Jaisalmer Tour Package: Discover The Royal Heritage of Rajasthan

If you are looking for a jaisalmer tour package that will take you to a magical and historical place, then you have come to the right place. Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City, is a gem of Rajasthan, India. It is a city of wonders, where you can admire the majestic fort, the elegant havelis, the sacred temples, and the mesmerizing desert. Jaisalmer is a city of heritage, where you can learn about the rich and diverse culture and history of Rajasthan. In this blog post, we will show you why Jaisalmer is a must-visit place for travelers, and what you can expect from your jaisalmer tour package.

 

Historical Background

Jaisalmer was founded in the 12th century by Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput ruler. He built a fort on the Trikuta Hill, which became the center of his kingdom. Jaisalmer was strategically located along the ancient trade routes that connected India with Persia, Arabia, and Central Asia. The city prospered from the lucrative trade of silk, spices, and precious stones.

Jaisalmer is situated in the Thar Desert, which covers most of western Rajasthan. The desert has shaped the geography, climate, and culture of the region. The people of Jaisalmer have adapted to the harsh and arid conditions of the desert by developing a unique lifestyle, architecture, and art. The desert also offers a scenic backdrop for many adventures and activities.

Jaisalmer is a living testimony of the glorious past of Rajasthan. The city showcases the rich and diverse heritage of the Rajput rulers, the Jain merchants, and the Muslim traders who contributed to its development and prosperity. Jaisalmer is a place where history, culture, and nature blend together in harmony.

 

Jaisalmer Fort: A Jewel in the Desert

One of the most iconic attractions of Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort. It is one of the largest and oldest forts in the world, and one of the few living forts where people still reside. The fort is built of yellow sandstone, which gives it a golden glow in the sunlight. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Rajasthani architecture.

The fort has four massive gateways, several bastions, and a palace complex. The palace complex houses the royal residence, the temples, and the museum. The museum displays the royal artifacts, weapons, and costumes of the former rulers. The fort also has several havelis, which are grand mansions of the wealthy merchants. The havelis are adorned with intricate carvings, paintings, and mirror work.

The fort offers a panoramic view of the city and the desert from its ramparts. The best time to visit the fort is in the morning or evening, when the sun casts a golden hue on the fort and the surrounding landscape. The fort is also illuminated at night, creating a magical sight.

 

Patwon Ki Haveli: Epitome of Intricate Architecture

Another remarkable attraction of Jaisalmer is the Patwon Ki Haveli, which is the largest and most elaborate haveli in the city. It was built by Guman Chand Patwa, a wealthy merchant, and his sons in the 18th and 19th centuries. The haveli consists of five separate sections, each with its own courtyard, entrance, and design. The haveli is a marvel of intricate architecture and craftsmanship.

The haveli is decorated with exquisite carvings, paintings, frescoes, and balconies. The carvings depict various themes, such as flowers, animals, birds, and human figures. The paintings depict scenes from the Hindu epics, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The frescoes are made of gold and silver leaf, and the balconies are made of jali or lattice work. The haveli also has a museum, which exhibits the antique furniture, textiles, and artifacts of the Patwa family.

The haveli is a reflection of the opulence and elegance of the merchant class of Jaisalmer. It is a cultural and historical treasure that showcases the artistic and architectural skills of the craftsmen of Rajasthan.

 

Desert Safari and Camp Stay

No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without experiencing the thrill and beauty of the Thar Desert. The desert offers a range of adventures and activities, such as camel safari, jeep safari, sand dunes, and quad biking. The camel safari is the most popular and authentic way to explore the desert. The camel is the ship of the desert, and has been the main mode of transportation for the people of Jaisalmer for centuries. The camel safari allows you to witness the rustic and rural life of the desert, as well as the flora and fauna of the region.

The desert safari also includes an overnight camping experience, where you can enjoy the hospitality and culture of the desert people. You can stay in a luxury tent or a traditional mud hut, and savor the delicious Rajasthani cuisine. You can also enjoy the folk music and dance performances by the local artists, who will entertain you with their songs and stories. The highlight of the camping experience is the stargazing in the desert, where you can gaze at the clear and starry sky, and feel the peace and tranquility of the desert.

The desert safari and camp stay is a memorable and exhilarating experience that will make you fall in love with the Thar Desert.

 

Jain Temples: Marvels of Art and Spirituality

Jaisalmer is also home to some of the most beautiful and sacred Jain temples in India. The Jain temples are located within the Jaisalmer Fort, and date back to the 12th and 15th centuries. The temples are dedicated to various Tirthankaras, or the enlightened teachers of Jainism. The temples are built of yellow sandstone, and have intricate carvings, sculptures, and domes.

