Jaisalmer Travel Guide

Jaisalmer Overview

Jaisalmer, it is a beautiful city of the state of Rajasthan. The city is also known as the Sun City. The city is located close to the Pakistan border and has a close proximity to the Thar Dessert. Jaisalmer derived its name from its founder Maharwal jaisal Singh – a Rajput king. The city is having yellow sand and the fort and structure are used to make with sandstone due to which the city got yellow appearance. And because of the yellow sand and sandstone structure the city is called the Golden City’. The city was once encircled by the extensive wall which today is remained nothing more than gates and the huge fort which is considered as the soul of Jaisalmer.

History of Jaisalmer

The first mentioned of the place was mentioned 5000 years back when Lord Krishna predicts that a future descendent of his family (Yadav clan) will establish a powerful kingdom on top of the Trikuta hill in future someday. In 12th century, Raja Rawal Singh of Yadav Clan visited the city and came to know about the prediction and has shifted his capital from Lodhruva to Jaisalmer. After the capital shifted, the Jaisalmer fort came into being. The significant period of the city was seen during the year of 13th and 14th century. It is during that time when Kings of Jaisalmer and Ala-ud-din Khilji started war against each other. After long 9 years of war Khilji took over the place and the city witnesses the greatest Jauhar humanity has ever seen. Jaisalmer was the last Rajput clan who signed ‘instrument of Agreement’ accepting Britain’s colonial rule in India. After India independence in 1947, the royals of the city signed an agreement to be a part of the freed country.

The Culture – Traditions – Cuisine in Jaisalmer

The golden city has a rich culture and traditions of the bygone era. The folk music and dance is an important and significant part of Jaisalmer’s culture. The folk music and dance is the amalgamation of rich past, vivid social customs and classical music. The language, culture and tradition are highly influenced by the culture of neighboring area, Sindh. The desert life is fascinating and lots of travellers flock here to experience to be a part of this golden city. The majority of the population dwells in rural areas. Major source of the income is farming and cattle rearing. Jaisalmer has diversified culture, traditions and religions. People of different religions lives in peace and harmony. Major religions are Hindu, Jains, Sikh, Christian and Muslims. Majority of the people are huge devotees of Lord Shiva. Festivals like Shiv Ratri, Diwali, Holi and Dusserah are celebrated with lots of zeal and pomp. People of the city traditionally wear bright colors attire and silver or brass made jewelry. Women can be seen in Ghaghra Choli – Lehnga and men wear Khol, pachewara, Bugatari and Banda. Localmajorly speaks in Rajasthani language, second major language is Hindi. Some of the prominent dance form of the city is Ghoomer Dance and Kathputli Dance.

Cuisine of Jaisalmer

The rich food of Rajasthan came from the rich culture of the city. Jaisalmer is a city of rich culture and heritage and it can easily be notices in its cuisines. One of the most scrumptious dishes that you would definitely won’t like to let go off your list is Murgh-e-subz. It is a non-veg dish, cooked with boneless chicken and vegetables. Ker Sangri is a dish which has special place in the people of Jaisalmer. This is made from capers and desert beans. Some other begs and non-veg dishes that you will love to savor are Tandoori Thali Tops, Kadi Pakoda, Bhanon Aloo and many more.

Jaisalmer Map

Best Places to Visit Jaisalmer

The Sun City has a magnificent history which is witnessed by the forts and monuments being present in today’s time. The Sun City is also a part of majestic Thar Dessert has many things to offer tourists. Some of best places to visit in Jaisalmer are –

Jaisalmer Fort:

This is also called by the names of Sonar Killa and the Golden Fort. This is a majestic piece of architecture where many families residing in it. The fort was built in 1156 by Rajput ruler Jaisala.

Desert National Park:

It is one of the biggest national parks in the country. It is located quite near to India-Pak border. The park consists of more than 120 varieties of local and migrated birds. Chinkara, desert fox, desert cat are some of the rare species of animals can be seen in the park.

Bada Bagh:

The monument is one of the most beautiful archeological masterpieces of India. You can view the calm and rich architecture which was built by the rulers of Rajasthan. There is a garden which has exquisite carvings on the tombstones and the chantries are a treat for eyes.

Jain Temples:

Encircled by the walls of fort, nestled many beautifully carved Jain temples. These temples were believed to be built in 12th and 15th centuries. You can also see some of the oldest manuscript of India in the Gyan Bhandar (Library) as part of Jain temples.

Here are some more Jaisalmer Attractions –

1. Patwaon Ki Haweli

2. Sam Sand Dunes

3. Gadisar Lake

4. Salim Singh Ki havelis

Jaisalmer Weather

Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer

Being situated near the majestic Thar Desert, the city has mostly hot weather in most of the time during the year. The days are scorching hot and nights are cool. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between the months of October to March. During these months, the Jaisalmer climate remains calm and pleasing.

How to Reach Jaisalmer

By Airways:

The Sun City is not directly connected with airports. The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport which is approx 300 km from the city. The airport connects majorly with all the Indian cities.

By Railways:

There is well-maintained Jaisalmer Railway station. Once can get direct trains to Jaisalmer from Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur. Luxury train ‘Palace on Wheels’ also reaches here.

By Roadways:

The Golden city serves a well-cluster of roads. Many deluxe and ordinary busses flow through these roads. The city is connected with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Barmer, Mount Abu, Ahmedabad and many more other cities and states of India.