Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is the magical Thar Desert entrance, where you may find peace among the gorgeous golden dunes. The impressive Jaisalmer Fort, also called the “Sonar Quila,” is a significant draw for visitors to this famous tourist destination in India. But is Jaisalmer worth visiting? Other than the history and the grandeur, let’s take a look.
Beginning with history, this city was founded by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century. Jaisalmer, often known as the “Golden City,” is a prime example of Rajasthan’s illustrious history and culture. It provides a look into the splendor of this remarkable kingdom with its beautiful buildings, sites of local historical value, and deserted villages.
Check out our list of the top 20 must-see sites in Jaisalmer before you pack your bags and make the trip.
Is Jaisalmer Worth Visiting?
Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is often referred to as the “Golden City” because of its stunning golden sandstone buildings. Here are the places that make this city worth a visit:
1) Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort, sometimes called Sonar Quila, is the city’s most recognizable landmark. Massive battlements, thick embattled sandstone walls, and roughly 99 bastions adorn the fort’s commanding façade as it rises from the sandy plains of the desert in all its magnificent magnificence. The city was established in 1156 A.D. by Raja Rawal Jaisal, a monarch of Bhatti.
The city’s original occupants’ descendants continue to make the fort their home even as it becomes a significant tourist attraction. Several Havelis and other instances of magnificent architecture existed amid the destroyed huts and colorful kiosks. The water from the fort’s internal wells is still quite functional. The fort’s prominent position atop Trikuta Hill makes it easy to see.
2) Gadisar Lake
Situated outside the city center, Gadisar Lake is a popular destination for visitors due to its historical significance and picturesque beauty. And that’s because of its innate proclivity and the conditions in which it thrives. Rainwater harvesting took place there as well.
More and more religious buildings constructed here have made the area popular as a pilgrimage destination. Due to its recent rise to prominence as a tourist destination, the lake is now accessible year-round.
3) Patwon Ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli is a great place to check out in Jaisalmer, comprising a cluster of five tiny havelis. Uniquely, it has the distinction of being the city’s first-ever haveli. As a result, the haveli is as stunning as it is full of old-world charm. Guman Chand Patwa commissioned the haveli’s construction, which took him over 50 years to finish. This Jaisalmer attraction is fully dressed up with traditional adornments, so don’t miss it.
4) Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Salim Singh ki Haveli is a popular tourist destination with its unique design and extraordinarily ornate architecture. As a result, it is the fifth-best attraction in all of Jaisalmer. The current Havelis were constructed on earlier Havelis dating back to the latter half of the 17th century. Salim Singh, the monarchy’s Prime Minister at the time, commissioned the building in question in 1815. You’ll definitely love the haveli’s stunning and sophisticated design.
5) Fort Khaba
Almost 80 Paliwal Brahmin families have resided in and around Khaba Fort for the last 200 years, even though the fort is now dilapidated. But for reasons we don’t know, or maybe they know better, they abruptly moved somewhere else, the location of which is also unknown. Therefore, the location has eerie overtones and the air of quiet there might be enigmatic. The location may not be as remote and desolate as it once was, but its past still raises questions. The fort, however, has been renovated into a museum where the public may show the old community’s artwork and achievements.
6) Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh, often known as “The Big Garden,” is one of Jaisalmer’s most popular tourist attractions. The surroundings are adorned with incredible architecture and ornamentation. Maharwal Jait Singh initiated construction on this building in the early 1600s. However, his son Lunakaran finished it after his passing. A garden, a reservoir, and a dam are the primary tourist draws in Bada Bagh. In addition to the dam and reservoir, a central pillar named Govardhan Stambh was constructed as a memorial.
However, the dam, at over 1,200 feet in length and 350 feet in width, takes the cake as the most prominent structure. Beautifully carved cenotaphs can be seen all across Bada Bagh and are another major attraction. These monuments to former regional rulers are known as chattris in the local language.
7) Temple of Tanot Mata
From the beginning of time, it has been known that the Indians had a remarkable collection of supernatural and magical abilities. Many similar tales have been well-liked in folklore for centuries. Because of its exciting past, the Tanot Mata temple is often visited by people from all over the world. It is said that the Pakistani army attempted to demolish the temple by dropping many bombs on it during the contentious 1965 war between India and Pakistan.
Several explosives that were dropped in the vicinity of the temple have also failed to detonate. As a result, people in the area began associating the temple with mystical or heavenly knowledge.
8) Vyas Chhatri, Jaisalmer
The Vyas Chattri are little golden sandstone cups with intricate designs. Visitors to Jaisalmer often stop here to watch the sunset. It also served as a “cremation site” for the deceased Brahmins of the Pushkarna caste. When this stopped happening, the area quickly gained fame as a great site to watch the sunset.
The location, above all else, is peaceful and tranquil. Seeing the sun go down from this vantage point is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. About a kilometer outside Jaisalmer proper, in the neighborhood of Bara Bagh, is where you’ll find Vyas Chhatri.
9) Longewala War Memorial
The Longewala War Memorial stands out as a must-see for history buffs and those who want to honor the bravery of Indian troops.
The monument’s proximity to the actual battlefield enables visitors to experience the significance and heroism of the event entirely. As you wander the memorial grounds, check out the magnificent recreation of a Hunter plane flown by the Indian Air Force during the war. Military artifacts from the fight are also on display at the monument, shedding light on the difficulties experienced by Indian troops.
Visitors to the Longewala War Memorial may think about the sacrifices made by those who fought for their country while they stood before the memorial. The memorial’s plaques and signboards vividly describe the conflict, helping visitors understand what the men fought for.
10) Silk Route Art Gallery
The patchwork, antiques, clothing, and accessories displayed at the history exhibit are just a few examples of Rajasthani handicrafts available. The city’s cultural wealth and vitality shine through in the extraordinary goods produced by local artists and craftspeople. Oil lamps, clay pots, and wall hangings are just a few traditional goods that may be purchased here at low prices.
Conclusion
Jaisalmer is a great place to visit whether you’re interested in history, appreciate art, or are just looking for a relaxing getaway in the desert. Using the above article, you can still research which neighborhoods are worth seeing. Locals can show you uncommon places and prove and answer the question, “Is Jaisalmer worth visiting?” in the affirmative.
