Explore Jaisalmer's golden charm
Blog post description.
TRAVEL
### How it Got Started
So, Jaisalmer got its start because Rawal Jaisal moved his capital from Lodhruva. Apparently, they were running out of water and getting attacked a lot. The Bhati Rajputs were known for being tough, so they built this city to keep everyone safe. It became a busy trading post for things like silk and spices since it was close to Persia, Arabia, and Central Asia. Things slowed down a bit when everyone started using ships and the Mughals took over in the 1500s. Later, the British showed up, and it became a princely state. After India became independent in 1947, it became part of Rajasthan. You can still see how awesome it used to be by checking out the fort and those huge houses called havelis.
### Main Stuff to See
1. Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila):
- This place is a UNESCO site, part of Rajasthan's Hill Forts. It's a real living fort built way back in 1156 on Trikuta Hill. It's made of that golden sandstone, and about a quarter of the city still lives inside, with shops, temples, and houses.
- The fort has a ton of walls and towers, like 99 of them, with a 5 km wall and four main gates. Inside, you can see the Raj Mahal (the royal pad), Jain temples from hundreds of years ago, and the Laxminath Temple, all covered in detailed carvings.
2. Patwon Ki Haveli:
- This is the biggest and fanciest of those havelis. A rich merchant built it in the 1800s. It's got five sections with cool balconies, paintings, and mirror work that really show off how rich the traders were.
3. Salim Singh Ki Haveli:
- Salim Singh, who was like the prime minister back then, built this place in 1815. It's got a roof that looks like a peacock and 38 balconies. It's a mix of Indian and Islamic styles.
4. Nathmal Ki Haveli:
- This one was built in 1885 for another prime minister, Diwan Mohata Nathmal. Two brothers carved it, and it has a cool look with tiny paintings and even some modern touches that were added later.
5. Gadisar Lake:
- This is a man-made lake from the 1300s. Rawal Jaisal built it to save water. It has temples and those cool umbrella-shaped buildings around it. It's a chill place to take pictures, especially when the sun is rising or setting.
6. Desert National Park:
- This park is about 40 km from the city and protects the desert wildlife. You might see things like the Great Indian Bustard, blackbucks, and desert foxes. You can take a jeep to check it all out.
7. Sam Sand Dunes:
- These dunes are about 42 km west of Jaisalmer. They're the place to go for camel rides, camping in the desert, and watching the sunset. It's super lively during the Desert Festival.
### What It's Like There
Jaisalmer is like a living museum of Rajasthan. You'll hear music, see puppet shows, and watch dancers in the streets. The Desert Festival in February is a big deal with camel races, turban-tying, and all sorts of performances. The food is awesome too, like dal baati churma and ker sangri. You can also buy stuff like embroidered clothes and jewelry as souvenirs.
### How It's Built
The city uses golden sandstone for pretty much everything, so it all glows the same color. The fort has walls and secret passages to keep it safe, while the havelis mix Indian, Mughal, and Jain styles with those cool lattice screens to let air in. The old city has twisty streets, while the newer parts are more modern, so it's a mix of old and new.
### If You Go
- Where: Western Rajasthan, near the border with Pakistan.
- When to Go: October to March is best (10-25°C). It's crazy hot in the summer (40-46°C), and the monsoon season is humid.
- How to Get There: You can fly to Jaisalmer Airport (10 km), take a train from Delhi or Jodhpur, or grab a bus from Jodhpur (5-6 hours).
- How Much: The fort and havelis charge around ₹50-100 for Indians and ₹200-400 for tourists. Desert safaris are around ₹500-2000.
- When It's Open: Most places are open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Desert camps are open from evening to night.
- Good to Know: Bring sunscreen, hats, and water. Book desert safaris early and be respectful of local customs.
### What's New and What's Hard
Tourism is getting bigger in Jaisalmer, with fancy desert camps and better roads. The government is pushing it as a tourist spot. But they still have problems, like not enough water (they rely on a canal) and too many tourists hurting the fort. It's also close to the border with Pakistan, so security is important. People are trying to keep the city in good shape.
### Bottom Line
Jaisalmer is awesome, with its golden fort, fancy houses, and desert scenery. It's a great place to see Rajasthan's history and culture. If you get a chance, go check it out!