Jaisalmer - the golden desert city of Rajasthan.

The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of the sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer ensured that it remained almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the Raj. Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British.

Very few cities have the sheer magnificence of Jaisalmer. There is a fort that seems to rise out of a desert haze, its yellow sandstone walls and bastions bathed in a golden hue in the afternoon sun, which is why it is aptly called Sonar Kila or the Golden Fort.

Fair & Festivals

Desert Fair (21st - 23rd February, 2005)
Jaisalmer exercises immense charm, but with the staging of the annual Desert Festival (January - February), it has also become one of the annual calendar. Essentially, it is a showcase of the region on the desert citadel. A number of amusing events at the stadium include turban tying competitions and camel races.

Places to See in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort
The fort stands about 100 meters over the city and in fact houses a citadel within it's huge ramparts. Walking down the narrow cobbled-stone lanes, one can feel the sheer magic of Jaisalmer. 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. Outside the fort is the main market place called Manek Chowk. From Manek Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelis are to be found.

Patwon-ki-Haveli
This is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. It is five storeys high and extensively carved.

Nathmal-ki-Haveli
One very interesting fact about this haveli is that it's two sides were carved by two brothers. Although the motif used by one is not similar to the other, they are in harmony. One has to look very closely to spot dissimilarities. The excellent craftsmanship of the stone carvers are illustrated in the gossamer quality of the screened windows.

Salim Singh Ki-Haveli
This haveli was the residence of the powerful Mohta clan - the hereditary ministers of the Jaisalmer rulers. The blue cupola roof is distinctive and an exquisite projecting balcony adorns the top storey.

Tazia Tower
The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a beautifully carved balcony.

Gadsisar Lake
A rain water lake, adorned with an arched gateway. Many small shrines and temples are festooned a11 around the lake. Today, it is an ideal picnic spot, famous for boating.

Jain Temples
Within the citadel are the splendorous Jain temples, dedicated to Rishabdevji, Sambhavnathji and Parshvanathji. The Parswanath Temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures. There is a small dome which is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower.

Lodurva
Once the capital of Rawal Jaisal, Lodurva now has ruins of the ancient townhip. It is an important center of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at Lodurva exhibit some more fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow stone.

Excursions near Jaisalmer

Wood Fossil Park
Aakal(17 kms) Lying on the Barmer Road, this park takes you back to the Jurassic period (when the whole Thar region lay under the sea) with 180 million year old fossils - the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert.

Sam Sand Dunes (42 km)
No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind -caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are surely a delight for a trigger -happy photographer.

Desert National Park (45 km)
The landscape of the Desert National Park is dominated by rolling sand dunes and scrub covered hills. The prominent fauna of the park includes black buck, Chinkara, desert fox and the great Indian bustard.

Mool Sagar (18km)
Pleasant shady grove is a perfect picnic spot during summers.

How to Reach Jaisalmer

Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur (285 km).
Rail: Jaisalmer is connected with Jodhpur by night train service.
Road: Well connected by road with all the major cities of India. Direct bus services to Udaipur, Mount Abu, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Barmer, Ajmer and Jaipur. Ahmedabad and Bhuj (Gujarat),

Shopping in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is famous for Embroidery, Rajasthani Mirror Work, Rugs, Blankets, Old Stonework & Antique. The dye and other fabrics are made at Khadi Bhandar, north of the city.

Hotels in Jaisalmer

- Fort Rajwada - Narayan Niwas Palace - Heritage Inn - Himmatgarh Palace - Gorbandh Palace - Rawalkot - Hotel Dholamaru

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