Jaisamiler, the glorious golden citadel of the Thar desert is one of the last princely bastions of the region. The city of golden fortress is replete with mystic charm of medieval era and has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destination in this part of the world. Few cities can match the magnificence and grace of this 'museum city'. As one approaches Jaisalmer, the magnificent stretch of massive yellow sandstone walls and bastions emerges out of the desert haze in awesome glory. The main bastion and royal palaces are further protected by huge ramparts, and imposing gateways with guard houses.
The legendary city was founded in 1156 Ad., by Rao Jaisal, a descendent of Yadav clan and a Bhatti Rajaput. It is said that he abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded the new city on the Trikuta Hill on the advice of a hermit Eesul. According to a legend, Lord Krishna, the head of Yadav clan, foretold Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharta, that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill.

Getting there

Airways : Connected by air.
Railways: Connected by train service to Jodhpur.
Roadways: Jaisalmer is well connected by road with major cities of India.

Facts About Jaisalmer
Area : 5.1 sq. km.
Altitude: 242 meters
Languages : Hindi, Rajasthani & English.
Temperature : Summer Mean Max. 41.6C mean Min. 25.0C Winter Mean Max. 23.6C Mean Min. 7.9C.
Clothing : Summer Tropical Winter Woollens.

Exploring Jaisalmer!


The Fort or Sonar Killa
The imposing golden hued fort or Sonar Killa is perched gracefully atop the 76 metre high Trikuta Hill. It was built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal and creates on illusion of growing out of a rock in an undulating sea of sand. The fort built in Jurassic sandstone has its base encircled by a wall of solid stone blocks, above which the hill protects and supports the ramparts forming a double line of defence. The bastions are in the from of half towers surrounded by high turrets and joined by thick walls.
The entire loving area is will protected inside the ramparts of the fort. It is approached through the Ganesh Pol or the 'Elephant Gate', from the main market, followed by the Suraj Pol or the 'Sun Gate', Bhoota Pol or the 'Haunted Gate' and finally the Hava Pol or the 'Wind Gate'. The Hava Pol stands sentinel to the royal palaces and leads to the main enclosure, the Hall of Public Audience. The palaces of the rulers built atop the main entrance, from an imposing edifice crowned by a huge umbrella of metal mounted on a stone shaft. The fort is dotted with many intricately carved haveli's (mansions), which have become the major attraction of the museum city. It also has several ancient Hindu and Jain temples dating back to 11th - 15th century.

Tania Tower
This pagoda shaped tower rising from the Badal Vilas palace complex is an architectural marvel and landmark of the town. It has a great nostalgic value, as the Muslim craftsmen, called as Silavats or stone carver's of Jaisalmer built the tower as a 'token of love' and gift to the people and rulers of Jaisalmer, before migrating to Pakistan in 1947. The ornately carved tower is carried during the Moharram procession.

Jain Temples
The fort precincts is studded with richly carved and decorated Jain temples, dating back to the 11th - 15th centuries. These temples were built from donations of wealthy Marwri merchants. The intricate carvings in the temples are inspired by Indian mythology.

Rishabdevji Temple
It is one of the finest temple of the walled city. The entrance has an ornately carved 'Toran' or archway, welcoming the devotees. The porch leading to the main hall or mandap is decorated with carvings of graceful apsaras (heavenly nymphs), Kinnaras and gandharvas (celestial dancers and musicians), which face the central image of Lord Rishabdevji. To the right of the hall are impressive images of Jain Tirthankaras.

Sri Sanbhavanth Temple
This subsidiary shrine is located to the left of Rishabdevji temple. The basement of the shrine has a rich treasure of rare manuscripts.

Sri Ashtapadi Temple
This Jain shrine is also noted for the beautiful images of Hindu deities, set on the outer pillars and walls of the mandap. The entrance has images of the donors, who are shown guarding the temple on elephant backs. A cloistered passage links the temple with the Sambhavanthji temple. Other important Jain temples within the ramparts of the fort are Chintamani Paraswanathji temple, Sri Sheetalnath temple, Sri Chandraswami temple and Sri Mahaveer Swami temple etc.

Gyan Bhandar or Library
The Gyan Bhandar was established as part of Jain temples of the fort. The extensive library houses some of the oldest and rarest manuscripts in country.

Manak Chowk
It is located outside the fort and is the main market place busting with activity throughout the day. The chowk (square) leads to narrow lanes, which are studded with exquisite haveli's noted for their intricate carvings done by the Silavats or stone carver's of Jaisalmer.

Havlis (Mansions)
The elegantly carved latticed havelis with conspicuous facades are edifices of rich cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of Jaisalmer. The world renowned havelis have become major tourist attraction.
Patwon ki Haveli: It is the largest and most elaborate haveli of Jaisalmer. The haveli is a classic example of Rajputana architecture and was built by the five sons of Guman Chand Patawa, a rich brocade merchant. The construction began in 1800 and was completed in 50 years. The fabulous five storeyed structure has extensive corridors and chambers which are supported by intricately carved pillars. One of the apartments of the haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
Nathmalji ki Haveli
It was the haveli of Nathmalji, the Prime Minister of the erstwhile state in 19th century. The magnificent haveli was exquisitely carved by two brothers Lalu and Hathi and displays excellent craftsmanship. The most interesting fact about the carving is that the brothers worked separately, one on the right side and other on the left side. The result was a absolute symphony epitomising the side-by-side symmetry during construction. The inner chambers of the richly carved haveli are decorated with miniature paintings.

Salim Singhji ki Haveli
This conspicuous mansion belonged to Salim Singh Mohta, the tyrannical Prime Minister during 18th century. The amazing haveli in yellow stone dominates the skyline of the walled city. Its upper story has and elaborate projecting balcony supported by carved brackets cantilever style. The roof is adorned by unique saxe- blue cupolas with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. Intricate carvings adorn the majestic mansion.
Badal Vilas - Mandir Palace
Badal Vials or 'Cloud Palace' is the present home of the erstwhile royal family. The excellent palace complex is located near the Amar Sagar Gate and has beautiful buildings with ornately carved facades.

Gadisar or Gadsisar Lake
The rain fed artificial lake was an important source of drinking water in the past. The Rawal himself used to come here and supervise the fair distribution of water. Today, it has emerged as an excellent picnic spot. The lake is flanked by well laid out gardens and sacred shrines. A rich variety of butterflies can a seen here.

Tilon-ki-Pol
It is a fine gateway to the famous Gadisar lake. The gateway and ghats (steps) were built by a renowned courtesan and singer from a neighboring area, who was the beloved of a Bhatti prince. The princesses of the royal house were outraged by her act and threatened to demolish the structure. Thus the astute beauty installed an image of Lord Satya Narain (Krishna) in the upper chamber of the gateway and had it sanctified as a temple.

Museums Folklore Museum
This museum of folk culture or 'Sanskritik Sangrahalaya', is set on the banks of Gadisar Lake in Mehar Bagh garden. It was established in 1984, by N.K. Sharma, a local connoisseur and exhibits the rich cultural heritage of paintings, photographs, costumes, hairstyles and jewellery. Utility articles of rural life, camel and horse decorations, fossils, ornamental arches and articles representing folk and cultural life styles can also be seen.
Government Museum: It is located Police Line road near Moomal Hotel and was inaugurated in 1984. The museum has a large collection of wood and marine fossils, collected locally, providing an insight into the geological past of the region. The magnificent sculptures dating back to 11th century from ancient townships of Kiradu and Ludarva reflects the grandeur of the bygone era and excellent craftsmanship of the artisans. Great India Bustard and Tilor, the famous desert birds have also been exhibited in a glass case.