The temples are a marvel of art and spirituality, and reflect the faith and devotion of the Jain community. The temples have a serene and soothing atmosphere, and are a place of worship and meditation. The temples also have a library, which contains some of the oldest and rarest manuscripts of Jainism. The temples are open to all visitors, regardless of their religion, but they have to follow certain rules, such as removing their shoes, covering their heads, and maintaining silence.

The Jain temples are a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and artistic heritage of Jaisalmer.

 

Local Cuisine: A Gastronomic Delight

Jaisalmer is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for the taste buds. The local cuisine of Jaisalmer is a gastronomic delight, and reflects the diversity and richness of the Rajasthani culture. The cuisine is influenced by the desert climate, the availability of ingredients, and the preferences of the people. The cuisine is mainly vegetarian, but also includes some non-vegetarian dishes.

A jaisalmer trip package is incomplete without tasting some of the local delicacies:

• Dal Bati Churma: This is the signature dish of Rajasthan, and consists of baked wheat balls (bati), spicy lentil curry (dal), and sweet crumbled wheat (churma). The dish is served with ghee, pickle, and chutney.

• Ker Sangri: This is a traditional dish of Jaisalmer, and consists of dried beans (ker) and berries (sangri) cooked with spices and yogurt. The dish is a delicacy of the desert, and has a tangy and spicy flavor.

• Gatte Ki Sabzi: This is a popular dish of Rajasthan, and consists of gram flour dumplings (gatte) cooked in a yogurt-based gravy. The dish is served with roti or rice, and has a creamy and savory taste.

• Laal Maas: This is a non-vegetarian dish of Rajasthan, and consists of mutton cooked in a fiery red gravy made of red chilies, garlic, and spices. The dish is served with bajra roti or rice, and has a hot and spicy taste.

• Mohan Maas: This is another non-vegetarian dish of Rajasthan, and consists of mutton cooked in a rich and creamy gravy made of milk, cream, khoya, and spices. The dish is served with roti or rice, and has a sweet and aromatic taste.

Discover the best places to eat and their signature dishes with a jaisalmer tour:

• Trio: This is a rooftop restaurant located in the Jaisalmer Fort, and offers a panoramic view of the city and the desert. The restaurant specializes in Rajasthani, Indian, and continental cuisine, and has a live music and puppet show in the evening.

• Saffron: This is a fine dining restaurant located in the Hotel Rang Mahal, and offers a luxurious and elegant ambience. The restaurant specializes in Rajasthani, Indian, and international cuisine, and has a buffet and a la carte menu.

• Desert Boy’s Dhani: This is a themed restaurant located in the outskirts of the city, and offers a rustic and ethnic ambience. The restaurant specializes in Rajasthani, Indian, and Chinese cuisine, and has a cultural program of folk music and dance in the evening.

 

Folk Music and Dance Performances

Jaisalmer is a hub of folk music and dance, which are an integral part of the Rajasthani culture. The folk music and dance of Jaisalmer are vibrant, colorful, and lively, and express the emotions and stories of the people. The folk music and dance of Jaisalmer are influenced by the desert environment, the historical events, and the religious beliefs of the region.

Some of the folk music and dance forms of Jaisalmer are:

• Manganiyar: This is a community of Muslim musicians, who sing and play various instruments, such as the sarangi, the kamaycha, the algoza, and the khartal. The Manganiyar music is based on the folk and classical traditions of Rajasthan, and has a soulful and melodious quality. The Manganiyar music is often accompanied by the Kalbelia dance, which is a graceful and sensuous dance performed by the women of the snake charmer community.

• Langha: This is another community of Muslim musicians, who sing and play the sindhi sarangi, the dholak, and the murli. The Langha music is based on the Sufi and Islamic traditions of Rajasthan, and has a mystical and spiritual quality. The Langha music is often accompanied by the Ghoomar dance, which is a circular and rhythmic dance performed by the women of the Rajput community.

• Bhopa: This is a community of Hindu musicians, who sing and play the ravanhatta, a bowed string instrument. The Bhopa music is based on the devotional and epic traditions of Rajasthan, and has a dramatic and heroic quality. The Bhopa music is often accompanied by the Bhavai dance, which is a balancing and acrobatic dance performed by the women of the Kalbelia community.

You can enjoy the traditional performances of Jaisalmer at different venues during your jaisalmer trip:

• Desert Cultural Centre and Museum: This is a museum and a cultural center located near the Jaisalmer Fort, and showcases the history, culture, and art of Jaisalmer. The museum has a collection of costumes, weapons, coins, and artifacts of the region. The cultural center organizes daily folk music and dance shows in the evening, which feature the Manganiyar, Langha, and Bhopa artists.

