Jaisalmer, known for its dunes and forts crafted from honey-coloured sandstone, beckons with its allure of the past. Known as the ‘Golden City’, Jaisalmer tourism is a testament to Rajasthan's architectural splendour. Explore the city's ornate temples, opulent havelis, and picturesque forts. Jaisalmer's artisan markets are a treasure trove of Indian culture and tradition. Lose yourself in the bustling bazaars, where you can shop for exquisite handicrafts, textiles, and jewellery, each reflecting the region's rich heritage.

This Jaisalmer travel guide promises an unforgettable experience, where every corner reveals a new facet of Rajasthan's glorious past.

How to reach

• By air: Jaisalmer Airport (JSA) is the main airport in Jaisalmer, located 13 km from the city centre. It has a single terminal that serves both domestic arrivals and departures. Regular flights to Jaisalmer are available from cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi.

• By train: Jaisalmer Railway Station serves the city and is a popular travel choice as it connects Jaisalmer to several prominent cities around the country.

• By bus: Jaisalmer is well-connected by National Highway No. 15 and a network of roads to cities across India. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates a fleet of buses, including AC and non-AC buses, connecting Jaisalmer to cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Pune.

• Getting around/local transport in Jaisalmer: Autos, buses, and cycle rickshaws are the most widely used transport modes. Taxis and car rentals are also readily available for longer distances.

Jaisalmer offers a variety of excellent restaurants that are not only known for their food but also  boast splendid views that enhance your dining experience.

The ideal time to visit Jaisalmer is from October to March. The cool weather makes it perfect for exploring the culture-rich city.

• Seema Gram: Seema Gram is a fantastic shopping destination in Jaisalmer, especially for souvenir enthusiasts. Local stores sell vibrant scarves and dupattas, perfect for taking home. Don't miss Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan for unique artefacts and handicrafts.

• Sadar Bazaar: Sadar Bazaar is a bustling marketplace known for its diverse range of products. Here, you can find beautiful dupattas, shawls, and intricately crafted jewellery. The market also offers a variety of paintings and carpets, making it a one-stop destination for shoppers.

• Pansari Bazaar: One of the oldest street markets in Jaisalmer, Pansari Bazaar, is known as the Villager's Market for its ethnic offerings. Here, you can find a variety of handicrafts, colourful home decor items, traditional dresses, and puppets. It's a great place to shop for unique souvenirs that capture the essence of the Golden City.

• Bhatia Bazaar: Bhatia Bazaar is a haven for saree shopping. You can find a wide range of silk fabrics and antique souvenirs here. Don't forget to explore the shops for embroidered cotton and silk fabrics, which are popular in Jaisalmer.

• Desert Festival: The Desert Festival in Jaisalmer is a three-day event that attracts large crowds of locals and tourists. It is held at the Sam Sand Dunes, 42 km from the city. Attendees dress in colourful attire and participate in cultural events, folk performances, camel races, and competitions.

• Basant Panchami: Basant Panchami, is celebrated to honour Goddess Saraswati. Every household performs special pujas, and delicious dishes and sweets are prepared to add flavour to the festival. Basant Panchami, takes place in February, and signifies the end of winter and beginning of spring.

• Gangaur Festival: Gangaur, celebrated in Jaisalmer, is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The festival, which lasts for 18 days, involves worshipping the deity, lighting lamps, singing, dancing, and a colourful procession on the final day. Idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are beautifully decorated and immersed in water bodies at the festival's end.

• Diwali: Diwali in Jaisalmer is a dazzling spectacle, with the golden fort and city illuminated by countless lamps and fireworks. The streets come alive with music, dance, and the joyous bustle of people celebrating the festival of lights. It's a magical time to experience the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Rajasthan.

• Navratri: Navratri is a lively celebration of dance, music, and devotion. The city comes alive with colourful decorations and enthusiastic performances of traditional folk dances like Garba and Dandiya. Temples are adorned, and people dress in traditional attire, creating a festive atmosphere filled with joy and spiritual fervour.

The place and its surroundings are filled with enchanting sights that captivate tourists and photographers alike. Here are some more reasons to explore the city.

• Sam Sand Dunes: Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer offers an authentic desert experience in the heart of the Thar Desert. Located around 40-42 km from Jaisalmer, these dunes rise as tall as 30-60 metres and stretch for about 2 km along the Jaisalmer Desert National Park. A must-do activity is camping in the desert with locals, where you can enjoy a bonfire and cultural performances under the starlit sky.

• Desert National Park: The Desert National Park is rich in wildlife and you can spot animals like camels, foxes, chinkaras, and wolves. Its diverse landscape includes craggy rocks, salt lake bottoms, and dunes, with about 20% of the park covered in dunes. The park, near the Thar Desert, is home to a variety of migratory and resident desert birds, including the rare Great Indian Bustard, as well as eagles, falcons, and vultures.

• Tazia Tower: Nestled within the enchanting Badal Palace complex, the Tazia Tower is a five-story marvel. The structure is adorned with distinct architectural styles, intricate carvings, lattice screens, and graceful balconies. Exploring this complex allows visitors to understand the grandeur of Jaisalmer's past.

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