If camping in the middle of the desert has been on your wish list, Rajasthan just happens to be the place for you. The beautiful expanse of the golden desert, air sprinkled with sand and majestic yet humble camels around, set the scene for an exciting desert safari in Jaisalmer, the quintessential city. While it’s known for its rather hot and humid climate through most parts of the year, winters are relatively cool and pleasant enough to spend over the desert and not get sunburned. December – January are the ideals months you should visit Jaisalmer, when the nights are much cooler and days have a winter chill in the air. Along with the exciting desert safari in Jaisalmer, here are some other things you should not miss while you are in Jaisalmer.
1. Jaisalmer Desert Camping
Camping in the Desert (Source)
The Prince Sam Dunes in the heart of the Thar Desert is where your actual desert safari in Jaisalmer begins! Camp out in the open with a late evening of food and drinks around the campfire. Don’t miss to spend some time star-gazing across the moon-lit sky either.
2. Jaisalmer Camel Rides across the Sand Dunes
Camel rides in the desert (Source)
The vehicles of the desert, Camel rides are a fun way to explore the desert through a Desert Safari in Jaisalmer desert. The rocky ride on the camel and the slight possibility of slipping and falling off in the sand, make it all the more fun. While Jaisalmer Camel rides are for short distances, you could then take a jeep desert safari to explore the sand dunes and the local life and people of the Jaisalmer desert.
3. Fort City – Sandstone Fort and Suncity
Popularly known as Sonar Quila, Jaisalmer is one the largest fortifications in the world. The fort stands on yellowish Sandstone, in the midst of the Thar Desert. The majestic fort contains many palaces and ancient Jain temples within all glorifying testimonies to the splendor of the fort city.
4. The Merasi Music School – Folk culture of Rajasthan
Rajasthan has a rich culture of folk arts, music being one of the prime. The Merasi Music School is a community of oppressed musicians struggling to keep their ancestral form of art alive. It aims at passing the rich musical heritage on to its children. Spending an evening here, you will experience the folk culture of Rajasthan, the mesmerizing vocals and music will enthral you beyond words. The Desert Festival is held every year in Jaisalmer, sometime in January/February which puts on a showcase of local performing arts.
You can also read a personal Travelogue on Jaisalmer
5. Gadisagar Lake and the haunted Kuldhara Village
The Gadisagar Lake in Jaisalmer is one of the scenic attractions of the city, surrounded by temples and shrines of Amar Sagar. Contrary to popular belief, it is not an oasis by a rainwater conservation lake that is responsible for the entire water supply of the arid city. Heading towards the ancient village Kuldhara near Jaisalmer, watch out for the caution signs and the eerie feeling you might get. This village is believed to be haunted and its history and ruins have some fascinating stories to spill.
6. Along the Border – the famous Longewala Post
Before you leave the city of Jaisalmer, drive to the border to see the Longewala Post and the famous Tanot Mata Temple for yourself which is far from what was seen in the movie ‘Border’. Though playing the songs from the movie while you drive towards the border, will of course make sense.
Planning a trip this winter? Check this out: Best Places To Visit In December In India.