Tourism in Jaisalmer
If geology interests you, then Jaisalmer is where you need to journey. The Wood Fossil Park or Aakal is located about 15 kilometres away from the city. Here, one can discover and trace geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago. The city of Jaisalmer also acts as the guard to western Rajasthan (and India’s) frontier. This 'Golden City’ is located close to the Pakistan border and in close proximity to the Thar Desert. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live.Jaisalmer traces its inception to the 12th century. History tells us of Rawal Jaisal, the eldest heir of the Rawal of Deoraj, was passed over for the throne of Lodurva and a younger half-brother was crowned king. Rawal Jaisal went looking for a new location to set up his capital when he came across sage Eesul. The sage told him about Krishna’s prophecy which said that a descendant of his Yaduvanshi clan would found a new kingdom at this same spot. It was in 1156 that Rawal Jaisal constructed a mud fort, named it Jaisalmer after himself and declared it his capital.
History of Jaisalmer
The History of Jaisalmer has a charm of its own. Like all other cities of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer too has its own glorious past to boast about. History of Jaisalmer draws heavily from the history of the Rajputana. The city is said to be founded by one Raja Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput ruler, in approximately 1156 A D. Legends go by that he did it on the behest of a local hermit named Eesaal. The raja choose Trikut hill as the new site for his fort. This was because he thought that his previous abode at Luderwa (16 km from present Jaisalmer) was vulnerable towards possible enemy assault.In medieval times, Jaisalmer continued to be on the focus of the masses because of its location. It falls in the way of one of the two routes, which connected India from Persia, Egypt, Africa and the west. The Bhatti Rajput rulers were still in line. They were the sole guardian of the city and thus mustered enough wealth through taxes levied on the passing caravans, of which there was no scarcity.
Best Time to Visit in Jaisalmer
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from November to March when winter comes to the desert city offering a pleasing weather. This time the temperature remains between 5 degrees and 24 degrees centigrade. This is the best time to enjoy all the activities as pleasing weather will accompany you.
How to Reach in Jaisalmer
Despite being one of the cities synonymous with Rajasthan tourism, Jaisalmer is geographically further away from the other cities that tourists usually visit. However, due to its prominence in the region, it is well connected to the rest of the state. Wondering how to reach Jaisalmer from Delhi by train? There are three direct trains from Delhi to Jaisalmer: Ranikhet Express, Howrah-Jaisalmer SF Express, and Ramnagar-Jaisalmer Express. For those wondering how to reach Jaisalmer from Jodhpur or how to reach Jaisalmer from Jaipur should know that options for travelers include train, car, and bus. To reach Jaisalmer from Delhi by road, one has to cover of almost 800 kilometers. Read the following information to find out exactly how to reach Jaisalmer.
Shopping in Jaisalmer
Unlike shopping malls, high-end boutiques, and designer labels that we find in metropolitan cities, shopping in Jaisalmer offers a completely unique experience to all the travelers alike. Taking you through the rustic charm of the Golden city, these famous five street markets in Jaisalmer enable the shopaholics to relish the essence of the ancient Rajasthani culture, for which travelers from all across the world flock to this colorful paradise.
Best Things To Do in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
One of the first things to do in Jaisalmer is visiting the Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike many forts in India, which cost up to 800 rupees ($12-14) to enter, the Jaisalmer Fort is free to enter. This is because it is just like any other neighborhood, except inside an epic, historic fort. Therefore there is no closing or opening time, no guards and a relaxed atmosphere inside.Normally a fort is teeming with tourists, guards, tickets and red tape but this feels much more like a community. We explored the entire fort looking inside the rustic gem shops, and the admiring the beautifully woven textiles and rugs. Shopping didn’t seem like one of the most popular things to do in Jaisalmer but crafts and textiles are for sale throughout India and they were beautifully made in Jaisalmer.You won’t find it hard to end up at a cafe or restaurant on the edge of the fort with an epic view for dinner or sunset drinks. We tried a couple and didn’t find any amazing food but we were more interested in watching the sun come down over the ‘Golden City’.