Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

[882 Km from Delhi/ 20 hrs train journey from Delhi]

Steeped in Rajasthani culture and heritage, Jaisalmer promises you delightfully fascinating fairytale journey. With folk dances, haunting love ballads, war songs, puppet shows, camel races, cattle bazaars, colorfully clad women, brave men, desert extravaganzas, ethnic crafts your journey to Jaisalmer will be bewitching. An inherent aura of desert, invites you to come and explore the hidden charm of this delightful golden world.
Popular Tourist Attractions in/ around Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort (Built by Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD)
Bewitched by the World famous movie maker Satyajit Ray made movie “Sonar Kila” on Jaisalmer Fort. Amidst the dusty sands, this fort looks like a mirage of a golden yellow honey drop. For the shutter bugs it offers some of the most spectacular backdrop to capture.

Highlights Raj Mahal (Royal palace), Jain temples, Laxminath temple, 4 massive gateways, the mammoth Merchant Havelis



Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli (Built by two architect brothers in the 19th century)
This Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to the Diwan Mohata Nathmal. In terms of majesty, this place is considered the best in Jaisalmer. Its irregular shape has given it an awe inspiring distinctive style.

Highlights Diwan-E-Khas, inlay work of yellow sandstone front door, the Phool Mahal;

Salim Singh Ki Haveli (Built in the year 1815, was commissioned by Salim Singh)
The Haveli is just below the hill and is one of the prettiest Haveli in Rajasthan. This beautiful haveli is located in the heart of Jaisalmer near Railway station. Like other havelis in Jaisalmer, this too made of sand stones.

Highlights: Architecture, 38 balconies, Peacock shaped roof, peacock brackets, a beautifully blue cupola arched roof

Patwon-ki-Haveli (Built by Guman Chand Patwa in 1805)
The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. This havelis, which is also reputed as 'mansion of brocade merchants', completed in the span of 50 years. At present the havelis has converted into the main office of the Archeological Survey of India and State art and craft department.

Highlights Architecture and miniatures, balconies

Gadsisar Lake (Constructed by of Jaisalmer, Maharwal Gadsi Singh around 1400 A.D)
Gadsisar Lake is located near 'Tillon ki Gate' in Jaisalmer. This is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaisalmer. A variety of migratory birds and local birds can be seen here, due to its close proximity to Bharatpur. Explore several religious shrines surrounding the lake.

Highlights Lake, birding, natural beauty

Jain Temples (Date back to the 12th century)
Jaisalmer’s Jain temples are the living proof of the unity in diversity of Indian culture and heritage. These temples’ architectural brilliance resembles with the style of the exquisitely carved Dilwara temples. Dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras, these temples have artistically sculptured pillars and portray celestial maidens in different postures.

Highlights fine sandstone sculpture in sandstone in Mandapa, beautifully carved temples, Paraswanath Temple

Popular Excursions from Jaisalmer
Former capital of Rawal Jaisal, Lodurva is 16 kms north-west from Jaisalmer. 42 km away from Jaisalmer, at Sam Sand Dune you will see the real Thar Desert. Adjacent Desert National Park is a beloved haven of the Blackbuck, Chinkara, Wolf, Indian fox, Desert Fox, Hare and Desert Cat. 17 kms from Jaisalmer, Akal Wood Fossil Park has 160 million years old natural flora and fauna’s fossils. Bada Baag is situated at 6 kms and famous for having royal cenotaphs Kings of past Maharawals & their families.

Popular Shopping Items/ Shopping Centres in Jaisalmer
Exquisite carved wooden boxes, traditional rugs, hand-woven blankets and shawls you will find at Sadar Bazaar, Sonaron Ka Bass Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazaar, Gandhi Darshan, Seema Gram, Rajsthani Govt. shop. Puppets, silver trinkets and mirror-work cloth, Camel leather items with colored embroidered threads like jootis, belts, wallets, low-back seating chairs etc can be purchased from the Bhatia Bazaar. Pick intricate embroidery designs on clothes, woven jackets, tabletops, traditional door entrance hangers etc from Barmer Embroidery House.

Jaisalmer Travel Information
Jaisalmer is will linked with the rest of the country in terms of transportation.

Closest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport (5km from the city center)

Closest Railway Station: Jaisalmer Railway Station (2km from the City Centre)

Delhi - Jaisalmer Trains:

• Delhi-Jaisalmer Exp
• Palace on wheels

Bus Stand:

• Roadway’s main bus stand (opposite Railway station)
• Golden bus terminal (near State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Shiv Road)

Road Link: National Highway 15

Local Transport in Jaisalmer
For the local transportation it is recommended to take auto rickshaw and bicycles. Auto rickshaw is a cheap mode of transportation. But don’t trust the driver’s unless they are recommended by the hotel authority. In order to avoid traffic jam, take bicycles. RSRTC buses connect Jaisalmer with other cities of Jaipur.