Jaisalmer
Discover Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer (Hindi: जैसलमेर), the "Golden City", is on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. A desert safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience. The city is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike most forts in India, the Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort. There are shops, hotels, age old havelis (homes) inside the fort area. The fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to Experience in Jaisalmer
Taste of Jaisalmer...
Lots of local eateries which offer sumptuous lunches and dinners for a measly ₹20. Drink delectable bhang (marijuana) lassi at the government authorized shop close to the entrance of the fort. The original bhang shop, open since 1977, is now known as the Lassi Shop. The bhang from the new government shop is weaker and has been known to cause stomach ailments in travelers. It is best to purchase from the Lassi Shop, featured in Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. The Lassi Shop is west of the entrance to the Fort while the newly authorized government shop is east of the entrance to the fort. Packs of bhang-infused cookies and chocolates are also available for takeaway, and can be savored on trips into the desert to great effect. A word of caution: It can take a while before you get high from bhang, hence you should not take multiple drinks in quick succession. Excessive consumption of bhang dehydrates the body and one can experience effects like high sweating, anxiety, palpitation and hallucinations. These effects vary from person to person and depend on the amount of bhang consumed. To overcome the adverse effects of high bhang consumption, drink plenty of water with glucose (not for diabetic patients) and have food along with bhang (try not to take bhang on an empty stomach). Not more than a glass should be consumed by first timers unless you want to spend next day holding your bed trying not to fall.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe next closest airport is around 285 km away, in Jodhpur. Pre-paid taxis are available to reach at Jaisalmer from Jodhpur, which cost more than ₹4000. Alternatively there are frequent trains and buses. The closest international airport is in Jaipur (around 562 km east). It is connected with important Indian cities and major cities abroad. There is a very expensive prepaid taxi service from the airport into town available from a booth just outside arrivals. There is a direct train service from Delhi. Delhi-Jaisalmer Express "Shalimar Exp", departure time at 5:30PM, reaches Jaisalmer at 11:30AM the next morning. When arriving by train you will pass the station of Pokharan, India's nuclear testing area. The train does not leave from the Station New Delhi next to the Backpacker-Ghetto "Main-Bazar", but a 15-min auto-rickshaw ride north from the Delhi Jn - Station. Buses from Jodhpur and Bikaner are available. A daily bus runs to and from Jaipur....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
One of the most magnificent attractions is the Jaisalmer Fort known as the "Sonar Kila" due to the yellow stone it was built out of. There are numerous lookouts (at least five) within the fort that give a great view out across the city and desert. A tour of the royal section of the fort is available from a starting point just to the right up the stairs as you enter the main square of the fort). The audio tour is quite short, doesn't tell you very much information, and has advertisements in it - not a must, the view is what you come for. They do charge ₹100 extra per camera. There's little you'd want to take a photo of except the view from the roof, the highest part of Jaisalmer. Just chill, Jaisalmer is a lovely and very relaxing place. Plan at least two days and add time you want to have in the desert. Go for a stroll, visit the palace and do the camel safari (trips available from a few hours to 14 days).
Where to Stay
Jaisalmer is a very safe city and security is high compared to other cities in Rajasthan. Though it is very close to the Pakistan border, visitors are not allowed to wander around the border areas. Unlike other cities, Jaisalmer has narrow lanes which are always crowded with hawkers and shoppers. Most of the times, people on motorcycles or scooters drive in an erratic way. So be careful while walking on such lanes. If your gut flora is not suited to Indian conditions, limit what you eat from street hawkers or vendors and don't eat dairy products in particular, which are often the chief cause of digestive troubles.
Money & Budget
You are in Jaisalmer, it means items are made of leather (primarily goat, as camel leather is now illegal to sell in Rajasthan), embroidery-silk and cotton. Most of the works are done locally or by the 'widows' of villages. There is a shop inside fort just opposite the 'German Bakery' which has got good collection of the handcrafted garments and bedsheets, silver jewelry, Antiques (knives, swords, utensils, etc.) Within the fort there is an amazing silver artist named Roop Kashore. His custom, hand made rings are worth checking out. Local advice is to seek out shops outside of the fort for better value and service. Lots of local eateries which offer sumptuous lunches and dinners for a measly ₹20.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Jaisalmer is a very safe city and security is high compared to other cities in Rajasthan. Though it is very close to the Pakistan border, visitors are not allowed to wander around the border areas. Unlike other cities, Jaisalmer has narrow lanes which are always crowded with hawkers and shoppers. Most of the times, people on motorcycles or scooters drive in an erratic way. So be careful while walking on such lanes. If your gut flora is not suited to Indian conditions, limit what you eat from street hawkers or vendors and don't eat dairy products in particular, which are often the chief cause of digestive troubles.
Glimpses of Jaisalmer
three camels are sitting in the sand in the desert
Camel ride at sand dunes, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Your luxurious stay at Jaisalmer is just a call away! Whether you need a super deluxe room or a pool or a rooftop cafe or a heritage ambience, Hotel Lalgarh Fort and Palace has everything you need. Book a comfortable and luxurious stay right now. Call us now at +91 9414150150 or +91-8949198625 Do Like , Share , and Save this Post . Also, Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Also, don't forget to Connect us on @lalgarh Via Website www.hotellalgarhfortandpalace.com/ Via phone +91 9414150150 Via Email info@lalgarh.com
Cenotaph on Gadsisar lake, Jaisalmer - Rajasthan (India)
Cenotaph on Gadsisar lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan (India)
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
people riding camel on brown sand during daytime
a view of a city from a high point of view
brown concrete building near green trees during daytime
People riding camels in the desert sand dunes
three camels are sitting in the sand in the desert
Camel ride at sand dunes, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Your luxurious stay at Jaisalmer is just a call away! Whether you need a super deluxe room or a pool or a rooftop cafe or a heritage ambience, Hotel Lalgarh Fort and Palace has everything you need. Book a comfortable and luxurious stay right now. Call us now at +91 9414150150 or +91-8949198625 Do Like , Share , and Save this Post . Also, Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Also, don't forget to Connect us on @lalgarh Via Website www.hotellalgarhfortandpalace.com/ Via phone +91 9414150150 Via Email info@lalgarh.com