6. Vyas Chhatri Sunset Point
Vyas Chhatri, on the edge of Jaisalmer north of the Fort, is
dedicated to the great Brahmin sage Vyasa who authored the Hindu epic
the Mahabharata. This haunting place is used as a cremation ground for
Pushkarana Brahmins and contains a number of cenotaphs (empty tombs)
erected in honor of notable ones. The cenotaphs are referred to as
chhatris because of their domes, which look like umbrellas (chhatris).
Go there for spectacular sunsets over the city.
7. Bada Bagh
Jaisalmer has another group of similar looking cenotaphs, in a large
unkempt garden around five kilometers further out, erected in honor of
the city's royal rulers from the 16th to 20th centuries. The last
cenotaph to be built is dedicated to Maharaja Jawaharlal Singh, who
reigned after India’s Independence. However, it remains incomplete due
to his death a year after Independence, which was viewed as a bad omen
by the family. Most intriguing are the plaques on the cenotaphs.
Plaques showing both maharaja and maharani together indicate that the
queen committed sati (threw herself on her husband's funeral pyre). In
contrast to the cenotaphs, modern wind turbines now populate the breezy
hill as well, to generate electricity.
8. Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar Lake, also called Gadisar Lake, is a huge artificial reservoir
that was built by Maharawal Gadsi Singh in the 14th century. It
provided the only water supply to the city until 1965. The many small
temples and shrines that surround the lake make it particularly
inviting. Migratory waterfowl are an added attraction in winter, along
with numerous catfish in the water that love to be fed. Boats are
available for hire too. The lake is located on the southeast edge of
the city.
9. Bhang Shop/Lassi Shop
You may be surprised to discover that bhang (marijuana) is sold openly
in Jaisalmer. The renowned Lassi Shop (previously called the Government
Authorized Bhang Shop), outside the first fort gate at Gopa Chowk, has
been in business since 1977. It attracts a steady flow of curious
customers who are served by the aptly named Doctor Bhang. There's a
tempting array of bhang lassis (marijuana milkshakes) bhang cookies,
cakes, chocolates and sweets, with potencies ranging from weak to
strong. The safari packs, promising a smooth camel ride, are popular with travelers.
10. Thar Heritage Museum
If you're keen to lean about the history and folklore of Jaisalmer, Thar Heritage Museum is the place. This small privately operated museum was set up by the characterful L N Khatri, owner of the nearby Desert Handicraft Emporium,
and he gives informative and entertaining guided tours. The museum
contains an eclectic assortment of artifacts, all collected by Mr Khatri
over the course of his life. They include fossils, documents,
portraits, photos, sculptures, coins, manuscripts, turbans, weapons,
and kitchen equipment. There's a 40 rupees entrance fee. Puppet shows
are often held there in the evenings, adding to the enchantment.
