Discover Jaisalmer
the Golder City of Rajasthan
It’s hard not to be impressed by the Golden City of Rajasthan. It is also hard to describe it in words as it is one of those places you simply have to visit, both for its beauty and for its feel. Imagine a scene from a fairy tale: a yellowish sandstone fort on top of a hill, marvelous architecture, friendly locals in brightly colored attire and distant sand dunes. It is a place where you cannot help but wonder how life must have been in the past. Few other cities in India feel as royal as Jaisalmer.
Heritage Walk Around Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is not a big city, everywhere is accessible by walking but tuk tuks are also convenient and economical. We are happy to help you organize a perfect day around Jaisalmer that includes most attractions to ensure you make the most out of your trip.
Start the day with a delicious breakfast on our rooftop restaurant where you have the best views of Jaisalmer Fort. After breakfast set off on a leisurely walk to the fort. Believe it or not it is as picturesque up close as it is from far away. Spend some time simply wandering around and getting lost within its winding roads. Jaisalmer fort is bursting with life at every corner. To date many people still live inside the fort. Various shops, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are also found within the fort. Make sure you visit the following sights.
Fort Palace
9am to 6pm open everyday
This is Jaisalmer’s former ruler’s residence. You will have access to most of the palace when purchasing entry tickets.
Highlights of the palace include; the mirrored and painted bedroom of Mulraj II, a gallery of 15th-century sculptures, and spectacular views of the whole city and beyond from the rooftop.
Jain temples
Open till noon for non Jains
A total of seven Jain temples, dating from the 15th to 16th century are found within the fort. As the rest of the Fort, they are also made from yellow sandstone and decorated with intricate carvings.
In one of the temples: Sambhavanth, there is an underground library built in 1500 containing ancient illustrated manuscripts.
Havelis Architecture of Jaisalmer
After visiting all the sights inside the fort, you can have lunch at one of the numerous restaurants. Despite being small, Jaisalmer has well adapted for tourism, hence you can find both western and Indian cuisine. A short walk outside the fort, you can see more marvelous architecture. Start by visiting some Havelis (traditional homes) including:
Patwa Ki Haveli
9am to 6pm Open everyday
If you visit only one Haveli, this should be the one as it is the most beautiful. Built between 1800 and 1860 by five brothers.
Today it provides a glimpse into the past lives of Jaisalmer’s wealthiest.
Nathmal Ki Haveli
8am to 7pm everyday
Still partly inhabited today, this Haveli was once the Prime Minister’s home. It was built by two brothers in the 19th century who competed between them. This resulted in the most elaborated Haveli architecture in Jaisalmer.
Once you reach your history and architecture limit for the day, you can spend some time gazing the colorful bazaars and testing your haggling skills. Be aware that the merchants here are professional in the art of haggling, but some persistence and a smile can usually get you a discount.
Gadisar Lake
Catch a tuk tuk or start walking towards Gadisar Lake in time for sunset. If you have time you can stop en route at the Desert Cultural Center or visit later between 6.30pm and 8.30pm for the daily puppet show.
Gadisar Lake was built by the first ruler of Jaisalmer and used to provide water for the whole city. Watch the sunset and take a stroll around the lake or a boat ride so that you can appreciate the shrines, chattris and ghats around the lake.
Your room at Fifu Hotel Jaisalmer
Gadisar Lake is less that 2km away from your home for the night. You are welcome for dinner, drinks or to simply relax on our rooftop, from which you can enjoy the view of Jaisalmer Fort illuminated after dark. We are always happy to assist guests in any queries they might have. Do not hesitate to ask for any suggestions or help. We are happy to provide the services of an official guide around Jaisalmer so our guests can truly appreciate and understand the rich history and not just the aesthetic beauty of Jaisalmer. Our team of experienced guides can speak fluent Hindi, English, Spanish, French and German and are happy to share our city and culture with you.