Jaisalmer Fort
Built in the 12th century by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, the Jaisalmer Fort is a massive yellow sandstone fortification that maintains the Raj Mahal and several havelis, gateways and temples. The tawny-brown rampart that turns into honey-gold at sunset, justifying the name “Sonar Quila”, is undoubtedly a blazing instance of visual perception. The architectural design of the fort having intricately carved windows, doors and walls is one of the fine examples of the rich heritage in India. Located on the Trikuta Hill and overlooking the Jaisalmer city, the Jaisalmer Fort is thus one of the popular tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. Moreover, the two canon points, located at vantage points within the fort, give you an amazing panoramic view of Jaisalmer city. Today…
Patwo ki Haveli
An impressive example of intricate architecture that unwrap the passage of a wealthy trader, Guman Chand Patwa of the 19th century, the Patwa ki Haveli is one of the must places to visit in Jaisalmer. It is one of the largest Havelis in Rajasthan that maintains fine wall paintings, beautiful jharokhas (balconies), archways and gateways. The Patwon ki Haveli is a cluster of five grandiose havelis which were gifted by Guman Chand Patwa to his sons. History reveals that the ‘Patwas’ left the Havelis at the mercy of care takers who in due course became the owners. Later, the first haveli was sold to Mr. Jeevanlalji Kothari… and thereafter Patwa ki Haveli was renamed as the Kothari Patwa Haveli.
Gadi Sagar Lake
Built in the 14th century as a water conservation tank, the Gadi Sagar Lake is the best place to visit for sightseeing tour in Jaisalmer, which is today a popular tourist hangout. The lake encircles several temples with the most notable being the Krishna Temple that is located on top of the Tilon Gate. During the winter season, migratory birds flock the region and bird watching becomes a favorite activity in Jaisalmer. Further, boat riding in the Gadsisar Lake is yet another exciting thing to do in Jaisalmer. The best time to visit the Gadi Sagar Lake is during the Gangaur Festival, which is usually held in March or April.
Salim Singh ki haveli
A distinct architecture that you will come across in Jaisalmer city is the Haveli of Salim Singh from the 17th century which has an extended arched roof in the shape of a peacock. It is an incredible silhouette that is crafted with 38 balconies, each having distinct designs. Salim Singh Ki Haveli is one of the heritage attractions to explore when you are travelling to Jaisalmer.
Kuldhara Village
Another least explored place around Jaisalmer city that is located in the outskirts is the ruin of Kuldhara village that dates back to the 13th century. It was the largest village in the community that consisted of 84 villages but in the early 19th century all the people in Kuldhara and nearby 83 villages vanished in the dark. The reasons are still being undisclosed, but it is being said that the village was cursed and hence is considered as one of the haunted villages in India. Nonetheless… the place still retains some fine architectural works like temples and step wells that assures a planned settlement over 7 centuries.
Jain Temple
The Jaisalmer Fort houses a group of Jain Temples that dates back to the 12th and 15th century. The group of Jain Temples is a fine example of Dilwara style of architecture that uses yellow sandstone. The temples are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankars. With detailed architectural work having carved animal and human figures on the wall, a dome that is covered by an amalak and a water pot containing lotus flower… the Parshvanath Temple is the most prominent one. Further, the Rishabnath Temple and Sambhavanath Temple in Lodurva, which is 16 kilometers from Jaisalmer city, are two other Jain temples that one can visit during their trip to Jaisalmer.
Sam Sand Dunes
Approximately 42 kilometers from the fort city of Jaisalmer, the SAM Sand Dunes in the outskirts… is for sure the best recommended places to see in Jaisalmer. The exanimate ambiance with stretches of sweeping dunes, camel safari along the breathtaking crests and troughs and crimson horizon at the sunset altogether drops you to a pleasing hinterscape. Don’t miss the rustic and earthy music and folk dance of the gypsies that depicts the rural culture of the Rajasthani folk. The best time to visit the SAM Sand Dunes is at the time of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, which is usually held in the month of February every year.
Camel Safari
Being in the city of shifting sand dunes, you can’t escape the saddle journey. A bumpy ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the exciting things to do in Jaisalmer. It allows you to explore the remote and isolated places tucked in the midst of the desert. Certainly, the more time you devote on your safari, the more remote places you are likely to see and the more you may adjust to and enjoy the desert tranquility.
Tanot Mata Temple
Your Jaisalmer travel guide is incomplete without the Tanot Mata Temple that is located approximately 150 kilometers from Jaisalmer city and lies close to the battle site of Longewala of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The temple is currently maintained by the Border Security Force of India and it preserves a collection of unexploded bombs dropped by Pakistan during the 1971 war. The Tanot Mata Temple is one of the least explored tourist places in Rajasthan due to its remote location and hence you can make your holiday in Jaisalmer a penetrating one by visiting the Tanot Mata Temple. A glimpse of the Tanot Mata Temple was shown in the popular Bollywood movie Border.
Khaba Fort
Yet another spooky tale from the Rajasthan tourism… the Khaba Fort that was once inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins for over 200 years is today an abandoned fort with sparse human activity surrounding it. Well… the location is perfect for photography and chills. After taking a walk around the fort structure, you can also visit the small museum that preserves several antiques.
Longewala War Memorial
Your visit to Jaisalmer is futile if you do not go to the iconic Longewala post. The most reminisced Indo-Pak war of 1971 was fought here where the latter faced a brutal defeat. Just once, for the sake of our fallen heroes and for the pride of India that you hold, do visit Longewala War Memorial.
Mandir Palace
One of the finest examples of craftsmanship, having ornate balconies, canopies and intricately carved screens, the Mandir Palace is a popular tourist attraction in Jaisalmer. It was built between the 9th and the 10th century and was the residence of the rulers of Jaisalmer for over 200 years. The Mandir Palace features the ‘Badal Vilas’, which is a tall sandstone structure below the hill top city fort.