Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer-  "The Golden city", is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, located 575 kilometres  west of the state capital Jaipur. Once known as Jaisalmer state it is a World Heritage Site. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, and is crowned by the ancient Jaisalmer Fort. This fort contains a royal palace and several ornate Jaintemples. Many of the houses and temples of both the fort, and of the town below, are built of finely sculptured sandstone. The town lies in the heart of the Thar Desert (the Great Indian Desert) and has a total population, including the residents of the fort, of about 78,000. It is the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District. Jaisalmer is named after the Maharawal, Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king who founded the city in 1156 AD. "Jaisalmer" means "The Hill Fort of Jaisal". Jaisalmer is sometimes called the "Golden City of India" because the yellow sandstone used throughout the architecture of both the fort and the town below, imbues both with a certain golden-yellow light.

History: Rawal Jaisal “The Founder of Jaisalmer” Rawal Jaisal was the sixth descent from Rawal Deoraj Bhati clan and reigned during the 12th century eldest son of Rawal Dusaj of Deoraj who was the king of Laudrava. He was looking for a new location for its capital and found at Trikuta Hill and met a sage called Eusol and he showed him the path and he formed his new capital as a mud fort. Jaisalmer had gone through different eras that made its history stronger and the founder of the city was Rawal Jaisal and he belonged to the Rajput clan. But the king has opponents too and they were the Rathor clans of Jodhpur and Bikaner. And they had always fought for the control of the forts and havelis of Jaisalmer. But Rawal Jaisal passed the throne in the 12th century to his half-brother. Later he met a saint and changed his mind and created his capital in 1156 through a mud fort.

During the medieval era Jaisalmer was ruined by Allauddin Khilji but he was provoked by the Bhatia Rajputs that followed by an attack on Jaisalmer and Jaisalmer was managed by Rawal Jethsi. In the 14th century, another Turkish ruler Firoz Shah Tughlaq attacked Jaisalmer through Anasagar Lake and it resulted in the death of the suicide of 16,000 women and the killing of Rawal Dudu and his son Tilaski with the death of altogether 1,700 soldiers. But during the 15th century, the Bhatis once again returned to Jaisalmer to rule but they became successful for a short span of time. After the reigns of the Mughals and the Marathas Jaisalmer was announced as a princely state during the British Raj and was entitled to a 15 gun salute. India got its independence and partition in 1947 India close all its trade routes with Pakistan as it shared the desert border with Jaisalmer and later on connected with a canal road for the desert areas and became a great tourist destination.

Tourist Attractions: Jaisalmer is one of the major visited cities of Rajasthan known as ‘The Golden City’ because of the massive ‘Golden Fort” which is made by yellow sandstone and the people cannot stop straying at the fort for hours. The founder of the city is Maharawal Jaisal Singh, who was a Rajput king founded the city in the year 1156 AD. Jaisalmer is also stated as a World Heritage Site and popularly known for its golden fort and many palaces and Jain temples. The city is located very close proximity to the Thar Desert and one can have a nice safari from this city. There are many places to visit in Jaisalmer and the tourists can have a nice trip to all of them and the city has many havelis and palaces which are settled inside the fort and can be one of the best tours of the city. The atmosphere of the city is having an essence of a small town and one can have the views of the havelis and the tourists will love the views and they can go for the camel safaris to view the desert and that is why the trip of Jaisalmer will be an unforgettable one.

Jaisalmer is a famous spot for Camel Safari in Rajasthan and offers number of other things to do. Apart from sightseeing in Jaisalmer tourist can go for a desert safari, campings, camel, and Jeep ride. Camping in the tents at Thar Desert is quite famous in Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer Fort is one of the World Heritage Site in Rajasthan. Every trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without visiting Jaisalmer fort and Camel Safari in Thar Desert. Most Famous Places to Visit in Jaisalmer includes Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisagar Lake, Lodurva Jain Temple, Patwon ki Haveli, Nathmal ki Haveli, Desert National Park,Kuldhara Village,Pokran and others.

Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila):- Jaisalmer Fort locally known as Sonar Quila is one of the largest forts in the world located in Jaisalmer City in Rajasthan, India. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, from where it originates its name. This fort is popularly known as the 'Sone Ka Quila (Golden Fort)' by the local people and is one of the most magnificent monuments in the city of Jaisalmer. The fort is standing proudly in the middle of the unending golden sands of Thar Desert, Jaisalmer fort is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of Jaisalmer.

