Jaisalmer town, western Rajasthan state, northwestern India. It is situated on a level plain in the Thar (Great Indian) Desert , The city covers a total area of 5.1 square kilometers and is located at an altitude of 225 meters above sea level amid the scenic Thar Desert.
The origin of Jaisalmer city dates back to the 12th century when a Bhati Rajput King named Rao Jaisala decided to shift his capital from Ludharva to a safer place. Thus the birth of Jaisalmer city in the year 1156 AD. In 1949, the city was included in the state of Rajasthan and granted the status of a district.
The origin of Jaisalmer city dates back to the 12th century when a Bhati Rajput King named Rao Jaisala decided to shift his capital from.
Jaisalmer basically being desert city experiences extreme climatic conditions, with summers being extremely hot and winters equally cold. from April to August. During the daytime, the temperature is usually very high and generally shoots up to 48° Centigrade, while nights are comparatively cooler with the temperature falling down to as low as 25° Centigrade.
Jaisalmer witnesses much cooler winters, which start at around mid-November and last until the end of February. The temperature remains pleasant during the daytime at around 24° Centigrade, while nights are chilly with temperatures dropping to as low as 7 to 8° Centigrade.
Jaisalmer City | Population |
---|---|
2021 | 851,000 |
2022 | 870,600 |
2023 | 887,600 |
2024 | 902,300 |
The economy of Jaisalmer is largely dependent on its industries. At present, the key industries in the Jaisalmer district are:
The city’s tourism industry is one of the most booming and profitable sectors in Jaisalmer. The desert city’s scenic beauty attracts thousands of tourists every year from within the country and abroad. A majority of Jaisalmer’s revenue comes from its tourism industry, while the city also earns foreign exchange in huge numbers from the international tourists who are welcomed by the warm and friendly natives.
Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading center and a princely state in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. Known as the "Golden City," it's distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. Dominating the skyline is Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions. Behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja's Palace and intricately carved Jain temples.
Jaisalmer fort is one of Jaisalmer city’s most popular landmarks. It’s among the world’s largest forts and is a replica of the fort in Arabian nights, the well-known television cartoon. Jaisalmer fort is different from other forts of Rajasthan. Built in 1156, Jaisalmer Fort is the Bhati clan’s honoured chattel.
This lake was built near the Jaisalmer Fort in 1367. It is the only source of water for the desert city in earlier times. A beautiful yellow sandstone carved gate is located on the banks of the lake. Tilon’s Gate has a unique history attached to it. Gadi Sagar will transport you to a different world with its pleasant and silent atmosphere. You can also find migratory birds that stop by to drink from the Gadi Sagar lake.
There is an abandoned village named Kuldhara about 15 km away from Jaisalmer and Khaba is about 3 km. away from Kuldhara. Prosperous clan of Paliwal Brahmins established this village in the 13th Century. Their trading skills and agricultural knowledge were quite famous. But one night all the villagers of Kuldhara vanished into the dark without any trace. It is also believed that they cast a curse over the village, whereby anyone who tried to live on their land would die. Today, it has become one of the popular tourist spots where tourists get to explore the mystery behind the ruins of the Kuldhara village.
We rented a motorbike and set off towards Bada Bagh from the city center. It only took us about 15 minutes driving towards the huge wind turbines to find the temple site. Bada Bagh translates to ‘big garden’. Years ago the founder of Jaisalmer commissioned a dam to create a water tank to be built at the site, which meant it was the only green area in the region at times during the year. It is also the reason why there is a lake next to Bada Bagh, seemingly in the middle of a huge desert.
The havelis in Jaisalmer are magnificent examples of the city’s rich architectural heritage. These grand mansions, mostly built in the 18th and 19th centuries by wealthy merchants, are renowned for their intricate yellow sandstone carvings and unique design. The most famous among these is the Patwon Ki Haveli, a collection of five havelis standing close to one another. Each haveli, with its intricately latticed windows, elaborately carved pillars, and stunning murals, is a testament to the skill of the local craftsmen.
While exploring the Golden City it’s likely you will be offered a camel safari in Jaisalmer. It’s the most popular tourist attraction in the western region of Rajasthan. The Sam Sand Dunes are on the outskirts of Jaisalmer in the Desert National Park provides the perfect landscape for slow-paced trekking and escaping the city.
Shopping in Jaisalmer is a treasure hunt. You’ll find everything from leather goods and silver jewelry to colorful textiles and intricate miniature paintings. Experience of Shopping in Jaisalmer – Bargaining is key! The vibrant Sardar Bazaar and the quieter Bhatia Bazaar are must- visits. Being immersed in the buzz of the markets and interacting with the vendors is one of the must-do activities in Jaisalmer.
The Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a vibrant, annual event that showcases the rich cultural heritage and folk traditions of Rajasthan. Held over three days in the month of February, the festival transforms the golden sands of the Thar Desert into a riot of color, music, and laughter. Traditional music fills the air as folk artists mesmerize the crowd with performances of folk dances like Ghoomar and Kalbeliya. The festival is renowned for unique and exciting events such as camel races, turban-tying competitions, and Mr. Desert contests.