Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading center and a princely state in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, in the heart of the Thar Desert. Known as the "Golden City," it's distinguished by its yellow sandstone architecture. Dominating the skyline is Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions. Behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja's Palace and intricately carved Jain temples.
1. Jaisalmer Fort :
Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is believed to be one of the very few “living forts” in the world, as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort. For the better part of its 800-year history, the fort was the city of Jaisalmer.
2. Patwon Ki Haveli :
The Patwon ki Haveli is the most important and the largest haveli, and this haveli is in Jaisalmer. It is not a single haveli but a group of five small havelis. The first in the row is also the most popular, and is also known as Kothari's Patwa Haveli. The first among these was commissioned and constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, then a rich trader of jewelry and fine brocades, and is the biggest and the most grandiose.
3. Sam Sand Dunes :
Sam sand dunes, is one of the most authentic desert dune site in whole India, where you will find 30-60 meter tall sand dunes, and many travelers enjoying Desert Safari on camels or jeep, Sam is 45 km west from Jaisalmer city, where you can reach by hiring a can from Jaisalmer city and then stay in one of many desert camps, built in 2-3 km radius of sand dunes.
4. Gadisar Lake :
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.
5. Jain Temples :
The Jain Temples in Jaisalmerare marvelous treasures of the desert city. Having archaeological value as well as religious sentiments associated with it. Dating back to the 12th and 15th century, these temples have intricate designs on it. Dedicated to different Tirthankars of Jains, the temples are holy pilgrimage and treasure troves for tourist with interest in history and religion.
6. Bada Bagh :
Bada Bagh, also called Barabagh is a garden complex about 6 km north of Jaisalmer on the way to Ramgarh, in the state of Rajasthan in India. A descendant of Maharawal Jaisal Singh, the founder of the state and Maharaja of Jaisalmer State, Jai Singh II (1688–1743), commissioned a dam to create a water tank during his reign in the 16th century. This made the desert green in this area.
7. Salim Singh Ki Haveli :
Salim Singh Ki Haveli was built in 1815 by Salim Singh, the prime minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital. This mansion was not created with the help of cements and mortar- the stones are connected with strong iron rods. This mansion is famous for its distinctive architecture as it is constitutes 38 gracefully carved balconies. The architecture of this mansion is inspired by dancing peacock.
8. Nathmalji Ki Haveli :
Nathmalji ki Haveli was constructed by Maharawal Berisal in 1885 CE, to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. The chief architects of this haveli were two brothers, named Hathi and Lulu. There is a very interesting story regarding its construction. It is believed that both the brothers started building the facets of the haveli simultaneously. The two sides are similar, but not identical.
9. Jaisalmer War Museum :
At a distance of 11 km from Jaisalmer Railway Station and 12 km from Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer War Museum is situated at Military Station on the Jaisalmer - Jodhpur Highway. This unique war museum is surely a must visit place for all Indian and foreigner tourists coming to Jaisalmer.
10. Kuldhara :
Kuldhara is an abandoned village in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India. Established around 13th century, it was once a prosperous village inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins. It was abandoned by the early 19th century for unknown reasons, possibly because of dwindling water supply, or as a local legend claims, because of persecution by the Jaisalmer State's minister Salim Singh.
