Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, a city in Thar Desert in Rajasthan is approximate 280 kms from Jodhpur. Jaisalmer, founded by a Bhati ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD is also nick-named as Golden City as yellow Sandstone has dominantly been used in construction of the Jaisalmer Fort and the town below.

The city is adorned with many tanks , ornate Jain temples, Havelies with intricate carvings on the stone. At the time of sunset, it seems that sky is dyed in yellow sue to the reflection of sun light from yellow sandstone buildings. The city has been the important en-route stop of the silk route when caravans through the Thar Desert take themselves off the desert at the time of dusk.

Jaisalmer Fort or Sonar Fort or Golden Fort was constructed by the founder of the city Rawal Jaisal in 1154 AD and later re-constructions and additions were done by other rulers of princely state of Jaisalmer. The only living fort of India where-in more than 3500 people still live in-side has 99 towers, four main entrance gates as you walk up to Dashera chowk ( main square of the fort ) at the top, ornate Jain temples, narrow lanes and small shops selling handicrafts. The best thing one can do is to get rid of maps and watch, and imagine that you have backed down centuries in time. Take it slowly, feel it and enjoy it.

Jain Temples with-in the walls of the Jaisalmer fort were constructed during 15th & 16th century.The visit to the seven Jain temples of Jaisalmer will allow you to discover its magnificent sculptures, which have nothing to envy with those of white marble in Ranakpur. The complex, formed by the temples of Rikhabdev, Parasnath and Sambhavanth, has perfectly resisted the passage of time and is very well preserved. A moment, when lived with the sentiments that the scenario requires, will become part of the memory of an unforgettable trip.

Patwon ji and Salim Singh Ji Ki Havelies are part of the walk through the narrow lanes of the Jaisalmer city. Patwon Ki Haveli was constructed between 1800 and 1860 AD by five Jain brothers who made their fortune in the business of brocade and jewellery. These traditional, ornately decorated private residences ( Haveli ) are towering a narrow lane have intricate stone work like honey-combed lace. Salim Singh Ji ki Haveli with 38 balconies with distinct design was constructed in 1815 AD. The tip storey of the haveli has been constructed in the form of peacock.

Bada Bagh or Bara Bagh ( The big garden ) is a garden complex about 6 km north of  Jaislamer Overlooking a mango grove sits a set of royal cenotaphs or chhatris of the members of the royal family of Jaisalmer. Like many other buildings in Jaisalmer, these cenotaphs are also constructed in yello sandstone and have intricate carvings on the stone.

Gadisar Lake is like an oais in the heart of the desert. Located close to the Jaisalmer Fort, the reservoir was built by Rawal Jaisal keeping in mid the need of the water in dry deserted area.