Jaisalmer – The Golden City of Rajasthan

Nicknamed the “Golden City” a World Heritage Site is a famous attraction of Rajasthan, situated in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was named after the Rajput King- Maharawal Jaisal Singh, who founded the city in 1156 AD. Built-in yellow sandstone, the city boasts some of the most magnificent architectural mels. The city of Jaisalmer is far-famed for its cobbled streets, palaces, temples, forts, and Havelis. The houses feature exquisitely filigreed work all over dating back to the 12th – 15th century. As a result, Jaisalmer is often called the ‘The Museum City’.

Altitude: 225 mtrs.
Best Season: The best time to visit this golden city is October to March.
Climate: Summer: Mean Max. 42.0 ‘C Mean Min. 25.0 ‘C Winter: Mean Max. 24.0 ‘C Mean Min. 8.0 ‘C
Clothing: Summer light tropical or cotton Winter Woolen.
Distances from Jaisalmer
Delhi 787 Kms. Agra 808 Kms. Ajmer 484 Kms.
Alwar 688 Kms. Bharatpur 754 Kms. Jaipur 567 Kms.
Jodhpur 286 Kms. Mt. Abu 442 Kms. Ranthambhore 725 Kms.

Tourist Attractions

Jaisalmer Fort: The Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 AD by the Rawal Jaisal after whom it was named. One of the largest fortifications in the world, Jaisalmer Fort is a famous attraction of Jaisalmer and a famous World Heritage Site. Situated on the Trikuta Hills amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer Fort is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread over a length of 460 m and a width of 230 m, the fort is can be accessed via four massive gateways. The main attractions at the fort are Raj Mahal, Laxminath temple, and Merchant Havelis. Moreover, the fort complex also houses eateries offering French, Italian, and many other delicacies to its visitors.

Gadsisar Lake: The Gadsisar Lake is an artificial lake built by the first ruler of Jaisalmer Raja Rawal Jaiswal. The lake can be accessed via an archway built from yellow sandstone called the Talon-ki-Pol adorned with an image of Vishnu, which was installed here in the year 1908. The banks of the lake are adorned with temples, Ced Chatteris, shrines, and ghats that add up to the overall aura of the lake. A famous picnic spot, the Gadsisar Lake is one of the spots to enjoy boating in Rajasthan.

Salim Singh-ki-Haveli: The Salim Singh ki Haveli is a 300 years old Haveli named after its Owner Salim Singh Mahto. Actually built on the site of the old Haveli, The Salim Singh ki Haveli is appreciated for its arched roofs ced with excellent brackets, and walls & balconies covered in paintings depicting the imperial times of the state. One of the major attractions of Jaisalmer, the descendants of Salim Singh resides at the Haveli.

Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: The Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli was built as the residence of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer- Diwan Mohata Nathmal. The most amazing fact about his Haveli is that each of the featured artifacts here is done by a jeweler, instead of a stone cer. The entrance of the Haveli is adorned with two large images of Elephants made from marble sandstone.

Jain Temples: Situated within the Jaisalmer fort complex, the Jain Temples were constructed around the 12th and 15th century in honor of the Jain Tirthankars- Rishabdevji, Sambhavnathji, and Parshvanathji. Made in the Dilwara style of architecture, the temple walls features human and animal figures. Made using yellow sandstone, the Jain Temples of Jaisalmer are a famous attraction of the city.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is the Jodhpur airport located 285 km away from Jaisalmer. The Jaipur International Airport is the nearest international airport to Jaisalmer.

By Rail: The Jaisalmer Railway Station is the nearest Railway station to Jaisalmer, which is well-connected to other cities via the direct railway network.

By Road: Jaisalmer is very well-connected to cities like Jaipur, Bikaner, Ajmer, and Delhi via active and regular bus services.

Jodhpur – The Blue City of Rajasthan

The city of Jodhpur has founded in the year 1459 AD by Suryavanshi Rao Jodha. One of the second largest cities of the state, Jodhpur once served as the capital of the princely state of Marwar. With the Mehrangarh Fort to one of its sides and the wonderful Umaid Bhawan to its eastern side, Jodhpur the monuments, temples, and gardens boast the multifarious grandeur of the city. Situated on the ancient silk route, which linked Central Asia and the Northern part of India with the seaports of Gujarat, the city of Jodhpur served as a major trading port in the 16th century.

Altitude: 238.0 mtrs.
Best Season: The best time to visit Jodhpur is during the winter season, from October to March
Climate: Summer: Mean Max. 40.0 ‘C Mean Min. 30.0 ‘C Winter: Mean Max. 25.0 ‘C Mean Min. 11.0 ‘C
Clothing: Summer light tropical or cotton Winter Woolen.
Distances from Jodhpur
Delhi 597 Kms. Agra 568 Kms. Ajmer 208 Kms.
Alwar 483 Kms. Bharatpur 478 Kms. Jaipur 340 Kms.
Jaisalmer 305 Kms. Mt. Abu 326 Kms. Ranthambhore 481 Kms.

