Travel to Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Tourist Map

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Jaisalmer Tourist Map
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*Map showing the major tourist places in Jaisalmer. Disclaimer


Jaisalmer Tourism



Travel in Jaisalmer is an enchanting experience for the traveler. Travel in Jaisalmer will include visiting the marvelous Jaisalmer fort and the havelis of the rich merchants, walking through the lanes and by-lanes of the small city, an adventurous ride on the camel and camping in the desert.

The city of Jaisalmer is situated in the the heart of the Great Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is rich in its heritage and architectural splendors. Travel in Jaisalmer must include a tour of the famous sites in the city.

If you have dreamt of a holiday in a historic city in the midst of sanddunes, then you should travel to Jaisalmer.Described as the 'Golden city of India' Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is synonymous with forts, havelis, sand dunes and camel rides. Founded by a Rajput king, Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D Jaisalmer has a glorious history and a cultural heritage, which is now reflected in its ethnic cuisine, textiles and festivals.

The tourist attractions in Jaisalmer are the magnificent forts, beautiful temples and the fascinating havelis. A visit to Jaisalmer Fort transports you to the glorious past of Jaisalmer city.The Jaisalmer Fort stands about 100 m over the city and houses a citadel within its massive ramparts.

From Manek Chowk, the main market place you one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelis like Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Salim Sing ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli are situated. The Havelis of Jaisalmer are fascinating with the intricate latticework. In Jaisalmer the oldest and most beautiful Jain Temple is the Parswanath Temple. Other attractions in Jaisalmer include the Gadsisar Sagar Tank. Once the source of water for the entire city, it is now a popular picnic spot. If you want to know more about the history of Jaisalmer, then the Desert Culture Center and Museum is a place that would give you an insight into the history of the city.

Excursions from Jaisalmer can be made to beautiful places around like the spectacular Sam Sands Dune, located at the edge of the Thar Desert, The Jaisalmer Fort stands about 100 m over the city and houses a citadel within its massive ramparts. which affords the pleasure of watching the almost surrealistic sight of the sun set against the vast stretches of sand. A camel ride would be a unique experience here. Khuri, another place in this glittering golden sand, impresses the tourists with its mud houses and straw roofs.

How to Reach Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is known as "The Golden city" and is a town in the state of Rajasthan. The town is located at a distance of around 568 km west from Jaipur, the state capital. The town lies in the heart of the Thar Desert and comes under the District of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is synonymous with forts, havelis, sand dunes and camel rides.

By Air

The nearest commercial airport to Jaisalmer is in Jodhpur around 271 km away. The Jodhpur Airport caters flights to major cities in India. Jaisalmer also has an airport; however it is a Defence air base managed by the Indian Air Force. At present, no commercial services are available at this Defence airport, however a new civil airport is under construction and the golden city of Jaisalmer will soon have a new civil airport.   Find Flights to Jaisalmer...

By Train

Jaisalmer is well connected by broad gauge and meter gauge rail with major cities of India. The Jaisalmer railway station is the main station in the city. Direct trains from Jodhpur and Delhi are available for Jaisalmer. The luxury train "Palace on Wheels" also has a stop at Jaisalmer in its tour itinerary.   More Trains...

By Road

Jaisalmer has a good network of roads and is well connected to other cities of Rajasthan including Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner and major cities of India. Buses and taxis can be rented from Jodhpur or Bikaner to reach the city.

The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) also runs daily bus services from Jaipur to Jaisalmer. Many tour and travel agencies offer chauffeur driven car services on a per km per day basis. These can also be hired for sightseeing in and around Jaisalmer. The city of Jaisalmer can be easily covered by foot. Local transportation consists of auto rickshaw and bicycles as these best for getting around.

Distance to Jaisalmer
  • From Jodhpur - 271 km
  • From Bikaner - 331 km
  • From Ajmer - 461 km
  • From Udaipur - 506 km
  • From Ahmedabad - 534 km
  • From Jaipur - 568 km
  • From Delhi - 770 km

Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
  • Jaisalmer Fort
  • Jain Temples
  • Desert National Park
  • Bada Bagh
  • Patwon ki Haveli
  • Government Museum
  • Amar Sagar Lake
  • Gadsisar Lake
More on tourist attractions of Jaisalmer

Shopping in Jaisalmer

Known as the golden city, Jaisalmer is a favorite tourist destination in Rajasthan. Shopping in Jaisalmer will be a fascinating experience. Jaisalmer affords you the pleasure of strolling through the narrow lanes of its markets, which still retain a medieval charm.

Jaisalmer is famous for embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antiques and old stonework. The colorful handcrafted items and curios with a touch of Jaisalmer make good souvenirs to carry home. Puppets and joothies (handmade leather shoes) are popular items. While shopping in Jaisalmer you will also find beautiful fabrics, woven jackets, camel leather items and wooden boxes. The intricately designed ornaments of Jaisalmer are irresistible. You can also find a colorful range of the popular bandhini (tie and dye) fabrics. Perhaps nowhere else in the world would you find colorfully embroidered covers for the camel back, which can be a unique collector's item.

Jaisalmer has various showrooms and emporia, which are worth visiting. Some of the places that you can visit for handicrafts and fabrics are Jaisalmer Embroidery House and the Kahdi Gramudyog Bhavan.