Jaisalmer is a popular tourist destination in western India. It is a well-known place as it houses the grand and ancient Jaisalmer Fort, the highly revered Jain temples, and the best of Rajasthan’s culture and art forms. Visit the town for a memorable vacation and pick from the best Jaisalmer hotels.
Jaisalmer, a town located close to the border between India and Pakistan, is a historic town and a district in Rajasthan. It is a popular tourist destination, quite popular amongst the history buffs and backpackers who are looking for a tranquil destination to spend some time unwinding away from the chaos of larger cities of India.
The Jaisalmer district is the largest district in the parent state and the headquarter of the district is situated in the Jaisalmer city. Most of the land here is dry and the water is quite scarce. There is only one small river called Kakni flowing close to the city, which forms a lake a few kilometers away from the city. The weather here is dry and hot. Summer days are extremely hot with the temperature going as high as 42 degree C. Temperature cools down a little in winter when the weather is simply pleasant.
The town is entirely a sandy waste. Being part of the great Thar desert, the place is a sea of sand dunes of varying height, shape, and size. Irrigation is almost null and most of the locals live a gypsy life, wandering places and providing grazing for their flocks and herds. Most of them keep big herds of camels, goats, and sheep. Wool, milk and ghee, and trading camel and cattle are the prime trade. The place is yet to receive the influx of modernization and is a remote place in the heart of Thar desert. Interestingly, despite harsh weather and a very few options of earning the livelihood, Jaisalmer still flourishes. It is a chief educational hub in the region and a popular tourist haunt. Besides, the town has its own railway station, bus stands, and an airport. Thus, accessing the town is an easy affair. The good thing is that there are a number of Jaisalmer hotels that are situated in the vicinity to the railway station and airport. These hotels are good options to pick from, if one seeks conveniences.
The town takes its name on the reference of its founder Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king. It is believed he founded the city in 1156 A.D. when he built a fort called Trikoot Garh, better known as Jaisalmer Fort. In fact, the meaning of Jaisalmer is the “Hill Fort of Jaisal”. Today a popular tourist destination of Rajasthan, the fort is mute testimony of several battles. Interestingly nor the fort or city ever came under the direct rule of the Mughals. The town always had healthy relation with the Mughals. Even today the fort is a living fort with people not just living in, but also being involved in activities like trade, education, etc. within the massive walls of the fort.
Amongst the most popular places to visit in Jaisalmer, some are: Raj Mahal, Manak Chowk , Deoki Niwas Palace , Laxminath temple, Salim Singh-ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Patwon-ki- Haveli, Tazia Tower, Fort Rajwada, and Jain temples. Besides, Gadi Sagar lake, Desert National Park, and Lodurva are some of the other popular tourist attractions near the town. Taxis and cabs are easily available from the main market. Plus, some good budget hotels in Jaisalmer also offer transportation services to nearby tourist attractions to their guests.
