21 Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
Legends has it that Lord Krishna had once prophesied that a descendant of his clan Yadav’s- would raise the capital of his kingdom here.
In 1556 AD Rawal Jaisal, a Yadav as well as a Rajput of Bhatti origin-shifted his capital here from Lodurva.
In the ten centuries gone by, Jaisalmer has emerged as an unparallel habitat of ‘havelis’-each filigreed and exquisitely carved. The city is a dream turned true.
Tourist Places to Visit in Jaisalmer : –
Citadel
The stellar attraction standing on a hill to the south overlooking the town was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal as a fortification an the Trikuta Hill. It is a triple-top hill and is 76 metres high. One fourth of the local inhabitants live on or around the hill. The base of the fort is circled by a wall of solid stone blocks above which the hill projects and supports the ramparts forming a double line of defence. The bastions are in the form of half towers surrounded by high turrets and joined by thick walls. A visit ensures a glimpse of a wall built around the rugged contours of the hill. Within the Citadel, there are carved palaces -havelis’ and balconies. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Jain Temple
Situated within the Citadel are a string of ancient temples dedicated to Rikhabdeoji and 12 to 15 centuries and the inspiration for carving has come from Indian mythology.
Nathmalji Ki Haveli
Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly enough, while one concentrated on the right side; the other on the left; the result is a symphony epitomising the side-by-side symmetry during construction. Painting in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the Haveli. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Patwon Ki Haveli
Of all the Haveli in Jaisalmer,it take the cake for sheer magnanimity in size, shape and style. Inhabitant testify that till date, it has been the most photographed ‘haveli’ in whole of Rajasthan. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
As the name signifies, it was built by Salim singh, one of the prime minister of the princely state of Jaisalmer. Being from the nobility, he had all the facilities to build a ‘Haveli’-only a rung lower in decor from the royal house. The architecture alone is exemplary and exquisite. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Jaisalmer.
MUSEUM & ART GALLERIES
Gyan Bhandar
Situated in the centre of the city, it was originally established as an adjunct to the famous Jain temples. But over the years it has accumulated a wealth of historical treasures. Some of the oldest manuscript in the country are preserved here.
Haveli Museum
Several owners of private Havelis are the Department of archeology have taken over the task of preserving the work, murals, wall paintings and at treasures in most of the noted havelis.Of special significance are the painted murals in ‘Patwari Ki Haveli’ and its specially polished pillars supporting a 5-storeyed high ceiling. ‘Salim Singh Ki Haveli’ has an arched blue roof and a surfeit of peacock shaped brackets. ‘Nathmalji Ki Haveli’ is noted for its centuries old yellow sandstone elephants. Top in the list of tourist places to visit in Jaisalmer.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Hindu
Astapadi Ka Mandir
Surya Mandir
Durga Mandir
Ganesh Temple
Rikhadeoji Temple
Sambhavnathji Temple
Major tourist places to visit near Jaisalmer :
Barmer
153 km. It is a vestibule of Rajasthani culture and tradition. Barmer is a shopper’s paradise. Besides embroidery work and block printing of textiles, the city is famous for wood carvings of import quality. Allow one day.
Lodhurva
17 km. It is the ancient capital of Jaisalmer in the western direction.The golden era through which it has been is evident by an ornamental gateway ‘Toran’ leading to the city proper. A divine tree ‘Kalpa Taru’ is worth a visit.Also the ancient Jain temples.
The place has tales galore of the folk lovers Moomal Mahendra.
Sam Sand Dunes
42 km. The sand dunes are a photographer’s delight and are a popular locale for feature films. The sand shimmer under the glow of hot sun highlighting what actually a desert stands for. The dunes are spread over a vast area and camel safaris are conducted here. Top in the list of tourist places to visit near Jaisalmer.
Wood Fossil Park
17 km. The fossils here dated back to 180 million years offering a watershed in geological studies of the Thar Desert and its bygone civilization. Top in the list of tourist places to visit near Jaisalmer.
