Take a short break at The Golden City ... Jaisalmer
The fort of Jaisalmer is a breathtaking sight: a massive sandcastle rising from the sandy plains like a mirage from a bygone era. No place better evokes exotic camel-train trade routes and desert mystery. Ninety-nine bastions encircle the fort’s still-inhabited twisting lanes. Inside are shops swaddled in bright embroideries, a royal palace and numerous businesses looking for your tourist rupee. Despite the rampant commercialism, it’s hard not to be enchanted by this desert citadel. Beneath the ramparts, particularly to the north, the narrow streets of the old city conceal magnificent havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences), all carved from the same golden-honey sandstone as the fort – hence Jaisalmer’s designation as the Golden City.
A city that has come back almost from the dead in the past half-century, Jaisalmer may be remote, but it’s certainly not forgotten – indeed it’s one of Rajasthan’s biggest tourist destinations.
Photos
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival Jaisalmer
Upon arrival at Jaisalmer by flight or by surface, meet & greet by our representative, check in at hotel
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is a desert city nestled in the foothills of Trikuta and it is famous for its imposing forts, exquisite palaces and havelis that showcase Jaisalmer’s distinguished ‘jali’ work (stone lattice work), truly depicting the aesthetic sense of the medieval Rajput warriors. One of the most favored tourist destinations in Rajasthan, the city is frequented by domestic travelers as well as by foreign tourists. Jaisalmer, in the heart of the Thar Desert was founded in the 12th century by Maharaval Jaisal. Hence the fort- city came to be known as Jaisalmer.
Day at leisure for local sightseeing assisted by our local guide
Gadisar Lake
When things start to feel too dry and dusty in Jaisalmer, hire a rickshaw and head out to this amazing lake just minutes from the city. Popular with locals and tourists alike, Gadsisar lake is a surprisingly big reservoir. During the winter season, the lake attracts large numbers of migratory birds perfect for watching; while at any time of year it's the perfect place to unwind and cool off. A nice variety of shrines and temples surround the lake, adding another dimension to an afternoon spent exploring Gadsisar lake.
Bada Bagh
Which literally means 'Big Garden', is located on the Ramgarh road. It was commissioned by Maharawal Jait Singh in the early 16th century and completed by his son Lunakaran after his death. The site has three different things of interest - a garden, a tank and a dam. In the vicinity itself you will find Govardhan Stambh (pillar). It is believed that these are based on the name of the man who constructed them.
Evening at leisure
Overnight at Jaisalmer - Day 2
Jaisalmer sightseeing
After breakfast, day at leisure for Jaisalmer local sightseeing
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is a monument worth visiting and worth retaining in your conscious mind. Like various other cities of Rajasthan, in Jaisalmer too you will find different facets of its own glorious heritage. Though you can find historical monuments scattered all over the city, the Jaisalmer Fort will immediately command your attention. Made of sand stones and locally known as Sonar Quila, the Jaisalmer Fort is a dominating structure amidst sands. With its 99 bastions, the fort presents a breathtaking spectacle in the afternoon sun. In fact the fort is a part of the desert citadel, walking up and down the cobbled and narrow lanes, one gets the feeling of a different age altogether.
Salem Singh Ki Haveli
It is at an unhurried pace that the havelis (houses of rich merchants) should be seen and admired. These havelis are the pride of Jaisalmer architecture, a part of the national heritage. Salem Singh haveli, at the eastern end of the city, is an Arabian Nights structure, which, like a wild flower, blossoms at the top.
Patwon ki Haveli
Near the city center is the Patwon ki Haveli, built by Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons, dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery with business stretching between Afghanistan and China. The five suites built between 1800 and 1860 are virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade and gold.
Later in the evening, depart for an evening in the desert
Jaisalmer Desert
The most picturesque dunes are located some 40 km from Jaisalmer. No travel to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to these fascinating dunes. Wind-caressed slopes are marked with ripples creating an enchanting mirage, a visual illusion of extraordinary splendor. Occasionally you can see the dunes shifting with the strong desert winds-an astonishing feat of nature. Watching sunset on the dunes can become etched on your memory-such an unforgettable spectacle with the great ball of light rising from behind the low hills of sand amid a perfectly still scene. Enjoy a camel ride during sunset and later dinner with local folk entertainment
Transfer back to Jaisalmer hotel for overnight stay - Day 3
Departure from Jaislamer
After breakfast, morning at leisure
Later transfer to airport for onward flight or depart by surface to next Destination
Notes
Round the Year Destination ... Extention recommended to Jodhpur, Bikaner & other destinations across Rajasthan
Hotels
Notes on itinerary
All our itineraries are "Just for Ideas" ... We will get to know you and customise an itinerary just for you that matches your requirements ... dates of travel, category of hotels, preferred airline, flexibility in choosing sightseeing, mode of travel between cities, etc.
Many of our clients have us design more relaxing, slower paced holidays with more in-depth experiences whereas some simply want to visit various destinations and cover only the highlights.
Together, we will determine the ideal route, pace of travel, accommodations, levels of pampering, style of touring, sightseeing to be included, dining preferences, adventure levels, options to meet locals, dates of travel & much more ! and based on this arrive at a price.
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