Jaisalmer attractions
Every old city has facts to declare, tales to impress, uniqueness to wonder and spirit to live. Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is one such city, which offers facts about the courageous rulers and citizens of the bygone era, tales of unequalled valor, unique in its beauty and undaunted spirit to keep us alive and kicking. The city is located deep inside in the famous Thar Desert. If your next tourist destination is Jaisalmer, ensure that you visit
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is famously known as Golden Fort of Rajasthan. It was constructed by Raja Jaisal, Rajput ruler in the year 1156 AD. It ranks amongst the largest forts in the world. The golden and yellow mixed sandstone offer magical look to the Fort. Rising from the desert sands like a mirage, the fort is a real sight with its 99 turrets during night. The Fort stands tall and proud displaying the magic of Rajasthani architecture.
Things to Do around Jaisalmer Fort
- Street shopping.
- Sampling cuisines in the many eateries.
Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh means ‘Huge Garden’. Maharawal Jait Singh’s period saw its construction, which was in the beginning of 16th century. His son Lunakaran completed the construction after the death of his father. The garden served as a memorial where the nobles and their families were cremated. The garden offers a stunning view. The place is isolated. If you visit the place during sunrise and sunset, you are guaranteed of beautiful moments, which you cannot avoid clicking.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli
Patwon-Ki-Haveli is located in the main city. It was built by a famous trader named Guman Chand and his sons. This massive five-storied construction has five intricately decorated huge suites. The large corridors and the decorated walls are excellent representations of the art form that prevailed. The entire construction is made of yellow sandstone. The grandeur and the architecture of the monument add immense value to the cultural heritage of the city. Out of the five havelis, one is converted into a museum. The third haveli houses the works of local craftsmen of the bygone era.
Sam Sand Dunes
To have a feel of the desert, you need to undertake Desert Safari. Sam Sand Dunes is the ideal location to set off for the Desert Safari. You will love the safari on camelback that would take you along crests and troughs and you could watch the picturesque sunset on the desert.Â
- Desert Camping & Desert Safari.
- Paragliding and other adventure sports.
- Camel rides.
- A visit to the nearby Desert National Park and Sanctuary.
The Thar Heritage Museum
Thar Heritage Museum is located at the main market of the city. Laxmi Narayan Khatri is the founder of this museum. The museum presents you the history, culture, art and architecture of the famous Thar Desert. Sea fossils aging over million years let us in on how the sea eventually became the Thar Desert. The museum houses unique ornaments of the ship of the desert and horses. Documents and coins of Jaisalmer, ancient manuscripts and weapons are some of the collections found in this museum.
Things to Do around
- Enjoy a puppet show (charges separate).
- Visit the nearby Silk Route Art Gallery.
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is located a kilometer away from the fort. It was constructed by the first ruler of the land, Raja Rawal Jaisal and later reconstructed by Maharawal Garsi in the year 1367 AD. The people of the desert city depended on this tank for their water needs. You will find temples, Holy shrines and Chattris around the banks of this lake. The artistically carved entrance made of yellow sandstone offers breathtaking view.
- Picnic.
- Boat riding.
- Visit the historic Tilon Ki Pol gate.
- Visit the Folklore Museum nearby.=
Nathmal-ki-Haveli
Nathmal Ki Haveli was built by two Muslim jeweller brothers not stone carvers on the order of the then prime minister. The brothers started working on the opposite sides of the building which lead to a similar but non identical left and right side. Apart from its extraordinary outer carvings, this haveli is known for its beautiful interiors filled with paintings and equipped with modern facilities. An amalgamation of Islamic and Rajputana architecture, Nathmal Ki Haveli is well justified as being one of the most beautiful haveli in Jaisalmer.
Jain Temples
Located inside Jaisalmer Fort, Jain temples are a series of temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and can be traced back to the 12th century. The temples are are known for their distinctive architectural style modelled after the Dilwara temple of Mt. Abu. Beautifully carved and well interconnected, these temples are a vision to behold and are completely made up of yellow sandstone.
- Visit the Gyan Bhandar library.
- Visit the Jaisalmer Fort.
