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Jaisalmer

A journey into a rich and colourful heritage 

Jaisalmer will mesmerise you with its beauty the moment you step in. It is also known as the Golden City of India because of the yellow sandstones that make up most of the buildings in this fort city, This picturesque city in the middle of the Thar Desert witnessesread more

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Best time to visit in jaisalmer

Sitting majestically at the edge of the Thar Desert, India’s ‘Golden City’ pulls in the avid traveller from across borders. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and March, when the temperature in this culture-rich place is between 10°c to 27°c. Being a desert city, winter is the best season to visit Jaisalmer as the sun is perfect for all the sightseeing that the place is famous for. Winter is when Jaisalmer comes alive with all its vibrancy.  Showcasing its rich heritage, Jaipur allows you to partake in the glorious legacy that it has so generously shared with the world.

The biggest draw for most tourists is the colourful festivals and the celebrations that cannot be viewed anywhere else in the world. However, many outdoor activities and adventures can be enjoyed too. Jaisalmer is indeed the trip of a lifetime and irrespective of which season you decide to visit; you must come prepared for it.

 

Peak Season (October-March) 

The months from November to March constitute the winter season in Jaisalmer, the best time to visit. As the maximum temperature doesn’t go beyond 24°C, it is the perfect weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities such as desert safari, camel rides. Evenings are cooler and it can get a little cold at night.

 

Shoulder Season (July-September)

We call it the monsoon because it sometimes rains a bit in Jaisalmer between July and September, but not enough to put a dampener on your plans. The few showers don’t do much to provide a respite from the summer heat, and in fact, can make the season humid. However, monsoon is a good time to travel to Jaisalmer and explore some of the mystical wonders of this ancient land.

 

Low Season (April-June) 

Avoid Jaisalmer during summer, unless you love getting roasted. The months from April to June will see Jaisalmer facing a hot and harsh sun, and this is more so because of the proximity of the city with the Thar Desert. There isn’t much sightseeing or other tourist activities that you can enjoy because everything stops during the summer. When you can’t step out of your air-conditioned hotel room, it is merely a waste of money visiting Jaisalmer around this time. 

 

Travel Seasons

Min/Max Temperature

Season

April to June

39-50 degrees

Summer - Hot and dry, harsh sun

July to September

19-32 degrees

Monsoon - Scant to moderate rainfall

October to March

5-20 degrees

Winter - Cold and pleasant

 

Jaisalmer During October to March – The Winter Season 

Temperature: Avg. of 20 degrees high to 5 degrees low

Weather: Desert climes are harsh and dry, with a scorching sun to boot. But the weather in winter of Jaisalmer is much cooler and invites you to visit. The months from October to March are ideal for sightseeing and being outdoors. Daytime is warm and comfortable and the evenings are cool. Nights can be a bit cold, but nothing that a thin sweater or shawl can’t take care of.

Plan your Jaisalmer itinerary this winter, and set your sights on some of the most beautiful palaces and forts, and visit other equally spectacular monuments at your leisure. If you like the outdoors, you can participate in desert safaris and even go on camel rides. Come back to the hotel at night and curl up by the bonfire to stay warm and snug.

Significant events: The city of Jaisalmer comes alive in winter. The season explodes with the Desert Festival. Organised in January-February, it lights up the barren land of Jaisalmer in a riot of colours and traditions. People flock to this three-day festival from all parts of the world, eager to see the beauty and participate in the celebration of life in Jaisalmer. Traditional dancers, musicians, artists, and a plethora of decorated animals carpet the town with this rich Rajasthani culture fest.

Basant Panchami is a festival celebrated to herald the end of winter and the start of the spring season which denotes new life and new beginnings. The festival is held in February and every house brims with the smells of delicious foods.

March brings us to the Gangaur Festival, a celebration of marital bliss for married women and the desire for a good husband for those still single. If you happen to be in Jaisalmer during the celebration, you must catch the procession on the last day when women, decked-up in their traditional finery, take to the streets singing and dancing.

