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Jaisalmer

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Jaisalmer aka the ‘Golden City’ is famous for its carved yellow sandstone architecture and golden sand dunes. One of Rajasthan’s most extraordinary destinations, Jaisalmer was founded by, Raja Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A D and presents the visitor with an unforgettable medieval Indian time capsule. Our suggested tour of Jaisalmer is here so that you can leave all the planning to us and enjoy your time in this beautiful city.

Sonaar Haveli Jaisalmer has the best desert safari tour packages Jaisalmer. This is one of the amazing experiences you can’t miss when you are in Jaisalmer. Spend a Day or Night and evening in the Sam Sand Dunes Desert Camp at Jaisalmer and enjoy Camel Safari, Jeep Safari, Rajasthani folk Dance & Musical Team, and pure Rajasthani food in a desert under the Open sky of Thar Desert.
Sonaar Haveli has city views and is within easy walking distance of the Old City. Our Sonaar Haveli in-house concierge can provide more advice about the best things to do in Jaisalmer and make private sightseeing arrangements for you at competitive rates.

Explore Jaisalmer (Half Day Tour)

Starting from INR 1,000 per person

Start exploring the Golden City at sunrise, on the banks of Gadisar Lake a pioneering man-made water conservation tank built in the 15th century. A picturesque setting surrounded by shrines and temples, which represent the intricate Jaisalmer architecture. Thereafter, drive to Patwon-ki-Haveli, Jaisalmer’s most sought after site. A cluster of 5 mansions. It was built by a businessman called, Guman Chand Patwa, a gold and silver brocade trader and father to 5 sons. He built 1 haveli for each son. Inside the haveli are exquisitely carved pillars, extensive corridors and latticed balconies. Walk along the narrow winding lanes of the unhurried city and browse the markets….
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Explore Jaisalmer (Half Day Tour)
Starting from INR 2,000 for 2 persons
  • Start exploring the Golden City at sunrise, on the banks of Gadisar Lake a pioneering man-made water conservation tank built in the 15th century. A picturesque setting surrounded by shrines and temples, which represent the intricate Jaisalmer architecture. Thereafter, drive to Patwon-ki-Haveli, Jaisalmer’s most sought after site. A cluster of 5 mansions. It was built by a businessman called, Guman Chand Patwa, a gold and silver brocade trader and father to 5 sons. He built 1 haveli for each son. Inside the haveli are exquisitely carved pillars, extensive corridors and latticed balconies. Walk along the narrow winding lanes of the unhurried city and browse the markets.
  • After your photo stop here you will be driven to Sonar Qila the Jaisalmer fort. Rising from the sandy plains of the Thar Desert like a mirage from a bygone era, Jaisalmer Fort is a breath-taking sight. Carved from golden honey sandstone, hence the city's designation as the Golden City, this is one of the very few (perhaps the only) ‘living forts’ in the world with several thousand inhabitants inside. Ninety-nine colossal bastions encircle the still-inhabited narrow streets. Inside are shops swaddled in bright embroideries, a royal palace and ancient buildings of crumbling beauty.
  • Within the fort walls is a maze-like, interconnecting treasure trove of seven beautiful yellow sandstone Jain temples, dating from the 12th to the 16th centuries and dedicated to various Jain Tirthankars (Hermits). Built in the Dilwara style, famous all over the world for its architecture, the temples are adorned with thousands of carved deities and dancing figures depicting mythological scenes. The Astapadhi Temples that are situated in the same complex are a must-visit too.
  • Return to Sonaar haveli only a 1 Km drive in time for lunch.
  • Evening at leisure to enjoy sundowners in our rooftop restaurant Chaar Bagh to get a glimpse of the sunset or drive over to Bara Bagh cenotaphs, a 5 minute drive for a view of the sunset.
  • *A Guide can be provided at an additional supplement

Discover the Golden City with Sand Dunes
(Half Day Tour)

