Described as the 'Golden city of India' Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is synonymous with forts, havelis, sand dunes and camel rides. Founded by a Rajput king, Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D Jaisalmer has a glorious history and a cultural heritage, which is now reflected in its ethnic cuisine, textiles and festivals.

The tourist attractions in Jaisalmer are the magnificent forts, beautiful temples and the fascinating havelis. A visit to Jaisalmer Fort transports you to the glorious past of Jaisalmer city. It is popularly known as the Golden Fort because of its mesmerizing amber hue. The Jaisalmer Fort stands about 100 m over the city and houses a citadel within its massive ramparts. Several entrances called Pols, including the Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and the Hava Pol guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal which were occupied by the royal family.

From Manek Chowk, the main market place you one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelis like Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Salim Sing ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli are situated. The Havelis of Jaisalmer are fascinating with the intricate latticework. The havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli and Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli are remarkable for their exclusive cutwork, yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped decoration of peacocks.

In Jaisalmer the oldest and most beautiful Jain Temple is the Parswanath Temple. The walls of the sanctum have brilliant carvings of animals and human figures. There is a small dome, which is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower.Other attractions in Jaisalmer include the Gadsisar Sagar Tank. Once the source of water for the entire city, it is now a popular picnic spot. A number of migratory birds flock to Gadsisar place during the winter season. Boating facilties are available on Gadsisar Lake, a rainwater lake. Baba Bagh is an oasis at the bank of a man-made dam. If you want to know more about the history of Jaisalmer, then the Desert Culture Center and Museum is a place that would give you an insight into the place. The museum displays a collection of old coins, different kinds of textile, traditional Rajasthani instruments, and some fossils that were found in the desert.

Excursions from Jaisalmer

Excursions from Jaisalmer can be made to beautiful places around like the spectacular Sam Sands Dune, located at the edge of the Thar Desert, which affords the pleasure of watching the almost surrealistic sight of the sun set against the vast stretches of sand. A camel ride would be a unique experience here. Khuri, another place in this glittering golden sand, impresses the tourists with its mud houses and straw roofs.

If you would like to visit a Jain Temple, then you should go to Lodhruva, the historic city. The former capital of the erstwhile Rajput dynasty, Lodhurva is also an important Jain pilgrimage center.

Festivals in Jaisalmer

The most famous of the local festivals in Jaisalmer is the camel fair, also known as the desert fair. Held during the winter season of the year, it is marked by camel dances, camel races, folk dance and music.


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