While looking for a perfect heritage holiday, a Jaisalmer holiday package would be the best pick anyone could zero in on. Jaisalmer has the opulence of the kingly traditions and customs, and has the authentic rajasthani flavour of the local folk music and dance. Here’s a small list of places and things one must experience while in this city.
1. Jaisalmer Fort
Standing strong since 1647, the Jaisalmer Fort is the landmark of the Golden City of Jaisalmer. On entering the city limits, one cannot neglect this majestic sight of the fort overlooking the city with a stature of 250 feet. Locally known as the Sonar Qila, the Jaisalmer Fort is the most sought after tourist attraction in the city. The wells within the fort are a regular source of water to almost one fourth of the city’s populace that still dwells within the fort premises. Shocked?
2. Queen Harish
Well, this isn’t any ancient piece or queen from the past still narrating the stories of her past, but a gem of a person, a male, who dresses up like woman and can give any talented woman dancer a run for their money. Quite a popular attraction in Jaisalmer, the dance of Queen Harish is slowly taking the world by a storm, with some Japanese, American, and Indian students learning the unique dance from this person. According to tourists, your trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without watching Queen Harish’s flawless dance moves.
3. Maharaja’s Palace
The Maharaja’s Palace towers over the Jaisalmer Fort’s main square and is a seven storeyed edifice of the Maharaja of Jaisalmer. The tour through this palace is one mind blowing experience with an exclusive display of the finest and rarest pieces from the former ruler’s chest. The highlights of the tour to the palace is the Rang Mahal, and the panoramic views of the city from the rooftop. The last highlight of the palace tour is the tour of the Queen’s Palace which has an interesting section of the Gangaur processions in Spring held annually in Jaisalmer.
4. Kuldhara Abandoned Village
In for some spooky experience? Well, if you decide to tour this abandoned village of Kuldhara, be prepared for a scary looking road that leads to the village and do not be surprised to be welcomed by a rather scary looking old man who collects the tour fee. The Kuldhara Village has a very popular legend associated with it which you must listen to from the one or two locals left in the abandoned site. The experience is not to be missed, only if you are a braveheart!
So, take a direct Jaipur to Jaisalmer train if coming from Jaipur. For airport, Jodhpur Airport is the closest and the preferred air terminal for Jaisalmer since the city lacks a commercial airport. Have a wonderful trip, and yes, do not forget to carry warm clothes since the nights in Jaisalmer are pretty cold.
Dimpy Roy
Dimpy Roy is a travel writer working with an Online Travel Guide. She guides travelers to various resources where they can find best Jaisalmer holiday packages and choose the best one.