Jaisalmer Travel Information
Jaisalmer Travel Information
WeatherIn Summer: 41.6 C (Max) - 25 C (Min)
In winter: 23.6 C (Max) - 7.9 C (Min)
Rainy Season from July to Mid Sept, and very humid (upto 90%)
Our suggestion
Best time to come: Nov. to Mar.
Fair & Festivals
Desert Fair (21st - 23rd February, 2005)
Jaisalmer exercises immense charm, but with the staging of the annual Desert Festival (January - February), it has also become one of the annual calendar. Essentially, it is a showcase of the region on the desert citadel. A number of amusing events at the stadium include turban tying competitions and camel races.
Jaisalmer History
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput,abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer,perched on the Trikuta Hill.
Bahti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi-or-Sind. These caravans earned the town great wealth.
Culture
The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes stewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. Folk dances, exciting competitions an contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities.
Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event.
General Travel Information
Reaching Jaisalmer
By Air
Jodhpur Flight Schedule
The nearest airport that caters to Jaisalmer - bounded travellers is at Jodhpur. Jodhpur is connected to many other indian cities by air.
By Bus
Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned buses from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner. The roads are very good and fairly comfortable.
By Train
The nearest railway station that caters to Jaisalmer - bounded travellers is at Jodhpur. Jodhpur is connected to many other indian cities by train.
Getting around
Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation sets up a special 'Tourist Village' at the time of Desert Festival. The festival take place between late January and mid - February, depending on the Lunar calendar.
Shopping
Jaisalmer is famous for embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, old stonework and antique. The dye and other fabrics are made at Kadi Bundar, north of the city.
Things you can do
The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival, held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms. The most intersting means of exploring the desert around Jaisalmer is on a camel safari.
Places to see
Jaisalmer Fort
The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill,housing the entire township within its ramparts.It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis,three beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces.The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiyal,Ganesh Pol,Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.
Patwon - ki - Haveli
The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers.One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
Tazia Tower
A pagoda like structure looming up from the ‘Badal Mahal’ with beautiful ‘Taazias’-ornately decorated bamboo,paper and tinsel replicas of a bier, carried out in procession during Moharram by the Muslims.
Gadsisar Lake
A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.
Jain Temple
The fort has three exquisitely carved jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars-Rishabhdev,Sambhavnath and Paraswanath.Gyan Bhandar or Library: Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of Jain temples.
Manak Chowk and Havelis
A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli
The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right wings of the mansion which were carved by two brothers are not identical but very similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli
This 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh-Salim Singh, has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks.This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey.The mansion is one of the most notable of the array of havelis.
Gyan Bhandar or Library
Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of Jain temples.
Lodurva (16 km)
The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim spot of the Jain community with some magnificent Jain temple. "Toran’ or the ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy. A ‘Kalptaru’ or a divine tree within is the main attraction of the temple.
Wood Fossil Park, Aakal(17 kms)
Lying on the Barmer Road , this park takes you back to the Jurassic period (when the whole Thar region lay under the sea) with 180 million year old fossils - the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert.
Sam Sand Dunes(42 km)
No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind -caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are surely a delight for a trigger -happy photographer.
Desert National Park (45 km)
The landscape of the Desert National Park is dominated by rolling sand dunes and scrub covered hills. The prominent fauna of the park includes black buck, chinkara, desert fox and the great Indian bustard.
Bada Bagh (6km)
A fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial lake. Much of the city’s fruits and vegetables are grown here. Surrounded by dense trees are the royal cenotaphs with beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the former rulers.
Mool Sagar(18km)
Pleasant shady grove is a perfect picnic spot during summers.
Eating out
Indian food - Gaytime, Kalpana Restaurant and the 8th July Restaurant have been popular for years. The Trio, a new restaurant next to the Bank of Baroda near the Amar Sagar Gate, is currently favourite for a minor time.
Fast food - Monica's is currently recommended for lassi and other cold drinks.
Continental food - These are budget hotels, and the facilities vary with the hotels and still some are very good, and you can also look for Paying Guest accommodations.