Jaisalmer is also called the "golden city" because of the yellow-colored sandstone from
which most buildings are built. The fortress dominates centrally, which towers above the
lower houses like a medieval city. It is reminiscent of an Indian version of Carcassonne.
The name Jaisalmer literally means "the hill of Jaisal", a reference to Maharawal Jaisal Singh,
the Rajput king who founded the city in the 12th century AD along the caravan route between
East and West. It is a very nice place to explore, wandering through the maze of streets and
past the many restaurants and shops. There is an almost medieval atmosphere and it seems
as if you have ended up in a story from One Thousand and One Nights.
Click here to get taxi service in jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort is the undisputed eye-catcher of the city. It is actually an urban district in
itself. It is an ancient residence of the Maharaja and his household. Furthermore, people of
the first (Brahman - priests and scholars) and second (Rajput - warriors and kings) also lived
there. In the past, 5,000 people lived within the walls of the fortified fort. Today there are still
4,000 and the caste system plays less strongly here.
The fort towers 76 meters above the city and is surrounded by its own 17th century
fortification wall of about 9 km long with 99 bastions. In the meantime, 3 bastions have
collapsed due to water erosion, which are being restored and the other bastions are being
reinforced further. In the fort you will find several impressive Jain temples in addition to
various palaces.
Sunset Point
Sunset Point is a popular point for tourists because it offers a beautiful panorama of the city
and the fort at sunset . Another special feature of this place is that it is a cremation place for
Hindus. Cremation is a common tradition for Hindu funerals because it is the fastest way to
reincarnation according to their beliefs. You will also see many small mausoleums that have
something magical in the evening.
A funeral at Hindus lasts a total of 12 days. During the cremation, the deceased is wrapped in
cloth and placed on 4 layers of branches, usually of sandalwood. Then the body is covered
with a fifth layer of wood. The layers of wood symbolize the natural elements (wind, water,
earth, fire and air). The cremation ritual lasts about 3 hours. The family remains until the
deceased is completely burned out. The ashes are then scattered in the Ganges.
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake or Gadi Sagar is perhaps one of the most idyllic places in the entire Rajasthan
region. It is an artificial lake that used to serve as a water basin. The charm is formed by the
small pavilions that stand on the water. There, the former Maharajahs went in search of
cooling during the hottest days.
Also notable is the 14th century entrance gate, Tilon Ki Pol, on which a temple is built on top.
That would have been done to prevent people from breaking down the gate. It is said to have
been built by a courtesan or mistress of the monarch. Therefore, it was said that people who
walked to the lake through the gate "through her legs". The scandal raised fears that the gate
would be destroyed.
The lake is magical at sunset. So try to pass here in the evening if you can.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli
India is known for the havelis or homes of former noblemen and wealthy citizens. Also in
Jaisalmer you will find some beautiful specimens, of which the Nathmalji ki Haveli is one of
the most striking. The house was built in 1885 by two brothers. They also had their own say
in the structure and the decorations applied.
Today, the haveli is still inhabited by the family's descendants. They show tourists around and
there is also a souvenir shop.
Patwon-ki-haveli
Another well-restored haveli is the Patwon ki Haveli, which dates from 1805. Actually, this is a
group of 5 havelis that were built for 5 brothers. One of the havelis now houses a museum
and shop, but the other havelis can also be visited. In the 5th haveli there is a gallery with
work by local artists.
From the roof terrace you have a beautiful view of the city and surroundings.
Spend the night in the desert of Sam Sand Dunes
The sand dunes of Sam are a very famous tourist attraction. Every day you see dromedaries
and people waiting for the sunset. Here you have an excellent opportunity if you have always
wanted to sit on a dromedary. You can also dredge on foot through the soft desert sand or do
a jeep safari in jaisalmer.
There are also many (luxury) tents where you could spend the night if you have always
wanted to sleep in the desert. Do expect it to get very cold at night, unlike the heat during the
day. Interested in a safari on a camel or dromedary? Several tours are available in the
Sam area.
Jaisalmer Desert Festival
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an annual event that takes place in the Hindu month of Magh
(February) and three days prior to the full moon. The festival is celebrated amidst the
beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert in Sam. The festivities of this festival bring the desert to
life.
The pageant starts with a morning procession from Jaisalmer Fort to Shahid Poonam Singh
Stadium. The locals then costume in regular costumes .They sing and dance with
choreographies around the tragedies and achievements of the desert. The Gair and the
fire dance are the main highlights of the festival. The Kalabaz or the Nat's are also popular:
a group of nomads who perform gymnastic activities. The Langhas and Manganiars of the
Bhopa play gripping folk music and ballads.
Attend unique sports events such as camel polo and camel race
You can also attend unique sports competitions such as camel polo and camel racing. There
are stunts on the back of camels and choreographies with camels. Other competitions
include tug of war, turban tying and the longest mustache competition. The grand finale of
the festival is the Rajasthani folk concert following an air force show, cricket match and
skydiving.
The festival ends on Poornima (day of the full moon) in the dunes of Sam with the fort
"Sonar Qila" Jaisalmer in the background in a fairytale atmosphere.
Khuldara
On the road between the sand dunes of Sam and the Thar desert you will find Khuldara .
About 400 years ago, this village was completely abandoned overnight. Legend has it that
Salim Sing, then Prime Minister, had his eye on a girl from the village. However, the village
did not want to give the beautiful girl to the minister. When the latter insisted, the people
decided to leave the village overnight, never to return. Nobody knows where they left.
The village mainly consists of ruins, but the government does make efforts for tourist
development here, as a result of which the houses and the temple are increasingly rebuilt.
It is best to visit Khuldara with a local guide, who can tell you more about the village.
Movie: The most beautiful sights in Jaisalmer
Curious about what Jaisalmer and its special sights look like? In this video you will join a
short tour through Jaisalmer. If you want to admire this special city in real life, you will of
course have to travel to Jaisalmer yourself!
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