 The mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look. Jaisalmer Fort is situated on Trikuta Hill and had been the scene of many battles. Its massive sandstone walls are a tawny lion Colour during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets. The famous Indian film director Satyajit Ray wrote a detective novel and later turned it into a film - Sonar Quilla (The Golden Fortress) which was based on this fort. This is a living fort and about a quarter of city's population still lives inside the fort. The main attractions inside the fort are Raj Mahal (Royal palace), Jain temples and the Laxminath temple.

The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns the Trikuta Hill. Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high; it has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. Wells within the fort still provide a regular source of water. Seen from outside, the sight must be almost identical to what was seen by merchants on their overland camel caravans to central Asia. Once this desert outpost was an important gate for the trade route, and Jaisalmer grew wealthy on the proceeds. But the advent of commercial shipping relegated the town to relative obscurity.

Tazia Tower:- Tazia Tower ( known as Madir Palace) of Jaisalmer is one of the major tourist attractions. If you have done with the various Rajputana architectures scattered in the city, Tazia tower will come as a welcome break to you. It is situated in the excellent 'Badal Palace' complex located near Amar Sagar Gate. These were the homes of the former royal family. The Tazia tower is a 5-storied structure where each story has significance in its own.  On each floor there is a balcony that is famous for their individual designs. This was built by Muslim craftsmen and is based on the shape of Tazia. Tazia is actually the replica of Mausoleum of various Imams. They are made of wood, thermacol and colored papers. The architects gifted it to the then royal patrons.

Nathmal ki Haveli:- This Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli. The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to be brothers. There is a very interesting story regarding its construction. It is said that the two brothers started building different facets of haveli simultaneously. In those days there were no such instruments, which could keep a track on continuity and thus when this building came up finally it had irregular shape.

Barring that, this haveli is still considered the best in Jaisalmer in terms of grandeur. There are other minute details worth appreciation. For example there are two Elephants made of yellow stone. These life-size replicas have been put in front of the main entrance so that it looks as if they are guarding the Haveli. Other than these, there are pictures engraved on pillars and walls. These consist of Horses, Cattle, and depiction of Flora among other things. But the most interesting aspect of this haveli is the drawing of modern amenities such as cars, fans etc. Thus the architecture present in this haveli is quite different from the one popular in other parts of Jaisalmer. The workmanship of Jaisalmer havelis is an amalgam of both Rajput architecture as well as Islamic art that was imported via the traders' caravan through the desert.

Salim Singh ki Haveli:- Salim Singh ki haveli has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta family of Jaisalmer. They were the most influential family of their time. This haveli was commissioned by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital. The haveli has a distinct architecture. The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock. The haveli is situated beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort. People claim that Salim Singh made two additional floors in order to make it as high as the fort but the Maharaja did not take this attempt in good spirit. He ordered the extra floors to be torn down. Nevertheless we do not find enough evidence to corroborate the story. Like other havelis in Jaisalmer, this too has tuskers guarding the gateways. These are made of sand stones and look very close to the original in appearance. The haveli consists of as many as 38 balconies and they all have distinct designs for themselves. The front facet of the haveli resembles ship stern and thus this haveli is also sometimes referred as Jahazmahal.

Patwon ki Haveli:- The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. The first among these havelis was commissioned and constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa and is the biggest and the most ostentatious. These were completed in the span of 50 years. All five houses were constructed in the first 60 years of the 19th century. The havelis are also known as the 'Mansion of brocade merchants'. This name has been given probably because the family dealt in threads of gold and silver used in embroidering dresses. However, there are theories, which claim that these traders made considerable amount of money in Opium smuggling and Money-lending. This is the largest Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. This haveli is presently occupied by the government, which uses it for various purposes. The office of the Archeological Survey of India and State art and craft department is situated in the haveli itself.

Bhattiani Sati Rani:- A few steps away from the fort lies a temple dedicated to a Bhatti princess who performed sati, but with a difference. The anecdote behind the incident reveals the pride Rajput women felt at the time of becoming a sati (a widow self-immolating on her husband's funeral pyre) till as late as the last century. Apparently the princess's husband and his younger brother had gone out to battle when a messenger arrived with his headgear signaling his death. As she prepared for sati, the body was brought back which turned out to be of the younger sibling. The princess decided to proceed with the act nevertheless as sacrificing her life for her dewar, (Husband's younger brother) would make her into a Mahasati (Great sati).