Kuldhara Village
An abandoned ghost town, Kuldhara was once a prosperous town occupied by Paliwal Brahmins. The reasons for why a whole city was abandoned within a night is not clear but the popular belief holds the then state minister Salim Singh responsible for the same. The minister wanted to marry the village chief’s daughter and therefore delivered an ultimatum to the village chief to accept his demands or let the whole community face dire consequences. Rather than giving in to the minister’s demands, the whole village decided to move away. Before leaving, they cursed this place to never have any kind of human settlement and this has been proven true to this date. Visit Kuldhara to get a glimpse of the past and get spooked by its tales.
War Museum
The Jaisalmer War Museum was inaugurated in 2015 by Lieutenant General Ashok Singh, then the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command. The museum was set up to showcase the Indian Army’s bravery and sacrifices during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and the 1971 Indo-Pak War.Â
Salim Singh ki Haveli (Moti Mahal)
 The Salim Singh haveli is known for its architectural marvel and elegance. The haveli is almost 300 years old, however, the architecture is still enough to mesmerize the tourists. You will find the roof beautifully arched in the shape of a peacock. The haveli has 38 balconies designed with pale blue cupolas and each of the balconies have got their distinct shape. When you enter the Haveli, you will be welcomed by two elephants which are carved out of stones and the walls covered with countless imperial paintings.
TANOT
Jaisalmer, the gorgeous yellow city of Rajasthan, houses Tanot Mata Temple. This is one of India’s most revered Hindu pilgrimage destinations, located on the India-Pakistan border in the Thar Desert. The temple was built by the Bhati Rajput ruler of Jaisalmer, Maharawal Lonkawat, in the 12th century.
The temple is dedicated to Tanot Mata, who is considered to be a local incarnation of the Goddess Durga. The Tanot Mata Temple is a popular tourist destination in India and attracts pilgrims from all over the country.
The temple has become a symbol of Indian nationalism due to its strategic location on the border. The temple has never been attacked despite multiple wars between India and Pakistan. You will be amazed to learn that the Archaeological Survey of India has designated the temple as a protected monument.
Architecture of Tanot Mata Temple
The temple’s architecture is stunning and is a perfect example of the skillful craftsmanship of the local artisans. It is a two-storeyed building with a central dome as its crown. Colourful paintings and intricate carvings decorate the walls of the temple. There is a large courtyard where devotees can offer their prayers around the temple. Â
History of Tanot Mata Temple
According to the legend, the temple inhibits supernatural power, making it a saviour for its followers.
A major event associated with this temple was the Longewala War of 1965. During this war, the Pakistani Army dropped around 3000 bombs on the temple, but not one exploded.
Upon learning of the power of the temple that apparently protected the area, the Pakistani General inquired about the incident and asked to see it after the war. The order was granted, and the Pakistani General paid his respects at the temple, acknowledging the supernatural event. As a result of the war, the temple management was handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) of India
longewala
The enchanting city of Jaisalmer beckons travellers with its mesmerising golden dunes and magnificent desert forts. As you step into the beautiful city of Jaisalmer, you are transported to a bygone era, where the echoes of the Rajputana rulers and tales of bravery resonate through the narrow lanes and sandstone structures.
Amidst the rich tapestry of this historic city, the Longewala War Memorial stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces. This iconic memorial holds a significant place in the history of India, reminding visitors of the bravery exhibited during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
MANDIR PALACE
The Mandir Palace is well known for its architectural style which is Indo- Saracen. This particular style is a blend of the Rajput and Islamic architectural forms which were carried down by the artist from Afghanistan. The Mandir Palace also has some excellent stone carvings which are showcased in their ornate balconies, carved stone screens and canopies. The exquisite carvings are proof of the excellent local craftsmanship in their finest and purest form. Another interesting feature of the The Mandir Palace is its tower called The Badal Vilas, which is the tallest tower below the Golden City Fort. The tower provides an excellent view of the city and one must take the time to visit the tower.
Get An Unforgettable Experience in Jaisalmer
Book Your Stay Now
- +91-6375099232
Hotel / Jaisalmer Tour Booking Form
