Places To Visit In Jaisalmer
1. Jaisalmer Fort
This fort happens to be the most important landmark of the city of Jaisalmer. It is not merely a historical monument but a mini town containing living quarters, shops and temples. It has been designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
2. Gadisar Lake
Maharawal Gadsi Singh constructed this beautiful lake to meet the demand for water in this parched desert. The scenic beauty of the lake soothes the mind. However, there are a few shrines and places of worship surrounding it as well.
3. Jain Temples
A group of Jain Temples are situated within the Jaisalmer Fort that makes it hard to miss. The practising Jains visit the temples as a part of their pilgrimage as well. The exquisite carvings on the walls of the temples are equal to the most famous ones found at Mount Abu and Ranakpur.
4. Bada Bagh
Translated literally as Big Garden, the complex is a cenotaph in reality. It is located about 6 km from the city and is situated on the road to Ramgarh. There is a mango grove in the vicinity of the chhatris dedicated to the royal family of the erstwhile State of Jaisalmer.
5. Sam Sand Dunes
This is, no doubt, the main attraction of Jaisalmer. The sand dunes of the desert appear to be made of waves like an ocean and offer a true of view of the vast Thar Desert. The dunes become the centre of activity during the 3-day long Desert Festival held every February.
6. Desert National Park
The National Park amidst the desert occupies a huge area of 3162 sq km and covers the entire desert region up to the Indo-Pakistan border. The ecosystem is varied with flora and fauna of the region is showcased perfectly. The Rajasthan Government hopes to boost its economy by conducting wildlife safaris within the park in future.
7. Kuldhara
This is a remote village located at a distance of 20 km from Jaisalmer city. It had been abandoned completely sometime around the 13th century, and the cause remains a mystery to date. It has a fascinating past and is said to be a haunted area as per the myths and legends.
8. Jaisalmer War Museum
The Indian Army has commemorated the supreme sacrifice made by their soldiers by a war museum erected at the military base of Jaisalmer. The Museum has an honour wall that includes a list of the valiant soldiers who fought for their country. It was built by the Desert Corps division of the Indian Army.
9. Akal Wood Fossil Park
This is an area dating back to the prehistoric times. It contains a number of tree fossils remain that can be traced back almost 180 million years ago. It is located on a barren stretch of land on the road to Barmer. The region has been denoted as a fossil belt with numerous remains, and ancient relics of both animals and trees found lying here.
10. Havelis
Rajasthan is a state featuring palaces at every corner and Jaisalmer is no exception either. However, this city is also famous for its intricately carved havelis or mansions that remain standing after centuries. The buildings showcase Rajasthani architecture with a hint of Islamic influence. Each haveli was constructed separately and at different times, but the grandeur and beautiful architecture connect these landmarks together even after centuries.
11. Mandir Palace
Rajasthan is a state featuring palaces at every corner and Jaisalmer is no exception either. However, this city is also famous for its intricately carved havelis or mansions that remain standing after centuries. The buildings showcase Rajasthani architecture with a hint of Islamic influence. Each haveli was constructed separately and at different times, but the grandeur and beautiful architecture connect these landmarks together even after centuries.
12. Tanot Mata Temple
It is a temple situated within the heart of the Thar Desert and close to the Indian border with Pakistan. Legend has it that the Goddess protected the forces of Indian Army from heavy shelling by Pakistan during the war of 1971. Old legendary texts describe the Goddess to be a form of the Hinglaj Mataji.
13. Eating In Jaisalmer
Rajasthani food is high on spices and Jaisalmer is IN exception either. The local cuisine makes use of the local ingredients too, and that means that the food is vegetarian by and large. However, it is also possible to find good non-vegetarian dishes in the city owing to the large of tourists in the city from all parts of the world.
14. Shopping Spree
No trip to Jaisalmer will not actually be complete unless you indulge in a bit of shopping! The Desert city has a number of objects that can be ideal souvenirs for the folks back home.