While this may seem bizarre to the modern reader, the glorification of the barbaric custom of sati was part and parcel of Rajasthani culture and this was an extreme example of it. Testimonial tablets with the handprints of satis can be seen throughout the state. The guards of the shrine are Muslim Manganiyars (wandering minstrels) who sing songs extolling the princess's virtues and light a ceremonial lamp before the tablets.

Amar Sagar Lake and Palace:- It is just 7 K.M. in the western outskirts of Jaisalmer. Amar Sagar is a small and beautiful lake cum Oasis and is adjacent to a 17th Century palace called the Amar Singh Palace. Maharawal Akhai Singh built this palace in honor of one of his predecessors Amar Singh. Next to the palace are pavilions with a large stairs leading down to the Amar Sagar Lake. This haveli has been constructed in the pattern of apartments. The Amar Sagar is a five story high haveli and is famous for its murals. Wherever you go in this haveli, you will notice beautiful murals painted with delicate efforts.

Gadsisar Lake (Gadi Sagar):- Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer is one of the most popular tourist places in Jaisalmer and people never miss this place and they can get a nice view of this water conservation tank that was made around 1400 A.D. The lake is also a favorite place for the migratory birds and one can actually see them in huge numbers. The Gadsisar Lake is one of the most famous tourist places in Jaisalmer which was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer. In the later years Maharaja Garisisar Singh rebuilt and revamped the lake. This historic lake is located towards the south of Jaisalmer city and the entrance to the lake is through “Tilon-Ki-Pol”, a magnificent and artistically carved yellow sandstone archway. The ‘Tilon Ki Pol’ is adorned with an idol of the Hindu deity Vishnu, installed in the year 1908. The bank of the Gadsisar Lake is surrounded by artistically carved Chattris, Temples, Shrines, and Ghats. Its charm lies in the fact that it was the only source of water for the Jaisalmer city in the olden days. Due to its proximity to Bharatpur, different migratory birds can also be seen on the bank of the lake, adding to its beauty. This is the most popular point to take photographs of Jaisalmer fort early in the morning when the fort looks golden with the first rays of the Sun and also a bird viewing site and a major attraction of Jaisalmer city. The Gadsisar Lake is just 2 km away from Jaisalmer railway station.

Folklore Museum:- Situated on the banks of the Garsisar lake the museum is a gold mine of information not just about Jaisalmer, but the rich cultural heritage of western Rajasthan. Established in 1984 by N K Sharma, this museum is divided into six sections and has a rich collection of paintings, photographs, costumes, jewellery, camel and horse decorations and fossils. There are also articles connected with folk and cultural lifestyles in the museum. The locally styled wooden statues of Krishna and Radha, musical instruments, paintings and travelling temples ( kavad ) are all from the personal collection of the museum. It is a very informatory and intriguing Folk Art Museum, and is a must-see for tourists keen on learning about Jaisalmer.

Desert Culture Center and Museum:- Museums in Jaisalmer are plenty in numbers. These museums provide a window into the rich history of the place. The museums are thronged by a large number of tourists. A visit to these museums will provide you some valuable knowledge about the past glory of Rajasthan. The Desert Culture Center and Museum is one of the most visited museums in Jaisalmer. It is a storehouse of the glorious past of Rajasthan and displays a wide variety of items. The Desert Culture Center and Museum in Jaisalmer was established by Dr. Nand Kishore Sharma. His initiative proved to be helpful for tourists of all kinds. The museum displays a wide variety of items that portrays the glorious past of the region. The variety of items displayed by the museum includes artifacts, old utensils, old coins and textiles. It also displays a wide variety of objects that were part of the daily lives of local people during the medieval era. These items not only have historical significance but also provide a detailed knowledge about the rich culture of the place. The famous museum also displays a wide range of conventional Rajasthani art. The exhibits also include old kitchen tools. On visiting the Desert Culture Center and Museum, you will also be able to get a view of the wide variety of ancient and medieval fossils. The visit to the museum will truly be an enriching experience. Large number of tourists coming to Jaisalmer visits these museums. In fact, the popularity of the museum has skyrocketed so much that Jaisalmer tours are often considered incomplete without a visit to the Desert Culture Center and Museum.

