Rising for the heart of the Thar Desert the heart of the Thar Desert lika a golden  mirage it the city of Jaisalmer . A commanding fort etched in yellow  sandstone stands with all its  awesome splendour , dominating the amber – hued city .

The city  has an  intresting legend  associated with it, according  to which , Lord  Krishna – the head of the  Yadav Clan , foretold  Arjuna that a remote  descendent of the Yadav Clan  would build his kingdom  atop the Trikuta hill . His prophency was fulfilled in 1156 A.D when Rawal Jaisal , a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput , Abandond his  fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital – Jaisalemr , perched on the Trikuta hill .

Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer  were feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the carvans laden with  precious silks and spices that crossed the territory  enroute  Delhi or Sind . These Carvans earned the town great  wealth . For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences . The rise of shipping trade and the port of Mumbai saw the decline of Jaisalmer . But the desert fortress , that seems to be straight out of the ‘Tales of the Arabian Nights “ , Still enchants .

The Life with in  the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces , havelis , temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels .

The setting sun turning  Jaisalmer  in to a beautiful golden Desert Festival , held in Jan/ Feb , Every year when the city reverberates to the sound of melodius tunes and rythms .

 Folk dances exciting competitions and contests , especially the turban –tying contest . Mr Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities . Colourful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectable is organized with folk artistes performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam Sand dunes on th full moon night . Surely a not-to-be missed event.

 Place of Tourist Interest

 The Fort : The Golden hued  fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill , housing the entire township with in its ramparts . It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelies , three beautifully sculptured Jain temples of the 12^th – 15^th century A.D and five interconnected palaces .

The Fort is approached through for gateway –Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol , Suraj Pol and hava Pol .

 Manak Chowk and Havelis  :  A Main  marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis .

 Gadsisar Lake : A Scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avain variety . The lake is an idyllic spot for outings .

Tazia Tower : A pagoda like structure looming up from the ‘Badal Mahal “ with beautiful “Tazzias – ornately decorated bamboo , paper and tinsel replicas of a bier , carried out in procession during Moharram by the Muslims .

 Havlies : Some of the most exotic  mansions or havelis , all intricately latticed are strewn  all over  Jaisalmer –each with a different façade .

 A Nathumal Ji- Ki –Haveli :à the late 19^th century haveli with intricate architecture – a display of sheer craftsmanship .The left and right wings of the mansion which  were carved by two brothers are not identical but very similar and balanced in design . The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings .

B: Patwon ki Haveli :à the most  eleborate and magnificent  of all the Jaislamer  havelis .it has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers . One of  the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals .

C : Salim Singh Singh Ji Ki Haveli :à This 300 years old haveli of Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister to Rawal Gaj Singh – Salim Singh has a beautiful blue coupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks . This extraordinary mansion is yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony  on the top storey . The Mansion is on e of the most notable of the array of havelis .

 Jain Temples :The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras –Rishabdev , Sambhavnath and Parswanath .

 EXCURISON

 Lodhavra  : (16 km ) The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim spot of the Jain community  with some  magnificent jain temples , “Toran “or the ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy . A “Kalpataru “ or a divine tree with in is the main attraction of the temples .

 Wood Fossil Park, Aakal : ( 17 km ) Lying on th Barmer Road  this park takes  you back to the  Jurassic period ( when the  whole Thar region lay inder the sea ) with 180 million year old fossils – the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert .

 Sam Sand Dunes : ( 42 km ) No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without trip to  Most picturesque dunes of Sam . The ripples on the wind –caressed dunes , that create an enchanting mirage , are surely a delight for trigger- happy  photographer . Various  cultural programmes are organized  against the back drop of these fascinating  sand dunes,  Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back .

 Desert National Park :  ( 45 km ) the landscape of the Desert National Park is dominated by rolling Sand dunes and scrub covered hills, The Prominent Fauna  of the park includes blackbuck , chinkara , desert fox and the great Indian bustard .

Amar Sagar :  ( 5 km ) A pleasant garden beside a lake with  mango and other fruit trees .Beautifully carved Jain Temples add to its Splendour .

 Bada Bagh : ( 6 km ) A fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial lake . Much of the city’s  fruits and vegetables  are grown here . Surrounded by dense trees are the royal cenotaphs with beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the former rulers .

 Mool Sagar : ( 18 km ) The pleasant shady grove is a perfect picnic spot during summers .

 Barmer : ( 155 km ) A tiny  desert town renowned for its hand block printing industry, carved wood furniture , colourful costumes and  amiable folks .