Jaisalmer Introduction

Location: Located in the middle of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is a city in the Western Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is 413 km from Jaipur and 630 km from Delhi.

Climate: Typically a desert climate, the summers in Jaisalmer are scorching and dry, while winters are stormy and chilly. In summers the temperatures range between 41°C to 25°C while, in winters, temperatures range from 23.6°C to 7.9°C.

Jaisalmer : An Overview
A huge sand castle rising like a mirage out of the desert – that is the look of Jaisalmer, the ancient citadel on the caravan route linking India with Persia, Arbia and the Mediterranean. This architectural dream in the lonely, yellow silence of the Thar Desert was built in the 12th century by Jaisal, a Bhatti prince. Its narrow lanes zigzag through intricately carved facades of houses and mansions.
Once the trade and commerce center of the ancient silk route, the city with its breathtaking beautiful scenery and extreme climate leaves a lasting impression on every mind.


Shopping Attractions
The intricate stonework of Jaisalmer is well known. One may opt for the skillfully carved wooden boxes instead that replicate the intricacies of the stone carvers in wood. Tie and dye fabrics, mirror-work, unique embroidery patterns, typical Rajasthani silver jewellery, brilliantly hued traditional rugs, hand-woven blankets and shawls with typical Rajasthani weave are also good keepsakes to look out for. The items made out of camel leather are a specialty.


Prime Attractions

Jaisalmer Fort: Suspended on the 250 feet high hilltop, Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan and provides an euphoric overview of the desert land all around. There are three fort walls and four gates through which one has to pass to reach the palaces within, namely, Akhai Pol (Ganesh Pol), Suraj Pol, Bhuta Pol and Hawa Pol. Salem Singh ki Haveli,

Patwon ki haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli: These 'Havelis' (translated as the 'Rich Merchants' house') are the gems of the exceptional and grand architecture of Jaisalmer. Salem Singh Haveli looks as if a wild flower is blossoming at the top. Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons who dealt in brocade, gold and silver embroidery that was famous from Afghanistan to China built Patwon ki Haveli. It is said to be the most magnificent mansion in Jaisalmer. The third Haveli was built by
Nathmal, who was a later day prime minister, and his brother in 1885, as a gift to the Rawal but was allowed to retain it.  

Gadsisar Lake: The serene waters of this rainwater lake with its green environs, clusters of small temples and a picturesque museum at its periphery is more known for its rich folklore tales than its beauty. Sam Sand Dunes: Situated at the fringes of the Desert National Park, 42 km away from Jaisalmer are the most pictographic Sam sand dunes. The best way to travel around the region is the camel ride. The sunsets and sunrises in the desert are unexpectedly beautiful.

Desert Festival: It is a three-day long festival and is the best display case where one can see all one wants about the rich and colorful and rich culture of the desert region of Rajasthan. The major attractions of the festivals are Gair and Fire dancers. Camel polo and camel dance are two exclusive feature events of the fair just as the turban tying competition and flaunting of the most glorious moustaches.


How To Reach

By Air: Jaisalmer is well connected by the flights to and from New Delhi, Jodhpur and Jaipur. The Jaisalmer Airport is in the cantonment area, which is 5 km away from the city center and is managed by the Indian Air Force. It is operational only from September to March, the prime season.
By Road: Smooth network of roads and luxury coaches connect Jaisalmer to all the major cities of Rajasthan such as Bikaner, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The main Bus Stand is situated near the Railway Station, but all the major buses are available from a Bus Depot situated at the city centre.
By Train: There are daily trains to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur, which is well linked to all the major cities by the network of trains such as Agra, Jaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai and many more. The Jaisalmer Railway Station is just a 10-minute drive from Gadi Sagar Pol. <