Government Museum:- Government Museum was opened in 1984. It houses a great collection of wood and marine fossils and gives an insight into the geological past of the area. Sculptures from the earliest townships of Kiradu and Lodurva dating back to the 12th century and the graceful youth of those times can be traced in the Government Musuem in Jaisalmer.

Most types of common marine fossils, buried in shale, limestone, and sandstone and initially laid down in prehistoric seas, are likely to be found in the Government museum in Jaisalmer. Many of the hard-shelled invertebrates and early vertebrate animals are fairly well represented in the fossil record, while soft-bodied animals, such as sea anemones and worms, can also be seen in Government Museum in Jaisalmer. The large collection of wood and marine fossils in the museum gives an insight into the geological past of the area. The sculpture from the ancient townships of Kiradu and Lodurva dating back to the 12th century pulsate with youth and grace and depict the artistic skill of the time.

Jain Temples:- Nestled inside the tremendous hill-fort (Jaisalmer Fort), Jain Temples are considered to be an old and significant holy shrine. The temples are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and are datable to 12th and 15th century. There are seven temples overall; built and overlooked by the Swetambhar Sect. Standing out with Dilwara architecture, these temples are similar to those in Mount Abu. And just like many structures of the Golden City Jaisalmer, Jain Temples too are built from yellow sandstone; complementing the backdrop of Thar Desert. Its architecture, religious significance and location make it a popular religious spot of Jaisalmer. The Rishabhnath Temple was commissioned by Seth Sachcha and is located near the palace of Moomal, where once the stream of River Kaka gushed. Shambhavanath Temple Complex is stood upon an octagonal pyramidal rood and a fortification wall. Astapadhi Temples and Gyan Bhandar Library in close proximity with the temples are must- visit spots too. The library is a trove of rare manuscripts available in India.

Lodurva:- Lodurva is the ancient capital of Bhattis Rajputs and was once a flourishing city but lost most of the splendor when the Bhattis shifted their capital to Jaisalmer. Nevertheless this place is a major tourist attraction and attracts a lot of attention due to ruins of Jain temples. The most mesmerizing experience will be the peacock dance amid exotic Lodurva ruins. Yes, Peacocks are a great pull and they are in plenty here. Lodurva is also known for its Jain temples. The temples are made of bright yellow sandstones. Though in ruins, the splendors of these Jain temples are clearly visible. You will find temple walls decorated with the pictures of Lord Parsvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar. The beautiful Jaali works make these temples a piece of marvel. You will notice the splendid and dominating arch in the main temple building. These arches are typical of the Dilwara style of temple architecture.

Lakshminath Temple:- The Laxminath Temple of Jaisalmer was built in 1494 and is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. It is situated inside the legendary Jaisalmer Fort, which is perched on a summit, overlooking the rest of the city. The temple is considered to be one of the oldest temples of Jaisalmer. Its pillars were brought in the 9th century from Lodurva. The deities of the temple were installed by Sen Pal Shakdvipi. Other than the main deities, the temple exhibits paintings and idols of other gods. This temple however has a simple architecture, but it has been smartly ornamented; silver framework in the façade was executed to add more charm. Nearest railway station from Laxminath Temple is Jaisalmer Railway Station and the nearest airport is in Jodhpur. The temple is well connected with other parts of Jaisalmer and beyond, through different modes of transport. Best time to visit Jaisalmer is between the months of October and March.

Rishabhdev Temple:- Rishabhdev Temple is one of the three renowned Jain temples adorning the Mool Sagar. The presiding deity in this temple is Rishabh Dev or Adinatha, the first of 24 Jain Tirthankaras. According to the belief the temple is very important as Rishabha is the first Jain Tirthankara of the Avasarpini, the present age. The temple built during the beginning of the 16th century is a real specimen of the craftsmanship and architectural design. The imposing corridors and the inspiring carvings make the temple a top most tourist spot for enthused travelers. The spiritual ambiance and the unspoiled environment add the beauty of the temple.

