Travel > Holiday Ideas > Heritage > Jaisalmer

Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition.

The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80 metre high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples. The annual desert festival take place in January and February each year and is a riot of colour and activity. Jaisalmer is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antique, stonework and camel safaris into the barren sand-duned desert.

The arts and crafts of the state are amazing. You'll find elaborately fashioned jewellery, the multi-coloured 'bandhini' fabrics, richly decorated handlooms, and other trinkets at the colourful bazaars of Jaipur. These bazaars are a lot of fun not just what's available, but also for the cheerful people in their traditional costumes..

For the first-time visitor, it is an intriguing and unforgettable experience.

Weekend Options  » Delhi  » Agra  » Jodhpur  » Jaipur  » Best of Rajasthan - 6 nights onwards Also check  » Bangalore Hotels  » Mumbai Hotels  » Chennai Hotels  » Kolkata Hotels  » Hyderabad Hotels  » Delhi Hotels  » Cochin Hotels  » Pune Hotels  » Mysore Hotels  » Jaipur Hotels

Accommodation at Jaisalmer:
Write to us for Jaisalmer Hotels


Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Jaisalmer has the classic desert type climate – extremely hot summer days with cool nights and bitterly cold winter with freezing cold nights. On summer days, the temperature go as high as 50°C while the minimum average is around 25° C. Winter days in the months between November and March are warmer than expected with average temperatures of around 23.6°C. Night temperatures fall to below -1°C, though the average is approximately 5°/6°C.
 

Prime Attractions at Jaisalmer

• Jaisalmer Fort

• Thar Desert

• Havelis

• Palaces & Forts

Access to Jaisalmer
 

Air: Jodhpur, 300 kms is the nearest year round airport. Indian Airlines operates direct flights to Jaisalmer from November to February only.

Rail: It is connected to Jodhpur by two daily trains and Jaipur with one daily train.
 

Road: Well connected to Jodhpur, 300 kms and Bikaner, 285 kms.