Location: 285-km From Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Jaisalmer Fort, Manak Chowk & Havelis
Festive Attraction: Desert Festival
Best Time To Visit: October To Februay

The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of the sheer magic and brilliance of the desert.  Exotic, remote and beautiful, Jaisalmer is a bit of a paradox. So far west that it is in the heart of the desert, one might expect a barren, desolation. Yet this frontier town is today one of Rajasthan's best-loved destinations, where local colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic.

Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhati Rajput, laid the foundations of this city in 1156 AD. Trikuta was the hill chosen and Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Lodurva and established his new capital here.

The Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived on the levy forced upon the caravans that crossed their territory en route Delhi. These caravans, laden with precious cargos of spices and silk, brought great wealth to this town. Due to its remote location, Jaisalmer remained untouched for years by outside influences, and during the time of the British Raj, the rulers of Jaisalmer were the last to sign the instrument of agreement with the colonisers.

In medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The glory of Jaisalmer faded when sea trade replaced the old land routes. But there is still an 'Arabian Nights' quality about the town. The narrow streets in the walled city preserve a traditional way of life: the craftsmen still work at the ancient crafts of weaving and stone carving, the making of silver jewellery and embroidery. And the stately, nonchalant camel is everywhere.

Just taking a walk through Jaisalmer, savouring the medieval glory of old Rajasthan, is a marvellously rewarding travel experience. The Desert Festival, celebrated in January or February each year, is a must on any itinerary. The desert seems to bloom in a thousand colours, with camel races and folk dances, craft bazaars and traditional balled singing. A sound and light spectacle on the sand-dunes of Sam on the full moon night sums up the colour and excitement of the best in Rajasthan.


PRIME ATTRACTIONS

FORTS AND PALACES
The Jaisalmer Fort: The golden-hued Jaisalmer Fort, or 'Sonar Kila', can be seen from miles away, before reaching the town, and is among the most memorable in all Rajasthan.

Manak Chowk: - A main marketplace outside the fort leads to an enticing maze of narrow lanes dotted with famous 'havelis'. These exotic mansions or 'havelis', all intricately latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade and a different story to tell.

LAKES
Gadsisar Sagar Tank: - A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for a picnic or for simply taking a break from exploring.

TEMPLES
Jain Temples: - The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabhdevji and Sambhavnathji.

Camel Safaris : These are conducted on many routes in and around Jaisalmer, and are are fantastic way to experience the city and its traditional ways close up.

Wood Fossil Park (17km from Jaisalmer) : This Park is worth a visit for anyone with an interest in the ancient natural world, and has fossils dating to 180 million years ago.

Sam Sand Dunes (42km from Jaisalmer) : It is the point closest to the city from which to witness the real sandy desert. Sam (pronounced 'Sum') has a truly magnificent stretch of sweeping dunes, with little or no vegetation. The best way to see this (and many other sights around Jaisalmer) is to take a camel safari. The standard trip lasts four days and three nights, and offers the opportunity to explore the area in authentic and leisurely fashion, with entertainment by folk performers, visits to villages, and chatter from enthusiastic guides thrown in.