Jaisalmer

Rawal Jaisal founded Jaisalmer in the year 1156. Jaisalmer lies near the extreme western edge of Rajasthan, about 100m east of the Pakistan border. It is called the ‘Golden City’ because of the honey-colored imparted to its stone ramparts by the setting sun. It is a good base for camel safaris into the desert.

Places of Tourist Interest

Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Kila): It is also known as a Golden Fort. One of the fascinating things about the fort is its color: its massive sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets. The fort stands on a triangular hill 250 feet high, enclosed by a thick, crenelated wall over 30 feet high and reinforced with ninety-nine bastions, most of which were built in the mid-17^th century. However much of the town still lives within the fort, making it a kind of living museum.

Jain temples: Within the fort, there are some old Jain temples, dating back to the 12^th century. The most interesting are the temples of Rishabhdevji and Sambhavnath.

Patwon Ki Haveli: The largest and most elaborate of these havelis is patwon ki Haveli, built in 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, a merchant and banker, who is said to have had three hundred trading centers between Afghanistan and China. Its entire frontage is beautifully carved, with its sixty latticed balconies looking as if they have been created from sand wood rather than from stone.

Nathmalji Ki Haveli: Even more beautifully carved is Nathmalji ki Haveli, built by a Prime Minister of Jaisalmer as late as 1885. Its façade is a riot of ornamentation: flowers, birds, elephants, soldiers, etc.

Places around Jaisalmer

Bara Bagh: Situated 04 miles away in the desert in Bara Bagh (known as The Great Garden also) with its clusters of hauntingly beautiful marble cenotaphs of the maharwala of Jaisalmer, set on an incline by the water of the Jait Bund.

Amarsagar: Lying 04 miles west of Jaisalmer is a small lake with a 17th-century sandstone palace built by Rawal Amar Singh. There are also three fine Jain temples, with beautifully screened walls and carved balconies.

Samm Dunes: The dunes at Samm, 26 miles west of Jaisalmer. The best time to view them is at dawn: Sunrise over the dunes is spectacular. In summer, lifted by the desert winds, they early disappear and reappear several yards away within a matter of a few minutes. The most interesting way to cover Samm dunes is to go on a camel safari.

Shopper’s Stop

Jaisalmer is famous for mirror work embroidered articles; woolen pattu and other items made of good quality locally produced wood, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewelry, and curios. The main shopping areas are Sadar Bazaar and Sonaron Ka Bas, Manak Chowk, and Pansari Bazaar. Also Rajasthali – Govt. shop for handicrafts and Khadi Gramodyog.

Jaisalmer is a great place to shop for chunky rustic silver jewelry. There are dozens of different types of jewelry designed for different type’s parts of the female’s body: forehead, nose ears, fingers, waist, ankles, toes, and even an ornament called a chupara for the teeth. Other things to look for are colorful embroidery and mirror work, brightly colored tie and dye fabrics, rugged-looking camel skin mojari slippers, traditional shawls, rugs, and woodcarving. The ideal place to purchase all these things is Manak Chowk.