Tourist Attractions

Mehrangarh: The Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India, built in the year 1460 by Rao Jodha. Situated at a height of 410 feet, the fort features massive thick walls that act as its boundaries. The fort comprises numerous palaces including the Moti Mahal, Sheesha Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana, and Daulat Khana. Moreover, the museum within the fort houses a great collection of howdahs, palanquins, royal cradles, musical instruments, miniatures, royal costumes, and furniture. The fort offers breathtaking views of the entire city and also houses an old cannon.

Umaid Bhawan Palace: The Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur is one of the largest private residences in the world. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, the construction of the palace started in the year 1928 and was completed in 1943. The palace comprises 347rooms and serves as the prime residence of the erstwhile Royal family of Jodhpur. It is believed that the Palace was constructed to provide employment to the people of Jodhpur when a drought hit the city following a curse by a saint. The palace is divided into three functional parts, the residence, the Taj palace hotel owned by the Taj group, and the museum which showcases the 20th-century history of the city.

Jaswant Thada: The Jaswant Thada is a cenotaph erected in the year 1899 by Maharaja Sardar Singh in the honor of his father-Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. A famous attraction site in Jodhpur, Jaswant Thada serves as the burial ground for the rulers of Marwar. Built completely out of marbles, the mausoleum is one of the most famous attractions of Jodhpur and is visited by travelers for its amazing intricate architecture featuring extremely thin & polished marble sheets, which glow when illuminated by sunlight. The mausoleum grounds feature a small lake, tiered garden, and ced gazebos.

Kaylana Lake: Kaylana Lake is a famous attraction located at a distance of 8 km from Jodhpur. Built-in the year 1190 by Pratap Singh, the Kalyana Lake is an artificial lake spread across an area of 84-kilometer square. The palace was constructed on the site of ancient palaces and gardens, which were then destroyed to ce way for the lake. Surrounded by igneous rock land formations the Kalyana Lake, the lake receives water from Haiti near, which is connected to the Indra Gandhi canal. The natural vegetation nearby the lake comprises Babool trees. Kaylana Lake serves as the drinking water source for the residents of Jodhpur and nearby villages. Many migratory birds also visit Jodhpur during the winter season, especially the Siberian cranes.

Balsamand Lake: The Balsamand Lake situated on the Jodhpur-Mandore Road is a popular picnic spot and a noteworthy attraction of the city of Jodhpur situated 5 km from the main city. The lake was constructed by the Gurjara-Pratihara rulers in 1159 AD. The Lake with a length of 1 km, 50m in width, and a depth of 15m, the lake was initially constructed as a water source for Madore. Later, the Balsamand Lake Palace was erected on the shores of the lake as a summer palace. The green gardens comprising trees like mango, papaya, guava, pomegranate, and plum add up to the beauty of this lake.

How to Reach

By Air: The Jodhpur Airport is the nearest domestic airport to Jodhpur, located just 5 km from the city center. The nearest International Airport is in Delhi.

By Rail: Jodhpur is actively connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai via the active railway network. Moreover, the luxurious ‘Palace on Wheels’ is also a great option to consider.

By Road: The city of Jodhpur is also connected to other cities via an active road network. It is connected to Jaisalmer, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur via Agoli and Pokaran.

Jaipur – The Ancient ‘Pink City’ of Rajasthan

Heralded as the “Pink City of India”, Jaipur is the state capital of Rajasthan and the largest city of the state spread across an area of 484.64km2. Designed as per the Indian Vastu Shastra in the year 1727 by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, the city can be accessed via three gates facing the three directions namely east, west, and north. Established by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the ruler of Amber in the year 1727, the city was all covered in pink, to welcome Prince Albert and Queen Elizabeth II in 1876, which gave it the name of the “Pink City”. Home to some of the most magnificent palaces, massive forts and enchanting gardens, Jaipur is a magical destination with some of the most obvious reasons to attract travelers from various corners of the world. The capital of the “Land of the Maharajas”, Jaipur has a rare charm that sets hearts poundings and asking for more.

Fairs and Festivals

Teej, Diwali, Gangaur, Kite Festival, Elephant Festival, Camel Festival, Sitla Mata Fair, Dusshera, Donkey Festival, Jaipur Literature Festival.

Altitude: 236.53 mtrs.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the best time to visit Jaipur.

