Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort: The oldest fort built by Raja Jaisal in the year 1165AD from whom the fort got its name. It is a famous historical monument which is adjudged as the world heritage site by UNSECO. Built in yellow stand stone, the forts is the house for around 3,000 people. The fort is also known as Sonar Quila because of the yellow sandstone walls which get faded to honey gold after sun sets. Raja Jaisal chose trikutta hills to built this huge fort as his earlier fort Luderwal was vulnerable to war.

The Jaisalmer fort was under the control of Ala ud din Khiliji for almost 9years and survived many Mughals attack. The fort is 250 foot tall and is surrounded by 30 feet long walls all around. The basement of the fort is also has 15ft wall giving double protection. The fort consists of 99 bastions.  The fort is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The fort consists of four gates namely Hawa Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jawahar Pol, Rang pol. There are many Haveli’s inside the fort which were built by wealthy persons some hundreds of years ago. These Haveli’s are beautifully carved on yellow sand stone. The fort consists of five stories with balconies, countless rooms, decorated windows, doors. The fort consists of five interconnected palaces with jails or jarokhas. The fort has a very good drainage system called as ghut nali which takes away the rain water away from the fort. But however the recent renovation activities have reduced the effectiveness of the system.

The best time to visit the fort is from October to March. The fort is open from 9am-5pm. Jaisalmer is easily accessible through road, rail and air. Summer months are very difficult as temperatures may go up till 45oc, hence better to avoid summer months.

snow in india

A snow-covered field Tangmarg area of Baramulla District, Jammu & Kashmir

Cold appears to be coming down hard in several places across northern India, with ‘cold day’ to ‘severe cold day’ conditions expected to prevail across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh for another few days.
Meanwhile, some places in the north and northeast are all set for some alluring seasonal snowfall as the new year approaches. While the snowfall has been comparatively less around Christmas this year, a fresh western disturbance is set to turn fortunes from December 30 onwards, as it affects the weather around the Himalayan Region.
The Weather Channel takes a look at five states and the magical tourist destinations within, which you could visit this holiday season to get a taste of pristine snowfall:
The Land of Sunrise: Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang Monastery in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
(Credits: Kamalendu Bhadra/TOI, Kolkata, BCCL)While trace amounts of snowfall is falling over the mountainous parts of Arunachal Pradesh, The Weather Channel’s Met Team says the northern half of the state is likely to experience widespread snowfall in the first week of 2020.
With that in mind, the beautiful town of Tawang is one of the places to be visited for sure. Apart from its undeniable natural beauty, it is also wrapped in a scent of spirituality. World-famous for being the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, it is also full of Buddhist monasteries, including the Tawang Monastery—a very sacred monastery for the Buddhists.
Bomdila, with its snow-clad Himalayan mountain ranges and lush greenery, is another place to explore this holiday season. Situated 8,000 feet above sea level, this tourist destination is known for Orchid and Wildlife Sanctuaries, and the Dirang Valley, which lies between Bomdila and Tawang. It is also home to the major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Land of Mystique: Sikkim
Village home stay at Pastanga, near Gangtok, Sikkim
(Credits: Sudipto Das/TOI, Kolkata, BCCL)The whole of Sikkim is likely to experience snowfall at the start of 2020—heavier falls towards the north, and lighter as you progress southwards.
