Jaisalmer , Rajasthan
About Jaisalmer
A reminiscence of Lawrence of Arabia, Jaisalmer is a fort city located in the confines of India’s Thar Desert. Nicknamed as the ‘Golden City’, Jaisalmer stands on a ridge of yellowish-golden sandstone. A giant fort is the prominent landmark of the city which is the second largest in the world. Jaisalmer, which literally translates to “The Hill Fort of Jaisal”, was founded in 1156 A.D. and is presently a World Heritage Site. Jaisalmer district is the largest in Rajasthan and sports the barren Thar Desert. The town was strategically located at an important interlink to facilitate trade between India and Persia. The novel architecture of the town, primarily forts and palaces, envelops one in a nostalgic reverie and reminds one of the princely heritage the town has inherited.
A vision and experience that combine in this place creates the true magic of one of those unique places. It strikes the hearts and imaginations of all those who visit it.
Arguably the most renowned, the Jaisalmer Fort on Meru Hill houses about a quarter of the town’s population. Besides this, the Raj Mahal, Laxminath temple and Jain temples are to look out for, the presence of which lends the town a religious and cultural sanctity. A magical sight indeed! Once you are in the vicinity, there’s evidence of what made it great primarily. Trade, commerce, local dignitaries and royalties have built the house called Havelis where there are major architectural splendors. Rajasthani and Islamic styles can be found everywhere around the market area. Other sites include the range of museums to explore and celebrate. The fort and palace complex, plus the natural wonders such as the water tank and camel safari are fantastic sceneries to visit. A must see for all who want to see camels in real life, Jaisalmer is the place to come.
The food to try should be murgh-e-subz, a dish of succulent strips of chicken fried with spices and strips of fresh vegetable. Alternatively, if you fancy something a bit lighter you could try the Kadi Pakorao or flour dumplings cooked in yogurt sauce. All in all, there are many dishes here to choose from. Many from the Thar tradition are given with a local spin all delicious foods which many of which are available only in this city.
A camel or jeep safari in the desert is often employed to watch the sun rise or set. The Desert Festival of Jaisalmer held in February every year is a hugely acclaimed international affair, unknowingly stirring memories of fictional cults such as Arabian Nights, thanks to their lively displays of music, dance, local delicacies and dressing styles.
Visitors will find this city a mystery. Its identity is simply waiting to be explored. It has some of the friendliest people in Rajasthan, as they say here 'padharo mahare desh' (welcome to our lands)!
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Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
The Thar Heritage Museum, Rajasthan
0.1 km from Jaisalmer - See map
Again, another top notch museum allowing visitors to transport themselves back in time to a forgone era, in this case, the desert tribes of the...
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Havelis, Rajasthan
0.9 km from Jaisalmer - See map
These are a selection of rich merchants, government officials, and royal subject’s houses. They’re all located within the city walls of the...
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Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan
0.9 km from Jaisalmer - See map
Jaisalmer Fort also known as Sonar Quila or Golden Fort was built in 1156 AD by Rao Jaisal, the town is dominated by a large, imposing and...
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Desert Culture Centre & Museum, Rajasthan
1 km from Jaisalmer - See map
A compact and concise little gem of a museum, the Desert Culture Centre & Museum is close in the town center. Through use of rare coins,...
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Jaisalmer Folklore Museum, Rajasthan
1.8 km from Jaisalmer - See map
A wealth of cultural heritage about the desert region of Thar, the people, their traditions and culture. The folklore museum is exactly that....
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Gadsisar Lake, Rajasthan
1.9 km from Jaisalmer - See map
No doubt one of the most important, but also one of the oldest, the Gadsisar lake was constructed by the city’s first ruler Raja Rawal Jaisal....
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Gopa Chowk, Rajasthan
2.2 km from Jaisalmer - See map
The central market area in the town of Jaisalmer. Located within the fort and close to the artificial lake of Gadi Sagar. The center of activity...
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Bada Bagh Cenotaphs, Rajasthan
6.4 km from Jaisalmer - See map
6km North of Jaisalmer lies this desert garden. Barabagh meaning literally ‘big garden’. It contains a set of royal cenotaphs, carved in...
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Akal Wood Fossil Park, Rajasthan
17.5 km from Jaisalmer - See map
A short taxi or rickshaw ride from town. This is a small reservation area devoted to the fossil remains of the Jurassic era. Roughly scattered...
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Kuldhara Abandoned Village, Rajasthan
17.5 km from Jaisalmer - See map
Kuldhara is an abandoned village located a short distance from town in the Thar desert. As with all good mysteries, there’re a number of...
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