General Information :
Area : 5.1 sq. kms.
Clothing: Summer : Light Tropicals Winter : Heavy Woolens
Season: Winter : Oct. - March Summer : April - June
Language: Rajasthani, Hindi & English

Jaisalmer takes its name from the words Jaisal and Meru, which mean Jaisal's Fort. The fort here ranks among the major ones in Rajasthan and was built around 1156 AD. Lying on the caravan route bringing in spices, silks and dry fruits from as far as Egypt, Persia, Arabia and Central Asia, it was a key-pillar to the region's prosperity. The wealthy Marwari merchants here built elaborate havelis or mansions.

In 1294 A.D. Alauddin Khilji of Delhi attacked Jaisalmer, laying siege to the fort, which is said to have lasted for eight years. Hundreds of women leapt into flames to commit `Jauhar' rather than to fall into the hands of the enemy. Jaisalmer was raided again the 16th century by Sultan Feroz Shah of Delhi and several times by the Mughals. It was during Rawal Sahal Singh's reign (1651-61) that hostilities ceased and Jaisalmer recognized the sovereignty of Delhi…paving the way for a new era of plenty, highlighted by architectural magnificence as seen in the grand palaces and havelis built at that time.

Jaisalmer still radiates the medieval, mystic charm and its narrow bazaar lanes offer a unique shopping experience. One can take back many souvenirs, curios etc. along with fond memories of the golden city. the beautiful handcrafted items are irresistible.

The embroidery on garments interspersed with mirror work is unmatched. Besides garments, linen, tapestry and small pouches for carrying money are the most sought after souvenirs.

Also available are traditional rugs, camel wool blankets, and shawls. Beautiful wooden boxes, silver jewellery, trinkets and curios are a good buy. Colorfully embroidered covers for the camel's back, available here, can be seen nowhere else in the world.

The fairs and festivals reflect the rich, multi-faceted Rajasthani culture. The major Hindu festivals celebrated are Holi, Dussehra, Ram Navami, Diwali, Gangaur, Teej and Basant Panchami. The main Muslim festivals are, Muharram and the two Ids.

Desert festival: Jaisalmer comes to life during the Desert festival. Tourists from all over the world are drawn towards the golden city to enjoy this colorful spectacle of music and festivity. The desert city rejoices in the rhythmic dances - the Ghoomar, Gair, Kalbelia, Chari and Terahtal. The fire dancers are the highlight of the festival. the traditional musical instruments of the desert like Kamayacha, Sarangi, Algoza, Khartal, Surnda, Morchang, Matka, Nad etc. are played and folk songs of the desert are sung by Langas and Manganiyars of the region.

The festival coincides with the full moon in February, when the cherished moments of a glorious past are enacted. Various interesting cultural events and contests which include the Turban tying and Mr. Desert contest, the camel races, acrobatics, Miss Competition, Mehandi and Mandana are great crowd pullers.

The live display of the skills of local craftsmen is spell-binding and bargains and bargains are struck on the spot. The grand finale is a trip to Sam sand dunes where one can enjoy the music and dance performances and camel safaris one the dunes.

Future Dates of the festival are as follows:
2006 :	10-12 Feb.
2007 :	31 Jan. -2 Feb
2008 :	19-21 Feb
2009 :	7-9 Feb.

Gangaur Festival (March-April): This festival of maidens and married women is dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati (consort of Lord Shiva). The festival is celebrates with pomp and gaiety; women dress in their best costumes and jewellery. Colorful processions are takes out with wooden images of Gauri beautifully decorated and bejeweled; the town band plays and women sing and dance to its tunes. The erstwhile Maharawal also joins the procession.

Camel Safari is the most common and adventurous safari to be undertaken in Rajasthan. One camel per person is provided for the safari. The safari can be undertaken in the North Western part, which has the perfect surroundings of tracks in the sandy dunes. The safari can be provided for minimum of one day and can be extended up to any number of days as per the requirements.

Jaisalmer comes to life during the festival. Tourists from all over the world are drawn towards the holy and golden city to enjoy this colorful spectacle of music and festivity. The city rejoices in the rhythmic dances - the Ghoomar, Gair, Kalbelia, Chari and Terahtal. The fire dances are the highlight of the festival.

The traditional musical instruments are like Kamayacha, Sarangi, Algoza, Khartal, Surnda, Morchang, Matka, Nad etc. are played and folk songs of the desert are sung by Langas and Manganiyars of the region.

Tempted to take a safari? Here's what you should know before you find one most suited to your needs: plan on traveling for up to 6-7 hours a day, covering a distance of 30-40 km; carry bottled water; since you are unlikely to wear a turban, a hat is recommended as protection against the strong sun; tented caps provide adequate accommodation; wear loose fitting clothes and do not go around bare-armed or bare-legged to avoid offending local sensibilities; it is unseemly to talk to the village women who tend to be conservative.

Camel safari itineraries are quite flexible, and can be taken from most points in Rajasthan, and can range from a daylong affair to one that spreads over many days. These safaris can also include visits to larger cities to see the attractions of the former princely kingdoms, or they can be limited to the hinterlands. They can also include visits to smaller towns with heritage hotels for a change from sleeping in tents.

Camel Safari Itinerary
Day - 1: Drive out of Jaisalmer to Chandan, an hour-and-a-half away. From here, the camel safari begins for Meghasar camp, a six-hour stretch interspersed with lunch.

Day - 2: Traverse some harsh, sandy tracts today to arrive at Jamaniya-ki-Dhani for the overnight camp.

Day - 3: A short two-hour safari after breakfast fetches you to the Ashpurna temple where the safari terminates.

Note: You can add short safari in Jaisalmer with other tours.

Air: Jodhpur is the nearest airport for Jaisalmer.

Rail: Jaisalmer is well connected by Indian Railway by Delhi.

Road: Jaisalmer is well connected from Bikaner and Jodhpur. Chauffeur-driven air-conditioned cars can be hired through the State Tourist Offices and other approved operators.

Road Distances:
Jodhpur	285 kms
Bikaner	333 kms
Khimsar	320 kms
Phaludi	165 kms
Manwar	170 kms
Sam	40 kms