Jaisalmer is a city in Rajasthan, India, that is famous for its golden sand dunes, majestic forts, and rich culture. It is also known as the “Golden City” because of the yellow sandstone that is used to build most of its structures. Jaisalmer is a popular tourist destination that offers a glimpse of the royal and desert life of Rajasthan. There are many places to visit in Jaisalmer that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable.
Here are three of them:
Jaisalmer Fort
This is one of the largest and oldest forts in India, built by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jaisalmer, in 1156 AD on a rocky hill called Bhakurcheeria, which means the mountain of birds. The fort stands 410 feet above the city and is surrounded by thick walls. It has seven gates, some of which commemorate the victories of the Rathore rulers over their enemies.
The fort also houses several palaces, temples, and a museum that displays the rich heritage of the Rathore dynasty. The fort’s massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert.
For this reason, it is also known as the Swarn Durg, Sonar Quila, or Golden Fort. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of architecture and engineering. You can explore the fort’s palaces, courtyards, museums, and bastions, and enjoy the stunning view of the city from its ramparts.
Best time to visit Jaisalmer Fort
The best time to visit Jaisalmer Fort is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. The fort is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day.
Jaisalmer Fort Entry Fees
The entry fee is ₹55 for Indians and ₹255 for foreigners.
Patwon Ki Haveli
Patwon Ki Haveli is a remarkable example of the grandeur and elegance of Jaisalmer architecture. It is a complex of five Havelis, each built by a different member of the Patwa family, who were wealthy merchants of jewelry and brocade.
The first and the most impressive Haveli is also known as Kothari’s Patwa Haveli, which was built by Guman Chand Patwa in 1805. It took him and his sons nearly 55 years to complete this masterpiece of art and design.
The Havelis are made of yellow sandstone and have intricate carvings and paintings on their walls, ceilings, doors, and windows.
The Havelis have hundreds of balconies or jharokhas, each with a different pattern and style. The Havelis also have beautiful courtyards and gateways that reflect the taste and personality of the owners. The Havelis also has a museum that showcases the various items and artifacts that belonged to the Patwa family, such as jewelry, furniture, paintings, coins, and utensils.
You can visit Patwon Ki Haveli to admire the craftsmanship and beauty of these Havelis and learn about their history and culture. You can also see how the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer lived in luxury and splendor in the past.
Best time to visit Patwon Ki Haveli
The best time to visit Patwon Ki Haveli is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.
Patwon Ki Haveli Opening and Closing Time
The Haveli is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. The entry fee is ₹20 for Indians and ₹100 for foreigners.
Patwon Ki Haveli is one of the most popular places to visit in Jaisalmer, as it offers a glimpse of the golden era of Jaisalmer’s architecture and culture. It is a place that will leave you spellbound by its beauty and charm. It is a place that you should not miss if you are in Jaisalmer.
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is a beautiful and serene place to visit in Jaisalmer, the Golden City of Rajasthan. It is a man-made lake that was constructed by King Rawal Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer, in 1156 AD to provide water to his people.
It was renovated by Gadsi Singh Bhati, a nobleman of Jaisalmer, in 1367 AD. The lake is situated about 1.5 km from Jaisalmer Fort and offers a stunning view of the fort and the surrounding desert.
The lake is also a sacred place for the Hindus, as it has many temples and shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses around it. You can see the beautiful chhatris or cenotaphs of the royal family and the nobles of Jaisalmer on the banks of the lake.
You can also see many migratory birds that flock to the lake during the winter season. The lake is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers, as it has a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Activities at Gadisar Lake
You can enjoy various activities at Gadisar Lake, such as boating, birdwatching, photography, or simply relaxing by the water. You can also witness the cultural performances of folk music and dance by the local artists at night.
Best time to visit Gadisar Lake
The lake is illuminated with colorful lights and lanterns that create a magical effect. The best time to visit Gadisar Lake is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing.
Gadisar Lake Timing
The lake is open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the lake, but boating charges vary depending on the type of boat you choose.
Gadisar Lake is one of the most popular places to visit in Jaisalmer, as it offers a glimpse of the golden era of Jaisalmer’s architecture and culture. It is a place that will make you feel relaxed and refreshed. It is a place that you should not miss if you are in Jaisalmer.
If you are looking for places to visit in Jaisalmer that will make your trip worthwhile, you should not miss these three destinations.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Jaisalmer today and experience the magic of these places to visit in Jaisalmer. They will leave you spellbound by their charm and splendor. They will make you fall in love with Jaisalmer and its golden sand dunes. They will make you feel like you are living in a fairy tale.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness one of India’s most magnificent cities. Visit these places to visit in Jaisalmer today!