Desert National Park
40 km. The desert national park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar desert and its rich faune.The Sudashri forest post is the most ideal place for observing wildlife in the 3.025 sq. km. of the desert National Park.
Sand National Park which consists of craggy rocks, pavement and compact salt lake bottoms, inter-medial areas and fixed dunes. Its inhabitants include the blackbuck and chinkara, wolf, desert fox, hare and desert cat. Blackbuck is another common antelope found in this region which is also inhabited by the Indian fox and the desert fox.
Fights of sand grouse start coming to waterholes from sunrise onwards. One can also hear the morning call of the gray partridge. Blur tailed and green bee eaters, drongos, common and bush quail and Indian rollers are other birds which are commonly found around waterjoles. Birda of prey commonly seen include the tawny eagle, stepee eagle, lagger falcon, honey buzzard, long legged buzzard and kestrel. But the most outstanding of all id the great Indian bustard. This tall ,heavy bird, once thought extinct can be seen walking with confidence and grace in the desert.
The park is also rich in reptiles. Spiny tail lizard, monitor lizard and saw scaled viper are found in large number. Top in the list of tourist places to visit near Jaisalmer.
Best season: September to March
Camel Safaris
Camel safaris has become an integral part of a tourist’s itinerary at Jaisalmer and indeed there is rarely a tourist to Jaisalmer who does not attempt an outing on camel back.
Swaying gently on the yielding sands ‘the ship of the desert’ virtually duplicates the motion of a liner at sea. Also, there is no better way to experience the romance and adventures of a desert than on camel-back.
As the sun approaches the zenith and the reddish-yellow sands shimmer in the midday heat mirages appear teasing the traveller for a game of ‘touch me’. Large lake of cool refreshing water fringed with tall palms swinging in the breeze, fairy tale palaces of white marble with dainty damsels frolicking on the terrace beckon the weary, coaxing one to deviate from one’s route and sample the enjoyments that just yonder.
And when sun’s journey is done the gentle moon crests the dunes spreading on the world its milky light. Parched throats are appeased by a cool drink and cakes of sand are washed. Then suddenly from somewhere amongst the rolling sands the notes of flute or a’ been’ float through the air. The torrid heat of the day gives way to chilly wind of the night and one snuggles closer to the warmth of the ambers of the camp fire. As sleep descends into the eyes the haunting ‘hoo hua’ of a jackal calling his mate intrydes. But the weary senses succumb to the caress of ‘mother-sleep’. The dawn brings new vigour and one faces the day with renewed enthusiasm.
Camel safaris also provide a closer glimpse of the life of desert settlements and its inhabitants. The daily chores ,trudge for water and fire wood, herds of sheep on thorny brush, mud houses sheltered behind thorn enclosures, and much more ,is almost impossible to experience otherwise.
Jaisalmer offers various options for safari enthusiasts ranging from a day long introductory excursion to long distance journeys taking a week or more. Comforts and costs also come in a wide range to suit different pockets and tastes, anything from the very basic with simple vegetarian meals and nights under the stars to elaborate arrangements proper even for royalty. Top in the list of tourist places to visit near Jaisalmer.
A sample of routes:–
1) Jaisalmer- Bada Bagh- Ramkunda- Lodarva- Moolsagar- Amarsagar- Jaisalmer
2) Jaisalmer- Gajroopsagar- Bada Bagh- Ramkunda- Roopsi- Lodarva- Chatrail- KalaChundi- Amarsagar- Jaisalmer
3) Jaisalmer- Kuldhra- Jajiya- Dedha- Khabha- Sam- Masoordi- Moolsagar- Jaisalmer
4) Jaisalmer- Gajroopsagar- Bada Bagh- Ramkunda- Roopsi- Lodarva- Chatrail- Salkha- Kanol- Sam- Damodara- Masurdi- Kuldhara- Bhilon Ki Dhani- Moolsagar- Jaisalmer
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