Lachung, Lachen, and Yumthang Valley, all of which are located in North Sikkim, are some of the best places to visit in the entire state. Lachen, a distant northern village that is home to the Tibetan nomadic tribes, stands out as the most famous location to experience snowfall all across Sikkim. Lachung, located less than 50 km away from Lachen, is another high altitude village inhabited by the Tibetan and Bhutia people. Yumthang is a picturesque valley bounded by snow-capped mountains.
If you are into trekking and winter sports, Gangtok, in east Sikkim, is the perfect place for you. The state capital is popular for its sports grounds for skiing and ice skating activities. The Tsomgo lake, located just 38 km away from Gangtok, is also a must-see, primarily due to the migratory birds and beautiful flowers that are constantly on display here.
Land of the Gods: Uttarakhand
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Varying degrees of snowfall have been forecast in the northern half of Uttarakhand starting December 31, 2019, according to TWC Met Team.Dehradun, the state capital, is one of the best places to visit this holiday season. Its geographical location provides you with a diverse view, with the Himalayan ranges and the rivers Ganga and Yamuna visible on either side of the city. Apart from the natural beauty, which includes waterfalls and caves too, Dehradun is also famous for its splendid architectural constructions. The beautiful Mussoorie, dubbed the ‘Queen of Hills’, is located approximately 34 km away from the capital.
The district of Almora, located in the eastern parts of the state, is as good as a heaven for nature lovers. Apart from offering spell-binding views of the Himalayas, this place is also famous for its delicious cuisine, handicrafts, wildlife sanctuaries and hippie trails.
A variety of pilgrim places such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are also worth visiting, not necessarily for snowfall, but a spiritual experience. Places where you can, in fact, expect snowfall this season are Auli, Munsyari, Joshimath, Uttarkashi, Chopta and Dhanaulti.
Apple State: Himachal Pradesh
At present, the state of Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a strange combination of sunny conditions and freezing point temperatures. However, starting December 30, a majority of the state, excluding the westernmost stretch, is expected to receive snowfall once again, as per IMD’s regional Met Office.Amid snowfall, Kullu-Manali, one of the most well-known north Indian tourist destinations, is also the most recommended one in Himachal Pradesh, as it offers a variety of experiences. Located on the banks of the river Beas, Kullu was earlier known as ‘Kulanthpitha’, which means ‘the end of the habitable world’. Like Kullu, Manali too offers scenic views of snow-capped mountains. However, the latter offers you a chance to test your fitness levels in the sheer cold conditions too, as it is known for its adventure and sporting facilities.
Dharamshala, engulfed with snow-capped mountains on three sides and a valley on another, offers mind-boggling views in every direction. Home to Tibetian refugees and their culture, this place is known to attract tourists from all around the world, which fly in to get a glimpse of Tibet.
Paradise on Earth: Jammu & Kashmir
The entirety of Jammu & Kashmir appears set to receive another wave of snowfall from December 31 onwards, and this newly-formed union territory (UT) is a site that should not be missed during its prime glory in winters.The hill station of Gulmarg, for instance, is an absolute must-see if you visit this region, due to the snowfall it receives. Its beauty has led visitors to name it ‘heaven on Earth’. Moreover, the abundance of snow makes it one of the most popular destinations for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports.
Srinagar, the capital of Jammu & Kashmir tourism, is another destination that cannot be missed, in spite of its rather touristy nature. Dubbed the heart of J&K, Srinagar offers you visits to the iconic Dal Lake, the floating markets and the charming Old City bridges over river Jhelum.
Jammu, the UT’s winter capital, is the perfect combination of a city and a hill station. This beautiful location is also the starting point for pilgrimages that go to Vaishno Devi and the Kashmir Valley. From palaces to temples to parks, Jammu has a variety of places for you to explore.

