Post breakfast checkout from the hotel and Excursion to Jaisalmer - The Golden City. Enroute visit
Jaisalmer Fort – Visit Time – 9AM to 5 PM
Jaisalmer Fort, nestled on the golden sands of Thar Desert, is not just a fort but a mini-town with houses, temples, shops, and restaurants. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it falls under the category of 'Hill Forts of India'. Built in 1156, Jaisalmer Fort gets its name from the former Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal. More than three thousand people live within the fort walls with multiple entrance gates on the path up top, the last of which directs you to the popular public square named Dashera Chowk. The fort stands at an impressive height of 250 ft. and is surrounded by 30 ft. tall walls. Owing to its altitude, it offers a stunning and panoramic view of Jaisalmer city draped in golden yellow!
One of the largest forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort is located on the southern edge of the city and is popularly known as 'Sonar Qila' or 'Golden Fort'. It is a massive structure exhibiting its aesthetic beauty. The walk through the labyrinthine lanes is an experience worth having. Jaisalmer Fort was initially named 'TrikutGarh' since it was triangular in shape and was also built over the Trikuta Hills. 'Sonar Qila'(Golden Fort) as it is locally referred to, houses almost quarter of Jaisalmer's population inside the complex.
PatwonkiHaweli – Visit Time – 9 AM to 5 PM
Also known as the Mansion of Brocade Merchants, Patwon Ki Haveli is a famous tourist attraction in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. At first glance from the narrow street it faces, one would see several windows and balconies with intricate carvings, and once inside, they would get to witness the grandeur of the Haveli. It is a cluster of five small havelis built by a rich trader in the 19th Century. Locals also refer the haveli as Kothari’s Patwa Haveli. The five havelis were built for the family and together, the entire complex forms the largest mansion in the city. It still possesses an ample number of artefacts and stonework that give a glimpse into the regal lifestyle of the Patwa family. It is one of three havelis that are deemed impressive in the city. The building comes under the Archaeological Survey of India, and it is recognized as a renowned architectural as well as a historical site.
Gadisar Lake –
On the outskirts of Jaisalmer in the arid state of Rajasthan lies the beautiful Gadisar Lake, which sits like an oasis in the heart of a desert. Back in the middle ages, there were no canals or irrigation system or other scientific methods to bring water to the arid regions of Rajasthan. This reservoir was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal keeping in mind the need of his people. Located close to the fort of Jaisalmer, the lake is an easy respite from the hot and dry desert climate. Gadisar Lake offers scenic and picturesque views of the lake and the adjacent fort, especially when the eastern sky is blood red and the sun rises, striking its rays on the top floors of Jaisalmer Fort.
Whether you like to spend some quiet time by yourself or have fun with your family, Gadisar Lake has a handful of experiences to offer. You can go boating in the lake or simply enjoy a walk around the embankment. If winter is your time of visit, you might just be lucky enough to see beautiful exotic migratory birds flocking in and around the lake from the nearby bird sanctuary of Bharatpur.
Jaisalmer War Museum –Visit Time – 10 AM to 6 PM
Jaisalmer War Museum was established in the military station in order to honour the soldiers of the 'Battle of Longewala' that was fought in the year 1971. It embraces the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Army. It was inaugurated and opened for public viewing on 24 August 2015. It took place on the day of Golden Jubilee commemoration of the India-Pakistan war in 1965. The museum popularly known as JWM, houses two information display halls, an audio-visual room and a souvenir shop. It also has an Honour wall that has engraved the names of gallantry award winners of the Param Vir Chakra and MahaVir Chakra. Along with tanks, guns and military vehicles, the display has a repertoire of trophies and vintage equipment.
The place also includes murals of soldiers who lost their lives during the war and the weapons used for the same. The audio-visual room screens the movie about the battle in which Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, a recipient of MahaVir Chakra gives a detailed account of the soldiers who fought the war. Located 2 hours away from Jaisalmer, on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, the memorial is a salute to Indian Army.
Overnight stay at Jaisalmer.