Jaisalmer is known as the golden mirage of the Thar Desert. Untouched by external influences, it is a commanding fort in yellow sandstone and dominates the city with its splendor. The sunset renders Jaisalmer into an august and serene golden brown sight.
An important trading center at one time, Jaisalmer’s exquisite golden-yellow sandstone havelis, built during the 19th century continue to exist in their original splendor. The fort of Jaisalmer was built by Rawal Jaisal during the 12th century and stands atop the 80 meter high Trikuta hill.

Typical narrow lanes leading up to magnificent palaces, havelis, and temples and skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels take you back to an era gone by. The Desert Festival that is held each year during Jan/Feb is the best time to visit Jaisalmer. The scene during the festival is bought to life by folk dances, competitions and contests. Of particular interest is the turban-tying contest. Add to that events such as the “Mr. Desert” contest and camel races and you have all the settings for an exciting and festive ambience. Colorful craft bazaars are especially organized for the festive occasion and a sound and light spectacle is combined with the performances of folk artists—a not-to-be-missed affair.

The golden-hued fort is a sentinel to the desertscape from its 80 meter high stand on the hill. It has an interesting cobweb of narrow lanes dotted with ancient havelis, Jain Temples dating back to the 12^th-15^th century AD, and five interconnected palaces. The fort can be approached via four gateways—Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.

Manak Chowk and Havelis

Located outside the fort is Manak Chowk, which is the main marketplace of the city. These narrow lanes, dotted with intricately carved havelis that are a fine example of the artistry of the stone carver’s of Jaisalmer, is forever abuzz with day to day activities.

Gadsisar/Gadisar Lake

This lake was once the main source of water supply to the city. It is a scenic rain water lake that attracts a large variety of waterfowl during the winter. It has several beautiful shrines in the surrounding. A perfect setting for an outing.

Tazia Tower

This beautiful pagoda-like structure looms up from the “Badal Mahal.” It was lovingly crafted by Muslim craftsmen in the form of a Tazia, which are richly decorated bamboo or paper based replicas of a bier that is used in the processions during Moharram.

Nathmalji-ki-Haveli

Built in late 19^th century, this spectacular haveli is an excellent display of sheer craftsmanship. The uniqueness of this haveli lies in the fact that its left and right wings were carved by two brothers, Lalu and Hathi, who started working separately on both sides, only to end up with if not identical then at least very similarly designed sides. The interior walls are adorned with marvelous miniature paintings.

Patwon -ki-Haveli

Perhaps one of the most elaborate and magnificent of all Jaisalmer havelis, it has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors that make up five apartments—it was built by five Jain bothers who were jewelry traders by profession. Barring one, you can explore the remaining apartments, visit the museum, or pick up a souvenir from the antique shop.

Salim Singh-ki-Haveli

This 300 year old haveli belonged to Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister, Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh-Salim Singh. It has a beautiful, blue cupola roof with brilliantly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. Undoubtedly, this mansion is one of the most notable of the array of havelis in Jaisalmer.

Jain Temple

The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras—Rishabhdev, Sambhavnath, and Paraswanath.

This library was established as a part of the Jain temples in 1500 AD. Built as a small underground vault, it houses some of the most priceless, ancient illustrated manuscripts, including some that date back to the 11^th century.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna has once told Arjuna about a Yadav descendent who would create his kingdom on the top of the Trikuta Hill. This prediction came true in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, founded a new city called Jaisalmer. The Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs whose main livelihood came from forcibly levying the caravans crossing their territory. Since these caravans were loaded with precious silks and spices and were generally, en route to Delhi or Sind, they helped the Bhatti Rajputs amass great wealth.