jaisalmer park

 Visit Rajasthan’s second-oldest fort, go on a desert safari, visit a ghost town and lots more.

Shimmering sand dunes and brilliant turbans, lissome lasses in gauzy veils and mirror-worked skirts, caparisoned camels and a fortress in shades of burnished gold and latticed screens—Jaisalmer in the desert state of Rajasthan is truly the clichéd Arabian Nights fantasy come alive. Condé Nast Traveller picks ten things that you must do while here:
Be a king for a day Built in 1156, the golden yellow Jaisalmer Fort is the second-oldest in Rajasthan. The sandstone Fort crowns the Trikuta Hill and stands sentinel over the city. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city. Walk through four gargantuan gates in to the chaotic streets of the squat Sonar Quila. The most extraordinary part of the fort is that more than 4,000 people still live within its ancient walls. Walk through the maze of tiny lanes lined with temples, havelis, and palaces as well as souvenir shops and skilled artisans. Finally, feast on panoramic views of the city from several ‘cannon points’.
Be a culture vulture Visit the Desert Cultural Centre as well as the Folklore Museum to get an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.  Get a glimpse of paintings, post cards, old coins, ancient manuscripts, costumes, jewellery and ornate camel and horse decorations.  Admire local handicrafts, wall hangings, portable altars and even clay reproductions of haveli facades. Don’t leave without watching the evening puppet show.
Hit a Spiritual High The most beautiful part of the fortress is the cluster of sandstone Jain temples with soaring spires built in the 12th and 15th centuries with scalloped arches, cornices and delicate filigree work. Don’t forget to peek into the Parsvanath Temple dedicated to the 22nd Tirthankara with its ornate ceiling which has a sculpture of a demon-like head with four bodies arranged in a circle. As you walk around, the head seems to connect to each of the bodies. Don’t leave without visiting the dimly lit Gyan Bhandar library in the basement which houses rare manuscripts.
Be a foodie! Feast on Rajasthani cuisine which is predominantly influenced by the scarcity of water and fresh green vegetables. Meat eaters should sample the non-vegetarian delicacy laal maas, a dish of lamb cooked in red hot chilli peppers.  Vegetarians will love ker saangri, an unusual but delicious vegetarian dish made with desert beans and capers and the calorific dhal bhati churma and panchkoota, five desert vegetation cooked in yoghurt. Drink local lassi topped with copius amounts of cream and indulge your sweet tooth with ladoos made out of gram flour.
Experience bygone splendour The city is famous for its ornate mansions or havelis that were built from yellow sandstone by wealthy merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the famous Patwon ki Haveli, a set of five houses wedged into a narrow street and built by five Jain brothers who traded in gold and silver brocade. Walk through airy courtyards and lavishly chiselled wooden ceilings with mirrors and sixty balconies each done in a different style. Follow it up with a visit to Salim Singh Ki Haveli with its roof lined with peacocks and tuskers, 38 balconies, spacious corridors and a façade shaped like the stern of a ship.
Time travel Take a day trip to the ancient capital of Bhattis that’s only 15km from Jaisalmer. Visit the great Jain temple built out of golden sandstone with its intricate carvings and complex jaali work and Kalpavriksha, a mythical tree that fulfils one’s wishes. Lodurva has a great number of peacocks that add colour to the barren landscape.
Lake Song The Gadisar Lake was built in the 12th century and was the gargantuan effort of a visionary king in conserving rain water and channelling it to this arid city. Until 1965, it was the city’s only water supply. Today it’s the favoured place for paddle boats, watching migratory birds and catching wondrous views of the many golden hued temples and shrines that line its shores.
Take a desert safari Jaisalmer’s location is incredible: at the very fringe of the vast Thar Desert.  Most people head here to go on a camel safari which can range from half-day excursions to watching a sunset on a dune and even spending a few nights under the stars with campfires and rustic food. The closest set of dunes is the Sam dunes where dune bashing has been introduced. At Lama Heritage Village, you can take photographs in colourful Rajasthani attire, listen to ethnic music and hear folklore. If you are lucky you can even spot elusive desert animals like the chinkara and fox. Don't forget to carry a hat, sunscreen and loads of water!
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Indulge in retail therapy Jaisalmer is a riot of colour and craft, just like the rest of Rajasthan. Wander through shops that offer intricately carved wooden boxes, turbans in hues of hot pink and yellow, swirling mirror-worked skirts, woven rugs and blankets, hand embroidered mojris and jootis. For something unique, head to Hari Om jewellers and have a look at painted scenes on human hair and grains of rice alongside intricately worked silver rings depicting royal scenes. Pick up chunky silver jewellery and vibrantly coloured puppets to take back with you.
A tryst with the ghosts Visit the so-called ‘ghost town’ of Kuldhara (18km from Jaisalmer). Legend has it that it was once a prosperous and bustling settlement of the Paliwal Brahmins. They were oppressed by the high taxes imposed by the rulers and when the ruler pursued the chief’s daughter, they abandoned the village overnight along with the inhabitants of 83 nearby villages. Till date, no one knows where they disappeared. It is believed that they cast a curse over the village as they departed that would bring death to anyone who tried to inhabit the land. Today, the ruins of the village consist of sandstone houses, a temple and wells standing against the eerie desert backdrop, making for a very intriguing visit indeed

JAISALMER

Vast outstretched patches of golden sand and mighty forts boasting of the Rajputana legacy, the Golden City of India is every history lover’s delight. United with the rest of Rajasthan by sharing a common ground, Jaisalmer is also the western state where India and Pakistan share their border.  The streets of Jaisalmer are filled with natives clad in colourful clothes and a melody of Rajasthani language. Jaisalmer’s culturally abundant history is evident in the palaces and forts apart from the secrets that Thar’s dunes hold. If you happen to be in Jaisalmer and have 24 hours, here is how you should spend them:

TAKE AN EARLY MORNING BOAT RIDEAn ancient temple in the Gadisar Lake The Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer is not unheard of. While the lake is on everybody’s wish list we suggest you beat the crowd and reach there early. The lake is best experienced with a layer of serenity surrounding the area. The lake was built as a reservoir to harvest rainwater into the arid city but now is a popular tourist destination. Apart from a boat ride one can enjoy a wholesome bird watching experience with only the sound of still water and the chirping of birds.Post this we suggest that you grab breakfast at either Chaisalmer or Hocus Pocus, both of which are within the vicinity of the lake. Go for Chaisalmer’s buffet breakfast and coffee and Hocus Pocus’ ambience that will give you a reason to linger on.

