Top 5 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer is one of the major visited cities of Rajasthan known as ‘the Golden City’ because of the massive ‘Golden Fort” which is made by yellow sandstone and the people cannot stop straying at the fort for hours.
The founder of the city is MaharawalJaisal Singh, who was a Rajput king founded the city in the year 1156 AD. Jaisalmer is also stated as a World Heritage Site and popularly known for its golden fort and many palaces and Jain temples.
The city is located very close proximity to the Thar Desert and one can have a nice safari from this city. There are many places to visit in Jaisalmer and the tourists can have a nice trip to all of them and the city has many Havelis and palaces which are settled inside the fort and can be one of the best tours of the city.
The atmosphere of the city is having an essence of a small town and one can have the views of the Havelis and the tourists will love the views and they can go for the camel safaris to view the desert and that is why the trip of Jaisalmer will be an unforgettable one.
Jaisalmer is a famous spot for Camel Safari in Rajasthan and offers a number of other things to do. Apart from sightseeing in Jaisalmer tourist can go for a desert safari, campings, camel, and Jeep ride.
Camping in the tents at Thar desert is quite famous in Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer Fort is one of the World Heritage Site in Rajasthan. Every trip to Jaisalmer Tour Packages is incomplete without visiting Jaisalmer fort and Camel Safari in Thar Desert.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer includes Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisagar Lake, Lodurva Jain Temple, Patwon ki Haveli, Kuldhara Village and others.
Jaisalmer Fort
Built with honey-colored sandstone amidst the golden desert, Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world. Popularly known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort, it emanates the elegance and valor of its royal rulers.
Housing temples, Havelis, residential complexes, shops, and restaurants, the fort is nothing short of a town itself. Around 3000 people live in the fort to date, making it the only living fort in Rajasthan. In 2013 it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the ‘Hill Forts of India’ category. It is a major tourist attraction in Jaisalmer.
Built in 1156 by Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer, the massive structure is situated atop Trikuta Hills at a height of 250 feet and is secured by 30 feet tall walls on all sides. The fort had strategic lookouts to keep an eye across the surrounding plains, still it had been raided multiple times. You can enjoy panoramic views of the glowing Jaisalmer city from these lookouts Top 5 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
As you walk through the buoyant lanes, you can imagine the Rajputana way of life and how life has progressed from those times of war. The major attractions of the fort include Raj Mahal, Laxminath Shrine, the Jain temples, and its four gateways.
Bada Bagh Jaisalmer
Bada Bagh translates to ‘Big Garden’ and is a collection of Cenotaphs of the famous rulers of the region. Located just 5 kilometers away from the city, Bada Bagh is a beguiling place to visit in Jaisalmer.
The relics are a testimony to Rajasthan’s legendary past set near a garden in the desert. Construction of the cenotaphs was started in the 17th century with the first one built as a tribute to Maharaja Jai Singh II by his son Top 5 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
The work continued till the 20th century and several other structures were dedicated to the valiant members of the royal family. Bada Bagh is seemingly built on a garden that existed on the site, hence the name.
Locally referred to as ‘Chattris’ due to their dome shape, the cenotaphs are built of yellow sandstone. They are varying in size and some of them are elaborately carved while some are plain.
The date of construction and the name of the ruler they are dedicated to is inscribed on each of them, and some have detailed descriptions too. The area is close to a dam and is popular among tourists for its striking beauty Top 5 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
Desert National Park Jaisalmer
Situated around 40 kilometers away from the city, Desert national park is a natural reserve for desert animals along the India-Pakistan border. Encompassing around 3100 square kilometers, the park is among the largest wildlife reserves in India.
Nature enthusiasts can witness an interesting ecosystem of desert flora and fauna at the reserve. Unlike the other lush green parks in the state, Desert National Park is parched and blemished with rugged rocks and sand dunes.
Animals such as camels, desert fox, chinkara, wolves, desert cats, hedgehogs, and Blackbucks live comfortably in their natural sandy and arid habitat. Besides cacti and other thorny desert plants, many indigenous and migratory birds can also be spotted Top 5 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
The rare Great Indian Bustard along with eagles, harriers, falcons, buzzards, kestrel, and vultures inhabit the region. The park is also home to around 40 species of reptiles and ancient fossils dating back to around 180 million years. You can hop onto a jeep and enjoy an exciting desert jungle safari at the park.
Gadsisar Sagar Lake Jaisalmer
An oasis on the outskirts of the arid Jaisalmer city, Gadisar Lake is man-made and dates back to 1400 AD. It was built near the Jaisalmer Fort by Raja Rawal Jaisal as a reservoir to supply water to the residents of his city.
As the water was scarce in the desert region, the lake was considered holy and is surrounded by several shrines. It still collects and holds rainwater throughout the year and is a popular Top 5 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
You can enjoy splendid vistas of the parched desert surroundings from the several watchtowers around Gadisar Lake. Witness the picturesque sunrise and sunset with your family and loved ones, or spend some quiet time all by yourself enjoying the tranquil scenery Top 5 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
Some fun activities such as boat rides, watching local and migratory birds, visiting the nearby shrines and feeding fish can be enjoyed at the lake. A stroll along the banks of Gadisar Lake is a soul-soothing experience.
Patwaon ki Haveli Jaisalmer
The first Haveli to be constructed in the city, Patwon ki Haveli, is also known as the Mansion of Brocade Merchants. Renowned for its architectural brilliance, it is the largest mansion in the city and one of the prominent Top 5 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
Located in a narrow street, it is a group of 5 small Havelis with intricately carved windows and balconies. Commissioned around 1805 by a wealthy trader and banker, Guman Chand Patwa, the Havelis were completed in around 50 years and were built for use by the five sons of the Patwa family.
The five Havelis were inhabited by the Patwa trader and his family and the artifacts and stonework exhibits give visitors a glimpse into their sumptuous lifestyle.
Later, when their fortune started dwindling, they left the city, and the first Haveli was sold to Mr. Jeevanlalji Kothari and renamed Kothari’s Patwa Haveli. Controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Haveli is ranked among the top three in Jaisalmer and is a distinguished architectural and historical site Top 5 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
The resplendent interiors are embellished with exquisite wall paintings, decorative mirrors on walls, and intricately carved balconies, gateways, and arches. It is one of the most visited landmarks of Jaisalmer, popular among tourists for its elaborate latticed façade. You can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings from around 60 balconies on the premises.
