Is Jaisalmer worth visiting?
The answer to this is “Is that even a question?” Absolutely Yes.
Jaisalmer is included in the glories of India. With gorgeous sandstone picturesque to beautiful dune and desert areas, Jaisalmer is a blend of aestheticism and culture. If you are into traveling, then hitting the lands of Jaisalmer should be on your bucket list. Here we are listing SIX BEST PLACES to visit in Jaisalmer based on my recommendations.
The golden city of Jaisalmer is located in the Thar desert of Rajasthan. A picturesque city in the lap of the desert. Reminiscence of the fables of Arabian Nights. The city abounds with yellow sandstone structures dating back hundreds of years. The best time to visit here is between September and until mid of March to avoid the extreme summer desert heat and heat-strokes. I, although made a huge mistake visiting here in the month of May for the first time, and therefore, writing this blog was mandatory. However, my next trip was during December, and well, the place is exquisite then. In the month of February, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is celebrated which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Below are the places one should visit to make the most of their time in India’s Golden City.
1. Tazia Tower
Before I start blabbering about my eye-widening experience, let me scribble a little about the history of this magnanimous place. In 1886, Muslim artisans built up this tower for the then Hindu ruler, Maharawal Berisal Singh as a gift to him. This tower has five stories commanding a striking sight as if emerging from the Badal Palace grounds. It is different from the traditional Rajasthani and Rajputana architecture found in other places in Jaisalmer. The Tazia Tower which is close to the Amar Sagar Gate has individually designed balconies On each of the five floors and the entire structure is a fine example of a traditional Islamic monument. Well, I for once felt like living in ‘Mughal E Azam’..LOL!
How To Reach:
The tower is in the heart of the city thus, reaching here is no trouble. If you are taking a train, the nearest railway station is Jaisalmer Railway Station. It is about 2.8 km from the tower and visitors can catch a local taxi to reach here. From Airport: If you are flying, the nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport which is about 14.5 km from the Tazia tower. Taxi services are quite frequently available at the airport and can take anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes to reach.
Best Time To Visit:
The best time to enjoy the Tazia tower is between the months of October and March. It is just after the rainy season and the atmosphere of the city is perfect to explore the Tazia Tower.
The temperature during these months is also very stable with very little humidity and a constant flow of breeze allowing visitors to enjoy the grand balconies of the Tazia Tower. Visitors who love summer can visit the place between March and June and enjoy a number of indoor activities including a visit to Tazia Tower.
Location - Tazia Tower, Khejer Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001, India
2. One and only Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Center
I have always admired yellowish desert beauty at least in pictures but I found it right in front of my eyes at Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer Fort Palace is a beautiful piece of art made out of sandstone. It is a World Heritage site declared by UNESCO and was built in 1156 by Jaisal, a Rajput King. This fort is the main center of the city, with thousands of people currently residing within its walls. As if a huge sand dune; or rather a huge mountain of solidified sand is carved meticulously to shape out this fort. The fort is home to the former Maharaja’s Palace, several temples, shops, restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses. However, with time the fort shows signs of aging, resulting in many tourists and visitors preferring to stay in nearby hotels rather than staying in accommodations within the fort.
How to Reach:
Reach the Jaisalmer Fort first to reach the Palace Museum And Heritage Center.
November to March:
These months constitute the winter season in Jaisalmer. It is also an ideal time to visit Jaisalmer.
Location - Near Gopa Chowk, Dhibba Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer 345001, Rajasthan, India.
3. Jain Temples inside the Jaisalmer Fort.
I have always admired yellowish desert beauty at least in pictures but I found it right in front of my eyes at Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer Fort Palace is a beautiful piece of art made out of sandstone. It is a World Heritage site declared by UNESCO and was built in 1156 by Jaisal, a Rajput King. This fort is the main center of the city, with thousands of people currently residing within its walls. As if a huge sand dune; or rather a huge mountain of solidified sand is carved meticulously to shape out this fort. The fort is home to the former Maharaja’s Palace, several temples, shops, restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses. However, with time the fort shows signs of aging, resulting in many tourists and visitors preferring to stay in nearby hotels rather than staying in accommodations within the fort.
How to Reach:
At a distance of 2 km from Jaisalmer Railway Station, the Jain Temples are one of the oldest temples in Jaisalmer which are situated inside the Jaisalmer Fort complex. These Jain temples are the most important religious attractions in Jaisalmer.
Best Time To Visit:
The ideal time is to visit between November and March and the place stays cool during winter and gives you an exciting vibe.
Location - Desuri, Ranakpur Road, Sadri, Rajasthan 306702, India.