WITNESS THE CULTURAL HERITAGE Jaisalmer’s cultural trail is an experience that stays with one for long. And in order to experience this experience, we suggest you visit the local heritage cultural museums. Two museums, namely, Desert Handicraft emporium and the Desert Culture center and museum are our picks. Both the places are stocked with unusual jewellery and paintings and offer an insight into the legacy of the city. Post this we suggest that you step on into royalty at Patwa ki Haveli. Not just a single haveli, but a cluster of five, the haveli was commissioned and constructed by a trader, Guman Chand Patwa in 1805. The havelis boast of intricate stonework and artwork and have now been converted into a museum.  Within the vicinity is Salim Singh haveli and Nathmal haveli with captivating, distinct architecture. Post this we suggest you grab lunch at either Café The Kaku or the Trio. A meal here will taste 10 times better because the seating overlooks the city. Clad in brown from top to bottom, it is a view worth cherishing.

VISIT THE MUCH SOUGHT AFTER JAISALMER FORT Jaisalmer Fort at sunrise Situated in the heart of the city the Jaisalmer fort is magnificence and glory coming alive right in front of one’s eyes. Similar to other forts in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer too boasts of a culturally rich past. The fort, built in sand stone, is locally known as Sonar Quila. The city is said to be founded by Raja Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput ruler, the fort being his abode. For most part of Jaisalmer’s history, the fort was the city and the city was the fort. Even today, one fourth of the population of the city resides inside the fort.After you soak the Rajputana history here, visit the Jain temples around the fort. The Jain temples date back to the 12th and 15th century and have been carved out magnificently. These maze like structures are built in yellow sandstone and merge with the desert as soon as the sun sets.

GET A TASTE OF THE MIGHTY THAR Now you see it, now you don’t. The mighty Thar desert is perfect in creating a mirage. However, the immaculate sand dunes and the cultural performances are for real. If you fancy a camel safari through the desert, Sam dunes is the place you should be at. Located at about an hour’s drive from the city, most travellers come here to experience the spirit of Rajasthani culture in its organic form. Women clad in colourful clothes and men with mighty moustaches and folk music as the unmatched melody, Sam dunes is one of a kind experience. And in case you are looking for a more localized experience get talking to one of the tribal communities there. However, if you wish to stay in the city, what better than getting to the streets and exploring the local markets? The streets of Jaisalmer come alive with every step you take. And the markets don’t disappoint you.

END YOUR DAY WITH A TRADITIONAL MEAL The traditional Rajasthani thali What better than ending your Rajasthan vacay with a traditional meal? If you are at the desert, there are plenty of options available for you to cherish a traditional meal. Apart from that one even has the option of spending the night at the desert. However, if not at the Thar desert, one can also head to Khaba Fort in Paliwal, a ruined citadel in barren desert village.As the sun goes down, the wind gets crisper and the desert starts looking modified and one relishes a lip smacking meal.

What does Summer mean to you? For some, Summer is the time for ice-creams and fresh juices and for others, it is a time to hit the beach. But for most people, summer = travelling. A practice carried on since childhood, a summer without camping is almost incomplete.

So here are 5 camping sites that you must add to your bucket list:

1. Rishikesh Valley

Rishikesh Valley

Sleeping beneath the stars, with the foothills of The Himalayas on one side and the banks of the Holy Ganges on the other is a definite bucket-list moment. Camping in this valley is an all-encompassing experience because you can either spend time at the camp in the midst of the serene hills or you can explore the various extreme sports activities. The best part of this camping trip will be that you can completely cut yourself off from any form of technology because there is no electricity here. From the best white water rafting adventures to the dining on steamy wholesome food under the stars, a Rishikesh Valley Camping is a sure shot winner.

2. Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer

Nicknamed as “the Golden City”, Jaisalmer is a natural wonder filled with shimmering sand dunes and beautiful open skies. For a view that feels like its straight out of a Khaled Hosseini book, camping in this city is a must. This amazing desert in the heart of Rajasthan offers plenty of activities to its campers - Night Safaris through the dunes, camel rides, and sunset walks. The best thing to do here is to wake up in time, for an amazing sunrise over the desert which stretches as wide as the eyes can see. With hot food, folk dance and camp fires, a camping trip here will certainly not be a disappointment.

