Jaisalmer, present in the state of Rajasthan, is situated 580 kilometers from the capital of the city, Jaipur. Located at the core of the enormous Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is a mesmerizing place with its Jain temples symbolizing beauty and intricate craftsmanship. The golden hue of the place with its architectural beauty is a must visit for any traveller wishing to open up their mind to the vastness of the sandy region. Let’s look into some of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer and the timings to visit them.
Months | Conditions | Our Recommendation |
November to March | Winters are the most perfect time to visit, all the sightseeing and tourist activities including camel rides and desert safaris are most enjoyed during this part of the year. | Popular Tourist Season |
September to October | Jaisalmer doesn’t receive much rainfall. There’s a drop-in temperature and climate becomes a little humid. October is the time by when tourist season starts. | Ideal Time
|
April to August | Summers are hot and harsh, which makes it an off season but if you plan to visit Jaisalmer, you will surely get good deals and discounts. | Off Season |
April to August
The summers in Jaisalmer are really hot. The scorching sun beating down on the desert makes outdoor sightseeing a little harder to endure. The Folklore Museum, Jaisalmer War Museum and the Thar Heritage Museum are some museums which can be visited and provide great insight into the cultural heritage of the city.
September to October
The monsoon is a light affair in Jaisalmer. This cooler period is when visitors start pouring into the city and the actual tourism around the region starts opening up. Temperatures can average around 30 degrees with the coolness increasing as the months near the ending of the year.
November to March
The winter is the best time to visit the city, where the temperatures average 20 degrees during the day. This makes the city ideal to roam around and explore. Most outdoor activities like safaris, camping and camel rides become prevalent all over the region. The nights experience more temperature drop leading to a cooler atmosphere.
How to Reach
By air, Jaisalmer is accessible only by the nearest domestic airport in Jodhpur, which is well connected to cities like Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai but present at a distance of 290 kilometers away. The Jaisalmer railway station has a good network and can be reached from cities like Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Delhi etc. Located on NH 15, Jaisalmer can easily be reached by road on buses or four wheelers.
Places to Visit
- Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort, known as ‘The Pride of Jaisalmer’, is the prime tourist attraction in the region. Built by Rawal Jaisal on the Trikuta Hill, the fort emanates the essence of Rajput architecture and is a World Heritage Site. The ingenious design of the fort with its four entrances and majestic stature can blow anyone’s mind away.
- Gadsisar Lake
Built by Maharwal Gadsi, this artificial lake with its calm aura is situated near the Gate of Tillon. A number of birds gather here from the nearby Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, providing a feast to the eye, especially for bird-watchers. The temples which dot the area nearby also add to the serene atmosphere.
- Patwon Ki Haveli
This haveli is a group of five havelis, which were the first to be constructed in Jaisalmer. Located on a narrow street, the paintings and work of art in this haveli are a mesmerizing sight. Built out of yellow sandstone, the gateways and archways are also eye catching.
- Chandraprabhu Jain Temple
Constructed within the Jaisalmer Fort, this imposing piece of architecture was dedicated to the Jain prophet Chandraprabhu. The dazzling murals, carvings and facades make this temple a captivating place to spend time in.
- Amar Sagar Lake
This lake is situated alongside the Amar Sagar Palace and is a serene place to spend the evenings in. The animal carvings in stone, and the riveting ambience of the lake make it a good place to unwind and experience the sunset.
- Desert Cultural Centre and Museum
This is the place which represents the true soul of the region. On display is a collection of many coins, jewellery, scriptures, utensils, handicrafts etc. Local folk dance will also be showcased for the benefit of visitors in here. To get a deeper understanding of the heritage of Jaisalmer, the museum is a must visit.
Aptly called ‘The Golden City’, Jaisalmer is a stupendous city in full glory which has to be experienced for its soul-touching sublimity and rich grandeur.