CITY GUIDE
GOLDEN FORT (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Built-in 1156 AD by Rajput Rawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. Its strategic location at the crossroads of important trade routes, including the ancient Silk Road, earned its great significance. The fort’s massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, I also know it as the Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort. The stones are laid in an interlocking system without the use of cement or plaster. Almost 900 years old, the fort of Jaisalmer is one of the few living forts in the world with more than 500 hundred families residing in it. It was built on the Trikuta hill to protect the city of Jaisalmer during wars. There are old temples, Jain temples, palaces, local shops, and galleries inside the fort. It is truly a unique marvel.
GADISAR LAKE
Built artificially by Maharaja Gadsi of Jaisalmer in around 1367 AD, it used to provide water for the total population of the city. It is now a famous tourist spot where you can also go for boating. It is the best location if you wish to witness a beautiful sunrise. In the evening, there happens a water show as the sun goes down merging into the beautiful evening. With that, you can also visit the Desert Culture Centre and Museum for indulging in the Historical aspect of the city.
JAIN TEMPLE
In the Golden Fort, there are 7 Jain temples built with yellow sandstone in the 12th -16th centuries which are considered architectural wonders. The temple contains frescoes, mirrors, and other forms of detailing. The temples boast exquisite designs, with the walls of the temples featuring intricate carvings of animals and human figures. The idols are also made of different elements such as a mixture of gold, silver, bronze, etc.
KULDHARA VILLAGE
It is an abandoned village 17 km outside of the city of Jaisalmer. Legend has it that the entire village left overnight, leaving all their things behind due to the atrocities of Diwan Sanam Singh. Before leaving, they put a curse on the village that no one would be able to ever reside here again. Now the remains of their houses are left on the site. Over the years, it has gained the reputation of being haunted. So if you love watching horror movies or are a fan of horror stories, Kuldhara village is a must-visit place.
PATWON KI HAVELI
Among all the top attractions of Jaisalmer, this one tops the list. Patwon ki haveli, also known as the mansion of brocade merchants, is a cluster of 5 havelis built by Gulab Chand for his five sons. It is an architectural marvel. It took almost 55 years for workers to complete the first haveli. Once home to the Patwa family, today the group of havelis is occupied by the Rajasthan government’s art and crafts department. Tourists and locals alike are drawn to this cluster of havelis because of its stunning architecture, beautiful paintings, intricate carvings, creative mirror work, and a rich golden-yellow color.
NATHMAL KI HAVELI
Now, this place has a very interesting story. It was commissioned to serve as the home for the prime minister of the realm Diwan Mohta Nathmal. Its ornate architecture, made of yellow stone, and beautiful designs inspired by Indian and Islamic culture are what mak this heavenly stand unique. It is believed that two brothers, Hathi and Lulu, started building this haveli at the same time, but individually, and that’s why both sides of the Haveli are similar but not identical.
BADA BAGH CENOTAPHS
One relic of Rajasthan’s Illustrious pasts, Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer is primarily a series of cenotaphs set amidst a garden. The setting of this place is dramatically stunning. For years, many films, music videos have been shot here. This is a popular site because it is a garden that has the cenotaphs of all the Maharajas and other prestigious family members of Jaisalmer; all royal Rajputs kings of 6 centuries! The towering windmills in the distance only add up to the beautiful pictures to flaunt on social media, relish in the history, admire the architecture or simply take a breather, this is just the place for you.
DESERT NATIONAL PARK
One of the largest national parks, it is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar desert. It is almost 44% surrounded by the desert and inhabits desert animals, reptiles, birds, etc. Despite the fragility of the ecosystem, bird life is abundant. If you wish to see reptiles such as different types of lizards, snakes, foxes, and bee-eaters, this is where you get to see all. It is also the place where you find the Great INDIAN Bustard in a relatively fair number.
TANOT MATA TEMPLE, LONGEWALA WAR MEMORIAL & INDO-PAK BORDER ZERO LINE
Located around 122 km. Outside of the city, the TANOT Mata temple is situated near the India–Pakistan border. You will find dense sand dunes and small bushes all the way to the temple. It holds a great religious value to the local people of Jaisalmer, but it is now maintained by the Border Security Force of India. It is so because it has a history of the Indo-Pak War of 1965. It is said that the goddess protected the land and hundreds of shells fallen here did not harm anyone. 15 km away from here is the Longewala war memorial situated at the war field of the Indo-Pak war of 1971. And further along, is the western border of India. You can see the border and the starting of Pakistan from there.
LODHURVA
This village, situated 15 km. Away from the main city was the ancient capital of the realm. It was also a part of the Silk Route. It is known for its architectural ruins and surrounding sand dunes. The village has a famous Jain temple. Lodhurva was also the setting for the doomed love story of Princess Mumal and Mahendra, a prince of Amarkot, recounted in local folklore and songs.