October to March: October is the onset of the winter season, and Jaipur generally witnesses cool breeze accompanied with moderate sunlight, this is the best time to go for Jaipur sightseeing. During winters, which actually can be experienced here from November to February, the temperature goes as down as 4 degrees Celsius.

April to June: These months marks the beginning of the summer season. During summers, it is quite hot, especially in the afternoon and the temperature normally rises up to 47 degrees Celsius. It is better to carry light cotton clothes, for travelers visiting Rajasthan during these months.

Climate: Summer: Mean Max. 42.2 C, Mean Min. 36.6 ‘C | winter: Mean Max. 27.5 ‘C , Mean Min. 15.5 ‘C

Clothing: Summer: light tropical or cotton Winter Woolen.

Tourist Attractions

City Palace Complex: Erected as the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the City Palace complex at Jaipur impressive structure comprising courtyards, gardens, and magnificent buildings. A perfect exemplar of the Mughal & Rajasthani architectural style, The City Palace Complex is one of the most famous points of interest to visit as part of your Jaipur sightseeing tour. Built using a perfect blend of the Rajasthani & Mughal architecture, the City Palace comprises lovely courtyards and perennial gardens which add up to the overall appeal of this beautiful Palace.

Amber Fort: The Amber Fort is a fascinating piece of architecture, which can be accessed via an elephant ride up to its entrance gates. Located atop a hill in the town of Amer, the fort features large ramparts, numerous gates & cobbled paths. Made entirely out of Red sandstone & marble under the reign of Raja Man Singh in the year 1592, Amber is a four-level structure, with each one featuring a courtyard.

Jaigarh Fort: Built atop the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) in the ranges of Aravalli, overlooking the Amber Fort, and Maotha Lake, the Jaigarh Fort was originally built under the reign of Jai Singh II in the year 1726. The rugged structure made is spread across an area of three km to the north-south with a width of around one km. The fort also features cannon named “Jaivana”, the world’s largest cannon on wheels of the then world. The palace complex at Jaigarh features Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Vilas Mandir, and Aram Mandir, and also comprises an armory and a museum.

Jantar Mantar: The Jantar Mantar is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments constructed under the reign of Sawai Jai Singh to study the position and the movement of the planets. Jantar Mantar features the largest stone sundial in the world and is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nahargarh Fort: Situated on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, the Nahargarh Fort offers the most panoramic views of the entire city of Jaipur. The fort once formed a strong defense ring of the Jaipur city along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II- the founder of Jaipur, in the year 1734, Nahargarh is one of the topmost attractions of Jaipur you must visit during your Jaipur trip.

Hawa Mahal: The Hawa Mahal, also known as the “Palace of Wheels” was constructed in the year 1799 during the rule of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Designed in the shape of the crown of Hindu God- Lord Krishna by Lal Chand Ustad, the five-story structure just like a honeycomb beehive with 953 jharokhas (small windows) was originally built as a high screen wall for the royal ladies to catch a glimpse of the street, without being seen from outside.

Albert Hall Museum: The Albert Hall Museum is the oldest museum in Jaipur, which currently serves as the State Museum of Rajasthan. The museum is named after King Edward VII (Albert Edward), during whose visit the museum’s foundation stone was laid in the year 1876. Designed by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, and his assistant Mir Tujumool Hoosein, the Albert Hall Museum features a rich collection of paintings, ivory, carpets, pottery, metal sculptures, stone, colorful crystal works, etc.

Distances from Jaipur
Delhi 259 Kms. Agra 232 Kms. Ajmer 132 Kms.
Alwar 148 Kms. Bharatpur 176 Kms. Jaisalmer 645 Kms.
Jodhpur 340 Kms. Mt. Abu 505 Kms. Ranthambhore 176 Kms.

How to Reach

By Air: Sanganer is the nearest domestic terminal to Jaipur and the nearest international terminal 10 km away from the state capital. As a result, Jaipur is very well connected to all major Indian & international destinations. One can easily access Jaipur from Delhi, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Goa, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Indore, and Pune. Moreover, it is also connected to international destinations like Sharjah, Muscat, and Dubai. Flights to Singapore & Bangkok are also available from Delhi.

By Train: There are three main railway junctions namely at Jaipur Gandhinagar, Durgapara, and Jaipur. The major trains that depart to Jaipur from Indian destinations are Shatabdi Express, Ajmer Shatabdi Pune Jaipur Express, Jaipur Express, and Adi SJ Rajdhani. These railway lines are very well connected to nearby and well as farther Indian destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kota, Agra, Alwar, Jodhpur, Alwar, Ajmer, Kota, Chittorgarh, Bikaner, Udaipur, Barmer, Jammu, Bikaner, Jaisalmer.

By Road: With a wide & active road network, Jaipur is very easily accessible from nearby destinations via many Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses, Volvo & deluxe buses.