Why you should visit now: Excellent weather, mesmerising monuments, exciting adventure and a colourful celebration – this is Jaisalmer for you in winter. Why would you give it a miss? 

Know before you visit: While daytime is warm and pleasant, nights can be cold. Carry warm clothes and stay snug.

Tips: Plan and book in advance. Jaisalmer attracts visitors from across the world in winter and hotels are likely to be sold out soon.

 

Jaisalmer During July to September – The Monsoon 

Temperature: Avg. of 32 degrees high to 19 degrees low

Weather: The monsoon season is not exactly the end of the harsh summer, but it definitely is the beginning of a cool and pleasant winter. Monsoon is when the peak season is beginning. Those looking to escape the heat and the crowds will do well to visit Jaisalmer during the Monsoon. The region receives very little rainfall so do not expect a variation of the Indian Monsoon. The days are still hot and humid but nights get cooler. The region will not be at its best in this season. But if you are looking for a good deal and wish to get Jaisalmer off your bucket list, Monsoon is a good time to visit.

Significant events: You might not see many tourists in Jaisalmer during this season, but the desert town more than makes up for it. The month of September celebrates Bhadon Sudi, a large-scale festival dedicated to Baba Ramdev, a saint from Rajasthan. The festival is known for its devotional troupes who regale audiences with their songs and bhajans late into the night.

The city of Jaisalmer is steeped in culture and tradition. If you are lucky, you could catch a performance by folk dancers as you walk along the streets of this ancient city.

Why you should visit now: This is the perfect time to visit to avoid the harsh summer and also to beat the heavy tourist rush of winter. You will get good deals on hotels in this season.

Know before you visit: Jaisalmer becomes humid during the Monsoon, so carry plenty of cotton. While it might not rain much, keep spares, so you don’t run out of dry clothes.

Tips: Carry an umbrella. Even if you don’t need it for the rain, the winds pick up speed in the Monsoon and you can use the umbrella to protect yourself from a sandblast.

 

Jaisalmer During April to June – The Summer Season 

Temperature: Avg. of 50 degrees high to 39 degrees low

Weather: There are summer months, and then there are the summer months in Jaisalmer. It is a season best avoided, but if you wish to experience the hot Indian summer, there could be no better (or worse) place than the Thar Desert. Daytime temperatures soar into the 40s easily, and there have been records of it also going into the 50s on occasion. Weather of Jaisalmer in summer is not ideal for travel and sightseeing since daytime temperatures make it nearly impossible to step out. The weather is slightly bearable in the evening but still humid. You can consider visiting Jaisalmer in summer if you are on a shoestring budget.

Significant events: The city might not offer you much in terms of events and festivals in summer. But you can always walk along the lanes and quaint streets of Jaisalmer to get the real Rajasthani experience. Duck into the market and pick up some traditional jewellery or fabrics to take back home. Send your taste buds on a delicious culinary journey with the assortment of dishes that the land is famous for. For a place not known for vegetation, the people of Jaisalmer have turned simple fare into lip-smacking cuisine.

Why you should visit now: If you are a budget traveller, this is the best season to get excellent deals on hotels. Also, the place will be noticeably tourist-free, allowing you to visit most places at your leisure.

Know before you visit: Avoid stepping out during the hot day hours. If you must, use an extra-strong sunscreen lotion. Carry an umbrella. Keep yourself hydrated. 

Tips: Carry only loose, cotton clothes that will cover you fully.

Jaisalmer is a land of stunning palaces, massive forts, rich culture and a legacy of traditions. To truly understand how this city has managed to hold on to its past while being surrounded by other modern cities, you must step into its borders and experience it for yourself. Browse through our Jaisalmer Tour Packages and get answers to all your Jaisalmer trip queries. You can book your tickets and hotels through us. What’s more, we will be more than happy to assist you in your visa application and even help you in buying Indian Rupees for your trip.

