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Getting There
Air : Jaisalmer is well connected from Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The airport is 1.5 kms.
Rail : Delhi - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer. Railway Station is 2.5 kms away.
Road : There are three options. 1) Jaipur - Ajmer - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer 2) Bikaner - Ramdeora - Jaisalmer 3) Ahmedabad - Barmer - Jaisalmer
International Airport: New Delhi
Domestic Airport: Jaisalmer
Railway Station:Jaisalmer
Bus Depot:Jaisalmer
City Center:Jaisalmer
Things to do
Gadi Sagar Lake also known as the Gadsisar Lake or Garsisar Tank (Reservoir) This lake was once the city's only source of water and it was this that made Jaisal settle here. Built in 1367 by Maharaja Gadsi Singh just outside the city walls, its north and east banks are flanked with ghats and temples made of the distinctive yellow sandstone and much like the fort which glow in the dimming evening light. The archway (tilon ki pol) with the Krishna temple on top is said to have been built by the king's chief courtesan. Great arched windows, beautifully carved rooms can be seen here amongst other craftwork. The lake is now connected to the Indira Gandhi canal and is a perennial source of water that attracts migratory birds. However it is during the Gangaur festival in March that it really comes alive.
Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan and commands the desert landscape from its 250ft high perch on the hill above the city. Three strong walls protect the citadel. The first was constructed by the local Jain panchayat in the 15th century. Subsequent additions and fortifications were built by the Rawals. The steep cobblestone pathway leading to the royal palace passes through four gates-Akhai Pole (Ganesh Pole), Suraj Pole, Bhuta Pole and Hawa Pole. Sharp turns on the road topped by high defence gateways made it invincible. Within the fort walls are five palaces called Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal. The Rang Mahal built by Mool Raj II has some exquisite murals painted on arches and spandrels. From the balconies you get a terrific view of the mammoth ramparts below guarding the small city. Balconies at the Gaj Mahal are also breathtaking beautiful and the fort contains one third of the city's population within the small houses on the narrow lanes.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli at the eastern end of the city, is an ‘Arabian Nights’ structure and worth seeing. This 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh-Salim Singh, has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notable of the array of havelis.
Patwon ki Haveli Near the city was built by Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons, who were dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery with businesses stretching between Afghanistan and China. The five suites built between 1800 and 1860 are the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The stone carving here far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade and gold. The balconies are also delicately chiselled and worth some respect. It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, a veritable museum piece in the open.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli This haveli belongs to Nathmal, a later day prime minister who gifted it to the Rawal and was allowed to retain it. Built by two brothers in 1885, the haveli has two identical looking portions, which are in fact two different parts united by a common facade. The Muslim silavats (artisans) did a wonderful job here and left a marvellous legacy of craftsmanship excellent in detail and flawless in conception.
Eating
Multi-cuisine restaurant - Indian, Continental, Chinese and Rajasthani.
Facilities
Travel Desk
Room Service
Laundry
Florist
Car Parking
Doctor on call
CC TV
Air Conditioned
Multi Cuisine Restaurant
Coffee Shop
Bar
Safaris
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