Where is Jaisalmer?
The city of Jaisalmer is located in the state of Rajasthan in northwestern
India. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer forms the Desert
trio together with Jodhpur and Bikaner.
What is the city famous for?
Jaisalmer's medieval mud fortress, walled township and the enchanting Camel
Safaris make it a popular tourist destination.
How will you gain access?
The Indian Airlines operate flights between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer has good links with the nearby towns and cities. Palace On Wheels
could be one's best option. The train is the most luxurious way of reaching
Jaisalmer.
What does the climate say?
The city of Jaisalmer has a typical desert type of climate. Summers are hot
with a mean maximum temperature of 41.6 degrees centigrade. During the
winters the temperature goes down to a mean minimum of 7.9 degrees. The city
receives scanty rainfall (15 cm).
What magnetises people?
» Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort is the key attraction of the city of Jaisalmer. The fort,
wearing a golden hue, soars up to a height of 80 metres. It has a chain of
narrow lanes lined with exquisite Havelis, three splendid Jain temples and
five interconnected palaces. Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol
are the four entrances to the massive fort.
» Nathmalji Ki Haveli
The Nathmalji Ki Haveli was erected in the late 19th century. The Haveli
showcases intricate architecture and elaborate craftsmanship. The interior
walls are decorated with wonderful miniature paintings.
» Patwon Ki Haveli
The five-storey Patwon Ki Haveli is the most splendid and the most
elaborate of the Havelis in Jaisalmer. One can observe the wonderfully
carved pillars, large corridors and chambers. The Haveli also bears some
fabulous murals in one of its apartments.
» Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Salim
Singh Ki Haveli, built in yellow stone, is 300 years old. The beautiful blue
cupola roof and the peacock-brackets are truly worth watching. The top
storey bears an elaborate projecting balcony. The intricate carvings are
considered to be among the best.
Which are the nearby hotels?
The city of Jaisalmer provides a fair bunch of fabulous hotels ranging from
Star-rated to Heritage to Government hotels. Fort Rajwada ( 4 km from
Jaisalmer Airport) is a 4-star providing with all the basic amenities. Hotel
Heritage Inn, a 3-star, is 2 km from the Jaisalmer Airport. Narayan Niwas
Palace (4 km from Jaisalmer Airport) is a Heritage hotel. Deoki Niwas Palace
(2 km from Jaisalmer Airport) is a Government approved hotel.
Where should you shop?
Jaisalmer is very famous for jewellery, embroidery, mirror work,
traditional rugs and shawls. Manak Chowk or Ruby Square is the main market
in the city. The alfresco shops dot the area selling things like clothes,
bedspreads, toys, Ghouta(bright yellow candy balls), silver ornaments etc.
The Sadar Bazar, Pansari Bazar, Gandhi Darshan and the Khadi Gramudyog
Emporium are the other popular shopping spots.