Kunthnath Temple:- Kunthnath Temple in Jaisalmer is one of the popular religious destinations of the Jain devotees. The temple, one of the many highly acclaimed Jain temples in Jaisalmer, is dedicated to Lord Kunthnath, one of the Jain Tirthankar. The temple is a near replica of a Hastinapur temple dedicated to Lord Kunthnath, Hastinapur was the birthplace of Lord Kunthnath. The temple has a marvelous architectural style and the imposing structure of the temple with artistic carvings is a real attraction of the temple. The temple is located at picturesque surroundings in Jaisalmer and the serene premise is an ideal place for relaxation and meditation.

Chandraprabhu Temple:- Chandraprabhu Temple the Jain temple built in 1509 AD, is located at the Jaisalmer Golden Fort. This is the first of the seven temples built during 15th and 16th centuries and is devoted to the Jain Prophet Chandraprabhu the 8th Tirthankara. The temple is an excellent specimen of century’s old Rajput architectural style constructed in red sandstones. The marvel of the structure lies in the well-designed walkways, corridors, curved facades and open space. Complex designs of pillars and carvings with well calculated geometrical shapes constructed in mortars and stones are real specimen of the architectural excellence of the period.

Tanot Mata Temple:- Tannot Mata Temple in Jaisalmer is one of the most famous temple and one can visit this temple which is having a strong religious significance among the people of Rajasthan. Tannot Mata is new emulation of divine goddess Hinglaj Mata, and then after Tannot Mata turned to Karni Mata, and then called as Goddess of Charan's. This temple played a very important role in India-Pakistan war in 1971. Tanot Mata Temple or Mateshwari Tanot Rai Mandir is the same temple you have seen many times in the Bollywood 'Border' movie. Tanot Mata temple remained untouched despite the heavy shelling by Pakistan during Indo-Pak war of 1971. The temple is located very close to India - Pakistan Border and tourist is not allowed to go beyond this temple. As per the oldest Charan literature Tannot Mata is new clone of divine goddess Hinglaj Mata, and then after Tannot Mata becomes Karni Mata, And known as Goddess Of Charan's.

Kuldhara:- Kuldhara village is 18 km to the west of Jaisalmer. This is among the 84 villages inhabited by the prosperous, hardworking Paliwals. Established by the Kuldhar sub-caste of Paliwal Brahmins in the year 1291, it was once a prosperous village with 600 houses. Kuldhara is a calm place and the ruins found around are examples of advanced sculpture and architecture. Most of the houses are double storied and are not affected by thunder or heat. Paliwals deserted theses houses owing to several reasons. Their one time richness can be seen in the wells, water tanks, temples and cenotaphs.

Did you know that Kuldhara is one of the most haunted villages in India? The deserted, narrow and ancient streets of Kuldhara are the source of myths, spooky folklore, and stories of ghosts and paranormal activity. 18 kilometers from Jaisalmer, nestles a town called Kuldhara, which was once prosperous but now, it lies in ruins and all that is left are various open houses in the state of despair. At first sight, this curse ghost town, Kuldhara, gets the thinking caps on and immediately increases people's faith in metaphysical and the paranormal activities.

The story goes like this, Once this village was home to around 1,500 Paliwal Brahmins, which has lived in this community for more than five centuries peacefully and comfortable. But one night, the entire population, including 85 villages, vanished overnight in the dark and left it with a curse that still haunts it. And nobody knows where they left. For centuries, people have been thinking about what might be the reason that the people fled overnight. Rumors say that Salim Singh, the evil prime minister, who was known for his sinister practice of collecting the tax, set his eyes on a girl of Paliwal Brahmins and decided to marry without her consent. Salim Singh threatened the village that if the marriage doesn't happen, villagers will face the worse consequences. Instead of giving approval, the villagers asked for some time and then left their houses overnight. But before living, they cursed the village that nobody can inhabit the villages ever. Some stories even say that heavy taxes were levied on Paliwal community and as a result, they had no option, but to vacate and just disappear from the reach of the ruler. Even after so many years of this accident, the village remains true to the curse as residents of Jaisalmer tried to stay here but they didn't succeed. Many strange and unnatural activities that keep on happening at this place have gathered eyeballs of many ghost hunters and intrepid paranormal societies. People from different part of the world visit Kuldhara to see the dark and spooky side of the Rajasthan and unveil mysterious secrets, which in just one night made this place godforsaken for rest of the years.

