Jaisalmer Travel

Jaisalmer is one of the important cities of glorious Rajasthan, and is also known as the city of Golden Fort. Jaisalmer is adjacent to the great Indian desert of Thar, and therefore, offers elusive glimpses of the desert life. Moreover, Jaisalmer has numerous Havelis, and temples, besides the grand golden fort. The Jaisalmer Travel Forum offer an exclusive opportunity to explore those havelis and Jain temples constructed in between 8th and 15th centuries. Jaisalmer attracts thousands of national and international tourists every year, most of them being directed and served by our Jaisalmer Travel Forum and India Travel Forum.

About Jaisalmer Travel

Jaisalmer TRAVEL


Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, lord Krishna- the head of Yadav clan foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill, His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156AD.

When Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chief who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi-or Sind. These seems to be straight out of the "Tales of the Arabian Night ' still enchants.

The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. the setting turn Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.

The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and contest, especially the turban raying contest.

Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivals colorful craft bazars are setup for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized with folk artistes performing against the spledid backdrop of the famous sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be-missed events.

Its like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not with standing the warmth and colour of people is simply over whelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city.

And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometres northwest.

In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking india to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The Bhatti Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes on passing by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling cattle.

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Historical Monuments

The Jaisalmer Fort

The Jaisalmer Fort

Perched on the 250 feet high hilltop, Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan (after Chittor) and provides an ecstatic overview of the desert land all around.

There are three fort walls and four gates through which we pass to reach the palaces within, namely, Akhai Pole (Ganesh Pole), Suraj Pole, Bhuta Pole and Hawa Pole. There were deliberate sharp turns on the pathway to make it invincible. Sharp turns on the road topped by high defence gateways made it invincible. Meghadamber, an umbrella that symbolizes Lord Krishna perches on the highest point of the place.

In the 15th century, the local Jain Panchayat built the first buttress wall. There were subsequent fortifications and additions by the Rawals later. There are five palaces in the fort - Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal - which are interconnected. They have beautifully carved jail screens to protect the interiors from the raging desert storms and scorching heat and delicate and extremely beautiful murals painted on their arches and spandrels. The famous Jain temples located within the fort can be rightfully compared to Dilwara temples in their beauty, ornamentation and splendor.

Tazia Tower

Tazia Tower

Tazia Tower of Jaisalmer is one of the major tourist attractions. If you have done with the various Rajputana architectures scattered in the city, Tazia tower will come as a welcome break to you.

It is situated in the excellent 'Badal Palace' complex located near Amar Sagar Gate. These were the homes of the former royal family. The Tazia tower is a 5-storied structure where each story has significance in its own. On each floor there is a balcony that is famous for their individual designs.

This was built by Muslim craftsmen and is based on the shape of Tazia. Tazia is actually the replica of Mausoleum of various Imams. They are made of wood, thermocol and colored papers. The architects gifted it to the then royal patrons.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

This haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks.

The mansion is just below the hill and it is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down.

Patwon Ki Haveli

Patwon Ki Haveli

This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.

The most elaborate and magnificient of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five story high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.

Patwon-Ki-Haveli is the largest and most elaborate haveli in Jaisalmer. This five-storeyed building extensively carved and is notable for its jharokhas (balconies).

In the early 19th century, the family of Ghuman Chand Patwa, an extremely rich patwa (trader of brocades and expensive embroidery) began construction of this mansion, an effort that took half a century.

Nathmalji Ki Haveli

Nathmalji Ki Haveli

Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.

Its like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not with standing the warmth and colour of people is simply over whelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city.

And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometres northwest.

In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The Bhatti Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes on passing by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling cattle.

Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences. In the 13th century Ala-ud-din Khilji Emperor of Delhi besieged the fort for nine years in an effort to take back the treasure taken by the Bhatti Rajput from his imperial caravan train.

When the fall of the fort was imminent the women of the fort committed Jauhar, an act of mass self-immolation, while men donned saffron robes and rode to their certain death. Duda son of Jaitasimha, a Bhatti hero also perished in the battle. Dudas descendants continued to rule Jaisalmer.

Manak Chowk

Manak Chowk

The chowk was once a Sadar Mandi (grain-market), and a beehive of activity. Merchants from far away lands like Persia, Iraq, Egypt and Arabia used to visit the city to trade. Jaisalmer in those days was not dissimilar to the ‘great silk route’ from Europe to China and made the town fairly prosperous.

However, with the development of other trading centres in India in the port cities of Bombay, Cochin and Madras, the importance of Jaisalmer as a conduit for trade between India and the rest of Asia declined. This led to a large number of people migrating from the town; the population of Jaisalmer declined from 35000 in 1815 to only about 22,355 according to the 1981 census.

At Manak Chowk you’ll get the impression that you are sitting in a time machine and have gone back into the past – women dressed in brightly coloured ghagharas (long skirts) and odhanis (long scarf), their limbs decked with ivory and silver ornaments. Manak Chowk hosts the relics of a bygone age.

Shopping in Jaisalmer

Shopping in Jaisalmer


Shop for exquisitely carved wooden boxes in tiny curio shops. Traditional rugs, handwoven blankets and shawls in typical Rajasthani color and weave are also available. Mirror work, embroided article silver jewelry.

Trickles and curios are other boys of Jaisalmer. The shopping spots are within the fort and include sadar Bazar, sonaron ka Bass Manak Chowk, pansari bazar, Gandhi Darshan, Seema gram, Rajsthani Govt. shop and Khadi Gramodyog Emporium.

