Jaisalmer

One of Rajasthan's most alluring cities, Jaisalmer, deep in the heart of Thar Desert, abounds in ancient palaces, temples and quaint settlements. As the sun sets, the sandstone buildings emit a lustrous glow, that make Jaisalmer the "Golden City". Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer, kept it almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the British Raj. Very few cities can, even hope to match the sheer grandeur of this city.

There is an undefinable aura of magic and mystery, that surrounds its famous desert-fortress - the yellow sandstone walls and bastions of which, take on a golden hue in the afternoon sun, which is why it is, so aptly, called Sonar Kila or the Golden Fort.

The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 meter high perched on a hill,housing the entire ownship with in its ramparts. It has an enchanting cob-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis, three beautifully sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century AD and five interconnected palaces. The fort is apporahed through four gateways Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.

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 tigger-happy photographer. Various cultural programmers are organised 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.

Built by a courtesan, it used to be the main source of drinking water in the olden times. Today, an arched gateway leads to a small tank flanked by shrines and well laid out gardens and flower beds. A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings. A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety.The lake is an idilic spot for outings.

Lodurva, the ancient capital of the Bhattis, is 16 km from Jaisalmer. Its ruins are visited for the great Jain temple and the Kalpataru, a mythical tree of wish fulfillment. Lodurva has a great number of peacocks that hover around the temple walls lending spectacular colour to the dry and stony landscape. Amar Sagar is a grand artificial reservoir for water with a temple and a promenade on the bank that is a lovely place for a picnic.

The Akal Wood Fossil Park is a 21-hectare preserved area that takes you back to the Jurassic period when the whole Thar region lay under the sea. Fossilized logs of trees trunks lie exposed to view. Innumerable trunks lie buried deep under sand, 25 are seen and 15 are above the ground. The largest log is seven meters in length and 1.5 meters in width.

The Desert National Park, which encloses the Sam Sand Dunes, is a place that preserves the natural ecosystem of the desert land. Cacti, thorny trees and shrubs can be seen growing easily without being taken care of. It has some vegetation that survives in the dry and arid soil. It also has few animal species like the monitor lizard, desert foxes, porcupines.

The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Seen from outside, the sight must be almost identical to what was seen by merchants on their overland camel caravans to central Asia.....

The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture is a display of sheer craftsmanship.The left and right wings of the mansion which were craved by two brothers are not identical but very similar and balanced in design.The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.

This 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer's Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh- Salim Singh,has a beautiful bule cuopla roof with superbly craved 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. The mansion is one of the most noteable of the array of havelis.