Jaisalmer is an exquisite city filled with breathtaking sites that draw both travelers and art enthusiasts looking for Rajasthani architecture to visit. Be sure to visit Jaisalmer Fort and witness an entrancing sunset over the desert! Also don’t miss visiting Vyas Chhatri – famous for its royal cenotaphs – while on your journey. Here you get to know about Top Most Places To Be Visited In Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is an essential destination for tourists visiting Rajasthan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massive fort includes many elaborate Havelis (Indian mansions) dating back centuries that feature intricate carvings and stunning designs constructed out of yellow sandstone.
Fort Jaigarh is known for housing renowned Jain temples featuring idols of different tirthankara’s of Jainism. Unfortunately, however, its sewage system pollutes the city water supply contaminating it further and prompting international heritage foundations to urge tourists and locals alike to reduce water consumption.
Fort Jauhar features four magnificent gateways that lead you into its main citadel – Ganesh Pol, Rang Pol, Bhoota Pol and Hava Pol – that lead directly into its citadel. This fort holds an important historical place as the scene for three acts of Jauhar where Rajput women committed suicide rather than be captured or sexually violated by invading armies. Furthermore, Raj Mahal Palace and Laxminath Temple can be found within its confines.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli
Jaisalmer’s luxurious architecture can be seen throughout its streets. One of its most stunning examples is Patwon-Ki-Haveli, an impressive series of five mansions built by wealthy merchant Guman Chand Patwa in 1805.
Havelis are distinguished by intricate carvings and traditional paintings. Additionally, Havelis have various architectural styles – Jaisalmer-style arches and doors, jharokhas (balconies), mirror decorations on walls and more – making for an outstanding design element.
There are over 60 jharokhas within this complex, each one boasting unique designs and intricate craftsmanship. Jaisalmer tourists have long appreciated these incredible monuments of jade.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli is best visited during winter when temperatures are cooler and crowds are less dense, but you should pay it a visit at any time of year to witness its magnificence. Home to both Archeological Survey of India and State Art and Craft Department facilities, making this site perfect for history enthusiasts to explore.
Nathmal-Ki-Haveli
Nathmal-ki Haveli stands as one of the finest architectural masterpieces of Jaisalmer’s City of Palaces; this majestic Indian palace was originally intended to serve as Diwan Mohata Nathmal’s residence and its construction is credited to Maharawal Berisal.
This Haveli boasts an extraordinary combination of Islamic and Rajput design elements, with yellow sandstone walls and exquisitely carved jharokha windows standing out among its stunning architecture. A further feature of the Haveli are two elephants standing guard at its entrance – another striking feature!
The Haveli is open daily between 8 am and 6 pm for tourists to explore its interiors adorned with miniature paintings and stone engravings, or take part in a guided tour to learn more. Travellers can reach it easily as it’s conveniently situated at the heart of Jaisalmer city – walking, rickshaw rides, air travel or train travel all offer options to reach it easily.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Haveli Jaisalmer is one of the most impressive buildings in Jaisalmer that should not be missed. Constructed during the 18th century by Salim Singh Mahto, it boasts its iconic peacock-shaped roof and 35 balconies; two stone elephants decorated by imperial paintings also stand tall on its grounds.
This structure stands out as an impressive combination of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, making it truly remarkable. Built without any cement use and using large chunks of sandstone for construction. Once owned by a minister and visited by many famous dignitaries.
Moti Mahal at Haveli. Dance performances were held here for royal courtiers and other members of society, while it’s said Salim Singh added two extra stories made of wood to Haveli at one time; these additions were later taken down. Seeing its beautiful architecture will transport you back in time!
Bada Bagh – One of the Top Places To Be Visited In Jaisalmer
Bada Bagh offers breathtaking sunset vistas for history enthusiasts looking for some incredible sights. This garden complex houses royal cenotaphs (chhatris) of Jaisalmer Maharajas which make a fascinating sight. These cenotaphs are made of yellow sandstone with intricate designs carved into them; its architecture blends both Hindu and Islamic styles. Book India Tour Packages
Maharaja Jai Singh II’s chattri was the first one built here in this location, following his 16th century commission of dam construction here that contributed significantly to greening this area. To honor him and commemorate this work, his son built him a cenotaph here as well.
Since then, numerous chhatris have been constructed by Jaisalmer’s rulers, each offering an outstanding example of Indian architecture and serving to remember those in their royal family who have passed on. Additionally, several scenes from Salman Khan-Aishwarya Rai’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam movie were shot at this location – any visit to Rajasthan would not be complete without visiting this incredible memorial!
Gadsisar Lake – Another Top Places To Be Visited In Jaisalmer
Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer is an impressive man-made lake adorned by stunning sandstone temples and shrines, offering beautiful bird watching opportunities. Nestled south of the city center, this oasis can be reached easily from most parts of Jaisalmer. At its entrance is Tilon Ki Pol – built by a courtesan and decorated with an idol of Vishnu.
Lake is an ideal spot for boating enthusiasts; at the entrance gate you can rent a rowboat to glide across its shimmering waters. Additionally, several ghats allow visitors to relax and take in its stunning beauty at dusk.
Bada Bagh, an expansive garden featuring royal tombs, draws many tourists. Additionally, visitors interested in history and culture will find something of interest at Bada Bagh; additionally there is also a museum on-site which enables guests to learn about Rajasthani princely states’ histories.
Sam Sand Dunes – One of the Top Places To Be Visited In Jaisalmer
Sam Sand Dunes are one of the major attractions in Jaisalmer Desert. These golden sand dunes boast of numerous Chhatris, wells and an aesthetically carved Jain temple – making this attraction one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer. Additionally, there are various activities offered such as camel safari and Rajasthani folk dance performances to complete your visit here.
Winter season sees the dunes become a hub of tourist activity and energy, hosting musical nights, folk dance performances and puppet shows. Additionally, they play host to the famed 3-day Desert Festival each February.
Most tourists come here on day excursions from Jaisalmer while others prefer camping in mud cottages or Swiss tents near the dunes for an overnight experience. Camp owners also arrange cultural programs like music and dance performances and bonfires for their guests; creating a festive ambience from late afternoon until morning.
The Thar Heritage Museum
Visit Jaisalmer Museum is an essential component of visiting Rajasthan and is an outstanding repository of its culture and art. Here, visitors will find folk arts and crafts, turbans, musical instruments and fossils as well as historical photos and documents related to Jaisalmer. Additionally, visitors can retrace its international trade links between Arabia and Europe for goods like ghee, jewels and opium with Jaisalmer; special displays show its consumption during events like weddings or funerals.
L Narayan Khatri established this museum, featuring ancient folk art and history from all regions of Rajasthan. A must-visit for travellers.
Vyas Chhatri stands majestically on the edge of Sam Sand Dunes and was constructed from golden sandstone to honor Sage Vyas, author of Mahabharata epic. This grand structure boasts intricate carvings that are truly eye-catching, making for an impressive sunset perspective that attracts numerous tourists every day.