Starting from INR 1250 per person

After a morning at leisure, you will be driven in the afternoon to Sam Sand dunes. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to the silky Sam Sand Dunes. Unless you’re staying in the desert (for example with our 3 nights Jaisalmer special package) we recommend ending your stay in Jaisalmer by heading out to the dunes for a sunset camel ride. Alternatively, the beautiful desert scenery, with its wind- carved ripples, can be enjoyed on foot or by Jeep. Either way, the evenings are particularly magical with the shifting mounds of dry white sand coming to life as vibrant cultural performances breathe color into the barren landscape…
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Discover the Golden City with Sand Dunes
(Half Day Tour)
Starting from INR 2500 for 2 Persons
  • *Supplement for camel ride at INR 225 per person
  • After a morning at leisure, you will be driven in the afternoon to Sam Sand dunes. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to the silky Sam Sand Dunes. Unless you’re staying in the desert (for example with our 3 nights Jaisalmer special package) we recommend ending your stay in Jaisalmer by heading out to the dunes for a sunset camel ride. Alternatively, the beautiful desert scenery, with its wind- carved ripples, can be enjoyed on foot or by Jeep. Either way, the evenings are particularly magical with the shifting mounds of dry white sand coming to life as vibrant cultural performances breathe color into the barren landscape.
  • If you like we can also include Kuldhara here:
    This abandoned village on the outskirts of Jaisalmer was abandoned by its Paliwal Brahmin inhabitants about 200 years ago. They were heavily taxed, their property was looted and the village beauty the daughter of the Paliwals was to be kidnapped by the Mughal Emperor if she her hand was not given to him in marriage. To save her the entire community upped and left. Legend has it they buried the gold and silver they couldn’t carry in Kuldhara, which has attracted treasure hunters to the area. Some of the houses are in remarkable condition, restored for use as Bollywood film sets.

Desert Romance
(A Full Day Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour)

Starting from INR 1750 per person

If you have only one day in Jaisalmer we recommend you start at Gadisar lake to take a quick picture in the most instagrammable setting in Jaisalmer. Surrounded by shrines and temples this really is the prettiest place to start. Then continue to see Patwon-ki-Haveli Jaisalmer’s most intricately carved mansion.
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Desert Romance
(A Full Day Jaisalmer Sightseeing Tour)
Starting from INR 3500 for 2 Persons
  • *Supplement for camel ride at INR 225 per person
  • *Supplement for private dinner on the dunes will cost INR 6,500 Per Person
  • If you have only one day in Jaisalmer we recommend you start at Gadisar lake to take a quick picture in the most instagrammable setting in Jaisalmer. Surrounded by shrines and temples this really is the prettiest place to start. Then continue to see Patwon-ki-Haveli Jaisalmer’s most intricately carved mansion.
  • Thereafter, drive to Sonar Qila aka the Jaisalmer fort. Rising from the sandy plains of the Thar Desert like a mirage from a bygone era, Jaisalmer Fort is a breath-taking sight. Carved from golden honey sandstone, hence the city's designation as the Golden City, this is one of the very few (perhaps the only) ‘living forts’ in the world with several thousand inhabitants inside. Inside are shops swaddled in bright embroideries, a royal palace and ancient buildings of crumbling beauty.
  • After a quick shopping spree have a rest stop in town or return to Sonaar Haveli for a relaxing lunch and a siesta. About 4pm start your drive to Sam Sand dunes. After a 45 minute drive arrive at Sam to enjoy the a sunset camel ride or just relax and soak in the colorful and musical atmosphere of the dunes. If you like we can also arrange dinner on the dunes for you. Return to Sonaar Haveli.

Dunes and Desert Dreamscapes
(3 nights Special Package)

Starting from INR 9,500 Per Person

After a 2 night stay at Sonaar Haveli indulge in a night beneath the stars on the Sam sand dunes in comfortable tented accommodation to immerse yourself in the ideal Desert experience. We will provide transport to and from the desert and a camel ride to watch the sunset.

Honeymoon Special -
Dining in the Desert with Romantic Music
(Half Day evening experience)

Starting from INR 7,500 Per Person

Allow us to indulge you in a romantic evening beneath the stars starting with whisking you away in a private chauffeur driven car to the desert. You can enjoy a camel ride to watch the sunset and then be taken to your private area for a romantic Rajasthani dinner by the fire beneath the star lit sky.
Return with your chauffeur driven car to Sonaar Haveli.

Architectural Trail of the Havelis of Jaisalmer
(Half day Guided Tour)

Starting from INR 950 per person

One of Jaisalmer’s real showpieces are the charming havelis dotted along the old city’s tiny streets beneath the ramparts. Carved from the same golden-honey sandstone as the fort, these mansions were commissioned by wealthy merchants during the 18th and 19th centuries. If you are keen on architecture a guided tour is a must to explore the jharokhas and intricately carved pillars and murals.

