Jaisalmer, the city that glistens at dawn and sunset, has captured the hearts of visitors from all over the world. It does not promote lush foliage since the Thar Desert’s pure simplicity is enough to take your breath away. Its unusual geography and friendly residents are always eager to greet visitors. The sand dunes of Jaisalmer are one of the city’s most alluring features. Camping amid the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is a must-do on any trip to this region of the nation.
Bookings at the last minute, on the other hand, can be tricky. This is primarily owing to the city’s year-round popularity among local and foreign travellers. As a result, deciding on the ideal Jaisalmer trip package early on is a sensible move. The town of Sam, located 40 kilometres from the main city of Jaisalmer, should be visited to make the most of your stay in the Great Indian Desert. The Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer, where you can go on a desert safari or rest beside a tent, are famous in this area. The following is a detailed travel guide on the sand dunes in Jaisalmer city if you want to learn more about this enchanting place.
There are numerous things to see and do in and around Jaisalmer, whether you are a first-time visitor or a repeat visitor. The following are some of the must-see places in Jaisalmer:
1- Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort is also known as Sonar Quila (Golden Fort) because it rises from the desert and appears to merge with the sand’s golden colours. The fading sun adds its own magic to the fort, shrouding it in mystery. Local craftsmen built the fort in the regal style of the time. This fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features prominently in one of Satyajit Ray’s classic Feluda stories and film, Sonar Kela (The Golden Fortress).
2- Patwon Ki Haveli
This five-story edifice, one of Jaisalmer’s largest and most intricately carved havelis, stands boldly in a tiny roadway. While the haveli has lost part of its former splendour, there are still a few paintings and mirror work art on the inside walls.
3- Bada Bagh
About 6 kilometres to the north of Jaisalmer lies Bada Bagh, also called Barabagh (literally Big Garden). This garden complex houses chhatris or royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Jaisalmer state, including that of Jai Singh II. The location of the garden is such that it offers wonderful sunset vistas to tourists.
4- Gadisar Lake
Maharawal Gadsi Singh built Gadisar Lake in the 14th century to address the water demands of his dry domains. Because of its significance, several small temples and shrines were built around it, turning it into a pilgrimage site and a tourist destination.
5- Desert National Park
The Desert National Park displays the best of the Thar desert’s ecosystem and its varied wildlife. The Park is formed of undulating sand dunes, jagged rocks, dense salt lake bottoms and inter-medial areas. Various species of animals such as black buck, chinkara and desert fox inhabit the Park. The highly endangered Great Indian Bustard, one of the world’s heaviest flying birds, can also be seen here. In winter, the park hosts an incredible variety of migratory raptors such Himalayan and Eurasian Griffon Vultures, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and the Saker Falcon.
6- Salim Singh Ki Haveli
This haveli was erected in the first half of the 18th century, and descendants of the original residents still live in part of it. The carved brackets in the shape of peacocks support the high arched ceiling. According to legend, there were two additional wooden storeys that would have brought it up to the same height as the Maharaja’s palace, but he ordered the upper level to be removed.
7- Mandir Palace
The five-story splendour of the Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace) is heightened by the Tazia Tower, which resembles a pagoda. An beautifully carved balcony may be found on each storey of the palace. The Badal Palace owes its beauty to Muslim artisans who sculpted the tower in the shape of a Tazia (a float used in the Muharram procession).
8- Amar Sagar Lake
Amar Sagar Lake, about 7 kilometres from Jaisalmer’s western fringes, is a lake-cum oasis near to the Amar Singh Palace. The palace was constructed in the 17th century. Several ponds and wells, as well as a historic temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, are located inside the complex that comprises the palace and the lake. Numerous carved stone figureheads of animals surround the lake, and legend has it that these carved figureheads are the royal family’s protectors. Pavilions with stairs leading down to the lake may be found on one end, while a gorgeous, beautifully sculpted Jain temple can be found on the other. The Amar Sagar Lake is a quiet and serene location.
9- Jaisalmer War Museum
The War Museum lies near the Military Station, 10 kilometres from Jaisalmer, on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway. This one-of-a-kind museum was created to honour the efforts and sacrifices of military heroes while also highlighting their bravery. Two big information display halls, an audio visual area, and a souvenir store are available at the museum. Along with tanks and military vehicles, there are also combat trophies and historical equipment on show. The paintings of the warriors whose great sacrifice resulted in victory in the Laungewala Battle, as well as the 106 mm Recoilless Gun (primary anti-tank weapon) used to destroy a number of enemy tanks, are displayed with pride.
10- Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli was erected in the 19th century by two architect brothers. They worked on the haveli from both sides, and the result is a lovely blend of symmetrical architecture. Decorations include little paintings and gigantic tuskers carved from yellow sandstone.
How to Reach
All major cities are well connected to Jaisalmer. To summarise, it offers well-developed bus, train, road, and air lines that connect you to the city. Return trips from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer to Delhi, and Jaisalmer to Jodhpur are similarly simple.
By Bus:
The bus travel from Delhi to Jaisalmer is fairly lengthy, taking between 17 and 18 hours in total. That distance is greater than the majority of routes from Delhi to Himachal. In general, there aren’t many buses that go between Delhi and Jaisalmer. A few private buses are available for hire, which you may order online.
When travelling by bus, the most common route is Delhi to Jaipur, followed by Jaipur to Jaisalmer. Buses are readily available on these routes, and travellers can divide their journey into two halves, stopping in Jaipur if necessary. This makes for a more pleasant journey.
By Train:
Trains connect Jaisalmer to the rest of the world. Trains from Jaisalmer to Delhi and Jaisalmer to Jaipur are both readily available. Some of the most popular include the Delhi-Jaisalmer Express, Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Express, and Lalgarh-Jaisalmer Special. The railway station is mostly crowded with auto-rickshaw drivers and cabs who will take you around the city or to your hotel.
You can break up the drive from Jaipur to Jaisalmer by stopping somewhere (perhaps overnight) and then going on to Jaisalmer. However, if you don’t mind travelling for more than 15 hours at a time, the direct line will suffice.
By Flight:
There is an airport in Jaisalmer that is housed within a military base. It is presently used for civic purposes, but it was formerly closed to the public and only available to military personnel. Jaisalmer flights are now available from Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Surat, Bikaner, Ahmedabad, and Agra. Purchasing tickets may be done quickly and conveniently online.
Even though it is a little more expensive, a flight from Jaisalmer to Delhi or Jaisalmer to Jaipur can save you a lot of time on your journey because any other route will take you about 15-18 hours.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to explore the sand dunes in Jaisalmer, like most Indian holiday locations, is in the winter. Because the climatic conditions are rather cool between October and March, these months are ideal for a trip to this desert location.
Because of the three-day Jaisalmer Desert Festival, February is regarded to be the busiest month in Sam Sand Dunes. Cultural programmes and activities abound across the desert, which travellers can participate in enthusiastically. In reality, during the summer, camping and desert excursions in Sam, Jaisalmer are relatively infrequent. As a result, between April and July, you won’t be able to fully appreciate the desert.