Jaisalmer is an amazing city in the western part of Rajasthan and is located quite in the heart of the Thar Desert. In other words, if you want to experience what desert life and culture is like, then visiting this city is a must. What will make you marvel at this place is how even amidst the dryness and aridity of the desert around, is how the people here lead a very colorful life. There is color everywhere and that adds a whole new level of vibrancy to this place. Here are some of the things to do in Jaisalmer:
Once the sun has set, the Sam Sand Dunes come alive in a burst of local music, food, shows, dance and all other kinds of wonderful performances. It is surely a one stop destination for all those who want to experience the culture of Jaisalmer to the fullest. The icing on the cake is the wonderful dinner that is served at night and all kind of traditional Rajasthani cuisine, some of them unique to Jaisalmer alone. One can also light a bonfire and enjoy the night with their own group or the new people they met during the course of the evening.
While parasailing is not something you normally associate with the desert, parasailing in Jaisalmer is what makes this activity so unique here. There is something truly amazing while flying over the sand dunes. It is adventurous and thrilling and totally one of a kind as you get a bird’s eye view of the desert as you fly. There are various packages you may opt for and there are proper strips and runways built for the activity. There are qualified instructors and maximum safety measures are followed. The duration is about thirty minutes from the prep. One can choose any slot between 10 am and 5 pm.
If you are looking for offbeat things to do in Jaisalmer then you must try dune bashing. There is a notion that dune bashing is mostly a sport enjoyed in the Gulf region by the Arabs but you may not know there are similar provisions closer back home. For off- road adventures and dune bashing, Thar Desert is also considered the ideal location. Those who love adventure sports throng to the desert to experience this unique sport. With the yellow sand in front and glorious Jaisalmer fort at the side, there could not be a more idyllic locale for this adventure. The rides mainly takes place on ATVs and your tour operator will help you book for them. Quad biking in the desert is another popular activity. The activities are for around 20 to 25 minutes.
The desert jeep safari will take you from one village to another in the midst of the Thar Desert and you will have a firsthand experience of the rustic way of life in the desert. The trip from one village to another is truly amazing. You will come across villages like Lakshmanna Sam Village, the Bhillo ki Basti and eventually will spend your evening in a desert camp as you watch the sun set behind the dunes. The USP of this safari is the samosa, and sweet meats like Gothua laddo and Panchdhari laddoo that are made even in the aridity of the desert. On the other hand, if you sign up for the overnight desert safari, you will get the opportunity to sleep under the stars. Since the air above the desert is clear because the region is free from pollution, the sky seems to come alive. Stars and galaxies will seem nearer to you than ever before. A story teller will regale you with the stories of the land as you relax under the open sky before you go to sleep at night in the camp. It is one of the most popular things to do in Jaisalmer in summer as the days are too hot and the nights are cool.
In the time between October and March, fabulous dinners are held at the dunes of Suryagarh. The dinners are special because it is hard to find such royal treatment anywhere else. You will be served what the Ranas of Rajasthan once cooked in their forts and palaces. The menu mostly comprises of nomadic hunts and fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season and available in the aridity of the land. Folk singers will perform for you while you enjoy this royal experience.
The desert festival in Jaisalmer is an amalgamation Rajasthani culture and ancient myths of the land. It has been celebrated in the desert for centuries and today it has only got bigger and better with some sponsorship coming in as well. The desert lights are up in the desert for three consecutive days in February and you can witness all kinds of activities like camel races, camel polo and Air Force displays as well. It is one of the best things to do in winters in the region. There are also some wonderful acrobatic performances and you can play tug- of war, tattoo performances and also turban tying competitions. The parade that kicks from Jaisalmer with traditional attire worn by the people is special.
The border between India and Pakistan in Rajasthan is quite an experience because you will get to see the Indian armed forces striving for the security of the country here. Some of the major posts in this region are at Longewala and Tanot and the tank display here is truly impressive. You will be proud to witness such gallantry and the might of the Indian armed forces. One can also enjoy wonderful views of the surroundings that are mostly free from tourists.
Puppet shows have been a part of Rajasthani culture from time immemorial. The desert did not have much scope for entertainment which was why puppetting became ingrained in this culture. Wooden puppets, dressed in finery had performed previously even for the Rajas and their Queens in the past. Puppeteers were held in high esteem because of their skill to make multiple dolls dance at the same time. A wide range of puppets can be witnessed in the Thar Heritage Museum and the puppet show is a much watch, which lasts around 40 mins. The souvenir shop also sells puppets and you can buy them as a memento to take back from this amazing land.
The Desert National Park is one of the largest national parks in India and is a unique example of the desert eco- system. The craggy rocks and the salt lakes are an example of perfect desert eco- system. There are wild animals to be seen here along with a number of birds and animals like eagles, buzzards, vultures and kestrels. Chinkaras, Black Bucks and Wolves are also quite common. The most animal of the park is the Great Indian Bustard and there is also an interesting collection of fossils to be seen here. The Gadsisar Sagar Tank is also located nearby.
Since Jaisalmer is so beautiful, there are a number of rooftop restaurants here and it is pleasure to have a look at the amazing vistas while dining. Your dinners would become all the more memorable in this beautiful city as you see the wonderful city spread out below you. Not only Rajasthani food, but the restaurants sell quite a few other food items. The best thing about these restaurants is that you mostly sit under canopies to enjoy your food, and are mostly served on brass of copper utensils.
This is quite a rare haveli in Jaisalmer, mostly because of its unique architecture. The roof of this haveli, on mansion, resembles a peacock and tuskers made of sand stone guard the haveli. There are a whopping 38 balconies and each of them have a unique design. Known as Jahaz Mahal, this mansion is so named because it resembles a shipping stern.
All this and much more await you in Jaisalmer as you explore this amazing city and get lost in its beauty, grandeur and history.
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