The incredibly beautiful border city of Jaisalmer on the western end of Rajasthan is a former medieval trading centre. Located right in the heart of the Thar desert, it is known as the Golden City. It is extremely hot, dry and isolated. Are you wondering then what makes people flock here? Jaisalmer combines the best of nature with a striking cultural experience that makes it a unique travel destination, not just in India but also in the world. What are the things to do in Jaisalmer, has different answers for different people. This beautiful city has something for everyone when it comes to things to do in Jaisalmer. If you love the wilderness, the Thar desert awaits you. If you like history, The ruins of Kuldhara, Jaisalmer War Museum and Baa Ri Haveli Cultural museum are something you shouldn’t miss. The Desert Safaris in Rajasthan is a unique experience and you can be part of the best ones at Jaisalmer. Read on to know more about the desert safari in Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer allures travel enthusiasts across the world. There’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of this golden city than a desert safari. The sand dunes of the Thar are not really far from the city. These sand dunes are indeed a tourist hotspot for camel safaris and jeep tours. Enjoy your time strolling around these or take a camel or a jeep safari across the desert. If you wish to enjoy an extended time in the desert, go camping. The vibrant night in the camp is epitomised by Traditional music and dance along with delicious Rajasthani thali.
Desert Safari in Jaisalmer
While Jaisalmer has a lot to offer to its visitors, the desert safari is the most sought after activity. Sit on the back of a camel and get ready for a bumpy ride across the Sam Sand Dunes of the golden city.
The Sam Sand Dunes are located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, in the Desert National Park. It provides the perfect landscape to escape the city and get into slow-paced trekking. While riding the camel, explore the riches of the desert across various settlements of the native people. This ride also takes you into remote areas and presents you the best flora and fauna of the Thar desert.
There are a number of ways to experience a camel safari in Jaisalmer. You either choose a 1-hour camel ride or a half-day camel ride or go for an overnight trek or even for a few days. It all depends on what you want.
Going around trekking for a few days can really be hard. The camel rides for days together may not be as comfortable as it was on the first day. The days can be very hot along with colder nights but having fun is guaranteed. If you are that person who seeks adventure and tries out new things on every trip of yours, make sure you go for at least 3 days of trekking.
One of the remarkable things about this ride is to behold the sun descend the golden-red sky behind the dunes. This will probably be an unforgettable sunset in your life.
Other ways to explore the Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer
If you seek to explore the Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer with ease and comfort, Jeep safari is the best option. This safari takes you across the unexplored beauty within minutes. Mostly the jeep comes with an open top and the journey starts from the Desert National Park to the Padholi Sanctuary.
Tips for desert safari in Jaisalmer
- Always carry a cap or make sure to tie a turban.
- Carry sunscreen and sunglasses
- Make sure to cover yourself with a long-sleeve shirt, long trousers, sneakers or boots to prevent getting roasted from the blazing sun.
- The sun is hostile in this desert region during the day.
- Nights are colder than the days and so carry warm clothes to cover-up for winter nights.
- Carry a torch, towel, toilet paper and a medical kit with you
Jaisalmer Desert Festival
Jaisalmer desert festival is the best way to witness and explore the culture of the imperial state of Rajasthan. This festival is organised by the State Government in the month of February, every year. This festival was initiated to spread the traditional colours of Rajasthan; to seek global attention and also to put up a grand show of its local elements that are iconic to this place only.
The highlights of this festival include Musical performance, amazing jugglery performances, fascinating competitions and the famous dance forms like Gair and the folk fire dances.
Other cultural programmes include Mr and Ms Desert, turban tying competition and also the longest moustache competition.
For those who seek adventure, camel races, polo matches and safari on camel or jeep will mark the grand finale for this event.
Dates of the festival: This cultural extravaganza happens 3 days prior to the full moon day in the month of February.
How to reach Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer is well-connected to other parts of India by Air, Rail and Road.
By Air:
Jaisalmer airport is only about 5 km from the city. There’s no direct flight from any city to Jaisalmer however, it is well connected with Delhi and Jaipur airports.
By Train:
Jaisalmer Railway station is only about 2 km from the city. This is one of the best and economical ways to reach Jaisalmer.
By Road:
Inter-state buses run from Jaipur to Jaisalmer and also from Jodhpur to Jaipur frequently.
Note: There are no direct buses from Delhi to Jaisalmer
Imagine yourself walking or riding a camel in the vast Sam Sand Dunes, watch your guide start a fire with sticks and make roti with some sabji and chai and sleep in the Sand Dunes under the stars. Incredible isn’t it? Now that you know all about the desert safari in Jaisalmer, why imagine? It’s time to get your backpacks ready and to set on a marvellous journey; into the Sand Dunes of the sumptuous Thar.
There are a plethora of things to do in Jaisalmer. Right from the Havelis to temples and even the so-called ghost village, Jaisalmer has an array of awe-inspiring places. A week-long vacation is also not enough to visit the attractions in and around Jaisalmer. Check-out the bestselling packages to Rajasthan and book your vacation to Rajasthan in Pickyourtrail.
