Wandering the streets of a historic city like Jaisalmer is in itself a great experience. Offering an opportunity to interact with the
people of Jaisalmer, local markets here feature an array of things that are hard to find anywhere else. So, while you are out to explore this ‘Golden City’, you can simultaneously stock up on wonderful stuff as souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones back home. Some of the famous markets in and around the city that keep brimming with natives as well as travellers round the year are discussed below:
Sadar Bazaar
This can be considered as both wholesale and retail market of Jaisalmer. From intricately carved wooden items to detail paintings and traditional jewellery; the shops here deals in nearly everything for which the city is known for. The mirror work of Jaisalmer is fairly popular, and this market is a great place to grab on things like textiles and decorative pieces with enticing mirror work. Silver jewellery, shawls, carpets, souvenirs and the famous camel-leather shoes, locally known as jootis are the not-to-be-missed items sold here.
Sonaron ka Baas
This area mostly comprises jewellery stores; in fact it houses the maximum number of jewellery shops in the city. The name given to this market literally means “base of goldsmiths”, and the variety of shops here proves it to be true. Almost throughout the year and especially during the festive season, this market can be seen packed with people from all parts of the country looking for jewellery pieces of their choice here. In addition to gold and silver, precious and semi-precious gemstones are sold at various stores within this market.
Bhatia Bazaar
It is one of the oldest markets in the city and just the right destination to buy knick-knacks and souvenirs. In addition to leather goods, and silk and cotton embroideries, you can also pick mirror-worked items like table lamps, tablecloths and wooden handicrafts. Must-buy things from this market are hand-embroidered silk, leather belts and ornate oil lamps.
Manak Chowk
Manak Chowk is quite popular among travellers as here are sold some really unique things that can bring a smile on your face even long after the trip ends. Mostly small, shops in this market are laden with antiques, leather items, textiles and junk jewellery that would definitely catch eyeballs. Bargain is a common sight here, and you can also do so to buy embroidered handbags and clothing. The sellers here are well versed in Hindi and even English, hence it is not compulsory to know Rajasthani, which is the prevalent
language of Jaisalmer.
Pansari Bazaar
A villagers’ market in the true sense, Pansari Bazaar is just the right place to experience the rustic
culture of Jaisalmer. Knick-knacks and traditional stuff are all what you can find here and that too at rock-bottom prices. No wonder, if you simply get attracted to the items on display at roadside vendors while making your way through this market.
Seema Gram
This place is known for the government-owned Gramodyog Bhavan. You can find a plethora of handicrafts, including wooden boxes and old-style mirrors. Female tourists cannot afford to miss on grabbing designer dupattas and scarves. You can also buy tie-dyed garments and other fabrics at this store.
Art Galleries in the City
Travellers interested in art and craft can make their way to some of the noted art galleries in the city. Sonee Art Gallery, Maasa Miniature Art and Basant Art Emporium are to name a few that are equally popular among locals and travellers. At these galleries, you cannot just admire stunning art pieces, but you can also buy them. You can request for custom-made artworks at some of these galleries.
Don’t forget to carry a
map of Jaisalmer while searching these markets for things of your choice. The city is small, and transport in Jaisalmer is fairly convenient. Hiring an auto rickshaw or taxi can be a great option! You may also get a bike on rent on an hourly basis.
