Why Jaisalmer should be your next Trip Destination!
One word to describe Jaisalmer would be 'Majestic'. May it be the desert, the fort or even the houses of people, it is all majestic. I visited this beautiful city on 31st Dec 2018 and spending my new year eve in Thar desert still remains one of the best decisions I have taken.
1) Golden City
A walk through the city area is a treat you do not want to miss. I remember avoiding a vehicle for commute in city area because roaming around the streets was so joyful.
The golden City area is the area around Golden Fort and it is named so because all the construction in that area uses yellow sandstone. Walls are beautifully carved inside out and no it is not where the King lives, it is where local people live.
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| Streets of Jaisalmer are full of beautifully carved houses. |
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| Roaming on streets of Jaisalmer |
2) Jaisalmer Fort
The second oldest fort in Rajasthan, it was built in 1156 AD by Rajput Rawal Jaisal from whom it gets its name. It is also called Golden Fort because of the golden honey colour it gets from the Yellow Sandstones which are used for its construction. You can visit the Palace Museum and heritage centre in the fort which was earlier the royal residence where you can learn about Rajasthani art and Culture. Do not forget to see the epic Battle Gun on top of the fort which was used to defend the fort during wars. Also will witness a breathtaking view of the city from this point.
The second oldest fort in Rajasthan, it was built in 1156 AD by Rajput Rawal Jaisal from whom it gets its name. It is also called Golden Fort because of the golden honey colour it gets from the Yellow Sandstones which are used for its construction. You can visit the Palace Museum and heritage centre in the fort which was earlier the royal residence where you can learn about Rajasthani art and Culture. Do not forget to see the epic Battle Gun on top of the fort which was used to defend the fort during wars. Also will witness a breathtaking view of the city from this point.
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| View of Golden Fort from roadside |
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| A view of City from Battle Gun point on Golden Fort |
4) Havelis
Havelis surrounding Golden fort were homes to the wealthiest of merchants and traders during the time. The intricate carvings on walls were the sign of prosperity and wealth. The most notable havelis you can see are Patwon ki haveli, Nathmal ki haveli and Salim Singh ki haveli.
Some parts of Havelis are still resided by their future generations while some parts are converted to museums showing ancient artefacts.
3) The Thar Desert
Sitting majestically on the western border of India, Thar desert, also called as Great Indian Desert is 17th Biggest desert in the world. You can witness the desert at Sam Sand dunes which are 45km from Jaisalmer city where you will also find a number of Desert camps to stay at. Camel Safari is the main tourist attraction here, but as I don't like animals being used for commercial purposes so I took a jeep safari. But I did spend some time feeding and cuddling the lovely creatures.
Havelis surrounding Golden fort were homes to the wealthiest of merchants and traders during the time. The intricate carvings on walls were the sign of prosperity and wealth. The most notable havelis you can see are Patwon ki haveli, Nathmal ki haveli and Salim Singh ki haveli.
Some parts of Havelis are still resided by their future generations while some parts are converted to museums showing ancient artefacts.
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| Interiors of Patwon ki Haveli |
3) The Thar Desert
Sitting majestically on the western border of India, Thar desert, also called as Great Indian Desert is 17th Biggest desert in the world. You can witness the desert at Sam Sand dunes which are 45km from Jaisalmer city where you will also find a number of Desert camps to stay at. Camel Safari is the main tourist attraction here, but as I don't like animals being used for commercial purposes so I took a jeep safari. But I did spend some time feeding and cuddling the lovely creatures.
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| Just doing my thing in Thar Desert |
As I travelled to Jaisalmer on 31s Dec, I had booked a camp stay and celebrated New Year in the desert where the camp owners had arranged cultural performances and dinner and a DJ night as well. Chilly winds, warm campfire, delicious food and stars in the sky. It was as perfect as it could get.
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| A beautiful evening at a Camp in Thar desert. |
Book a vehicle for Thar visit in City itself as there is no public transportation between City and Desert. You can book it with your Hotel/camp or online from many agencies who provide jeep safari to Thar.
4) Bada Bagh
Maharaja Jai Singh II (Descendant of Founder of City), ordered to build a dam in this area and hence was able to develop greenery and lake here. After his death in 1743, his son Lunkaran, built a chattri ( Cenotaph) to honour his father's memory. Since then many more Chattris were built in the area dedicated to royal family members.
Maharaja Jai Singh II (Descendant of Founder of City), ordered to build a dam in this area and hence was able to develop greenery and lake here. After his death in 1743, his son Lunkaran, built a chattri ( Cenotaph) to honour his father's memory. Since then many more Chattris were built in the area dedicated to royal family members.
The cenotaphs take you back to another era as you read about the royal members on stone inscriptions in their respective Chattris.