4. Explore the Grandeur Havelis
The Havelis or the Mansions are the specialties of Jaisalmer. Each Haveli has a unique story to tell. The visit to Jaisalmer is incomplete without visiting these Havelies, which are located both inside and outside the fort. Many are found in the narrow lanes if you walk for just 10 minutes to the north. The Patwa Haveli of the 19th century is the biggest and most important. It is a cluster of 5 Havelis and was built by a wealthy Jain trader for his sons. It has now been converted into a museum. Its artwork and stone carving art is on full display. Close by is the Salam Singh Ki Haveli (Moti Mahal) and Nathmal Ki Haveli, which are famous for their beautiful gold paintings.
How To Reach:
The distance between Patwon Ki haveli and Jaisalmer Bus Stand is around 1.5 km. It is best to walk to the place since the haveli complex is situated in a narrow lane. However, one can also hire a rickshaw, auto, or cab. You can either take the Gadisar Road route or the Hanuman Chauraha to reach Patwon Ki Haveli.
Best Time To Visit:
The best time to visit Patwon Ki Haveli is from September to February. It is because this is the time when the weather is pretty pleasant in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Mornings are pleasant and nights are cold. It is best to avoid a visit during the summer months since it can get really hot and unpleasant.
Location - 3129, opposite Choora Paada, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer 345001, Rajasthan, India
5. Explore the Cenotaphs at the Bada Bagh Temple
There are similar-looking groups of cenotaphs situated in a large garden about five kilometers away which were erected in the honor of Jaisalmer’s royal rulers from the 16th to 20th centuries. Visiting here, I I felt like living within the Rajputs for even the locals there own a grandeur or royalty. The last cenotaph is dedicated to Maharaja Jawahar Singh who still ruled after India gained independence. However, it remains incomplete because of his death the following year which his family took as a bad omen. The plaques of cenotaphs are intriguing showing both maharaja and maharani together, which indicates the queen throwing herself on the husband’s pyre. Nowadays the windmills have come up in contrast to ancient cenotaphs and they generate electricity.
How To Reach:
Bada Bagh has located 6 km from the railway station of Jaisalmer as well as the city center. To reach Bada Bagh, you need to pass through an entrance located at the bottom of the hilltop, which displays the Bada Bagh on its top summit. As this is a very famous tourist attraction in Jaisalmer, you will easily find a cab or a rental vehicle to drop you at the foothills. Besides, there are regular bus services to transfer you between Ramgarh bus station and Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer.
Best Time To Visit:
The period between October to March is the best time to plan your visit to the Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer. Although, the afternoon may still be hot throughout this period but not as much as the sweltering extremities faced during other months.
Evenings are the most preferred time to plan your visit to Bada Bagh as the weather remains pleasant to a reasonable extent. The mixture of daylight transitions and a cold breeze blowing will keep you encouraged to explore the beautiful aura of the Bada Bagh’s cenotaphs.
Location - Bada Bagh, Chhatris Road, Rajasthan 345001
6. Enjoy the evening at Gadisar lake
Streams, rivers, lakes and most importantly seas own my heart at the whole. I explored the perfect blend of water waves at the yellow brown desert like plane which indeed looks like a miracle, just more soothing and comfying. On the South-eastern brink of the city of Jaisalmer is a huge artificial reservoir that was built by Maharawal Gadsi Singh in the 14th century. This was the only source of water for the Jaisalmer town until 1965. There are many small temples and shrines which surround the lake and make it a pleasant place to take refuge in the evening after a long sunny day. One can enjoy boating which is available for rent and can see migratory birds and catfish in the waters.
How To Reach:
This lake is just 2 km from the Railway station and is easily accessible. Being located very close to the Jaisalmer Fort one can even walk here from the fort. If one is not close to the fort, then one can hire rickshaws and auto-rickshaws and drop them at the lake.
Best Time To Visit:
The best time to visit this place is between October and March. The lake looks beautiful during the winter months and the scorching heat of the desert can be avoided. Also during these months, one can find some amazing birds here that everyone cannot help but fall in love with.
Location - Gadisar Lake Road, Postal Colony, Jaisalmer 345001, Rajasthan, India
Jaisalmer boasts its rich heritage since time immemorial. From royal courts to flourished architects and from the ethnic richness to patronizing art and literature, this place stands out at its best. Experiencing tremendous heat strokes or calling them loo and yet golden flying the gorgeous sand structures, this place is a real beauty. I, based on my personal experiences and demands and recommendations of our tourist groups tried listing them all in all must-visit areas. Do mail us your personal experiences and help us in voicing out for the trailblazers out there.
