Introduction:

Exotic beauty, paramount in historical value, a pleasant gift of nature, Jaisalmer is at the epitome of beauty. Jaisalmer, a city nicknamed as Golden City in Rajput clans, is the most attractive tourist spot in Rajasthan, India. This medieval city has grown into fame as a romantic gateway for exotic enjoyments and breathtaking views. Magnificent palaces, Golden Fort, ancient imposing temples, and havelis provide this wonderful place a permanent spot on the tourist map of India. This city breasts many medieval period Jain temples as well. The city is enriched with the exquisite collections of arts, textiles, and crafts.

               Photo Credit: sabamonin         

Destination Facts:

Location: Rajasthan, District Bikaner
Altitude: 225 Meters
Temperature: (summer 25 to 42°C) & (winter 7 to 24°C)
Languages spoken: Hindi, Rajasthani.

Getting there:

Nearest Airports: Jodhpur airport is the nearest airport.
Main Railway Station: Jaisalmer itself has a railway station.
Main Bus Station or Road: Jaisalmer is well-connected to all cities in Rajasthan by state owned bus services. 

Distance of a few Major Towns from Jaisalmer:

Jodhpur-250km, Balotra-227km, Sanchore-290km, Bikaner-329km.

Places of Tourist interest:

Desert National Park:
A superb example of an ecosystem in the Thar Desert, the park is a major tourist attraction in Jaisalmer. Due to its close vicinity to Bharatpur, the park draws a large number of migratory birds. In fact, it is a haven for migratory birds and resident birds of the desert. Some of the most commonly spotted birds in this region include Eagles, Harriers, Falcons, Buzzards, Kestrel, and Vultures. Taking a jeep safari is the best way to explore the magnificent wildlife of the Desert National Park. November to December months is the most suitable time for visiting this park.

Gadi Sagar:
The Lake is marvelously placed in picturesque surroundings and an imposing sandstone entrance known as Tilon-ki-Pol opens to the lake. The banks of the Gadi Sagar enclose superbly maintained gardens, temples, and majestically carved Chhatris. The tourists can enjoy the exciting boating in this lake. 

Bada Bagh:
Bada Bagh, literally means big garden, is an entertaining garden located at Jaisalmer. This garden is attracted by three majestic views of the dam, water tank and the garden itself. The Dam is built with solid stone blocks and has many steps to get into it. This is really a marvelous attraction to have a close look at the centuries-old structures and design. 

                                              Bada Bagh- Jaisalmer

Desert Culture Centre and Museum:
Desert Culture Centre and Museum is a knowledge bank of rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship and artistic talents of Jaisalmer. The museum displays varied collections of traditional instruments, rich collections of ancient and medieval coins, praiseworthy textiles and some invaluable fossils mined in Jaisalmer.

First Fort Gate:
Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden fort, has four majestic gates in its credit. All four gates, Akhai Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol, are specimens of marvelous architectural style and craftsmanship. Among the four, the most spectacular is the first fort gate known as Akhai Pol.

Gopa Chowk:
It is the scenic well-landscaped square located just in front of the first fort gate known as Akhai Pol. Gopa Chowk is placed east to the serene artificial lake known as Gadi Sagar and West to acclaimed Gandhi Chowk. The most attractive panorama which matches with the ultimate beauty during sunset is really amazing in this scenic picnic spot. The square is well maintained and has been preserved clean and tidy.

Havelis:
There are many havelis in Jaisalmer. Three of them are considered the main havelis and they are Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim Singh-ki-Haveli, and Nathmalji-ki-Haveli. Patwon-ki-Haveli this is the largest, elegant and most attractive haveli in Jaisalmer. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli This beautiful structure crowned with an arched roof with imposing blue cupolas. It has fantastic carvings of peacocks on the roofs and wall. Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli is the third main haveli in Jaisalmer. The structure is adorned with marvelous images of elephants, soldiers, flowers, and birds. It is placed in a scenic location.

Jaisalmer Fort:
The eye-catching monument of medieval period had built in sandstones reflects yellowish-brown lions color during the daytime and changes to magnificent honey gold color during the sunset. The area interior to the fort is a thriving place with enthusiastic populaces living in ancient and modern structures. The fort interior is enriched with Jain temples, a royal palace, and an ancient Laxminath temple. The architectural beauty and the eye-pleasing views of the fort walls attract thousands of tourists to this stunning place.

Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre:
Jaisalmer fort encloses many marvelous attractions of monuments, temples, and gardens. A Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre is a major praiseworthy monument in the fort. The top spot of the palace is one of the highest points in the city. One can enjoy the superb panoramic view of the entire city, temples, fortresses, and gardens from the top place of the Palace.
 

Rajmahal:
The Jaisalmer Palace was renowned as Rajmahal and was the royal palace in Jaisalmer where the royal family members of the rulers of Jaisalmer were living. Rajmahal, one of the oldest palaces in Rajasthan, is an imposing seven-storied palace. This palace is highly popular for the latticework. It is placed inside the breathtaking Jaisalmer fort. The palace is ideally located in the midst of the vast expense of greenish lawns and eye-catching gardens.
 

Sam:
Sam Sand Dunes, a pristine natural beauty, is located at the outskirts of Jaisalmer at the boundary of Thar Desert. This is an amazing stretch of breathtaking and sweeping sandbanks. The major attractions of this place are majestic and extolling views of sunset and sunrise. One will be confused and excited about the illusion generated by the ripples of sand dunes in the desert breezes.  The place is an ideal spot for the great experience of camel safari. This marvelous place becomes vibrant during the Desert festival with festivities, color, and show.
 

Khuri:
Khuri is a natural hamlet in the Thar Desert close to Jaisalmer and is renowned for the sand dunes. The vast stretch of sandbanks in this village makes it a hot attraction for the tourists. This is an ideal location for Camel safari. The Camel safari in Khuri is an adventurous experience for the travelers for a lifelong remembrance. The sand dunes in the village offer the majestic views of spectacular sunrise and sunset in the vast expanse of the horizon. The ripples created by the flying sands in the winds are really wonderful views.
 

Barmer:
The place is a hub of impressive traditional dance and music, which liven up the charming life of the local people. Carved wooden artifacts, exquisite carpets, handicrafts, well-designed pots, vases and embroidered textile items are major attractions in the markets in Barmer. One can get amazing printed designer clothing for the Sadar Bazaar in Barmer. Many ancient and medieval period temples like Jogmaya Temple, Kiradu Temple, and Nakoda temple are renowned pilgrim spots in Barmer.

Getting around the destination:
Tourist taxis, auto rickshaws, and Rajasthan Tourist Development Corporation conducted tours are also available.

Shopping Areas & Entertainment:
Shopping in Jaisalmer is all about buying intricately carved wooden boxes, brassware, textiles, woven rugs and blankets, ethnic silver jewelry, leather bags, hand embroidered slippers and slip-ons called mojris and jootis are a specialty of the region.

Best time to visit:
October to March is the best time to visit the destination.

Festival:
The well-known Desert Festival in Jaisalmer is held in January/February.