Gujarat and Rajasthan have a rich cultural heritage and share a border and a love for traditional arts and crafts. Though both these states are deeply connected to their own traditions, they are distinctly different. Both should enjoy the other’s festivities, history and weather. Planning a trip from Ahmedabad to Jaisalmer seems like a good idea to delve into.
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Ahmedabad to Jaisalmer: Estimating the Travel Time and Distance
Starting this journey from eastern Gujrat (Ahmedabad) to western Rajasthan (Jaisalmer), covering 535 km on the road, is a big task and should be well planned. It is a journey of more than 10 hours by road and 1.5 hours by air, so select the one which suits your time and budget.
Getting from Ahmedabad to Jaisalmer: A Look at Various Travel Options
Bus
A bus takes more or less 10 hours from Ahmedabad to Jaisalmer, the roads are in good condition, but the time taken can increase according to the traffic and peak season. An AC bus will cost you around 1000 – 1200 rupees per person, and non-AC will be cheaper. It is a comfortable and under-budget way to travel.
Flight
A faster yet more expensive option is taking a flight. There are flights available with a stop in New Delhi. They take from 6-11 hours and cost around 20,000 rupees. Depending on your budget, you may take this route, but it takes the same time while having a heavy charge. The number of flights between the two cities is less, so it might be difficult to get it according to your schedule or seats at the end moment.
Train
India has one of the best railway networks laid across the country and thus, a good connectivity between Ahmedabad and Jaisalmer is only fair. It would take 12 hours on average for one to take this journey. Decent AC tickets start from 1000 rupees and go up, but a lower price is possible depending on which train you take.
Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer experiences extreme weather conditions, from a scorching summer to chilly winters. A desert in summer feels like torture, so the ideal or best time to visit Jaisalmer would be in winter. October to February are the best months to visit Jaisalmer and enjoy the mesmerizing forts like Jaisalmer Fort, Khaba Fort and other palaces of the city. Also, you can enjoy Jaisalmer Desert Festival in February month.
Culinary Delights of Jaisalmer: Indulge in Local Flavors
Both states have a unique taste in food; they have famous yet significantly different dishes. Just like dhokla, fafda- jalebi and khandvi are famous in Ahmedabad.
And other side daal baati, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi are famous in Jaisalmer. A few of these are listed below in detail:
Dal Baati
The most famous and widely eaten dish in Rajasthan is Daal baati. It is essentially daal served with baked wheat balls (baati), and ghee poured on them for taste and softness. Sometimes, a sweet, powdery cereal is served with daal baati, called churma. Buttermilk is the perfect drink to pair with the dish.
Laal maas
This red meat dish is worth dying for, claimed by many Rajasthani non-vegetarians. It is made in a spicy curry with succulent pieces of mutton and is best eaten with tandoori roti or naan. It brings out the robust flavours of Rajasthani spices.
Gatte ki Sabzi
A vegetarian dish, eaten by the people with roti. It is made out of besan and cooked in yoghurt gravy with spices. It has a tangy flavour with mild spices enjoyed by the locals with delight.
Malpua
After looking at spicy dishes, we also need to know about the desserts. Malpua is made from deep-fried pancakes soaked in sugar syrup and served hot. It is often topped with nuts which bring out the taste and look of the dish.
Kesar Kulfi
A cold dessert for the ones who don’t prefer hot desserts. Compliments Jaisalmer’s warm weather while satisfying a sweet tooth’s cravings. It’s creamy and made with milk, saffron and cardamom.
Travel Tips for Jaisalmer
A few things to keep in mind depending on when you plan to travel to Jaisalmer to ensure a fun and memorable trip goes by smoothly.
Some things don’t depend on the weather, like bargaining in the local market, engaging with the locals and exploring the not so explored areas of the city. A few generic things to remember while going anywhere is to respect the customs, keep the place clean and no damage to heritage sites. Let’s look at some things depending on the time you visit:
Summer
If you happen to plan your trip in the summer (April – June), remember to stay hydrated and carry water with you. Plan little outdoor activities and limit them to early mornings or evenings when the sun is about to set. Travelling in a car inside the city is advisable. If you don’t have a car it is advisable to book taxi service in Jaisalmer.
Winter
During winter (October – February), days are pleasant, but the nights can be cold, so carry your sweaters. The temperatures range from 5-25 degrees Celsius. Cotton clothes are good to go for day outings.
Spring
Spring (March – April) is the most beautiful time of the year, with the flowers blooming and greenery at its best. The weather is pleasant and favourable for outdoor activities; summer clothes are good for this time.
Monsoon
Carrying an umbrella is a given in monsoon (July – September), even though Jaisalmer experiences minimal rainfall. The weather becomes humid, but the rain might feel refreshing. Quick dry clothes should be preferred in case you do get wet.
Conclusion
Take a flight, train, bus or car, whichever mode of travel you choose, and enjoy every bit of it. The fun starts with the planning, and that’s where the excitement begins. Jaisalmer is waiting for you, so don’t miss out on all the sightseeing in Jaisalmer and the festivities to enjoy.