Jaisalmer is famous for embroidery, rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antiques and old stone work. Tie-dye and other fabrics are made at the Kahdi Gramudyog Bhavan.

Hotels in Jaisalmer

Fort Rajwada

Location :: 2 km from downtown and Fort

Rooms :: 65 rooms and 4 royal suites

Room Facilities :: Located in 20 acres of land, hotel provides tastefully designed 65 rooms and 4 royal suites. All room are centrally air-conditioned, provide attached bath with modern fittings, colour TV, 24 hours room service, direct dial telephones.

Other Facilities :: Swimming Pool, Travel Desk, Laundry and Dry Cleaning, Doctor on call, Safety Lockers, Parking and shortly being inducted are conference halls, Health Club, Billiard room, beauty Parlour, Book Shop, Pool side Restaurant, Tennis Court and conference rooms.

Details :: Hotel Fort Rajwada is situated on the Jodhpur Barmer Link Road. It is standing tall with its rich heritage and charming architecture, fascinating traditional Rajasthani culture with a abundance of facilities, comfort and convenience.

Taj Rawalkot

Location :: 3 km from Fort and down town, 6 km from airport

Rooms :: 31

Room Facilities :: 31 well appointed air-conditioned rooms, provide attached bath, hot and cold running water, direct dial telephones, colour TV, 24 hours room service.

Other Facilities :: A multi cuisine restaurant, well stocked bar, Folk Music and Dances, camel and jeep safari, Doctor on Call, Safe Deposit Lockers.

Details :: Hotel Rawal-Kot is one of the best hotels in Jaisalmer. It offers you with an elegant view of this historic city. It provides you with all the modern facilities in a very traditional way.

Gorbandh Palace

Location :: 3 km from airport, 2 km from Railway Station

Rooms :: 64 deluxe rooms and 3 suites

Room Facilities :: 64 deluxe rooms and 3 suites, all rooms are air-conditioned with private bath, telephone, satellite television. the hotel is built of yellow sandstone with intricately carved balconies.

Other Facilities :: Swimming Pool, Money Exchange, Safety Lockers, Telephone and internet services, Conference and Banquet, Doctor on Call, Travel Assistance, camel rides and desert safaris.

Details :: Gorbandh Hotel was initially a royal palace but was later converted into a hotel. The beautiful Golden Fort and sand dunes can be seen from the Gorbandh Hotel. Exciting deserts camps and safaris organized here will make the tourists come back again and again.

Jawahar Niwas Palace

Location :: 3 km from airport, 2 km from Railway Station

Rooms :: 64 deluxe rooms and 3 suites

Room Facilities :: 64 deluxe rooms and 3 suites, all rooms are air-conditioned with private bath, telephone, satellite television. the hotel is built of yellow sandstone with intricately carved balconies.

Other Facilities :: Swimming Pool, Money Exchange, Safety Lockers, Telephone and internet services, Conference and Banquet, Doctor on Call, Travel Assistance, camel rides and desert safaris.

Details :: This historical palace was built 1899 and was converted into a hotel later on. It is one of the finest Heritage Hotels in Jaisalmer. Jawahar Niwas Palace offers royal accommodation amidst luxurious comfort in Jaisalmer.

Narayan Niwas Palace

Location :: 22 kms from Airport, 10 kms. from Railway Station.

Address:
Holiday Inn Jaipur, Plot No.1, Golimar Garden Scheme, Amer Road, Jaipur 302 002.

Rooms :: 70, Double: 58, Suites: 12.

Room Facilities :: Room Service, H/C Running Water, Telephone.

Other Facilities :: Business Centre, Executive Lounge, Banquet & Conference facilities, Swimming Pool, Shopping Arcade.

Details :: Narayan Niwas Palace, the only classified heritage hotel in the heart of the golden city Jaisalmer, stands tall as the "Flagship" of the hospitality industry. This nineteenth century ancestral property was restored and converted into a hotel in 1982. It's golden sandstone structures and intricate carvings are a tribute to the talent of the master craftsmen of the bygone era.

Hotel Himmatgarh Palace

Location :: 22 kms from Airport, 10 kms. from Railway Station.

Address:
Holiday Inn Jaipur, Plot No.1, Golimar Garden Scheme, Amer Road, Jaipur 302 002.

Rooms :: 70, Double: 58, Suites: 12.

Room Facilities :: Room Service, H/C Running Water, Telephone.

Other Facilities :: Business Centre, Executive Lounge, Banquet & Conference facilities, Swimming Pool, Shopping Arcade.

Details :: Aesthetically restored and perfectly poised for the Golden City of Jaisalamer, the Hotel Himmatgarh Palace is a refined and pleasant entry to the privileged band of heritage hotels in Rajasthan.

Hotel Heritage Inn

Location :: 22 kms from Airport, 10 kms. from Railway Station.

Address:
Holiday Inn Jaipur, Plot No.1, Golimar Garden Scheme, Amer Road, Jaipur 302 002.

Rooms :: 70, Double: 58, Suites: 12.

Room Facilities :: Room Service, H/C Running Water, Telephone.

Other Facilities :: Business Centre, Executive Lounge, Banquet & Conference facilities, Swimming Pool, Shopping Arcade.

Details :: Hotel Heritage Inn Jaisalmer is a fine hotel, which offers guests all the modern facilities. The hotel is located in the Golden City of Jaisalmer and is about two kilometres from the airport and two kilometres from the railway station. The hotel offers personalized service to its guests.