• Get around
• See
• Do
• Buy
• Eat
• Drink
• Sleep
• Get out

Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", is located on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. Desert Safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience.

The city is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike most forts in India, the Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort. There are shops, hotels, age old havelis (homes) inside the fort area.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

A military airstrip has recently been opened to limited civilian flights, with Kingfisher offering flights from Delhi. A new, dedicated airport is planned for 2010.

[edit] By train

There is a direct train service from Delhi When arriving by train you will pass the station of Pokharan, India's nuclear testing area!

[edit] By bus

Bus or car-taxi from Jodhpur or by bus from Bikaner. A daily bus runs to and from Jaipur.

[edit] By camel

Another option is to arrive by camel, Jaisalmer is famous for camel trips. The most gruelling is the 14 day trip from Bikaner. When booking a few days in the desert on a camel, remember you get the quality you pay for. People who go for the cheapest trips find themselves eating lentils three times a day!

[edit] Get around

The walled centre is a pedestrian area, from the gates you can get other means of transport. The Sam sand-dunes are 45 km away from the city. The rest of the city is easily walkable from one end to the other.

[edit] See

One of the most magnificient attractions is the Jaisalmer Fort known as the "Sonar Kila" due to the yellow stone it was built out of. Gadi Sagar is a rainwater lake which supplies water to the city. It is surrounded by temples and tombs of saints. Boat rides are offered. Nearby is the desert cultural centre and a local museum built out of the collections of a local schoolteacher.

[edit] Do

Just chill, Jaisalmer is a lovely and very relaxing place. Go for a stroll, visit the palace and do the camel safari (trips available from a few hours to 14 days). If you do not feel remotely attracted to camels try a jeep safari into the desert to see the scenery and watch the sun go down. Below the fort are several magnificent havelis wiht intricate stone carving. Several can be visited for minimal charges and are well worth seeking out.

[edit] Buy

The usual: in Jaisalmer this means items made of camel leather, intricate textiles, especially embroidery and silver jewllery. Local advice is to seek out shops outside of the fort for better value and service.

[edit] Eat

Lots of local eateries which offer sumptuous lunches and dinners for a measly Rs. 20 (approx. $0.45).

• Seema Restaurant Just outside the fort. Really good and cheap food (50Rs). The main appeal is everything is made fresh. Only bad thing is the restaurant is a little dingy.

[edit] Drink

Drink delectable bhang lassi at the govt authorised shop close to the haveli

[edit] Sleep

Do yourself a favour and pick a hotel inside the fort! There is plenty of choice for every wallet.

• Hotel Shreenath Palace [1] -

PRIME MINISTER HOUSE 450 year old Heritage Haveli Hotel The prime minister under the maharaja once inhabited this beautiful 450-year-old haveli. - The gorgeous archways, alluring alcoves, sizable rooms opening onto small balconies and rich ambience must have been grand back in the old days.

• Hotel Suraj, Ph. 09928738269, email:- hotelsurajjaisalmer@hotmail.com. If you like to enjoy and relax in Maharaja style in a 500 years old Haveli, well decorated as well as clean haveli provides stunning views of Jain temples and the Sunset. This all is possible at an affordable price of 500 to 1600rs. Very relaxed atmosphere. The place only has 4 mini-suites.

• Garh Jaisal opened in 2006 and overlooks the entrance to the fort. It has an amazing rooftop deck overlooking the city. Each room is decorated like a jewel tone. It is luxury in the fort and you can book directly on their website. A good combination with a desert trip. Garh Jaisal

• However, if you fancy a break from the city, just an hour's journey by road back towards Jodhpur is the village of Sodakore where you will find Mirvana Nature Resort, [2] a tented camp attached to a desert farm. Meals are served under the stars!

• Henna Hotel Located outside the fort just left of where the market street starts. Really cheap and clean rooms. Double ensuite is only 115Rs. They claim to be hassle free, but they will want you to go on a camel safari. You can find cheaper (and more honest) camel safaris elsewhere, but the rooms are a great deal for the price.

[edit] Get out

• Sam sand dunes Sam is about 40kms from the city. Watch the sunset from the Sam sand dunes. RTDC has limited accommodations (huts) at Sam; or you can chill out at the one of the camps/tents, right in the middle of the desert, organized by many tour operators. You can watch cultural programms and dances organised by RTDC and many private organisers. Highly recommended to spend one night at Sam (early evening to late morning next day).