The Golden Fort - Jaisalmer
This desert fortress close to Rajasthan’s border with Pakistan is straight out of an Arabian fairy tale, glowing with the luminescence of a mirage at sunset. Jaisalmer is a city with crenellated city walls, a magnificent fortress and exquisitely carved stone and wooden havelis (homes).
When to go
Jaisalmer’s location lends it a typical desert climate. Winter days (November-February) are pleasant but nights can be quite chilly. Things quickly warm up in the build up to the monsoon season until the rains come in late June. This downpour brings some respite from the heat, although high humidity can mitigate the relief. Autumn is the most pleasant season of all.
October 2008
Gandhi Jayanti: also known as the birthday of the father of the nation of India, this national holiday receives a fair amount of attention in Jaisalmer with the usual processions and civic displays of national pride.
November 2008
Pushkar Fair (7-13 Nov): blending religion with culture, this traditional fair runs for 5 days as thousands of devotees make the pilgrimage to its sacred lake for a ritual dip. Various cultural and sports events are also scheduled, including numerous camel-based activities such as the camel beauty contest, camel races and dances. It’s truly an event to behold. Esto no es en Jaisalmer, es en Pushkar.
Diwali (28 Oct): Hinduism’s Festival of Lights is one of the most amazing events in the world. The entire city of Jaisalmer blazes into life after dark as each house puts an oil lamp outside. Cultural events usually coincide with this holiday, but simply being in Jaisalmer during this festival is fun enough.
What to do
- Relax.
- Visit the Golden Fort and the Majara’s palace.
- Camel safari. Rs 250 – Rs 350 per person per day.
- Spend a night at the Sam sand dunes (touristic) – 40 km from the city.
- Visit the Gadi Sagar tank. Boating for 30 min Rs 10 to Rs 100.
