Places To Be Visit- Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is the western part of Rajasthan. It is popularly known as a Golden city due to the surrounding Thar Desert, oldest forts, temples etc. Jaisalmer is a unique place with different variations like forts, temples, lakes, and desert etc. The main attraction of Jaisalmer is the Thar Desert. When you visit Jaisalmer never forget to go for a camel safari in the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site due to a number of forts and old monuments.
1. Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer fort is the second largest fort in Rajasthan, located on Trikuta Hill(त्रिकूट पहाड़ी ). This fort was built by Rajput Ruler Rao Jaisal in the year 1156. This fort is the center of attraction to Jaisalmer tourism with its unique architectural style and glory. Many battles were taken place here and Muslim rulers also ruled here. This Fort was known as “Golden Fort” or “Sonar Quila” (सोनार का किला ) locally because of its golden aura during sunset.
Tourist attractions in this fort are Laxminath Shrine, Raj Mahal Jain temples, Merchant Havelis and the gateways of the fort are major attractions. The walls of this fort were constructed with a height of 250 feet tall made of sandstone. These are the major attractions of Jaisalmer Fort.
Tourist Information
In the months of October to March, this place will be pleasant to tourists.
Timings: Every day from 6 AM to 5 PM. The time required to cover this fort is 2 to 3 hours.
Three Popular Havelis
There are three famous Havelis in Jaisalmer which are popular for architectural style. They are Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Nathmal-Ki-Haveli, and Salim Singh Ki Haveli.
2. Patwon-Ki-Haveli
Patwon-Ki-Haveli is the famous tourist spot in Jaisalmer. This Patwon-Ki-Haveli was a constitute of five different Havelis. This Haveli is the most significant place for architectural style and wonderful designs. This Haveli is famous for arts, paintings, artifacts, and crafts of the bygone era. The famous attraction in this Haveli is the Kothari’s Patwa Haveli this one is famous for jewelry and brocades trader. For this reason, Patwon-Ki-Haveli is also known as “Mansion of Brocade Merchants.”
This five complex Haveli is mostly famous for its architectural style with attractive carvings, miniature designs, mirror works etc. This Haveli will be the best place to experience the architectural style in olden days.
Tourist Information
The best time to visit this Haveli is from September to February.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM every day and time required to cover this Haveli is 1 to 2 hours.
3. Nathmal-Ki-Haveli
This Haveli is also famous in Jaisalmer city. This Haveli was once the residence of prime minister’s of Jaisalmer. The prime minister of that time ordered two brothers Hathi and Lulu to build a Haveli. The left and right wings of this Haveli was constructed by two brothers who look similar. But if we observe they are not identical. This Haveli is famous for its marvellous exterior designing and dripping with carvings.
The main attraction of this Haveli is the beautiful paintings using nearly 1.5kg of gold leaf in the first floor of Haveli. Because these two brothers were the Muslim jewelers that are they beautifully carved these paintings. Famous attractions of this Haveli are the pictures of horses, cattle, and flora on the pillars and the walls. The surprising thing here is the pictures of cars and fans were engraved on walls without seeing them by the two brothers. These are the interesting and famous attractions of the Nathmal-Ki-Haveli.
Tourist Information
There will be no entry fee for this Haveli and this one opens from 8 AM to 7 PM every day. The time required to cover this Haveli is nearly 1 to 2 hours.
4. Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Salim Singh Ki Haveli is the oldest monument in Jaisalmer which is 300 years old. This Haveli was built by Salim Singh, the prime minister of Jaisalmer in that time. This Haveli is an identical one for its architectural style in Jaisalmer. The Haveli’s roof was beautifully built in the form of dancing Peacock’s posture. That’s why this Haveli is famous for its unique architectural style.
This Haveli consists nearly 35 balconies around with beautiful architectural style. Tourist mainly visits this Haveli to explore the history, architectural style, seeking experience etc. The major attraction of this Haveli is the gateway flanked by a pair of tusks. These tusks are completely made of sandstone and the shape, carving style make you feel that they are real.
Tourist Information
Guides will available here. When you visit this Haveli it is must to hire a guide. Because there are many secrets in this Haveli so the guide will explain you. The best time to visit this place is in the months of October to March. During this time weather will be pleasant and comfortable to explore.
Entry Fee: 10Rs for Indians and 15Rs for Foreigners.
Timings: From 6 AM to 5 PM and time required to cover this one is 1 to 2 hours.
These are the three famous Havelis in Jaisalmer to visit. These Havelis are the symbols of an iconic architectural style of olden times. The architectural style of these Havelis attracts the tourists.
