Jaisalmer is the Golden mirage in the heart of the Thar Desert. This amber-hued city, dazzles gloriously in the early morning and as the night descends and the sky goes up in flames. A commanding fort impressed in yellow sandstone stands, with all its splendor and dominates the city.

As the legend has it, Lord Krishna had foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy came true in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer on the Trikuta Hill. The Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory on route Delhi or Sind.

The rise of shipping trade saw the decline of Jaisalmer but the fort still enchants with its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis and temples. The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival, held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities. Colorful craft bazaars and the sound and light show organized against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night are just spectacular. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and February.

PLACES TO SEE:

The Golden Fort:

The golden hued fort is a guard to the bleak desertscape from its 80 meter high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has a huge network of narrow lanes dotted with lovely havelis, three beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces. The fort can be approached through four gate - Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.

Manak Chowk:

A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis.

Gadsisar Lake:

This is a very beautiful rainwater lake with numerous beautiful shrines around. This is an ideal spot for outings and picnics.

Tazia Tower:

This is a pagoda like structure looming up from the 'Badal Mahal' with beautiful 'Taazias' or the ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier, carried out in procession during Moharram by the Muslims.

Havelis:

Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed are to be found all over Jaisalmer - each with a different fascia.

Nathmalji ki Haveli:

This late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture displays sheer craftsmanship. Two brothers carved the left and right wings of the mansion. Both the wings, though not identical are very similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.

Patwon Ki Haveli:

This Haveli is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five floor high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.

Salim Singh ki Haveli:

This 300 year old haveli belongs to the Salim Singh, Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh. The haveli has a very beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly 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 floor.

Jain Temple:

The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars - Rishabhdev, Sambhavnath and Paraswanath. The carvings on these temples is very beautiful.

Gyan Bhandar:

Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of Jain temples.

Lodurva:

The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim spot of the Jain community with some magnificent Jain temple. 'Toran' or the ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy. A 'Kalptaru' or a divine tree within is the main attraction of the temple.

Aakal:

Lying on the Barmer Road , this park takes you back to the Jurassic period, the period when the entire Thar region lay under the Sea. This park has 180 million year old fossils, the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert.

Sam Sand Dunes:

No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes, create an enchanting mirage, a sure delight for photographer. Various cultural programs are organized against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back.

Desert National Park:

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.

Amar Sagar:

About 5 kms from Jaisalmer is the Amar Sagar and a beautiful garden. One can find mango and other fruit trees. Beautifully carved Jain temples add to its splendor.

Bada Bagh:

This is an oasis on the bank of an artificial lake and much of the city's fruits and vegetables are grown here. Surrounded by dense trees are the royal cenotaphs with beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the former rulers.

Mool Sagar:

The pleasant shady grove is a perfect picnic spot during summers.

Getting There:

By Air: Jodhpur 285 km is the convenient airport.

By Rail: Rail connection with major cities of the country through Jodhpur.

By Road: A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with many destinations in and around Rajasthan. It is 295 km. from Jodhpur & 325 km from Bikaner via Pokaran.