Jaisalmer – a fairy-tale town in the Thar Desert was founded about 800 years ago by Rawal Jaisal. Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan’s most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the ‘golden city’.
Jaisalmer has beautiful and famous Havelis (mansions) known for their frescoes. Jaisalmer’s strategic position on the camel terrain route brought it great wealth. The merchants grew prosperous and commissioned great havelis, or mansions, to flaunt their ever-growing status in society. Made of local golden-yellow sand stone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent condition. The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the Patwaon Ki Haveli. Five Jain brothers built the Haveli between 1800 and 1860. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two havelis that are open to visitors.
Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisal, The Fort here stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill. 3 walls and 99 bastions surround the fort. Over the centuries, the golden sand stone fortress witnessed many battles between the Bhatti Rajputs, the Mughals and the Rathores of Jodhpur. Within the fort, complex are the beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Maharawals (rulers) of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus but were tolerant of Jainism, and encouraged art and religion. There are 7 temples in the complex – Chandraprabhu, Parasnath, Shitalnath, Sambhavnath, Shantinath, Kunthunath and Rikhabdev Temple. The temples are all connected by a series of corridors and walkways. Close by is the Gyan Bhandar, a library founded in 1500 A.D. This houses priceless ancient manuscripts and other exhibits like astrological charts, besides the Jain equivalent of the Christian Shroud of Turin.
Located at a distance of 42 kilometers from Jaisalmer are the sam sand dunes, an experience to these dunes is not to be missed. Sam Sand Dunes is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and blowing winds. Moreover, Sam Sand Dunes also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset.
Jaisalmer is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, and blankets, antiques, silver jewellery, and stonework.