5. Bada Bagh
As we know Jaisalmer is a desert city in Rajasthan. To create a greener place in Jaisalmer this Bada Bagh was created. Bada Bagh means a beautiful garden which is 6kms away from the Jaisalmer city. This place was residence to royal tombs to rest in peace. The main attraction of this place is the dam, cenotaphs of the royal families.
The major attraction of this Bada Bagh is the artificial dam built to irrigate the trees here and it was a water source for the city also. Govardhan Stambh was also a watchable monument here which welcomes you at the entrance of the park. This pillar was an ideal for celebrating the construction of the artificial dam.
This place was ideal for royal tombs or cenotaphs. These royal tombs were constructed in ancient Hindu architecture. Each cenotaph was dedicated to the rulers of Bhatti. Many tourists visit this place to see this royal tombs and beautiful garden with mango trees lining. This place will be so peaceful and pleasant.
Tourist Information
There was an availability of guides to explain the history of tombs. But the fee for the guide will be nearly 100Rs. The best time to visit this place is in between October and March. During this time environment will be pleasant and peaceful to enjoy.
Timings: From 8 AM to 6 PM every day. The time required to cover this place will be 1 to 2 hours.
6. Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar Lake was an artificial lake built by the Maharaja Maharwal Gadsi Singh. This lake was used as a conversation tank for rain harvesting during the olden days. This lake was the major source of water to the entire city. This lake was also one of the famous tourist spots in Jaisalmer.
Many attractions of this Gadsisar Lake attract a large number of tourists from all corners of the world. This place will be the best to remain in the pleasant and peaceful environment. This lake was situated on the outskirts of Jaisalmer.
This lake is famous for seasonal birds. A lot number of birds reach this lake by monsoon season. This place will be mostly liked by photographers and birdwatchers. Tourists can go for a boat ride on this lake to explore the beauty of the lake. Tourists mainly attract to this lake due to the pleasant environment, gardens, carved cenotaphs etc.
When you visit this lake go around it then you will enjoy the beauty of the Gadsisar Lake. It was the best relaxing tourist spot in Jaisalmer.
Tourist Information
The best time to visit this lake is in between October and March. Because during this time all seasonal birds will come to this place. Better to carry Binoculars and a DSLR to catch the beauty of the lake.
Timings: From 8 AM to 8 PM every day. The time required to cover is 1 to 2 hours.
7. Sam Sand Dunes
As we know Jaisalmer is a desert city in Rajasthan by surrounding Thar desert. When you visit Jaisalmer it is very important to visit Sam Sand Dunes. Here, you can see the sand dunes nearly at a height of 30 to 60 meters. Sam Sand Dunes is the largest sand dunes site in India. Sam Sand Dunes located at 45kms away from the west of Jaisalmer city.
This desert area is famous for safaris. Here mostly tourist visit to enjoy different safaris by jeeps or camels. Many cultural activities will be carried out desert camps in Sam Sand Dunes. All desert camps are arranged in a radius of 2 to 3kms to the Sam Sand Dunes. Famous desert camps to stay here are Rajputana Desert Camp, K Resort and camp, and the Dangri Desert camp.
The best time to enjoy the environment of Sam Sand Dunes is during sunset at the time of 4 to 7 PM or at sunrise from 4 to 6 AM. You can spend the time here by enjoying the camel rides or jeep safaris. Adventurous activities can be participate here are camel safari, jeep safari, and paragliding.
Tourist Information
In this place camel ride owners will be the guides to explain. The best time to visit this place is in from February to March. Remaining time all the camps will be closed and safaris also not available.
8. The Thar Heritage Museum
This Thar Heritage Museum is a private museum arranged by LN Khatri. He was a student of history and folklorist he collected all the things in his life and then this museum was arranged. This museum consists musical instruments, fossils, kitchen hardware, manuscripts, turbans, weapons etc. Collections of this museum speak about cultures and traditions of Rajasthani people.
Other attraction of this museum was the puppet show. Here evenings puppet shows will be performed on birth, marriage, demise etc. These puppet shows are famous and attract the tourists very much. And the snake and ladders game is also famous here. These are the collections and attractions of the Thar Heritage Museum.
Tourist Information
Museum’s owners will act as guides to explain about the collections in the museum. The best time to visit this museum is during the evening. Because evening environment is pleasant and popular puppet show will be performed.
Timings: From 9 AM to 8 PM every day. The time required to cover this museum is 2 to 3 hours.
