Jaisalmer

Golden splendour amid the desert, Jaisalmer, the golden beauty, etched in yellow sandstone. Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand. Epitomising the desolate, awesome charm of the desert. Jaisalmer, the city of the golden fort is a fantasy in yellow sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput King.
Legend has it, that Lord Krishna, the head of Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled, when in 1156 AD Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, founded the city of Jaisalmer.

This amber-hued city, in the heart of the desert, dazzles gloriously in the early morning. The sunset has a peculiar glow here. As the night descends, the sky goes up in flames, which fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes black. A breathtaking sight indeed. The sandstone of its myriad buildings pick up on the subtle changes in the sunlight and change colour accordingly.
Jaisalmer is famous for cobbled streets, strewn with palaces, forts, temples and havelis. Every house, here, is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over. These houses date back to 12th, 15th century.Hence Jaisalmer is called 'the Museum city'.
Filled with colour, festivity and smiles, Jaisalmer is truly a memorable experience across the shimmering sands.

Salim Singh ki Haveli:Built about 300 years ago, 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. Part of it is still occupied.

Patwon ki Haveli:This is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. Located in a narrow alley, it is five storeys high, and one of its rooms is adorned with exquisite murals.

Nathmalji ki Haveli:One very interesting fact about this haveli, is that its two sides were carved by two brothers. Although the motif used by one is not similiar to the other, they are, nevertheless, in perfect harmony. One has to look very closely to spot any dissimilarities. The excellent craftsmanship of the stone carver, is illustrated in the gossamer quality of the screened windows. Yellow sandstone elephants guard the building, and even the front door is an amazing piece of art.

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. Muslim craftsmen built the tower, in the shape of a Tazia (ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier carried in procession during Mohurram), and gifted it to their royal patron.

Parswanath Temple: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. The shikhara, is crowned by an amalak, and a water-pot containing a lotus flower.

Lodurva Jain Temple:15 km from Jaisalmer, are the deserted ruins of this town, which was the ancient capital, previous to Jaisalmer. It is an important centre of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at Lodurva exhibit fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow stone. They have ornate carved arches at the entrance, and a Kalputra, the Divine - Tree, within. In the temple, is a hole from which, a snake is said to emerge every evening, to drink an offering of milk. Only the ' blessed' can actually see it, it is said.

Gadsisar Lake:A rainwater lake, now a picnic spot - ideal for boating. Sam:From Jaisalmer, it is possible to get an insight into desert life, by visiting the Sam sand dunes. It is a great place to see lovely patterns carved out by winds, on the sand. Camel rides on the sand dunes are a thrilling experience, as is the brilliant sunset.

Desert National Park:An extensive variety of desert bird-life, ranging from birds of prey to sand-grouse, doves, shrikes, bee-eaters, warblers and desert coursers, are to be found in the National Park. The most remarkable bird of the desert, the Great Indian Bustard can also be sighted here. Among the animals to be seen, are the desert fox, wolf, blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai, and the crusted porcupine.

Desert Culture Centre and Museum:The Desert Culture Centre and Museum has a number of old coins, different kinds of textiles, traditional Rajasthani instruments, and some fossils that were discovered in the desert. It gives a visitor an insight into the history of Rajasthan.

Osian Desert camp:an oasis in the desert, a great centre of Brahmanical and Jain religions.

Other attractions : Lodurva, Akal Wood Fossil Park, Osian, Manak Chowk, Havelies.