Jaisalmer – The Golden City of India
Jaisalmer is a striking tourist destination situated on the north-western side of Rajasthan. Due to the presence of golden sand dunes, this place is also referred to as the Golden City, and apart from the dunes, the true beauty of Jaisalmer lies in the beautiful lakes, lavish Jain sanctuaries, Havelis, its culture, and whatnot.
It is as if the whole city of Jaisalmer speaks of the valor of Rajputana. One of the most prominent highlights of the city is the Jaisalmer Fort which is also compared to be the crown of the city. It is considered to be the second oldest fort in Rajasthan and also has a lake present there with numerous brilliant sanctuaries which have been made of sandstone.
History of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan possesses a rich history, culture, and heritage and can be traced from the ancient Vedic ages.
It was in medieval times that Jaisalmer acted as a contributing factor in connecting India with other countries like Persia, Egypt, Africa. This was due to the fact that it lied on one of the prominently used trade routes.
It is said that during this time, the Bhatti Rajput Rulers used to rule these regions. They were considered as the sole guardian of the city and had a great amount of wealth primarily because of the taxes received in huge numbers.
For a very long time, Jaisalmer remained out of harm's way majorly due to its rough geographical location. However, in the Mid-Thirteenth century, Ala-Ud-din Khilji successfully conquered the city.
Major Attractions in and Around Jaisalmer
1. Jaisalmer Fort
It is situated amid the Thar desert which has its own enriching past and cultural heritage. This fort displays essentially brilliant craftsmanship and is one of the most renowned forts not just in India but the world. If you love to take cool snaps of historical architecture and visit such places, then do add this incredible fort to your list.
2. Gadisar Lake
Built-in the 14th century, this place was once a source of drinkable water for the entire town of Bikaner. Furthermore, this temple has developed as a tourist spot, as a great number of temples, as well as shrines, surround this lake.
3. Desert Safari in Jaisalmer
Now if you visit Jaisalmer and don’t indulge in dessert safari then your trip might be a bit incomplete. For this, you will have to book a safari tour to witness the spectacular beauty of the sand dunes and the interplay of yellowish sand color in front of your eyes.
4. Kuldhara Village
The Ghost Village of Kuldhara can offer you endless opportunities to make some really cherishing memories. The historical significance of this place is what attracts a great number of people to this place. Established in the 13th century, this abandoned village has its own stories to tell.
Things to Do in Jaisalmer
- Take a camel safari or jeep ride at Sam Sand Dunes.
- Explore Jaisalmer Fort, one of the few living forts in the world.
- Experience desert camping with traditional music and dance.
- Visit haunted Kuldhara Village and hear its eerie legends.
- Enjoy a boat ride on Gadisar Lake.
- Shop for handicrafts, leather goods, and traditional textiles at the bustling markets.
- Try authentic Rajasthani cuisine like Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Laal Maas.
Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer
- October to March – The best time, with cool weather perfect for sightseeing and desert activities.
- April to June – Extremely hot, but ideal for budget travelers due to lower prices.
July to September – Monsoon season; occasional showers bring a unique charm to the golden city.
How to Reach Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is one of a kind tourist attraction that doesn’t fail to impress you majorly due to its historical charm. It is located at a distance of about 767, 1,059, 2,101, 2,301 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel to Jaisalmer by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
Jaisalmer Airport is the nearest airport which is a Civil Enclave Airport that serves Military Aviation as well as Civil Aviation. The major airline service providers are SpiceJet and Trujet that span the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Jaipur. Another nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport which receives regular flights from many Indian cities. Once off the airport, you can consider taking a cab to reach your desired destination.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Jaisalmer
By Train
The nearest railway station is Jaisalmer Railway Station which is just a few kilometers away from Jaisalmer City Centre. The station receives regular train service from the local areas as well as major cities of India. Jaisalmer has overall great connectivity via the train route. So, if you are planning to travel to Jaisalmer via train then it would be a good experience for you.
By Road
The city of Jaisalmer has a good road network. So, if you travel via road from nearby regions, then you won’t have any major issues traveling here by road. You can easily book interstate or private buses online to travel to Jaisalmer. If this doesn’t sound exciting to you, then consider booking a cab or depending upon your location and budget, you can also choose to self-drive here as the roadways are quite well-maintained and you won’t find any kind of problem traversing them.
- From Jaipur - 559 km via NH11
- From Bikaner - 370 km via NH11
- Jodhpur - 281 km via NH11
Frequently Asked Questions about Jaisalmer
Q: Where is Jaisalmer located?
A: Jaisalmer is located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan in India.
Q: Why is Jaisalmer called the "Golden City"?
A: October to March is the best time to visit Jaisalmer, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, desert safaris, and outdoor activities.
Q: What are some popular tourist attractions in Jaisalmer?
A: Some popular tourist attractions in Jaisalmer include the Jaisalmer Fort, the Havelis of Jaisalmer, the Gadisar Lake, and the Patwon-ki-Haveli.
Q: How many days are enough to explore Jaisalmer?
A: 2 to 3 days are enough to cover major attractions like Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes, and Gadisar Lake.
