Jaisalmer

Situated in the heart of the Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer Fort seems suddenly to rise out of the desert haze, a magnificent edifice of massive yellow sandstone ramparts and bastions bathed golden in the sunlight. The city was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput King, after whom it is named - and till today exudes an age-old aura of valour and royalty.

Apart from the spectacular golden fort or Sonar Qila, as it is known locally, Jaisalmer also boasts of some beautifully constructed medieval Havelis and a Jain temple.

Fast Facts

Temperature

Summer 46 - 32 C
Winter 27 - 1 C

Best Season

October to March

Getting to Jaisalmer

AIR

The nearest airport at Jodhpur 300 km.

RAIL

Jaisalmer is connected by rail with Jodhpur and Delhi which in turn is connected to major cities and towns in India.

ROAD

Jaisalmer is connected by motorable roads with
Ajmer 513 km
Barmer 153 km
Bikaner 330 km
Delhi 897 km
Jaipur 638 km
Jodhpur 290 km
Mt. Abu 572 km, via Jodhpur and 440 km via Barmer
Udaipur 563 km

Attractions

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

This desert festival is an annual event organized every year in February for three days. The festival showcase the rich and colorful heritage of Rajasthan and its folk culture. There are folk artists dancing and singing, traditional acrobatics by gymnasts called Kalabaz, snake charmers, puppet shows, turban tying competition, camel races camel decoration.

Jaisalmer Fort

Popular as Sonar Qila or the Golden Fortress, this fort is perched on top of the Trikuta Hill. Built with golden colored Jaisalmer sandstone, the fort was named after Maharawal Jaisal, its founder. In its confined area, there is an imperial palace, Dusshera Chowk, sand stone houses, colorful bazaars, Jain temples and havelis with intricate carving and engraving work to ponder about.

Sam Sand Dunes

This is the favorite spot among tourists for camel safaris, shifting sands and desert sunsets. About 42 kms from Jaisalmer, there is this village of Sam that offer an excellent experience of both the crests and troughs. Other than sand dunes, the major attractions here is the colorful jamboree of the Kalbelia dancers, puppeteers, Manganiyar singers and trinket vendors.

Jain Group of Temples

When coming to Jaisalmer by road, the first glance that attracts the vision is of the Shikhara's & their fluttering flags Temple Spires of the Jain temples. These temples are located within the mighty Jaisalmer Fort. The entire group comprises of a total of seven temples dedicated to the Jain prophets. Showcasing some of the intricate work of carved stones, ornate pillar, roofs made from sandstone, arches and yellow colored Jaisalmer stone, the temple, with its magnificent arched gateways leave the visitors stunned.

Gadi Sagar Lake

Built by the first ruler of Jaisalmer , this is a man-made reservoir visited by many tourists. Surrounding the bank of the lake, there are artistically carved temples, shrines, ghats and Chattris. The serene lake offers a boat ride depending upon the level of water. Other than this, one can just sit on the ghats, listen to the songs of the lone Manganiyar playing Sarangi and witness the changing hues of the yellow sandstone banks with the setting sun.