Pokran:- Pokran is a municipality, located the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan. Pokran is a city usually divided in just by name as pokran-1st and Pokran-II where the latter is refers to check explosions of 5 nuclear devices along with 3 simultaneously and 2 within two days in 1998, conducted by Asian nation at the Pokran range. Pokran II is well known by these nuclear tests which resulted in an exceedingly style of sanctions against Asian nation by variety of major states. It is located on the junction of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner Road. It is on route to Jaisalmer and is also a fort town though the fort is not of the dimensions of Jaisalmer or Jodhpur. Pokran also came into limelight, as it was the site for India nuclear detonation. Pokran is also renowned for its furniture and interior crafts. The Fort locate about 1.5 kms from the bus stand has an assortment of weaponry, brocade clothes and various games of dice and dominoes on display.

Fort Pokran- Fort Pokran, popularly known as Balagarh was built in the 14th century. The monument stands in the middle of the Thar Desert. It is historically situated on an old trade route through which spices, salt, and silk were exported to Persia and other countries. The glorious past and the history of the fort attract a number of tourists from different parts of India and abroad. There is a museum in the fort displaying the royal collection of weapons, clothes, paintings, and handicrafts. In addition, there is a Grand Library with a rich collection of classic books about the great Rao Bhadur Rajshree Thakur Chain Singhji Pokran.

Baba Ramdev Temple:- Baba RamDev Temple is located in a village called Ramdevera at a distance of around 12 km from Pokran. The Samadhi of Ramdev Ji, a Hindu folk God of Rajasthan, is situated in the premises of the temple. A Rajput King and saint from the 14th century, Ramdev Ji is believed to possess extraordinary powers, the fame of which spread far and wide. The recent building of the temple was constructed in 1931 by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner around the spot where Ramdev renounced his mortal body. The Samadhi’s of Ramdev Ji’s chief disciples are also situated in the temple complex along with the tombs of five Muslim Peers. These Peers had come here from Mecca to pay their homage to Ramdev Ji, who was called by the name ‘Ram Shah Peer’ in their community.

Khuri Sand Dunes:- Khuri sand dunes are slowly picking up in the must visit charts of tourists. If you find Sam sand dunes a bit crowded then you can very well opt for Khuri sand dunes. Situated just 40 K.M. off the town, Khuri is a must visit for tourists seeking solitude in the desert. It is a peaceful place with houses of mud and straw decorated like the patterns of Persian carpets.

The Khuri sand dunes offer you a memorable experience in the land of the Rajputs. Enjoy the ride on camel back and let the place itself take you to its mesmerizing heights. Get closer to the local way of living with a close view of thatched straw roofs, camels, narrow streets and the local bazaar. At the night, organize a campfire with the fellow tourists and listen to the songs of 'Kalbeliyas'.

Sam Sand Dunes:- Located around 42 km from the city of Jaisalmer, the Sam Sand Dunes reflect the true image of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer tour feels quite incomplete if one does not opt for a desert safari to these golden dunes. Undeniably one of the most picturesque spots in the desert, the Sam Sand Dunes have gained tremendous tourist reputation over the time. There is no point coming to the Thar Desert if you don't go for the Desert Safari. That is why Sam sand dunes are becoming the major attraction in Jaisalmer. This is the closest place from where you can lose yourself in “The Great Thar Desert”. Sam has a truly magnificent stretch of sweeping dunes, with sparse or no vegetation. The best way to get here, of course, is on camelback. Join a camel caravan at Jaisalmer on your Rajasthan tours and ride along the breathtaking crests and troughs. Enjoy the romance of solitude as your camel takes you deep in the hearts of the Thar Desert. Put yourself in the camp and experience the sun setting behind the horizon. Organize a bonfire with the fellow tourists in the night and enjoy the rustic and earthy music and dance of Rajasthan. In the month of February/March, this whole place turns into a cultural hub. The desert festival organized amid these dunes is the showcase of Rajasthani culture as a whole. Open-air cultural extravaganzas, puppet shows, folk dance performances, camel races, competitions and general festivities mark this annual event that is held with great pomp and show at the Sam Sand dunes in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Sanctuary & Garden:-

Akal Wood Fossil Park:-  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.