• Jaisalmer Desert Festival: This is an annual festival that takes place in the month of February, and celebrates the culture and heritage of Jaisalmer. The festival is held in the Sam Sand Dunes, and attracts thousands of tourists and locals. The festival includes various events, such as camel races, turban tying contests, moustache competitions, and firework displays. The festival also showcases the folk music and dance performances of Jaisalmer, which are a highlight of the festival.

• Jaisalmer Folklore Museum: This is a museum and a cultural center located near the Gadisar Lake, and showcases the folklore, legends, and myths of Jaisalmer. The museum has a collection of paintings, puppets, dolls, and instruments of the region. The cultural center organizes daily folk music and dance shows in the evening, which feature the Manganiyar, Langha, and Bhopa artists. The cultural center also hosts puppet shows, which narrate the stories and tales of Jaisalmer.

 

Shopping in Jaisalmer: Souvenirs and Handicrafts

Jaisalmer is a shopper’s paradise, and offers a variety of souvenirs and handicrafts that reflect the charm and beauty of the city. The souvenirs and handicrafts of Jaisalmer are unique and traditional, and are made by the skilled and talented artisans of the region. The souvenirs and handicrafts of Jaisalmer include:

• Embroidery and Mirror Work: Jaisalmer is famous for its embroidery and mirror work, which are done on fabrics, such as cotton, silk, and wool. The embroidery and mirror work are done by the women of the rural and tribal communities, and have intricate and colorful patterns and designs. The embroidery and mirror work are used to make various items, such as bags, cushions, quilts, wall hangings, and clothing.

• Leather and Silver Work: Jaisalmer is also known for its leather and silver work, which are done by the men of the urban and nomadic communities. The leather and silver work are done on materials, such as camel leather, goat leather, and silver metal. The leather and silver work are used to make various items, such as shoes, belts, wallets, purses, jewelry, and accessories.

• Wooden and Stone Work: Jaisalmer is also famous for its wooden and stone work, which are done by the carpenters and sculptors of the region. The wooden and stone work are done on materials, such as teak wood, rosewood, and yellow sandstone. The wooden and stone work are used to make various items, such as furniture, boxes, statues, and carvings.

Some of the popular markets and shopping districts of Jaisalmer are:

• Bhatia Bazaar: This is the main market of Jaisalmer, and is located near the Jaisalmer Fort. The market is a bustling and lively place, and sells a variety of items, such as clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs. The market is a great place to find bargains and deals, and to experience the local culture and atmosphere of Jaisalmer.

• Sadar Bazaar: This is another major market of Jaisalmer, and is located near the Jaisalmer Fort. The market is a colorful and vibrant place, and sells a variety of items, such as leather goods, silverware, carpets, shawls, and antiques. The market is a great place to find quality and variety, and to admire the craftsmanship and artistry of Jaisalmer.

• Manak Chowk: This is a shopping district of Jaisalmer, and is located near the Jaisalmer Fort. The district is a cluster of shops and stalls, and sells a variety of items, such as embroidery, mirror work, wooden work, stone work, and puppets. The district is a great place to find unique and traditional, and to support the local and rural artisans of Jaisalmer.

You can learn how to bargain and find authentic souvenirs with a jaisalmer package:

• Compare prices: Before buying anything, it is advisable to compare the prices of different shops and stalls, and to get an idea of the average and reasonable price of the item. This will help you to avoid overpaying and to negotiate better.

• Be polite and friendly: When bargaining, it is important to be polite and friendly with the seller, and to maintain a positive and respectful tone. This will help you to create a rapport and a trust with the seller, and to get a fair and favorable deal.

• Look for quality and originality: When buying souvenirs and handicrafts, it is important to look for quality and originality, and to avoid buying cheap and fake products. This will help you to get the best value and satisfaction, and to appreciate the true beauty and essence of Jaisalmer.

 

Conclusion

Jaisalmer is a dream destination for anyone who loves history, culture, and adventure. Jaisalmer is a place where you can discover the royal heritage of Rajasthan, and experience the charm and beauty of the desert. Jaisalmer is a place where you can witness the magnificent fort, the splendid havelis, the stunning temples, and the enchanting desert. Jaisalmer is a place where you can enjoy the delicious cuisine, the vibrant music and dance, and the unique souvenirs and handicrafts.

Jaisalmer is a place that will leave you spellbound and mesmerized, and make you want to come back again and again. Jaisalmer is a place that will make you fall in love with Rajasthan’s royal heritage.

We hope that this blog post has inspired you to plan your jodhpur jaisalmer tour package, and to explore the wonders and delights of Jaisalmer. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading, and happy travels!