Jaisalmer

Introduction

Jain temple in Jaisalmer

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District of Jaisalmer (Hindi: जैसलमेर), located in the Indian part of the Thar Desert, is the largest district of Rajasthan and one of the largest in the country. It is a border city located close to the international border of Pakistan. The strategic importance of the city can also be gauged by the fact that India keeps her nukes in Pokhran, a small town not far from Jaisalmer. The area is rocky and barren, with its famous sand dunes and the vast expanse of Indus Valley, which was once a very fertile area on which the famous Indus Valley Civilization thrived some 4000-5000 years ago. The region receives scanty rainfall and the ground water level is very low.

Jaisalmer is often described as the “Golden City”. The traditional ‘Havelis’ built by the wealthy merchants are carved in golden yellow sandstone and they still retain their lusture and brilliance. The imposing fort of Jaisalmer, built in 12th century, stands atop a hill from where you can get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding region. Life in desert is tough but the people of this region are noted for their warmth and hospitality. Jaisalmer is the base for the numerous camel safari options that are available to explore the desert region.

History

The city of Jaisalmer was founded by a Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156. The city due to its strategic location on the trade route linking India to Middle East and Africa became prosperous and the rulers of this area became even richer by imposing taxes on the caravans passing through the city. The remote location of Jaisalmer kept it untouched by outside influences and also helped it maintain its traditional culture. During the Mughal Emperor’s rule in Delhi, there were alternate periods of peace and war with the Rajputs, though the relations with Rajputs were mostly cordial. Another traditional practice worth mentioning here is the act of “Jauhar” in which women of the fort performed the act of mass self-immolation when the fall of the fort was imminent. They preferred to die rather than be disgraced and humiliated by the victors. The monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the test of time, scorching heat and the chiseling winds of the desert and the fort walls still reverberate with the sounds of valour and agony of women performing the act of Jauhar.

Neighbourhoods

Sights and Activities

Rajasthan Tourism Corporation has a tourist reception centre in Jaisalmer to provide information and assistance to the tourists visiting this region.

Within the City

Strolling across the streets of this beautiful city is an experience in itself which can be cherished for a lifetime. Some of the major attractions in the city are:

• Fort complex and the Jain temples
• Patwa Haveli
• Nathmal’s Haveli
• Gadisagar Lake
• Salim Singh’s Haveli
• Tazia Tower
• Museum and the folk museum

Sights and Activities Outside of Jaisalmer

The common feature amongst all these monuments is the unique carving on yellow sandstone. Apart from these, the following excursions can be taken from the city:

• Mool Sagar
• Ludarwa
• Badabagh (royal garden)
• Amarsagar
• Kuldhara (Medieval remains of the old desert town)
• Sam Sand dunes is a great place to view the sunset on a camel
• Khuri Sand Dunes is a small village around 45km from Jaisalmer, where one can have a feel of the traditional lifestyle of villagers in a desert. Regular bus service is available from Jaisalmer.
• Desert National Park
• Wood Fossil Park
• Pokhran

Desert Life

The desert life is tough which makes the people hardy and capable of facing extreme conditions. Inspite of the hard conditions prevailing in these regions, people are quite warm, happy and satisfied. Majority of population of Jaisalmer lives in the villages. The villagers dwell in the traditions huts which are made of grass and are known as ‘Jhopri’. The grass roof provides the natural air-conditioning and keeps the hut cool in summer and warm in winter. The villages generally have a well or pond nearby to cater to the requirement of water for day-to-day activities. The primary occupation of the people in villages is animal rearing and farming. Now, with the hordes of tourists visiting this area, additional income is generated from tourism activities. The main crops cultivated in this area are ‘Bajara’ and ‘Gawar’, which are coarse cereals and can survive low rainfall conditions.

Events and Festivals

Jaisalmer district due to its isolated location has preserved much of its traditions, particularly the folk music and the cultural dance which is unique to this region and attracts hordes of tourists, both domestic and international. The folk music of the area has evolved over a period of time and has also been influenced by the bordering Sindh region of Pakistan.
The desert region comes alive in winter when the Desert festival is organized by the Tourism authorities to entertain the tourists gathered in this region. The Rajasthani folk culture is on display during this period. Rajasthani men with their thick and long moustache dressed in bright traditional costume and beautiful women in their colourful costume perform the traditional dance, singing and dancing to the folk music. Apart from the music and dance, one can marvel at the skills of the snake charmers, acrobats and puppeteers. Camel races are also being organized and the tourists are also encouraged to participate in the cultural activities.

Weather

Jaisalmer has a very dry climate with very hot summers, a cold winter and very little rain. The best time to visit the city is from November to February when the sand dunes cool down and the town comes alive due to the various cultural activities organised by the district tourism authorities. Temperatures are generally still well above 20 °C during the day but nights can be chilly, between 5 and 10 °C. Much better than summers (April-September) when temperatures frequently hit 45 °C (or more!) and nights are just as warm as winter days.

Getting There

By Plane

The airport at Jaisalmer (international code: JSA) is located around 9 kilometres from the city centre. This airport is currently being exclusively used by the Indian Air Force, though with increasing tourism interest in this region, regular commercial flights may start in the near future. The nearest airport which is connected to the major cities of India is in Jodhpur, which is around 290 kilometres away. Regular buses and pre-paid taxis ply between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

By Train

Direct train services are available from Delhi to Jaisalmer. Regarding train connections to rest of India, first take a train to Jodhpur, which is well connected to rest of the major cities of India. Indian Railways operates the rail network in India.

By Car

The roads in this area are quite well maintained due to proximity to the International border with Pakistan. Taxis can be hired from Jodhpur or for excursions from Jodhpur.

By Bus

Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, a government agency has an extensive network of buses connceting the various cities of Rajasthan. Private and luxury bus services are also available for certain sectors.

By Boat

There is no boat service available as the city is located in a desert surrounded by golden sand dunes.

Getting Around

Jaisalmer is quite spread out and the settlements are dispersed hence is not advisable to do the excursions on foot. Taxis can be hired for excursions to the nearby villages to have a feel of the traditional desert lifestyle

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Rajasthan tourism Development Corporation has numerous guesthouses and hotels across Rajasthan, which are available to tourists at affordable rates. These hotels/guesthouses are clean, reliable and have the necessary amenities to suit the travelers.

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

The region has limited Wi-Fi availability but cyber cafes having decent internet connection can be found in the main market. STD/ISD booths for making domestic and international calls can easily be found in the market.

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

India Post is the national postal service of India, and on their website you find details about prices to send postcards, letters and parcels, both domestically and internationally. For most postcards to send internationally, it is better to visit the post office before writing on the card as you may need quite a few stamps. Parcels must be taken to a tailor, he will then sew it up in white linen. Make sure he seals it with red wax, otherwise the post office may refuse to send it or try to get you to pay them to do it. Sewing up a parcel should only cost 50rs to 200rs. In general, post offices are open from 10:00am to 1:00pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm in most bigger towns and cities, though there are regional variations and some might keep longer hours or be open during (part of) the weekend as well. Ask around.