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A journey into a rich and colourful heritage 

Jaisalmer will mesmerise you with its beauty the moment you step in. It is also known as the Golden City of India because of the yellow sandstones that make up most of the buildings in this fort city, This picturesque city in the middle of the Thar Desert witnesses the maximum tourist footfall among all cities in Rajasthan. Its ancient customs and charming traditions have still to fall to the vagaries of time. In fact, stepping inside Jaisalmer is like stepping back in history. Here beautiful architecture rubs shoulders with common people, and heritage accompanies you everywhere you walk. Allow Jaisalmer tourism to sweep you off your feet and show you how the wealthy people of the past lived.

Jaisalmer Tourism: A Quick View of the City
State Rajasthan
Official Language Hindi, Rajasthani
Dial Code 02992
Population 65,471
Currency Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone GMT +5:30 (IST)
Area 5.1 square kilometres

Highlights: A history like no other 


History and heritage 

Rajasthan is replete with tales of valour. And the rich history of the state can be found in every city and town. Jaisalmer is one such district that is bountiful in heritage and architectural splendour. You can start to explore Jaisalmer by visiting the main majestic Jaisalmer Fort with its impressive turrets. Counted among the largest forts in the world, this is a sight to behold, especially at night when it is all lit up. Then there the ornate havelis, each resplendent in its own architectural style and unique craftsmanship, that you must visit. Of the main havelis you must include Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmal ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli. Do not miss Bada Bagh, a stunning architectural wonder that will give you plenty of beautiful photographs. Other places to visit in Jaisalmer include Gadisar Lake, Jain temples and Lodhruva – an ancient city near Jaisalmer – there is just so much to see and absorb here. 


Desert adventures 

You cannot visit Jaisalmer and give the sand dunes a miss. Take a camel ride and shriek in mock fear as it takes you over the dips and rises of the sand. A jeep safari is another way to do the same thing, but faster and more thrilling. If you visit between February and March, you can witness the beautiful desert festival. The colourful folk dances, camel races, artists and other traditional fanfare will literally blow your mind. Keep your camera charged and ready, because every minute will bring you a new moment to capture. You can also visit Khuri, famous for its sand dunes.

If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, may we suggest a trip to the haunted village of Kuldhara? This deserted village was cursed by its inhabitants as they left in mass exodus, making sure no one ever stays there. Take a trip down history as you walk past its abandoned, crumbling walls. 


Markets and shopping 

Jaisalmer offers a wholly different shopping experience. There are no malls and high-end boutiques. All your shops are either in the streets or in small stores located in the many bylanes of the city. There are five main markets that you must visit in Jaisalmer and we insist that you go to all. In Jaisalmer famous places to shop in are Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazaar, Sonaron ka Baas, Bhatia Bazaar and Sadar Bazaar, and all quench your thirst for shopping and souvenirs. You can shop for colourful handicrafts, traditional fabric in bags or clothes, popular puppets, or locally-made leather items. Paintings, carpets, jewellery and shoes will complete your shopping expedition.


Cuisine 

Unlike other parts of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer does not use much of oils and butters in its cuisine. You can expect to find more of beans, capers and other shredded vegetables. Don’t let this disappoint you because the taste will amaze you. The food here is mildly spiced but you can always request for a milder version if spice isn’t your thing. When in Jaisalmer, you must have the mutton saag at Trio or the murg-e-sabz, a delicious cornucopia of chicken and vegetables cooked in Rajasthani spices. For vegetarians, there are plenty of options as Rajasthani food is mainly vegetarian. The gatte ki sabzi is a dish of besan fritters served in a creamy yogurt curry. Do stop at any roadside eatery for a typical Rajasthani breakfast of pyaaz ki kachori (dough filled with a spicy onion stuffing). And do not miss dal baati choorma. Wash down the meal with a makhania lassi and round off with ghotua laddoos to satiate the sweet tooth. 