Adventure Tour with Camel Safari around Jaisalmer
(Full Day Tour)

Starting from INR 2,750 per Person

Enjoy a camel safari across the beautiful desert landscape in Khuri or Loudarva dunes with a one night stay and dinner included.
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Adventure Tour with Camel Safari around Jaisalmer
(Full Day Tour)
Starting from INR 2,000 for 2 Persons
  • *Supplement for camel ride at INR 225 per person
  • Enjoy a camel safari across the beautiful desert landscape in Khuri or Loudarva dunes with a one night stay and dinner included.
  • Loudarva (16Km from Sonaar Haveli)
    Lodurva is the ancient capital of the then kingdom of Jaisalmer and now a Jain pilgrimage. En route is the Amar Sagar lake beside a beautiful pleasure palace with mango and other fruit trees leading up to finely carved Jain temples.
  • Khuri (40 Km, 1 Hr drive from Sonaar Haveli)
    Surrounded by huge desert hills, the Khuri village is located just 40 kms in the south west of Jaisalmer. The village is getting more popular among the tourists looking for the real desert life by staying in the thatched huts. Feel the real romance underneath the starlit night at Khuri. Explore the exotic sand dunes on a camel back to witness the spectacular Sunset behind the Golden desert. Explore on camel back and enjoy the secluded desert landscape away from the bustling city crowds.

Top Things to do in Jaisalmer

1

Gadisar Lake

1 Km from Sonaar Haveli

Gadisar Lake is usually the starting point of the Jaisalmer tour and a great place to watch the sun rise. Gadisar, is a pioneering man-made water conservation tank built in the 15 th century. It was built by the then Maharawal of Jaisalmer, Gadsi Singh.
The grand entrance gate to the lake was built in, the 19 th century by a benevolent courtesan called Tilon. She used to dance beautifully by the lake and wanted to create something by which she would be remembered forever. Gadisar Lake is surrounded by shrines and temples, which represent the intricate Jaisalmer architecture.

2

Sonaar Qila and the Jain Temples

1 Km from Sonaar Haveli

Jaisalmer Fort known as Sonar Qila is a yellow sandstone structure and is 250 feet tall reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high. The fort is approached through four gateways- Akhai Pol,Ganesh Pol,Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. It is an uphill climb on a cobbled path or you can also take a ‘tuk tuk’ up to the fort.
Jain Temple and library Inside the fort is an enchanting collection of narrow lanes dotted with some beautiful havelis, five interconnected palaces and three beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. The Jain Temples are a must see and are open from 7am to 3pm.
Sustainable tourism is an important dynamic for Jaisalmer especially as the Jaisalmer fort is built of a weak textured sandstone and on a weak sedimentry rock foothill. This makes the foundations vulnerable to seepage. One fourth of the old city’s population resides within the fort and due to several sanitation pipes and drains the sandstone and the hill beneath is slowly getting eroded.

3

Sam Sand Dunes

45Km, 1 hour drive from Sonaar Haveli

The romance of Jaisalmer is incomplete without a trip to the most picturesque Sam sand dunes in the lap of the Thar Desert. You can visit early morning at sunrise or to watch the sunset in the ripples of the wind caressed dunes. Be mindful that the best way to see and enjoy the dunes is on camel back.
The dunes are filled with the golden light of the rising and setting sun and dotted with colorfully dressed camels and even more glamorous camel keepers and desert musicians. It is here that visitors capture perfect photographs and unforgettable memories to take back home.

4

Kuldhara

17Km, 20 mins Drive from Sonaar Haveli

West of Jaisalmer lies the abandoned city of Kuldhara. Visiting Kuldhara is a unique experience where you can relive the ancient legend of Paliwal Bhramins (priests) who are believed to be happily settled as farmers in the city but in 1825 Kudhara and the surrounding 84 villages were abandoned overnight and cursed. No one knows where the inhabitants went but it is said they left to protect their honour.
Till date Kuldhara lies abandoned like a ghost town but is a marvellous sight to visit. The structure of the empty town still stands and you can enter the houses of the Paliwal Bhramins and see how they must have lived.

5

Jaisalmer City Centre

500 metres from Sonaar Haveli

Jaisalmer is an unhurried town full of beautifully etched yellow limestone buildings in the narrow winding roads with bright colored doors of the local homes which are usually open and you can take a peek into the local everyday life. The streets often echo with desert musicians playing musical instruments like the ‘kamaicha’ and ‘ravanhattha’.
With camels and bulls wandering around amidst the colorfully dressed and jeweled local women and grand turbaned men with long well groomed moustaches. The city has great opportunities for keen photographers and those who want to soak up the Rajasthani culture.