3. Neora Valley

Neora Valley

If being surrounded by mist, fog, and lush greenery is your idea of a perfect camping trip, then the humble valley of Neora in West Bengal is just your calling. With the camping site set at the height of 6000ft, it provides a breath-taking view of the stunning Kanchenjunga Peak. Being close to the Sundarbans, a trip down to the jungle for a safari will definitely prove to be worth your while. With beautiful Tibetan temples and architectural ruins nearby, this campsite is ideal for a culture rich experience. If waking up to birds chirping and fresh Darjeeling tea sounds tempting to you, then you will surely love Neora!

4. Kasol

Kasol

 Alongside the cool gushing waters of the Parvati River, the camping village of Kasol lies nestled. With the village of Chalal and Malana valley, camping here gives you many opportunities to shop distinct cultural trinkets from the local markets. Get a taste of the delicious Israeli cuisine made by the indigenous Israeli locals residing here. For a complete trip, take a walk along the roads between Kasol and Malana to find a beautiful field of Cherry Blossom Orchards. With sights that are easily comparable to ones in Japan, your trip to Kasol will definitely want you to develop a photographic memory.

5. Ladakh

Ladakh

If you have ever wanted to be in a place and experience two extreme weather conditions, then Ladakh is the perfect fit for you. With pristine lakes on one side and white sandy deserts on the other, this place gives you the best of both worlds. With different camp sites like Mystic Sangla Valley, Tsomoriri Lake, and West Ladakh Camp, you can pick and choose the best that suits your itinerary. With picturesque sights of flocks of migratory birds, the beautiful valleys over the desert, and some thrilling-seeking sports like rock climbing, camping in Ladakh is bound to be an amazing experience.

The best trips don’t happen overnight. Planning for them is a time-consuming process and no one has the luxury of time in today’s world. But for a well-planned camping trip, time is of the essence. This is why opting for Camping Tour Operators would be the best plan of action. This way you ensure you have everything taken care of and enjoy an unforgettable experience. 

Jaisalmer is one of the oldest towns located in the state of Rajasthan with a lot of history to be told with respect to the times when the town was under the rule of brave rulers. It is situated in the centre of the popular Thar desert. Here are the top sites you must visit when you travel to Jaisalmer which is a preferred winter tourist destination in India.

Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer trip: Where to go when in Jaisalmer? Jaisalmer Fort
The fort is popular for its ancient architecture and for the history attached to its construction as it was made in the 1156 AD by a Rajput ruler called Raja Jaisal. Jaisalmer fort is one of the largest forts in the world. The fort is made up of golden and yellow sandstone which along with its 99 turrets looks magical at sunrise and sunset.

Jaisalmer Trip

Patwon ki Haveli
Made by the well-known trader of the ancient era, Guman Chand and his sons, Patwon ki Haveli is a beautifully constructed five-storied palace with intricately designed huge suites. The Haveli has large corridors with beautiful art from that area which could be seen all over the palace walls. Patwon ki Haveli is a collection of five small palaces out of which one is converted into a museum.

Patwon ki Haveli

Desert safari
If you are in Rajasthan, then you just can't miss a desert safari. Head on to Sam sand dunes for an ideal desert safari. It is a picturesque location to view the sunset as well. For safari, you could either travel by camels or a jeep safari option is also available. Desert festival takes place in the winter months like of February and March, where the folk dance, camel races, paragliding, adventure sports, desert camping and other cultural events take place.

                 

Desert Safari

Gadisar lake
Gadisar lake is located a km away from the Jaisalmer Fort. The people who lived nearby the desert depended on the water from this lake for their water needs in the 1367 AD when the lake was first constructed. There are also a few temples, shrines around the lake where you can find many tourists. People usually set out here for a picnic at the Gadisar lake, visit the nearby Tilon ki Pol gate and the folklore museum as well.
                                      

gadisar lake

Jain temples
The Jain temples are located inside the Jaisalmer Fort, the series of temples present here are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras which dates back to the 12th century. The temples are beautifully carved and well interconnected as well. Nearby to the Jain temples, there is the Gyan Bhandar library which could be visited on your way out during the noontime.

Jaisalmer Jain Temple