One of the most prominent tourist destinations of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is aptly called, 'The Golden City'. Founded in the 12th century, this World Heritage Site attracts people to its museums, desert festival, Jain temples, palaces and fantastic places for shopping in Jaisalmer. The Gadisar Lake, the Jaisalmer Fort, the Khaba Fort, the Patwon ki Haveli and the Indo-Pak border are some familiar destinations which are at the top of the bucket lists of the tourists. However, whether you are visiting the city for its sand dunes or its Havelis, any trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without exploring the labyrinths of markets.
Woodwork carving of Jaisalmer (Source)The bazaar is located in the main region of Jaisalmer. It is one of the oldest markets and a popular spot for tourists famous for its silk, souvenirs and sarees.
What to Buy: woodworks, mirror embroidery, dress materials Timings: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
2. Sadar Bazaar
The famous dupatta of Rajasthan (Source)For shopping in Jaisalmer, head to the Sadar Bazaar - one of the main markets of Jaisalmer which sells a wide array of products like dupattas, shawls, jewellery, paintings, carpets and particularly leather products.
What to Buy: Leather Accessories Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
3. Sonaron ka Bas
One of the jewellery shops of Sonaron ka Bas (Source)Sonaron ka Bas translates into 'abode of goldsmiths'. A must-visit for jewellery enthusiasts, this shopping place in Jaisalmer is extremely crowded during festive occasions when women throng to buy impressive jewellery of different kinds. The market sells precious and semi-precious stones along with gold and silver jewellery.
What to Buy: Jewellery Timings: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
What to Buy: Handicrafts and other souvenirs Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
5. Light of the East
The colourful stones of Jaisalmer (Source)Light of the East is a unique store that sells rare and precious stones and over forty different varieties of crystals and precious stones. Quartz, Jasper, Sandstone, Aventurine, Onyx and Aquamarine are some of the famous stones available here. This enthralling shop keeps a precious piece of Apophyllite which is not for sale.
6. Manak Chowk
Ethnic Jewellery available at Manak Chowk (Source)Manak Chowk is another excellent place for shopping in Jaisalmer, especially handicrafts, ethnic jewellery and textiles. It is one of the oldest marketplaces which was highly prominent in the medieval period. It showcases the skill of the local artisans and aptly reflects the culture of Rajasthan.
What to Buy: Handirafts and Textiles Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
7. Seema Gram
The colourful dupattas and scarves available at Seema Gram market (Source)Seema Gram is a good destination to purchase dupattas, scarves and trinkets at a reasonable rate. Here, you can also find the Khadi Gramudyog Bhawan.
What to Buy: Scarfs and Dupattas Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Other places for shopping in Jaisalmer are Gandhi Darshan, Khadi Gramudyog Emporium, Zila Khadi Gramodan Parishad and Rajasthali, the government store.
Things to Buy in Jaisalmer
1. Mirror Work Embroidery
Mirror Work embroidery (Source)The famous mirror work embroidery on vibrantly coloured fabrics reflects the colourful culture of the state of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is a hub for mirror work products like cushion covers, banjara bags, quilts, bed covers, wall hangings and Kantha quilts. These are elegant, fade-proof, strong inbuilt and lightweight. The traditional craft is given a contemporary touch in various handicraft products and is a must-buy for fashion fiends.
2. Camel Leather Products
Leather products (Source)The craft of creating products from leather goes back to ancient civilisations. Today, leather products of India, are not only catering to domestic needs but are also being exported to different countries. Cities like Jaipur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer are renowned for their products made of camel hide. This includes a variety of products like bags, mojaris, purses, phone covers, files, hats, jackets, key chains, diaries and saddles. An interesting product which is made of camel leather is Kopi, a special kind of water bottle. The decorative leather saddles are also exported worldwide.
3. Jewellery
Rajasthani earring (Source)Jaisalmer is famous for its intricate gold and silver jewellery. The intricate Rajasthani jewellery includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, etc. What sets the jewel apart is the unique cut of the stones. The stones are hand cut and polished manually. The local markets also offer a variety of junk jewellery at low prices.
4. Jaisalmer Fossil Stone
The Hadur Store (SourceThe Hadur Stone which carries the residuals of aquatic species from over 180 million years ago, is famous for its mystical properties. This ancient and beautiful stone is believed to have medicinal properties. Not only this, but it is also claimed that the stone can be used to ferment milk into yoghurt without the aid of starter culture. The stone is only available in Jaisalmer and Fatehpur Sikri. It is reddish-brown with dark patterns and can be seen on the floors of Jain temples at the Golden Fort. The stone is sold at various prices, from Rs 150 to Rs 5000.
5. Souvenirs and Gift Items
The vibrant lamps available in Jaisalmer (Source)Brassware, rugs, shawls, carpets, carved wooden boxes, antiques, lamps, trinkets and other curious are some of the easily and widely available items which are worth buying in Jaisalmer.
Your visit to Jaisalmer is incomplete without satisfying your inner shopaholic. Get enchanted by the market streets and palaces of the city. Shopping in Jaisalmer is a treat for the eyes with its multitudes of objects and colours.