 

Interesting Facts about Jaisalmer 

  • Jaisalmer is one of the only living forts in India. 
  • It is one of Bollywood’s favourite shooting destinations. 
  • You will find several deserted, haunted villages around the city. 
  • India’s most luxurious train, the Palace on Wheels, passes through Jaisalmer. 
  • The city has one of the largest wind farms in India.
  • India’s first nuclear test was done at Pokhran, which is nearby. 

 

Location: Among golden sand dunes

Jaisalmer rises majestically from the heart of the Thar Desert, offering an oasis to all those who wander. The city is surrounded by undulating dunes, and a rocky and rough terrain, which makes living in the city a challenge. However, the locals have managed to overcome these circumstances over the course of centuries. There is no perennial river, and the one flowing water body ends in a lake barely after 28 metres. Rainfall is scant, making the region hot, dry and arid. The district of Jaisalmer abuts Jodhpur, Bikaner and Barmer on the domestic side while it shares borders with Pakistan on the north and north-western frontier.

Click here to view Jaisalmer on Google Map

 

Timings: Best time to visit

Make your plans for Jaisalmer in winter, between October and March, when the days are comfortable and you can head out sightseeing without burning to a crisp. Winter is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities, like camping, desert safaris, camel rides, etc. And then there is the glorious Jaisalmer Desert Festival that you cannot afford to miss. Nights are chilly, as they are prone to get in a desert, so carry your woollens with you.

Stay away from Jaisalmer from April to June when the city experiences its summer. The days are hot and harsh, with temperatures known to have touched 50 degrees Celsius once. Tourism in Jaisalmer comes to a stop in this extreme weather since it is impossible to step out of air-conditioned comforts.

One would think that the monsoon would make things better, but alas, that is not the case. The rains fall reluctantly on these parched lands between July and September, but even that is not enough to provide any respite from the heat. If anything, the place becomes even more humid.

 

How to get to Jaisalmer: Getting to the hill fort is easy

By Road - You can drive down to Jaisalmer from Delhi. Do break your journey at Jaipur or Ajmer as you won’t get good accommodation after that until you reach your destination. There are no direct buses, private or state-run. However, you can take a bus up to Jaipur and then switch from there. Remember to book your seat in advance as they are limited. 

By Rail - You can book a train to Jaisalmer from nearly all the major cities in India. Once you reach, there are several auto-rickshaws and private taxis waiting outside to take you to your destination. 

By Air - The closest airport to Jaisalmer is the Jodhpur airport, which is connected to most Indian cities by regular flights. From there you can take a cab to drive to Jaisalmer which will take 5-6 hours. Jaisalmer does have an airport but it is a military one and supports only chartered flights. 

 

History: Named after a king 

Jaisalmer takes its name from Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati ruler who established the city in 1156 AD. Legend goes that Rawal Jaisal, eldest son of the Rawal of Deoraj, was passed over by his father who gave the throne of Laudrava to his younger son, half-brother to Rawal. 

Rawal was in the process of founding his own kingdom when he met a sage called Eesul who told him about Krishna’s prophecy that a descendant of his Yaduvanshi clan would one day establish a kingdom here. Even though the prophecy also included two severe battles, Rawal decided to set up base here. He built a mud fort and named it Jaisalmer, which means the Hill Fort of Jaisal. 

As forecasted, the kingdom was attacked twice, once by Alauddin Khilji and later by Firuz Shah Tughluq. After the collapse of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century, Jaisalmer came under the umbrella of the Marathas until the East India Company took over. 

After independence, Jaisalmer retained its princely status until 1971 after which it was merged into Rajasthan to become part of the greater Indian subcontinent. 

Jaisalmer tourism is renowned the world over for its rich and colourful experience. Keep this article handy when you begin planning your vacation.

Language Spoken

Hindi, Rajasthani

Currency used:

Indian Rupee (INR)

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