Best 10 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Overview of Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is a city of contrasts, where you can witness the ancient and the modern, the rustic and the luxurious, the serene and the lively. Jaisalmer has something for everyone, whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or an adventure seeker. Jaisalmer is also a city of festivals, where you can celebrate the colorful and vibrant traditions of Rajasthan.

Some of the famous festivals of Jaisalmer are the Desert Festival, the Gangaur Festival, the Teej Festival, and the Diwali Festival. Jaisalmer is also a city of cuisine, where you can savor the delicious and spicy dishes of Rajasthani cuisine. Some of the popular dishes of Jaisalmer are dal bati churma, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi, and makhaniya lassi.

How to Reach Jaisalmer

• Jaisalmer is well-connected by road, rail, and air to the major cities of India. The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer Airport, which is about 17 km from the city center. The airport has regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Jodhpur.
• The nearest railway station to Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer Railway Station, which is about 2 km from the city center. The railway station has trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, and Bikaner.
• The nearest bus station to Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer Bus Station, which is about 1 km from the city center. The bus station has buses from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Bikaner. You can also hire a taxi or a car to reach Jaisalmer from the nearby cities.

Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer

• The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C during this period. This is also the peak season for tourism in Jaisalmer, as many festivals and events take place during this time. You can enjoy the Desert Festival in February, which showcases the folk music, dance, and art of Rajasthan. You can also witness the camel races, the turban tying competitions, the firework displays, and the cultural programs. The winter season is also ideal for exploring the desert and enjoying the camel safaris and the desert camping.
• The summer season in Jaisalmer is from April to June, when the weather is hot and dry. The temperature can soar up to 45°C during this period. This is the off-season for tourism in Jaisalmer, as many tourists avoid the scorching heat and the dust storms. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly and less crowded trip, you can visit Jaisalmer during this time. You can also get discounts on hotels and travel packages. The summer season is also good for visiting the indoor attractions of Jaisalmer, such as the havelis, the museums, and the temples.
• The monsoon season in Jaisalmer is from July to September, when the weather is humid and rainy. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C during this period. This is the least preferred season for tourism in Jaisalmer, as the rainfall is erratic and unpredictable. The rain can also hamper the desert activities and the sightseeing. However, if you are looking for a green and refreshing trip, you can visit Jaisalmer during this time. You can also enjoy the Teej Festival in August, which celebrates the arrival of the monsoon and the marital bliss of women.

Best Things to Do Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer offers a plethora of things to do for the tourists, ranging from sightseeing, shopping, dining, to adventure, entertainment, and relaxation. Here are some of the best things to do in Jaisalmer that you should not miss.

• Explore the Jaisalmer Fort: The Jaisalmer Fort is the most iconic landmark of Jaisalmer and is one of the largest and oldest forts in the world. It is also known as the Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort, as it is made of yellow sandstone and glows like gold in the sunlight. The fort is a living fort, as it houses many shops, hotels, restaurants, temples, and museums within its walls. You can walk through the narrow lanes and admire the architecture, art, and history of the fort. You can also visit the Raj Mahal, the Laxminath Temple, the Jain Temples, and the Palace Museum inside the fort.
• Enjoy the Camel Safari: The camel safari is one of the most popular and thrilling activities in Jaisalmer, as it allows you to experience the desert life and the culture of Rajasthan. You can ride on the back of a camel and traverse the sand dunes, the villages, the oases, and the wildlife of the Thar Desert. You can also witness the sunrise and the sunset over the horizon and enjoy the starry night sky. You can also opt for a desert camping, where you can stay in a tent, enjoy a bonfire, and watch the folk dance and music performances by the local artists.
• Visit the Havelis: The havelis are the mansions that were built by the wealthy merchants and nobles of Jaisalmer in the 18th and 19th centuries. They are the epitomes of the artistic and architectural excellence of the local craftsmen, who carved intricate designs and patterns on the sandstone walls, windows, and balconies. Some of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer are the Patwon Ki Haveli, the Salim Singh Ki Haveli, and the Nathmal Ki Haveli. You can marvel at the beauty and the elegance of these havelis and learn about the history and the culture of the people who lived in them.
• Shop at the Bazaars: Jaisalmer is a shopper’s paradise, as it offers a variety of items that reflect the rich and colorful culture of Rajasthan. You can shop for handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, leather goods, carpets, antiques, and souvenirs at the bazaars of Jaisalmer. Some of the best places to shop in Jaisalmer are the Sadar Bazaar, the Bhatia Bazaar, the Manak Chowk, and the Pansari Bazaar. You can also bargain with the vendors and get the best deals on your purchases.
• Dine at the Restaurants: Jaisalmer is a foodie’s delight, as it offers a range of dishes that tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. You can dine at the restaurants of Jaisalmer and relish the authentic and delicious cuisine of Rajasthan. Some of the dishes that you should try in Jaisalmer are dal bati churma, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi, makhaniya lassi, and ghotua laddoo. You can also try the continental, Chinese, and Italian dishes at some of the restaurants. Some of the best restaurants in Jaisalmer are the Trio, the Desert Boy’s Dhani, the Saffron, and the Jaisal Italy.