From Wikitravel Shared

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

Can easily be reached by train, bus or car-taxi from Jodhpur or by bus from Bikaner. A daily bus runs to and from Jaipur. There is a direct train service from Delhi When arriving by train you will pass the station of Pokharan, India's nuclear testing area! Another option is to arrive by camel, Jaisalmer is famous for camel trips. The most gruelling is the 14 day trip from Bikaner.

[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. Nearly 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

[edit] Sleep

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

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. www.garhjaisal.com

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, a tented camp attached to a desert farm. Meals are served under the stars! Take a look at www.mirvananatureresort.com

• 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. Highly recommended to spend one night at Sam(early evening to late morning next day)

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