Overview
It is located close to the Pakistan border, Jaisalmer is a major sightseer destination located in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, India. The fun of doing activities in a beautiful place like Jaisalmer is completely different. Camping in Jaisalmer is a popular activity to do in Rajasthan. This place is known for its desert and some other sightseer lodestones.
Things like magnificent palaces, deserts, adventurous ports, camel rides captivates the touristers. Nicknamed the Land of Maharajas, Rajasthan has a vast Thar Desert, delicious local cuisine and a rich culture.
The serene and humbling experience to enjoy the wonders of the desert, with its rolling sand dunes and starry night skies is a highlight of staying at one of the many sparkling campsites in the region.
How to Reach to the Desert City Jaisalmer
There are various ways to reach Jaisalmer:
By air:
To travel Jaisalmer by flight, Jodhpur airport is the nearest domestic airport to Jaisalmer which is functional throughout the year. There are regular flights to Jodhpur from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Udaipur.
So you have to reach Jodhpur airport first which is about 5 to 6 hours down from Jaisalmer city. You can reach Jaisalmer by taxi or cab. Also there is an airport in Jaisalmer but it is provisional to very few flights.
By train :
If you want to go to Jaisalmer by train, then the nearest railway station is Jaisalmer Railway Station which is connected to major cities through a rail route, then you can travel by train to reach Jaisalmer railway station.
The most prominent way is to take a train from Jaipur or Delhi. Book the train tickets 4 months prior to your planning date of going otherwise all the seats will get filled within two days. And sometimes the train gets late due to which the journey duration increases and we are not able to reach at the right time.
By road :
Jaisalmer is well connected by road to all the major cities of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer serves the rest of India through a well-organized network of roadways. Deluxe and ordinary buses of Rajasthan Roadways as well as many private buses connect Jaisalmer with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Barmer, Mount Abu, Ahmedabad etc.
So you can travel here by bus, taxi or your private car and reach Jaisalmer. The road journey is teeny-weeny and picturesque.
Best Time to Visit Desert City Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer possesses an extreme desertic climate which indicates morning and nights are cold whereas the days are hot. The winter season (October to March) is the best time to visit Jaisalmer.
While early mornings and evenings are particularly nice, avoid visiting during the summer season, as the harsh sun and heat may discourage you from exploring Jaisalmer.
Best Local Food Items in Jaisalmer
The food of Jaisalmer is unique as compared to other places in Rajasthan. The cuisine of Jaisalmer reflects the richness in their culture and their proximity to the desert. Unlike other parts of Rajasthan, food wrapped in oil and butter is more available here in Jaisalmer.
The traditional food here includes Dal Bati Churma, Murgh-e-Subz, Panchdhari Laddu, Masala Raita, Poha, Jalebi, Ghotua, Kadi Pakoda. If you want to eat snacks here then Hanuman Chalk is the best place, while if you want to taste desert items then there is no better place than Amar Sagar Pol.
Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
1. Famous Tourist Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is the largest place of all the places in Jaisalmer. In fact, it is one of the largest forts around the world. It is situated on the Trikuta hill, which was built by Rao Jaisal, one of the most powerful rulers of Jayasalam.
2. Gadiser lake, Jaisalmer
The Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharawal Gadi Singh, built Gadisar Lake in 1400 AD. This lake was originally created as a conservation reserve for rainwater harvesting. In ancient times it was one of the major water sources for the entire city. The lake with many temples is also an ideal destination for birdwatchers.
3. Jain Temple, Jaisalmer
It is situated in the Jaisalmer Fort. The temples have a highly religious and ancient history attached to them. Jain temples built in the Dilwara style are famous worldwide for their architecture. These temples are dedicated to Rishabhdevji and Shambhdevji, who are famous as Jain Tirthankaras ‘Tirthankar’.
4. Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer
Sam Sand Dunes is a natural tourist destination among all the historical forts and colorful markets of Rajasthan. It is located at a distance of about 40-42 kms from the Golden City Jaisalmer. It is visited by those who seek solitude to break away from the traditional venue and want to spend some time under the open sky.
5. Nathmal ki haveli, Jaisalmer
Nathmal Ki Haveli is an ornate architecture in the heart of the city Jaisalmer otherwise known as the Land of the Golden Fort. The origin of this mansion dates back to the late 19th century. The first floor of the haveli has some beautiful paintings which are made using 1.5 kg of gold leaf.
Activities to do In Jaisalmer
1. Dune Bashing, Jaisalmer :
Dune bashing is one of the most popular adventure activities in Jaisalmer. If you want to have the experience of driving in the desert, then you do not need to go to Dubai or other gulf countries, you can fulfill your wish in Jaisalmer too.
2. Parasailing, Jaisalmer
Tourists, who want to fly like a bird, can wit this adventure sport in Jaisalmer. This adventure sport is enjoyed in the desert camp.
3. Camel safaris, Jaisalmer
Camel safari is another desert sport to witness at Sam Sand Dunes. Whenever we hear about Jaisalmer, the first thing that comes to our mind is the notorious camel ride here.
4. Quad Biking, Jaisalmer
Quad biking is a unique adventure sport to witness in this desert megacity. Riding a four wheeled bike in the sand dunes is an inconceivable experience.
5. Desert Camping, Jaisalmer
Desert camping in the middle of the Thar Desert is an awful experience in Jaisalmer. It offers numerous luxurious lodgings for tourists in the heart of the Thar Desert girdled by the beauty of the desert.
Accommodation in Jaisalmer
To stay in Jaisalmer, there are different options and ways for visitors as it is an important place for those visiting Rajasthan. You can stay in hotels and guest houses can range from budget hospices to luxury and heritage hotels.
One can also choose to stay in desert camps and tents or canopies at Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri. These tents in the camps are equipped with a variety of ultramodern amenities and every care is taken to give comfort for the excursionists.
Conclusion
The desert city of Jaisalmer, overlooking an iconic sand palace where half the city’s population still lives, is an experience worth living. There is something about this city that looks at the many stories of the past and blends it with the present.
Also famous as The Golden City, Jaisalmer is a place in the state of Rajasthan which is situated in the heart of Thar Desert. Travelers also find it the best option for a stay in the desert camps of Jaisalmer.
