Jaisalmer Things to Do

The fort is also known as Sonar Quila due to the yellow colour of the stone and is an imposing structure as you approach the town from the desert. You can spend hours wandering around inside the fort admiring the wonderful architecture of the numerous buildings. Don't miss visiting the Royal Palace, Huge Gateways, the Jain temples and the Havelis (houses of the rich merchants). The Havelis were built hundreds of years ago and usually the descendants of the families who originally built then are in residence. They have several floors with beautiful carvings, many rooms, balconies and Archways. The fort was originally built in the middle of the 12th century by Rawal Jaisal.

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Jewel Caravan is a lovely "museum-boutique" with an incredible choice of jewellery.
There is a vast selection of Rajasthani silver ornaments, as well as a precious collection of Tibetan jewellery in silver, turquoise, lapis and coral. They have also gemstones, both rough and facetted. Furthermore, that shop offers a good variety of Kashmiri textiles, shawls, silk scarves, embroidered kurtas, wool rugs and adorable bags. If you prefer more peculiar items, they have a selection of statues, prayer wheels, singing bowls and thangkas. For the spiritual ones, you can even find crystal healing wands...
The owner is professional, helpful and very patient. He will most likely invite you for tea and provide you with a nice conversation. Absolutely no harrassement or "under pressure sale".
Finally, if you want to learn more about the items and Indian arts and crafts, there are many brochures available to give you details about the products offered.
Enjoy your visit!

For those who are looking for the proper company to make safari with.. I would highly not recommend Adventure travel agency! Their safari is the most expensive compare to, for example, Sahara or Ganesh, but it definitely don't worth that big difference! Don't be confused by German office woman Martina, who is attractive, friendly, talkative and seems trustful. Your experience will totally depend on camelmen... We were told by Martina that there will be nobody in the desert, but always saw people, mostly local indians, their villages (that might be good if you are interested though). We were expecting being in true nature, but were almost always going by pathes or even car roads, seeing bikes and rikshaws sometimes, other campfires nearby. On our breaks for breakfast, lunch and dinner there were always somebody else from the nearest villages, having food with us (that we don't mind), or taking bags of rice and vegetables from our provision to their homes (which we don't mind as well, cause there were too much food for us, but why we should pay for such an enormous amount that we definitely don't need?). That was all still ok, but on the last morning there were no eggs and fruits left, because they were given to villagemen by camelmen!! Camelmen told different stories about who took our eggs and fruits - dog (!:-D), village boy, "you already finished them", "we forgot them in village, sorry, sorry", etc., but that was just clear what happened... We paid more than enough not to have only porrige and toasts for breakfast! And the camelmen themselves were not pleasant at all, it was visible that when they are trying to be helpful, mostly they are doing this for tips. Once I asked about extra pillow or blanket for seddle, and camelman told that he arranged that but I saw that it was just the same... They were not interested in us as in persons, they were not asking questions about our countries, homes, etc., they were interested only in money. Moreover, they were even lying about their lives when we asked questions... Not pleasant guys at all, unfortunately(( The only thing that probably worth to pay for is rather warm and comfortable bed (their famous bed-roll), but it can make difference, if any, only in winter time; when the weather is warm, don't even think about paying that much money! Hope you'll get amazing, merry and happy experience with another company and good camelmen!!)

Only 2 places to go for great jewellery shopping. Jewel Caravan in Sadar Bazaar and Hari Om jewellery inside the fort's palace. Jewel Caravan has the best choice (and really nice tribal jewellery and tibetan jewellery) and reasonable prices. Hari Om has lovely custom designed rings, but is much more pricy.

Especially for every Indian, the Indo-Pak border is an emotional thing. A must visit. Would suggest first going to Longewala - the scene of the epic 1971 battle. Then go to Tanot mata temple - one of the most revered temple on the western border. Take a permission from the army at the temple and go to the border. It's about 15 km from there. Was pretty emotional for me.

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A very nice experience!
The camel-safari-guys guided us through deserted towns, past wells, bush land and sand dunes. They made us chai and food. And this was actually the first time I tasted pakora. I loved it!
It was really nice to sleep under the stars in the desert, but it was cold, and it was also nice to get back to a bed at the hotel in Jaisalmer. Camels are not the most comfortable means transport...

Warning: We heard from other travellers that Sam Sand Dunes are very touristy and crowded at sunset. We wanted a more calm desert experience and got a relaxed and beautiful desert sunset.

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If you like many decide to stay overnight at the dunes, or even go for a sunset trip, there are a lot of people who provide these services. After much searching, the arrangements made by Swastika Hotel fit best.

Sunset viewing, camel-thing, and return per person from Sam dunes (pronounced: Sum) is about Rs300. Overnight stay is Rs1000. Either way their prices are competitive and can probably offer what you want, more comfortable overnight stays perhaps.

In case you plan to stay overnight, bring a torch and sheet with you. The hut they provide has no electricity. However, your host family will prepare a thoughtful meal and you can know more of the region's real life as you have your dinner amid lovely lambs and assertive goats. Good way to get an idea of how the majority of the community lives here everyday. Quite unforgettable. Especially if that night there happens to be a fierce sandstorm.... :)

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Built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala (after which the city is named) , the fort has 99 bastions and stands on the 80m high hill of Trikuta.The last siege at this fort was in 1541, when Humayun took control of it. Being on the trade route, it was of strategic importance.
Its narrow lanes and alleys have many small shops, stalls and bazaars in them.
Along with the beautiful old havelis, there are also magnificent 12th century onwards Jain temples , a Hindu temple and many restuarants and hotels.
Most of the restuarants have fine views over the city, and are heavily frequented by locals and tourists. A perfect place to have a drink or a meal, and watch the sun set.
This fort is the second largest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh, and the only living fort in the world. Sadly- its infrastructure is in peril