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| Bada Bagh Cenotaphs |
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| Chattri at Bada Bagh |
5) Gadisar Lake
The only source of water to the city in early days, Gadi Sagar lake has now turned into a major tourist attraction in Jaisalmer. Surrounded by chattris, ghats and temples, you can see the beautiful sunrise at this place and enjoy your morning, boating in the lake while watching different birds.
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| Gadi Sagar Lake |
6) Kuldhara
Popularly known as ghost village, Kuldhara was earlier a prosperous village occupied by Paliwal Brahmins. The state Minister Salim Singh wanted to marry the Village Chief's Daughter and gave an ultimatum to either let him marry her or be ready to face dire consequences. The villagers and chief did not give in, rather abandoned the village and vacated it overnight. It is also said that while leaving, they cursed the village that no human will ever reside in it and until today the place remains abandoned. Anyone who tries to stay there is said to experience paranormal activities.
Popularly known as ghost village, Kuldhara was earlier a prosperous village occupied by Paliwal Brahmins. The state Minister Salim Singh wanted to marry the Village Chief's Daughter and gave an ultimatum to either let him marry her or be ready to face dire consequences. The villagers and chief did not give in, rather abandoned the village and vacated it overnight. It is also said that while leaving, they cursed the village that no human will ever reside in it and until today the place remains abandoned. Anyone who tries to stay there is said to experience paranormal activities.
On visiting the village, you will see the ruins of the abandoned village.
How to Reach Jaisalmer?
1)By Air:- Jaisalmer has an Airport 17km from the city, but direct flights from very few locations are available. Next nearest airport is in Jodhpur.
2)By train
3)By bus
Jaisalmer has good road and train connectivity with major cities in Rajasthan and Gujrat.
Jaisalmer has good road and train connectivity with major cities in Rajasthan and Gujrat.
Where to stay in Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer offers a wide variety of stay options from Hostels to Luxury Resorts. You can easily find the best fit for you online. Some hotels are also present in the fort area. I would suggest you to find a stay at one of the hotels in Fort area for one night and in desert camp for one night. The camps are well equipped with lights, food, washrooms.
How to travel in Jaisalmer?
The Havelis, fort and city area is accessible on foot and I would suggest you to have a walk through streets.
For Thar desert, you won't find Public transport so I would recommend going with a jeep booked through your hotel.
For Gadisar Lake, Bada bagh we hired a rickshaw on an hourly basis.
Where to eat what in Jaisalmer?
1)Street food- Pyaz kachori, lassi, sweets.
2)Desert Boy's Dhani- Authentic Indian Food.
3)Jaisal Italy- Italian food
4)Trio- Rajasthani Food
5)Kuku Cafe- Coffee and snacks
6)Free Tibet- Tibetian, chinese.
7)Zoya ka Zaika- Indian Food.
Where to shop what in Jaisalmer?
1)Bhatia bazaar- Wooden artefacts, dress materials, mirror embroidery work.
2)Sardar Bazaar- Shawls, dupattas, carpets, juttis.
3)Sonaron ka bas- Silver and gold jewellery.
Most famous souvenirs from Jaisalmer are wooden artefacts, puppets, lanterns and fossil stone artifacts.
Jaisalmer is not just a place it is an experience. It's rustic desert vibes with authentic cultural ties, surely makes Jaisalmer 'Must visit place in India' according to Vogue and Voyages.
Keep Travelling, Keep Exploring.
Yours,
Vogue and Voyages.
Where to eat what in Jaisalmer?
1)Street food- Pyaz kachori, lassi, sweets.
2)Desert Boy's Dhani- Authentic Indian Food.
3)Jaisal Italy- Italian food
4)Trio- Rajasthani Food
5)Kuku Cafe- Coffee and snacks
6)Free Tibet- Tibetian, chinese.
7)Zoya ka Zaika- Indian Food.
Where to shop what in Jaisalmer?
1)Bhatia bazaar- Wooden artefacts, dress materials, mirror embroidery work.
2)Sardar Bazaar- Shawls, dupattas, carpets, juttis.
3)Sonaron ka bas- Silver and gold jewellery.
Most famous souvenirs from Jaisalmer are wooden artefacts, puppets, lanterns and fossil stone artifacts.
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| Wooden Artifacts are a great option for souvenirs. |
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| Vibrant and comfortable Juttis are a must buy in Jaisalmer. |
Jaisalmer is not just a place it is an experience. It's rustic desert vibes with authentic cultural ties, surely makes Jaisalmer 'Must visit place in India' according to Vogue and Voyages.
Keep Travelling, Keep Exploring.
Yours,
Vogue and Voyages.
Great details of the places... Keep up the good work
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