Jaisalmer Travel Guide

Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with all its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.

Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience. The old city was completely encircled by wall but much of it is now pulled down sadly for want of building material in recent years.

The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city.

Folk dances, exciting competitions an contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event.

Climatic Conditions

Harsh temperatures ranging from 32oC to 45oC. In western Rajasthan the temp may rise to 48C, particularly in May and June. Monsoon extends from July to September, temp drops but humidity increases. The average maximum temperature is 33oC to 38oC, and the minimum is between 18oC and 20oC.

Places to see in Jaisalmer

The Jaisalmer Fort
The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desert escape from its 80 meter high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted lanes doted with some lovely havelis, three beautiful sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol Suraj pol and hava Pol. Manak Chowk and Havelis : A main market place outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes doted with famous havelis.

Patwa ki Haveli
The most elaborate and magnificient of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five story high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.

Salim Singh ki Haveli
This 300 year old Haveli of Jaisalmer's Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh Salim Singh, has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superby carved brackets in the form of peacocks. This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notables of the array of havelis.

ACCESSIBILITY

Air : Jodhpur 285 Km is the Airport.

Rail : Major connections to main cities is through Jodhpur.

Road : Major network of roads joins Jaisalmer with many detinations in and around Rajasthan.