JAISALMER

Built by the Rajput Ruler Raja Jaisal, Jaisalmer Fort is called the Golden Fort of Rajasthan and is one of the largest forts in the world. The mix of golden and yellow sandstone gives the fort a magical look that displays the Rajasthani architecture. To your surprise, this magnificent beauty of Jaisalmer rise from the desert sands like a mirage and looks absolutely stunning with its 99 turrets during the night. The fort remains open from 9 am to 5 pm and charges a fee of Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 70 for other nationalities. You have to pay extra charges for photography/ videography.

Famous for the valor and vision of chivalry, Jaisalmer’s Havelis back in the day were built by wealthy merchants displaying beautiful Rajput and Islamic architecture. Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli are the perfect architectural beauties famous for their intricately-carved facades.

A kilometer away from the Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake serves as a water supply for the people of Jaisalmer. The first ruler of Jaisalmer, Raja Rawal Jaisal constructed this lake and today people have built holy shrines and Chhatris around it. The golden and yellow sandstone around the lake again offers a breathtaking view that one cannot miss. Gadisar lake provides boating activity that is open from 8 am to 8 pm and charges Rs. 10 for rowboat, Rs. 50 for paddleboat, and Rs. 100 for Shikara for a 30-min ride.

To feel the authenticity of Jaisalmer, you need to undertake Camel Desert Safari. Sam Sand Dunes is the perfect location to start with the ride. The Camel ride will take you to along the golden sands of the desert and offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. If you are not comfortable with the camel ride, then jeep safaris are also available. Desert Safari Festival is held in the months of February and March and if you visit in these months, don’t miss out on traditional folk dances, camel dances, and other amazing cultural events.

Located in the main market of Jaisalmer city, this heritage museum offers history, art, architecture, and culture of Thar Desert. It tells you the story of how the Thar Desert came into existence and houses unique items of sea ornaments. Documents and coins of Jaisalmer, ancient manuscripts, and armor/ weapons are some of the other things you will find inside the Thar Heritage Museum. Pay a visit to the museum between 9 am to 8 pm and the entry to the museum charges Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 70 for other nationalities.

The famous Jain Temples of Jaisalmer are situated inside the Jaisalmer Fort which are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and can be followed back to the 12th century. These beautifully carved temples have a unique architectural style inspired by the Dilwara Temple of Mount Abu. Also, these marvelous temples are completely made of yellow sandstone and gives a breathtaking glow in the sunshine.

Get spooked by this ghost town of Jaisalmer and get a glimpse of the past. Kuldhara, that has been abandoned for years now was once a flourishing village occupied by Paliwal Brahmins. The story behind why this whole town was abandoned within a night was started by the then State Minister, Salim Singh. He wanted to marry the village chief’s daughter and demanded to let him marry her daughter or the entire community will face dreadful consequences. So, rather than giving his daughter to the minister, the whole town vanished from Kuldhara in one wipe. Also, before leaving, the people of the village cursed Kuldhara to never have any sign of human settlement and it has been proven absolutely true to this date. Pay a visit to this place to get spooked out by its tales and to know the real truth.