Jaisalmer - the city of towers

Jaisalmer Travel Packages

Famous for its numerous sandstone havelis erected by wealthy merchants reminiscent of its thriving trading past. But none can compete against the majestic Jaisalmer Fort rising atop Trikuta hill shimmering in beauty with the setting sun. Jaisalmer is a fairytale. The surrounding desolateness of the Thar completes the picture, while the warmth and hospitality of the people is heart warming. If you have plans to stumble into Jaisalmer, time your visit with the local festivals, especially the Camel Fair, held in winter where apart from the intoxicating chaos of the festivities one can see rare competitions such as camel dances and camel races.

The city is delightfully punctuated by historical monuments built on a mix of ancient and medieval era architecture. The best way to discover these gems is by walking. Begin with Jaisalmer Fort raised in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Jaisal. This living Fort shelters a quarter of the city's population. It is alive and bustling with people, shops, hotels, age-old havelis, etc. Locally called Sonar Quila, the Fort is fed by a rainwater lake called Gadi Sagar, where a number of migratory birds flock during the winter. The Raj Mahal (Royal palace), the seven beautifully curved Jain temples and Laxminath are striking in beauty. Out of all the havelis, make it a point to see the Patwon-ki-Haveli, the largest and the most elaborate; the Salam Singh-ki-Haveli with an embellished arched roof and the assortment of ornamentations at Nathmalji-ki-Haveli.

To experience desert life, a camel safari in the nearby Sam Sand Dunes is a must. It is best to stay overnight to watch the setting sun and enjoy the unique experience of sleeping in a camp right at the desert and being entertained by local folk dancers. Take this rare opportunity to learn of desert vegetation by visiting the Desert National Park. Within this park the natural ecosystem of the desert have been left to bloom so there are cactus, thorny trees, and shrubs everywhere. Few animal species like the monitor lizard, desert foxes, porcupines and black bucks, make their home here.

To learn of the local culture, a visit to the Culture Center and Museum is all you need. Here numerous old coins, different kinds of textile, traditional Rajasthani instruments, and some fossils excavated from the desert are on display.

If you need a break from sand to greenery, the Baba Bagh is just close by. This is an oasis at the bank of a man-made dam covered with greenery all around. And those that have made it to Jaisalmer find a good bargain at the famous marketplace Manakchowk.

Area : 5.1 sq km, Altitude : 225 meters, Rainfall : 15 cms Best seasons : october-february Clothing : summer light tropical Winter : light woolen, Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani