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Jaisalmer with its royal forts and palaces has the distinction of being the Golden city of India. One of Rajasthan’s biggest tourist destinations, Jaisalmer’s charm, despite the rampant commercialization lies in its massive sand castles, forts, and colorful bazaars. Just below the urban surface, lie the narrow lanes of the old city adorned with elaborate Havelis. For the traveler in you keen on visiting a location with a rich heritage, religious significance, and delicious food, you must explore Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer hotel bookings can be made with ease by going for online bookings.
Named after Maharaja Jaisal Singh, Jaisalmer is one of the most popular historical places not only in Rajasthan but in the entire country. Nestled amidst the wondrous terrain of the vast Thar desert, Jaisalmer makes for a truly mesmerizing sight. Besides picturesque surroundings, Jaisalmer has exciting adventure sports, desert safaris, inimitable hospitality, and delectable cuisines! And these are just a few of the amazing things to do in the most famous tourist places in Jaisalmer
The perfect time to plan your Jaisalmer trip is from November to March. Winters are particularly beautiful and pleasant here. Jaisalmer also hosts a vibrant Desert Festival in February, so you can plan your trip around that to experience the local culture, food, and the beauty of the desert to the fullest!
Jaisalmer has no dearth of things to do and places to eat. This city is blessed with serene surroundings, colorful history, and culture. So what are some of the important things to do in Jaisalmer? Also, Jaisalmer hotel bookings need to be made in advance as the place is a tourist’s paradise.
Jaisalmer is known for the majestic Jaisalmer fort that fences the city. The most amazing thing about this fort is that it is a living urban center. The walls of this fort house approximately 3000 residents of Jaisalmer. It is lined with houses and temples and woven beautifully in narrow winding lanes. Scattered along the route are a large number of handicraft shops selling some exquisite traditional items, guesthouses, and restaurants serving mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisine. The entry to the fort is from the east, near Gopa chowk, and then you pass through four massive gates zigzagging your way to the upper section. The final gate opens to the Dashera Chowk, the square situated in the center. Book Jaisalmer hotels right now as you might not get a chance to book them later.
The fort was founded in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisal, and reinforced many times thereafter. The fort never lost its importance and was a focal point during numerous battles between the Bhatis, the Mughals, and the Rathores of Jaipur.
The Gadisar Lake is a man-made reservoir built in 1367 by Maharawal Gadsi Singh, after whom it has been named. This stately tank served as Jaisalmer’s vital water supply until 1965. Since it was so important and vital to the people of Jaisalmer, small temples and shrines were built around it that exist to date.
The Tilon-ki-Pol gateway that lines the road to the lake was said to be constructed by a famous prostitute of that area. Fearing that the Maharawal would tear it down, considering it to be beneath his dignity, she added a Krishna temple on the top. Also, Jaisalmer hotel bookings need to be made in advance as the place is a popular tourist attraction.
This traditionally, ornately decorated haveli is one of the most famous buildings in Jaisalmer. Situated in a narrow lane, the haveli overshadows the relatively modest surroundings. But people there do not seem to mind, because it does greatly enhance the aesthetic of the locality. The haveli was built between 1860 and 1865 and is divided into five sections. The exteriors are quite impressive, and the first of the five sections of the haveli is privately owned. Kothari’s Patwa ki Haveli museum, which gives us an insight into the lives of the royals in the nineteenth century is a must-visit.
Nestled between the maze of the fort walls, these interconnecting Jain temples form a beautiful vision. Built from yellow sandstone and dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, these temples carry with themselves the memories of the bygone eras. Time has not been able to impact their spiritual relevance, and neither has it obliterated the intricate carvings that decorate the insides of the temple walls. These temples are extraordinarily beautiful with architecture that resembles the marble Jain temples found in Mount Abu and Ranakpur. Also, Jaisalmer hotels near the temple can be found in abundance.
Located at a distance of 41kms from the main city of Jaisalmer, these silky sand dunes are one of the most popular excursions from the city. They are spread over an area of 2 km and form one of the most beautiful sights that can be seen by human eyes. From late afternoon until the evening, the atmosphere of the place suddenly changes. It ceases to be a beautiful, lonely place, rather it turns into a big extravagant carnival with food, fun, and frolic all around. If you want to immerse yourself in a complete desert experience, stay in one of the several tent resorts near the dunes.
Situated on the Indo Pak border, the Tanot Mata Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jaisalmer. Located close to the battle site of Longewala, It is believed that the deity worshipped here has magical powers that protect this village from Pakistani intrusions. In order to visit this area, travelers need prior permission and permit passes from the Indian Armed Forces. The best hotels in Jaisalmer are around this temple.
Desert National Park, sprawled over an area of 3162 square km, is an exciting place for lovers of flora and fauna. The lush green surroundings, and an impressive number of birds, animals, and plant species found here, make this place one of the major tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. Desert National Park is also home to the state bird of Rajasthan- The Great Indian Bustard.
19kms west of Jaisalmer lies the mysterious abandoned village of Kuldhara. The Paliwal Brahmins, who were the inhabitants of the village, abandoned it more than 200 years ago. They had to bear the burden of heavy taxes, their property was looted, and a daughter of one of the families was kidnapped. Their complaints fell on deaf ears, hence they left the village one night, never to return. According to the legend, they had plenty of wealth and gold, which they were unable to carry with them. This myth has attracted a lot of treasure hunters to this area. While most of the houses are in a dilapidated state, some of them have been restored for use as film sets for popular Bollywood movies.
Jaisalmer has all kinds of activities for every kind of traveler. If you are an adventure lover, you can go Parasailing in Kanoi and experience a serious adrenaline rush as the wind brushes past you. Parasailing is one of the coolest and offbeat things to do in Jaisalmer. All you need to do is make a booking in advance to enjoy this activity. If parasailing does not satiate your adventure tastebuds, you can go for paramotoring, simply put, is motor-powered parasailing, and while you are up in the air whirring through the skies, you can get a breathtaking view of the golden sand dunes from up there. You can also click fascinating pictures of the view or just a cool selfie!
For lovers of speed, there is Quad Biking that you can do to explore the topography of the sand dunes. The dust splash by the bike as it roars through the desert is quite thrilling! You can also explore the desert in a cool SUV. If you are confident about your driving skills, you can drive it yourself or let a professional do it for you. But if you love speed and adventure and do not have a weak heart or any underlying health issue, this is something you must not miss. Also, go for the best hotels in Jaisalmer right away to enjoy the trip.
Shopping in the walled city of Jaisalmer is a delightful experience. With so many options and varieties of handmade products including clothes, jewelry, accessories, bags, footwear, etc, shopping is one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer. You can get some amazing puppets, Rajasthani textiles, Jootis, camel leather items, and yellow sandstone showpieces here. And last but not least, a trip to Jaisalmer remains incomplete if you do not try the authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Don’t miss out on Mirchi Vada, Pyaaz Kachori, Lauki Ke Kofte, Laal Maas, Kicha ki sabzi, and the ever famous Dal Baati Churma! And for the lovers of all things sweet, Jaisalmer has delicious Ghotua Ladoo to enchant your tastebuds and make you craving for more!
Jaisalmer is not just a place, it is a feeling in itself. The city has many layers to it, which you need to unravel with love. Visit Jaisalmer to get a glimpse of the life and times of the royals.
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April 15, 2024 
