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17 Things To Know Before Travelling to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, 345001
1. Destination Overview of Jaisalmer:
Jaisalmer is a city in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its palaces and havelis, built from distinctive golden-yellow sandstone. The city is surrounded by the ancient Jaisalmer Fort, which contains a royal palace and several ornate Jain temples. Nearby, the desert landscape of Thar Desert is dotted with ancient, elaborately sculpted Jain temples. Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer are Jaisalmer Fort, Gadsisar Lake, Sam Sand Dunes, Salim Singh ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmal ki Haveli, Thar Desert, Bada Bagh, Kuldhara Village and Desert National Park.
2. Top Activities to do in Jaisalmer:
• Exploring the Jaisalmer fort and its various attractions such as the royal palace and Jain temples.
• Taking a camel safari at the desert of Thar and exploring the beautiful sand dunes.
• Visiting the Gadsisar Lake and enjoy a boat ride.
• Exploring the local markets and buying traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and jewellery.
• Visiting the popular Havelis (traditional Rajasthani mansions) such as Salim Singh ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli.
• Exploring the Kuldhara Village and learn about its mysterious history.
• Visiting the Bada Bagh and explore its historical monuments.
• Exploring the Desert National Park and observe its various wildlife species.
3. Best Places To Stay in Jaisalmer:
• Luxury Places: Hotel Jaisal Castle, Narayan Niwas Palace, Hotel Shiv Niwas Palace
• Mid Range: Hotel Killa Bhawan, Hotel Royal Palace, Hotel Desert Sun
• Budget Friendly: Arco Desert Camp, Hotel Jaisal Palace, Hotel Chanda Haveli
4. How to Travel to Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer is well connected to major cities and towns of Rajasthan by road. There are regular bus services from Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and other cities. The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is the Jodhpur Airport, located at a distance of 285 km. The nearest railway station is the Jaisalmer Railway Station, located at a distance of around 5 km from the city centre.
5. Must Try Local Food and Drink in Jaisalmer:
• Dal Baati Churma
• Gatte ki Sabji
• Ker Sangri
• Mirchi Vada
• Bajre ki Khichdi
• Laal Maans
• Panchkuta
• Mawa Kachori
• Malpuas
• Ghevar
• Kulfi Faluda
6. Best Places to Eat in Jaisalmer:
• Shree Ganesh Restaurant: Dal Bati Churma, Gatte ki Sabji
• Amritsar Restaurant: Dal Makhani, Naan, Lassi
• Jagat Singh Bikaneri Restaurant: Bikaneri Bhujia, Mirchi Vada
• Hotel Jaisal Palace: Ker Sangri, Panchkuta
• Desert Boy’s Cafe: Laal Maans, Paneer Tikka
• Laxmi Hotel: Mawa Kachori, Malpuas
• Rajasthali Restaurant: Ghevar, Kulfi Faluda
7. Weather and Climate:
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. The temperature during this time varies between 5 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. Summers in Jaisalmer can be very hot and should be avoided by tourists.
8. Local Customs and Etiquette in Jaisalmer:
Jaisalmer follows the traditional customs and etiquette of Rajasthan. It is advisable for women to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes. Tipping is customary in the city, especially for services like the auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers.
9. Popular Scams in Jaisalmer:
• Overcharging by Auto-Rickshaw Drivers: Auto-rickshaw drivers often try to overcharge tourists for rides.
• Fake Guides: Fake guides often approach tourists and offer their services.
• Fake Jewellery Sellers: Fake jewellery sellers often try to sell fake jewellery to tourists at inflated prices.
10. Suggested Trip Duration:
A traveller should plan for at least 4-5 days in Jaisalmer to explore the city properly.
11. Total Estimated Budget Per Person:
Stay: INR 1500-3000
Food: INR 500-1000
Activities: INR 1000-2000
Tickets: INR 500-1000
12. NearBy Cities:
• Barmer (100 km)
• Bikaner (300 km)
• Jodhpur (285 km)
• Udaipur (455 km)
13. Local Language and Communication in Jaisalmer:
The official language of Jaisalmer is Hindi. English is also widely spoken. English speaking guides are available at the tourist destinations, who charge around INR 500-1000 per day.
14. Accepted Currency and Money:
The local currency in Jaisalmer is the Indian Rupee (INR). The most popular form of payment is cash, but credit and debit cards are also accepted at some places. Tipping is customary in the city, especially for services like the auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers.
15. Health and Medical Information:
There are no specific vaccinations required for Jaisalmer. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before the trip. There are some good hospitals in the city, and medical services are available 24 hours.
16. Packing Tips for Jaisalmer:
• Light cotton clothing is essential in the summer months.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are must-haves.
• Comfortable and supportive shoes are essential for exploring the city.
• Light raincoat and umbrella should be packed in case of unexpected rain.
17. To Sum Up:
Jaisalmer is a city in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its palaces and havelis, built from distinctive golden-yellow sandstone. Exploring the Jaisalmer fort and its various attractions, taking a camel safari in the desert of Thar, visiting the local markets, and exploring the popular Havelis are some of the top activities to do in Jaisalmer.