Jaisalmer City Travel Guide - Rajasthan

General Information Of Jaisalmer

• Area 126.27 sq. km
• Population 46,500
• Altitude 250 m above sea level
• Languages Marwari, Rajasthani, English and Hindi
• Best Time to Visit October-March
• STD Code 02992

Introduction to city Jaisalmer - In Rajasthan

Jaisalmer is an important destination of the western state of India, Rajasthan. A desert city, it was founded by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in the year 1156. Jaisalmer could be regarded as the western sentinel of entire India and a place worth visiting to get an idea of the native Rajasthan. Located at the heart of the great Thar Desert, it offers the visitor an enchanting world of fable, colour, and history. Moreover, the magnificent wood-and stone-carved mansions and buildings display the love and interest Rajputs had for the fine arts. The desert festival held here by the end of the winter season, during the months of January and February, attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Sightseeing : Places to visit in destination - Jaisalmer

The golden rays of the setting sun, the colourfully adorned locals, the massive forts and mansions, the extremely fascinating craftsmanship, Rajput havelis, all these make Jaisalmer a place of must visit in Rajasthan. Moreover a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort (the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur), Patwon ki Haveli, (the grandest haveli of Jaisalmer), Desert Culture centre and museums gives you some glimpse of this small town’s past. The Jain temples meet your religious taste, Salim Singh ki haveli and Nathmal-ki-haveli give you some more idea of the haveli architecture of the town. Besides these, Gadsisar Lake is also an interesting spot that you must visit in this desert city.

Excursions : Places nearby city - Jaisalmer

Apart from many places to visit in Jaisalmer, there some other excursion sites you must not miss out. These sites include many nearby local villages, desert resorts, and places of historical as well as contemporary importance. Khuri, a village that provides you with an earthy feeling of the local Rajasthan, Manvar, a place that would give you once in a lifetime experience of the desert and the famous Pokhran range are some of the sites that needs a mention. You can also go for camel safaris during days and evenings. Ideal for viewing sunsets, these sites will also give you a chance to capture the picturesque sand dunes in your camera. Staying in the desert camps of the above mentioned places with local delicacies served is a heavenly experience.

Khuri Village

Located at a distance of about 40 kilometres from Jaisalmer, Khuri is another place to visit during your excursion. The village is known for its camel rides, shifting sand dunes that are about 80 metres high and exceptionally beautiful sunset, which could be followed by an exclusive dinner. Many places are available here for eating as well as lodging. You can also experience the desert solitude and beautifully decorated houses of mud and straw.

Manvar

Another place to include in your excursion itinerary is Manvar. The place is famous for its amazing mustard and red chilli fields in the middle of the desert, craftsmen at work, cobblers making jutti, unexplored sand dunes, desert fox, chinkara, peacocks, desert camp with all the facilities, camel safaris and the sunset. A stay in a traditional farmer/’s hut here gives you an glimpse of rural Rajasthan.

Pokhran

Pokhran is famous as a place where India conducted its nuclear tests. India conducted its first nuclear test here on 18 May 1974. Later on 11 May 1998 India carried out five more nuclear tests here. However, Pokhran also attracts the attention as a tourist spot. Located just 112 kilometres from Jaisalmer, the place has some interesting mythological legends related to it. According to the legend, Ram once fitted his bow with a powerful arrow, which generated great heat, in order to dry up the seas of Sri Lanka. Cajoled not to do so, he instead fired it into the mythical river Saraswati as a result of which the river dried up making the place a barren desert
. The Maheshwari havelis, colourful Rajasthani dresses, cenotaphs and temples and the Pokhran Museum are some of the other sites that you can see in Pokhran.

Sam Sand Dunes

Located at a distance of 42 kilometres from Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and air. Moreover, Sam Sand Dunes also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset.