How to capture the best of Jaisalmer in two days?
Jaisalmer, the ‘Golden City’ as it is fondly called, is one of those olden cities in Rajasthan that has been attracting globetrotters for a long time now. The destination still looks like a city stuck in time but in a good way! Renowned for its old-world charm, warm and welcoming people, golden-hued houses and, of course, the Golden Fort or Sonar Quila, which is also one of the very few ‘living forts’ in the world, Jaisalmer has all the ingredients to make your holidays memorable.
For best experience of hotel in Jaisalmer city must visit: MOONLIGHT LUXURY HOTEL
If you haven’t yet wandered in the narrow lanes of this old and colourful Rajasthani city, then you are absolutely missing out on a great experience! And, if you are planning on exploring Jaisalmer, this is the right time. Follow this two-day itinerary of Jaisalmer and get the best of this gorgeous city.
Day 1
Check-in to best hotel of the city Moonlight Luxury Hotel, freshen up, rest for a while and get ready to explore the beauty of Jaisalmer.
For Best experience of hotel in Jaisalmer city must visit: MOONLIGHT LUXURY HOTEL
This man-made lake is apparently one of the prime sources of water in the city. A picturesque tourist spot, the lake was constructed by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer. A perfect place for nature lovers, the entire region is surrounded by various temples and green space. You can also enjoy boating in the lake and watch a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. There are several shops lined by the road and if you want you can also opt for a camel ride in the region.
For Best experience of hotel in Jaisalmer city must visit: MOONLIGHT LUXURY HOTEL
Jaisalmer Fort
Also popular as Sonar Quila, Jaisalmer Fort has played muse to myriad creative minds, including the legendary Indian writer and director Satyajit Ray. He wrote his novel Sonar Kella that followed the adventure of fictional detective Feluda, along with his friend Topshe. The fort is also among the few ‘living forts’ in the world, where nearly one fourth of Jaisalmer’s population still resides. More than 800 years old, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a few years back.
For Best experience of hotel in Jaisalmer city must visit: MOONLIGHT LUXURY HOTEL
So keep a minimum 3 to 4 hours for this one, because it is huge! If you want, you can hire a guide but that is not necessary. Inside the fort, there are various rooms, a museum and a shop. There is a little market too along the fort, where you’ll notice people selling colourful stones, dupattas, oxidised jewellery and turbans, among other things. Also there are several restaurants and little cafes serving prominent Rajasthani delicacies. A visit to Jaisalmer Fort is without a doubt an enriching experience.
Entry fee: INR 50 (Indians), INR 250 (Foreigners)
Visiting hours: 6 AM to 5 PM
For Best experience of hotel in Jaisalmer city must visit: MOONLIGHT LUXURY HOTEL
Patwon ki Haveli
Best Resort in Jaisalmer: MOONLIGHT NATURE RESORT
When you are done exploring Jaisalmer Fort, take an auto or you can walk to Patwon ki Haweli, which is only 500 m from the fort. You’ll not believe that something this gorgeous is hidden inside the narrow lanes of Jaisalmer. Build back in 18th century, this is one of the most gorgeous havelis and interesting piece of architecture in Jaisalmer because it is not just one haveli but a cluster of five havelis that are together called Patwon ji ki Haveli or the 'mansion of brocade merchants', the other two being Nathmal ji ki Haveli and Salim Singh ji ki Haveli. Inside, you’ll notice gorgeous paintings, fine mirror work on the walls, intricate carvings on the wooden doors, arches and interesting gateways.
For Best experience of hotel in Jaisalmer city must visit: MOONLIGHT LUXURY HOTEL
It won’t take more than an 2 hours here and if you are carrying a camera, be ready to pay extra charges.
Entry fee: INR 20 (Indians), INR 100 (Foreigners)
Visiting hours: 6 AM to 5 PM
Best Resort in Jaisalmer: MOONLIGHT NATURE RESORT
Explore the place, then go shopping, and relax.
Day 2
Keep your second day reserved for Kuldhara Village and Sam Sand Dunes, camel safari and book a camp stay inside the desert.
Kuldhara, the abandoned Village of Rajasthan
Best Resort in Jaisalmer: MOONLIGHT NATURE RESORT
For Best experience of hotel in Jaisalmer city must visit: MOONLIGHT LUXURY HOTEL
Head to the Kuldhara village, which is about 20 km from the main city. You can hire a cab and take an hour in hand to explore this abandoned village. Mostly in ruins, the village is renowned as one of the most haunted places in India and Rajasthan. Now that the Rajasthan Tourism is developing it as a heritage village, you’ll have to pay a minimum entry fee here to an 83-year-old gatekeeper! A board is placed by the government just outside the village that reads ‘the entry inside is not allowed after sunset’, which might give you a little chill.
Best Budget Hotel in Jaisalmer: HOTEL JAISAL PALACE (CLEAN BUDGET)
Sit there and talk to him and listen to his spooky tales, which will add to your experience! The man has been guarding the gates for past 50 years and now he has his son with him. Inside the village, you might feel a hint of negative vibe so avoid touching anything if you enter any abandoned house there.
Best Resort in Jaisalmer: MOONLIGHT NATURE RESORT
Sam Village
For Best experience of hotel in Jaisalmer city must visit: MOONLIGHT LUXURY HOTEL
From Kuldhara, Sam village is around 35 km away. Reach your campsite, relax and get ready to explore the Sam village. A peaceful silence surrounds the entire region and all you can see is never-ending pile of desert around you.
Best Budget Hotel in Jaisalmer: HOTEL JAISAL PALACE (CLEAN BUDGET)
For most authentic sand dune experiences, Sam village is a perfect site. Here, you can mingle with village people, talk to them, get to know them, understand their culture and tradition. They warm people who will offer you food and water from their homes. You’ll notice several tents pitched nearby the dunes and a number of camels roaming around.
Best Resort in Jaisalmer: MOONLIGHT NATURE RESORT
Camel Safari/Jaisalmer Desert National Park
For Best experience of hotel in Jaisalmer city must visit: MOONLIGHT LUXURY HOTEL
The best time to go on a camel safari here is around sunset, between 4 to 7 PM in the evening. This is the time when everything turns golden. The sunrays falling on the desert, renders it a golden glow that looks stunning. The camel owners will charge somewhere around INR 500 to INR 600 per camel for an hour. On this ride, he will take you deep inside the desert and will stop at the point from where you can capture some momentous moments of sunset in your camera.
Best Budget Hotel in Jaisalmer: HOTEL JAISAL PALACE (CLEAN BUDGET)
Go back to your tent site, enjoy some cultural programs and eat and don’t sleep because stargazing is one of the best things you can do here in Jaisalmer. It’s a beautiful sight that we seldom get to experience in a city. So make the most of the moment and look up in the sky where stars shine down!
Best Budget Hotel in Jaisalmer: HOTEL JAISAL PALACE (CLEAN BUDGET)
Next day, bid adieu to this stunning village and head out!
Food in Jaisalmer: Rajasthani food is probably the best in the country. There’s a wide range of both vegetarian delicacy in the Rajasthani food culture. When in Jaisalmer, make sure you try daal churma (perfect for vegetarians), daal bati, gatte ki sabzi, bajra roti and gatte ki khichadi, among others at MOONLIGHT RESTAURANT (PURE VEG).
Restaurants in Jaisalmer: To get the authentic taste, visit the Jaisalmer Fort region which is home to best restaurants in Jaisalmer. MOONLIGHT RESTAURANT (PURE VEG) For street food experience, visit Hanuman Chowk or Amar Sagar Pol in Jaisalmer.
For Best experience of hotel in Jaisalmer city must visit: MOONLIGHT LUXURY HOTEL
Excursions from Jaisalmer: One can also consider visiting Longewala Battlefield and Tanot Mata Mandir, if time permits. These are two of the most prominent sites, significant for Indian Army, located around 120 km from the city of Sam Sand Dunes.
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