Desert National Park:- The Desert National Park is a protected sanctuary. The park is considered not only the largest in the state of Rajasthan but among the largest in India. The catchments area of the Desert National Park is around 3100 sq. km. The desert is a harsh place to sustain life and thus most of the fauna and flora live on the edge. Nevertheless this place attracts large hoard of migratory birds due to its close proximity to Bharatpur. The great Indian Bustard is a magnificent bird and can be seen in considerably good numbers. It migrates locally in different seasons. The region is a heaven for migratory and resident birds of the desert. One can see many Eagles, Harriers, Falcons, Buzzards, Kestrel and Vultures. Short- toed Eagles, Tawny Eagles, Spotted Eagles, Laager Falcons and Kestrels are the most common among these.

Bada Bagh:- Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer is a beautiful garden complex which is also known as Bara Bagh and was built by the son of Maharaja Jai Singh II in the year 1743 and the garden complex has nice sets of royal cenotaphs, and they were called Chhatris of Maharajas of Jaisalmer and the complex is also having a nice garden a lake and some beautiful sceneries. Tourist must visit this beautiful destination in Jaisalmer.

Mool Sagar:- Situated 8 K.M. west of Jaisalmer, this is another pleasant, but rather neglected, small garden and tank. It belongs to the Royal family of Jaisalmer and was originally built as a cool summer retreat. The major attraction of this place is a Shiva temple, which is said to be constructed out of just two large blocks of sandstones. Maharawal Moolraj II built the Moolsagar complex in 1815 AD. You will find numerous wells, the Moolsagar Garden and a splendid Raj Mahal built on its premises. Maharaja Moolsagar was known for his patronage to art and artisans and that becomes pretty evident when you come across some great murals on the palace walls. He definitely had a considerable influence on the wazirs and land-lords. Therefore his patronage to the art and architecture was resonated among his nobles and subjects. It was mainly due to his efforts that so many lovely palaces and structures were built in that period which was influenced by both the Mughal and Rajput schools of art.

Shopping:- Jaisalmer is well-known for its mirror-work embroidered garments and carpets, blankets, oil lamps, old stonework items, colorful fabrics, wooden items, silk textiles and silver jewellry. Puppets and Jootis are also popular items of Jaisalmer. All these items are available at reasonable rates. However, it is always a good idea to use some bargaining skills. In short, Jaisalmer is a paradise for tourists who wish to buy authentic Rajasthani items. After those tiring hours of shopping, you can treat your taste buds with delicious snacks from eateries. Jaisalmer is a place where you should go for silver jewelry and there are ample of shops where you can buy them in good designs and there are all kinds of ornaments which you can go for example bangles, necklaces, rings and special Rajasthani designer ornaments is what you should not miss. People who are looking for best shopping places in Jaisalmer can look for the street markets and they can go for the various textiles especially for silk and cashmere, and can also buy for the local handicrafts and also the juttis, shawls, carpets, exquisitely carved wooden stuff, jewelry that is made with semi-precious stones and also mirror work items, and lamps. The main shopping centers of Jaisalmer include Sadar Bazaar, Pansari Bazaar and Bhatia Bazaar.

Bhatia Bazaar:- One of the oldest markets in Jaisalmer, Bhatia Bazaar is highly valued for its unique collection of souvenirs and traditional Rajasthani items. Located in the main region of the city, the Bazaar is one of the popular tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. It is amongst the only few attractions that bring out the old charm of Jaisalmer. Been in existence since the old times, Bhatia Bazaar has developed itself as a major market hub in the city. Owing to such dominance, the bazaar houses an array of shops which offer a combination of contemporary and traditional goods. Shoppers can select from a wide range of cotton embroideries, silk fabrics and leather goods to antique jewellery of Rajasthan, which are made up of precious stones. Besides the colorful embroideries and fabrics, the Bhatia Bazaar is also a prime spot for buying oil lamps, carpets, designer wooden boxes and mirrors. It is due to this variety, Bhatia Bazaar is flocked by a large number of tourists, primarily during the festive seasons of Jaisalmer.

Sadar Bazar:- This is one of the main bazaars of Jaisalmer and one can buy shawls, mirror work dupattas, carpenter, gems jewelry, and beautiful wooden stuff and that is why one can get the best of the shopping in Jaisalmer and the best stuff of Rajasthan.

