Palace on Wheels Tour – Day 05, Jaisalmer – The Golden City

Jaisalmer Excursion with Palace on Wheels
Jaisalmer -The Golden City (3rd day tour destination of palace on wheels train)
Jaisalmer: The Golden City :
Jaisalmer has got the title the Golden City owing to its yellow sandstone structures. On Friday, the third day of the tour Palace On Wheels arrives at 06.15 hrs at Jaisalmer Located in the heart of the Thar desert and popularly known as the golden city of India. You get to spend the day in this isolated, but Architecturally, one of the greatest Royal Bastions of the World. After a safari dinner served under the stars, at a campsite, come back to the luxury train to restart your journey at 23.30 hrs for Jodhpur.
History
The town is famous for sand dunes and vast expanse of Indus Valley Civilization which thrived some 5000 years ago. The luster and brilliance of Jaisalmer is still remarkable and astonishing after centuries of wear and tear.The history of jaisalmer mentions that the city was founded by Rao Jaisal in the mid 11th century. Traditionally, the name Jaisalmer translates to ‘The fort of Jaisal’ that was once an important seat for the Bhatti kings of the region. Its strategic location delight merchants, traders and businessmen of the medieval period to establish long lasting trade relations with the city and hence Jaisalmer has always been a prosperous town within the state.
Climate
Jaisalmer experiences a dry and arid climate throughout the year that is characterized by hot summers and very mild winters. The summer temperatures in the city range between 25 and 45 degree Celsius and the winter temperatures range between 8 and 25 degree Celsius. Monsoon is almost negligible here and the city remains dry throughout the year, except for a few rain spells in between.
Attractions
The most important tourist attraction of Jaisalmer is the Sonar Qilla or the Jaisalmer fort and the breathtakingly beautiful havelis. The foremost ones to name here are Nathmalji ki haveli, the Salim Singh ki haveli and the Patwon ki haveli. Mostly belonging to the affluent jain merchants of the area, these havelis (mansions) exhibit unparallel craftsmanship and fine artistic taste of the natives of the place. Arched roofs, intricately designed balconies or Jharokhas, magnificently adorned corridors and elegant facades define the beauty of the Jaisalmer havelis.The Jaisalmer fort also known as the Golden Fort (Sonar Qilla) was once a royal bastion from where the rulers of the city fought valiantly. Besides the palace complex, the fort also houses a medieval Jain and Hindu temple.
Attractions in Jaisalmer :
» Jaisalmer Fort
» Nathmalji ki Haveli
» Salim Singh ki Haveli
» Patwon ki Haveli
Highlights:
The train will land you in the city of Jaisalmer in the morning of the 5th day of journey. Post breakfast you can start off your voyage across the city and visit the astonishingly beautiful havelis and mansions including the Patwon ki Haveli, the Nathmalji ki Haveli, and Salim Singh ki Haveli. You can also visit the local markets for their extensive menu of local handicraft products!Enjoy a delectable lunch in the Hotel Moomal and then depart for sightseeing across the Sam sand dunes. The camel ride and the gorgeous views of the sunset will more than make your day memorable. Dinner and a cultural extravaganza wait to surprise you in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer.Return to the train for overnight stay and travel down to Jodhpur.Other than the above mentioned heritage sites, guests in Jaipur can also take delight in celebrating the colorful festivals and fairs that are observed here. The Gangaur festival, the Teej festival, and even the kite festival that is celebrated in the month of January are a few of the most popular ones to mention here.