Posted 24 March 2023 in Travel wanderlust

Why you should travel to Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is a city situated in the state of Rajasthan in India. It is located 575 km west of Jaipur, which is the capital of the state. Jaisalmer is also known as the Golden City of India because almost all of the construction work in the city is done using yellow sandstone. The yellow sandstone buildings, along with the bright setting sun of Jaisalmer, make a picturesque sight. The city is adorned with mediaeval forts and havelis. The ancient architecture of the city, bordered by the warm, golden sand, seems ethereal. In the olden days, the city of Jaisalmer was used as a hub for trade and commerce between the countries of the West and Persia. It was also famous for its efficient trade routes, which could be accessed only on camels.

Places to visit in Jaisalmer

The city of Jaisalmer, with its palaces and havelis, is a beautiful rustic destination for tourists. Below is a list of places worth visiting in Jaisalmer.

1. Jaisalmer Fort

Situated amidst the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even though the name suggests so, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a fort but an entire complex comprising temples, houses, and shops. It is a massive fort that was built in 1156. Also known as the Golden Fort or Sonar Qila, the fort offers picturesque views of the city of Jaisalmer due to its altitude.

2. Kuldhara Village

Kuldhara Village is located around 20 km from the city centre of Jaisalmer. It is an abandoned village with a beautiful panoramic view. To add to this, legend has it that the village is cursed and that paranormal activities happen here, even though there is no evidence of it. The fee for entering the village is INR 10 per head and INR 50 if going in a car. The gates of the village open at 8 in the morning and close at 6 in the evening for tourists. It remains open on all days of the week.

3. Gadisar Lake

Built by Raja Rawal Jaisal, Gadisar Lake is situated close to the Jaisalmer Fort. It is like an oasis amidst the arid desert especially when the rays of the setting sun get reflected by the clear water of the reservoir. It offers a breathtaking view, and one can go boating in the lake. Even a walk around the lake is refreshing.

4. The Badal Palace and Tazia Tower

The Badal Palace, which literally translates to Cloud Palace, gets its name from the cloud-like appearance of the palace. The Tazia Tower is a five-storey tower built in the very complex of the Badal Palace. The tower was built for residential purposes of the royal families and was given a Tazia-like shape by the craftsmen.

5. Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh speaks of its grand and glorious past with its many cenotaphs in the middle of a garden. The golden cenotaphs under the gleaming sun of the desert are an amazing sight. Bada Bagh is situated on top of a small hill, the steps to which start at the bottom of the hill.

6. Amar Sagar Lake

Amar Sagar Lake is situated close to the palace of Amar Singh. It is a pristine lake, perfect for winding down at the end of a long day. There is no entry fee at this location, and tourists can visit from 9 in the morning till 5 in the evening.

7. Vyas Chhatri

Vyas Chhatri is a perfect example of authentic Rajasthani architecture. Vyas Chhatri gets its name from the sage Vyas, in whose honour it was built. Vyas Chhatri is made entirely of sandstones and looks exquisite amidst the golden sand of the desert city of Jaisalmer.

8. The India-Pakistan Border

The India-Pakistan Border in Jaisalmer is situated close to the Tanot Mata Temple. It is an interesting location for tourists as it is the border. Prior permission has to be obtained from the Indian Defense Forces in order to visit the border.

Travel tips

While visiting Jaisalmer, keep in mind the below-mentioned travel tips for a seamless journey.

Clothes should be packed keeping the weather in mind. The summers can be hot and sultry so cotton garments that are breathable should be preferred. Thick woollen garments should be packed for the winters as the temperature falls quite sharply in the evening.
Try out the delicious local cuisine. The generous dollops of ghee on the Rajasthani food items may come across to be intimidating for some, but the amazing flavours are certain to be a hit. Some famous dishes available in Jaisalmer are dal bati churma and pyaaz ki kachori.
Try the local style of clothing to experience Jaisalmer in its truest essence. Pagri (turban), angrakha, odhni, and ghagra and choli are some of the famous traditional Rajasthani clothes. Bandhani, which is a type of tie and dye print, and Leheriya are some of the famous styles of textile prints in Jaisalmer and the rest of Rajasthan.
It is important to carry sunglasses and sunscreen to stay protected from the heat of the sun in the city of Jaisalmer.
Due to the dry climate and sweltering heat of the sun, it is essential to carry water with you at all times to stay hydrated.

How to reach?

The rustic city of Jaisalmer is a popular tourist destination with its golden sand dunes and majestic architecture. Jaisalmer can be reached by air, road, and rail.

By rail: The city is well-connected by trains from major cities. The luxury train, Palace on Wheels, can also be availed to reach Jaisalmer, although it has to be booked several days in advance.
By road: Jaisalmer has a good network of roadways, connecting it to nearby cities. Regular bus services - both standard and deluxe - are available and are quite affordable.
By air: The closest airport to Jaisalmer is Jaisalmer Airport, situated around 17 km from the city centre. People can hire cabs to reach their desired destination from the airport.

Weather of Jaisalmer

The climate in the city is predominantly arid. The city mainly experiences three prominent seasons - summer, monsoon and winter. Summer and winter are more distinct than monsoon in the city of Jaisalmer. Let us explore each season of Jaisalmer in detail.

Summer: The months between April and June denote summer in Jaisalmer. Summers in the city are usually very hot and dry with the temperature soaring as high as 42°C during the day. The evenings are cooler with the temperature hovering around 25°C. The stark difference between the upper and lower limits of the temperature is due to the fact that the city is located on sandy terrain. Even though sand is very quick to get heated in the sun, it cannot retain the heat for long in the absence of sun.
Monsoon: The months of July to September are considered the monsoon season in Jaisalmer. The city receives very little rainfall, not more than 15 cm. Jaisalmer remains arid for the maximum part of the year.
Winter: The winter season in the city of Jaisalmer is between the months of November to March. It is usually very cold and dry in Jaisalmer during this time. The temperature during the day goes to a maximum of 24°C. It starts getting cold in the evening with the temperature plunging as low as 5°C. The secondary western winds blowing during this time are the main reason behind such low temperatures. The city of Jaisalmer also receives scanty rainfall during winter.

Best time to visit Jaisalmer

The best time to visit the city of Jaisalmer is between the months of October and March as the weather conditions during this time is perfect for travelling around this place. The temperature is around 25°C to 10°C around this time, which is ideal for visitors. Since Jaisalmer is a desert city, winters are more comfortable than the summers, which are dry and sultry.

Conclusion

Located in the heart of the state of Rajasthan, the desert city of Jaisalmer is an ideal vacation destination for people who want to know more about India’s rich past. The dramatic setting of the havelis and temples made of yellow sandstone, amidst the golden sand of the desert and teamed with the delicious Rajasthani delicacies, is certain to make you feel like a Maharaja yourself.