Pansari Bazar:- This is considered as the oldest market of Jaisalmer and people can find this place quite interesting as this could be one of the best Shopping Places in Jaisalmer to see the culture of Rajasthan and buy the stuff relevant to it such as textiles, puppets etc.

ManakChowk:- The market is one of the best Shopping Places in Jaisalmer and one can buy the beautiful antiques, leather goods, wooden craftwork, textiles, jewelry and many others. The specialty of this market is that it has many small as well as big shops, so you get an option to expand according to your budget.

Fairs and Festivals:- Also known as “The Sun City”, Jaisalmer is popular for its colorful fairs and festivals. Different fairs and festivals are celebrated in Jaisalmer throughout the year. The rich culture and heritage of the city is presented through the celebrations of the fairs and festivals. The fairs and festivals give a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of the city. These fairs and festivals attract visitors from various parts of India and the world. Desert Festival is the main festival of Jaisalmer which is celebrated in the month of February. The festival is celebrated at the Sam Sand Dunes which is located at a distance of 42 km from the city. Major attractions of the festival include camel races, folk performances and cultural events. Ramdevra Fair is another popular festival which is celebrated in the city. The festival is celebrated to pay tribute to Saint Baba Ramdev. The city is thronged by tourists during these festivities.

Desert Festival:- Rajasthan is a state of fairs and festivals. Being a desert state one of the most important festival is the Desert Festival over here. This is held over three days in January or in February every year. This festival is celebrated in the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan which is also known as the Golden city. This is the best time to visit Jaisalmer to watch performing arts like Kalbelia dances and folk songs and music. Desert festival in Rajasthan begins with many a magnificent events and last for 3 days. As the Desert festival is celebrated in the city of Jaisalmer, is a big charm among the people all over the Rajasthan state, also the tourist from all over the India and world around gathered here to participate and enjoy the real and typical Rajasthani lifestyle and their culture. In the Desert Festival the travelers can have fun in open air acrobatics, folk dance performances, puppet shows, stalls are filled up with the bright items and snake charmers. In spite of of these, you can see many performance and play such as Ghair and Ghoomar dances, The Vivacious Fire Dance, colorful Spinning Skirts with sparkling mirror work dupattas with lots of folk music with desert stalls and decorated camels. The captivating folk music and dances performs by local artists, called Gair and Fire dancers create a truly entertaining event. Among the interesting things to see of the Jaisalmer Desert festival the stall, carpets, rugs, and tents displaying handcrafted goods and clothing are quite interesting.

Desert Festival falls on the day of Purnima and it represents the rich and colorful Rajasthani folk culture.. Besides folk dances & music there many other means of entertainment are hugely famous as number of competitions is held in the festival like the turban tying competition and longest moustaches competition, etc. World renowned puppet shows are also organized in the Desert- festival. This festival is held once a year during winters. The different types of famous cuisines of Rajasthan like, Daal-Baati, Churma, Gatte ki sabji and Sweets and snacks are widely served in the Desert festival. Jaisalmer is also well connected by road and rail through all major cities.

How to reach:-  Jaisalmer is located in the western part of Rajasthan state of India. It is in the largest district of India, Jaisalmer. It shares its border with Bikaner on the north, Barmer, and Jodhpur on the South. West and south-west border of Jaisalmer is shared by Pakistan which is of length 431 km. The best way to reach Jaisalmer is via Jaipur. One can come to Jaipur via air and from here tourists can take either train or book the taxis to Jaisalmer.

By Air:- Jaisalmer Airport is a military airport and thus only chartered flights fly to and fro from here. The nearest domestic airport is Jodhpur Airport located at a distance of 285 km from Jaisalmer city. Regular flights connect this airport to important Indian cities like Udaipur, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai. Rent a private or prepaid taxi from the airport. The nearest international airport is in Delhi.

By Train:- Located 2 km eastwards of the city, Jaisalmer railway station is connected widely with network of regular trains to important cities of India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur.

By Road:- A good, well-maintained network of roads connect Jaisalmer to nearby cities of the state and the country. Travelers have option of buses and private taxis. Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Barmer, Mount Abu, Jalore and Ahemdabad are the nearby cities to which Jaisalmer is connected.

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