Jaisalmer Reviews

Overview of the destination
Things just change the moment you enter this city. Every thing around you starts to appear in golden colour including the sand. No wonder its called the Golden City of India. Jaisalmer has got a rich cultural heritage and because of its huge natural stone resource all the buildings are made of this Golden stone. Its amazing to see this city glow in sun light.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Jaisalmer offers one of the widest range of food in Rajasthan. From Italian Pastas to Aloo ko Parantha every thing is available here. The famed places such as Trio, Little Italy etc are also heavy on pocket. However the overall quality of food is very good in this city. Shopping is a must but one must understand what to buy. Lot of stuff sold in this city actually does not belong to this place. Hence tie-n-die bedsheets, leather stuff and stone handicrafts are the 'Originals'. Otherwise you can get a lot of handicraft and dress materials. Bargaining is a must and the best way is not to show too much interest in a stuff you are ready to die for and start walking out of the shop. This helps tremendously.

Activities & things to do
The Khuri & Sam Sand dunes are must watch. Sam is really a commercial hub and situation is really bad. The moment your vehicle approaches Sam be ready to face lot of persons running (banging) towards your car. This is dangerous because they seemed not to be bothered about their life. Just manage to avoid this rush and keep going straight. You can stop after about 1 kms from that place and then you will find few owner of camels approaching you. The rate varies from Rs 75 to 150. Do not get fooled by their story of Thar desert, films shooting, deer sitings etc. Depending on time in hand just hire it. Khuri that way is a much quieter and cheaper option. Though the dunes are not that cleaner then in Sam but they are good. Also visit Kuldhara village on the way to Sam. One more village which is not very famous is Khaba Fort. This is also one the 84 abandoned village and is much better then Kuldhara. Its straight on the road after Kuldhara and then takes you back to the Sam road. The Khaba Fort is also good giving you good sight of the village. Then the Jaisalmer Fort, Jain temples and Havelis are also must watch. If possible hire a authorised guide for around Rs 250 for half day trip. This helps you in getting the insight of this beautiful city.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Its much better to travel by road from either Jodhpur or Bikaner. All these places requires a vehicle to commute as they are around 40 kms away from Jaisalmer hence to have a vehicle is always economical.

Overview of the destination
Jaisalmer is a beautiful and colourful, historical city in Rajasthan. The city's historical places such as havelies, fort, and sand dunes make you feel as if you are in the era of rajas and maharajas [kings]. The vibrant colours of the city make you feel as someone special.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Food is very good in Rajasthan tourisum develoment hotels, rajasthani food is very good in the cental market area. Jaiselmer fort, natmalji's and patwa's haveli and lake gadi sagar is worth seen. not to be missed the shopping of silver jewelry and silver items you do not get to see in any part of india.Colourful wall hangings and a special sweet made from beating of besan [gram flour] is famous for more than 100 years. it simply melts in the mouth. Rajasthani embroidary and mirror work on rugs , is mind blowing. Shawls are very pretty. Desert park and akil wood fossil park are a must to visit.

Activities & things to do
Desert festival organised in Jan-feb is a feast to the eyes where you see rajasthani men and women dance in their fine attire. I loved the experience of sand dunes on camel rides.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
I went there from jodhpur, a drive of 5 hours safe drive. However one can reach jodhpur by air or by train from mumbai.