6

Patwon ki Haveli

1 Km from Sonaar Haveli

Patwon-ki Haveli is the oldest and largest of the 3 havelis, being a cluster of 5 mansions. It was built by a businessman called, Guman Chand Patwa, a gold and silver brocade trader. He built 5 havelis one for each son. Although the family traded in real gold brocade and threads for Indian robes there are rumours that they made a lot of money by selling opium and hence created this ostentatious mansion, that took 60 years to build.
Inside the haveli are exquisitely carved pillars, extensive corridors and latticed balconies. One of the five apartments is, beautifully adorned by murals.

7

Salam Singh ki Haveli

3 Km from Sonaar Haveli

Salam Singh-ki-Haveli, also known as Jahazmahal (ship palace), resembles a ship stern being narrow on the base and wide at the top. Built about 300 years ago under the instruction of the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer Diwan Salam Singh this haveli is known for its roof perched on the sandstone structure with numerous brackets carved in the form of peacocks.

8

Nathmalji ki Haveli

2Km from Sonaar Haveli

Nathmalji-ki-Haveli was commissioned by Diwan Nathmal the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer to be built by 2 brothers one built the right wing and the other the left wing.

9

Bada Bagh Cenetophs

500 metres from Sonaar Haveli

For those keen on architecture and quietly watching the sunset the royal cenotaphs or ‘chattris’ are a stone’s throw away from Sonaar Haveli. They are carved with images of late Maharawals ‘the rulers of Jaisalmer’ and are a magnificent cluster of Jaisalmer architecture as well as a great sunset point.

When to Visit Jaisalmer

Every year in February the government organises the popular Desert Festival Jaisalmer which is a colorful series of events with competitions.
The festival is a colorful and photogenic affair with colorful Gair dancers and desert musicians displaying their talent and vivid musical instruments on the sun and moon lit dunes.

Camel decoration & camel races

Finding the longest moustache context

Turban tying competitions

Getting to Jaisalmer

Sonaar Haveli is located half a Kilometre from Jaisalmer city centre and the Sonar fort. Being a hotel close to the centre you can walk or take a short camel ride into town.
Directions:
  • On leaving Jaisalmer Railway Station turn right at the junction onto Gadisar Road and continue straight past the next three roundabouts namely, Gadisar Chauraha/Roundabout, Airforce Chauraha and SBBJ Chauraha.
  • When you reach the fourth roundabout Sudarshan Chauraha turn right onto Hanuman Circle Road.
  • At Hanuman Circle turn left to District Collector’s Office Road.
  • From here take the first right onto Ramgarh road. After 500 metres you will reach Sonaar Haveli on your rigt.
Distance in Kilometers from Sonaar Haveli to:
  • Sonaar Qila (Fort) 1Km (2mins drive)
  • Jaisalmer City Centre .5Km (2 mins drive)
  • Jaisalmer Railway Station 2Km
  • Gadisar Lake 1Km
  • Sam Sand dunes 45Km (1 Hour drive)
  • Kuldhara 17Km (30 mins drive)
How to get to Jaisalmer:
  • Jodhpur 285Km (5Hrs drive)
  • Bikaner 325Km (5Hrs drive)
  • Ajmer & Pushkar 450Km
  • Jaipur 650 Km (10 Hours drive) (Recommended you use the overnight train or the 1 hour direct flight.
  • By Air
There are daily flights from Jaipur to Jaisalmer and the flying time is 1 hour.
  • By Car
Driving to Jaisalmer:
Bikaner to Jaisalmer (Duration: 5.5 hours drive) or
Jodhpur to Jaisalmer (Duration: 5 hours) drives

The drive to Jaisalmer is very scenic with the desert landscape on both sides and herds of goats and sheep crossing your path as you come closer to the Golden City.
  • By Train
You can reach Jaisalmer by an overnight train from Jaipur.

Jaisalmer Weather

JAISALMER WEATHER

October to March

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is in the winter months November to March when the temperatures fall to 24 degrees Celsius. From December through to March Jaisalmer is generally hot and arid during the day but the temperature drops substantially at night and can touch 5 -10 degrees Celsius.

March to September

The Summer months in Jaisalmer are extremely strong with temperatures touching over 42 degrees Celsius and dust storms and winds. Although one can be indoors in air-conditioning and the hotel prices are lower during off season.

Sonaar Haveli

Sonaar Haveli Interior
Sonaar Haveli Jaisalmer is a stylish and intimate oasis of hospitality and design with eight elegantly appointed rooms. Conveniently located within easy walking distance from Jaisalmer’s historic city centre, our elegant boutique hotel in Jaisalmer offers the prospect of stately living with all the intimacy of a Rajasthani home.

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Sonaar Haveli Interior

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Sonaar Haveli Interior
124 – 125 Ramgarh Road
Jaisalmer – 345001
Rajasthan, India
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