Main Attractions of Jaisalmer

JAISALMER FORT, ALSO CALLED SONAR KILLA, THE GOLDEN FORT

A top Hill Trikuta, in 1156 was constructed the Jaisalmer Fort that stands majestically today drawing visitors from all around the world. Trikutameaning a hill with three peaks bears on it the sun beam of Jaisalmer. Built by Maharaja Rawal Jaisal this megastructure is 250 feet high with 99 citadels.
Entrance through this fort is via the four gateways of Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. Within the fortified city are enclosed numerous palace complexes, temples and havelis that leave a lasting impression on the visitors.
Like any other small town you will find this place buzzing with activity with people carrying out their normal day to day activities. The Raj Mahal inside the fort was earlier the palatial abode of the Kings and now has been renovated into a museum. The most unique aspect of the fort is a device on the tip of the fort where in ancient days a red flag was hoisted in the month of April. The direction of the movement of the flag predicted to a fair extent the rains for that year.

JAIN TEMPLE (INSIDE FORT)

Amidst the four walls of the Jaisalmer fort are the exquisitely carved seven Jain temples. 
Believed to be built between the 12th and 15th century they are dedicated to the Tirthankars. Connected with passageways to one another, the first temple you’ll come across is the Chandraprabhu temple followed by Rikhabdev, Parasnath, Shitalnath, Sambhavnath, Shantinath and the last one is Kunthunath. Intricately designed in these temples are the exclusive Dilwara style paintings and they are truly the havens of peace. Built of yellow sand stone this holy shrine is a must for every itinerary. 
Open to the general public from the wee hours of the morning up till 12 at noon one can be a witness to this monumental splendour. Surrounding the Jain temples are narrow passages where tourists can also buy different kinds of handicraft items and specialities of Jaisalmer. The reading buffs can also enjoy the vast literature about ancient Jain culture and Jain temples in the adjoining Gyan Bhandar library within the fort complex only.

PATWA -KI-HAVELI

A cluster of Havelies (Mansions of wealthy merchants) in a narrow lane near Fort in Jaisalmer. These 5-stories private homes are perhaps the most ornately decorated residence- the World  has seen in last 150 years !!!!
Seth Guman Chand Jain, a famous trader of 19th century, having business empire stretching from China to Egypt, got these Havelis constructed for his 5 sons. These are largest havelis in Jaisalmer and leave a visitors stunned by their eternal beauty. An architectural wonder, they feature carved exteriors, long corridors, pillared halls, painted ceilings and walls decorated with murals. A must visit on a trip to Rajasthan !!!

SALIMJI- KI- HAVELI

Located in the city’s central area is Salimji- ki -Haveli just a little below the hill is the residence of the then Prime Minister Salim Singh. Its roofs are carved as peacocks which make it quiet distinct from all the monuments. With a total of 38 intricately designed balconies the view of this place is a sight to behold. Believed to have been constructed on the remnants of an older haveli, its magnificence speaks volumes on the life style of the kings. A Rumour of the King destroying the upper two storeys of this place is a common tale one gets to hear. It is also called Jahaz Mahal as its front facade bears a resemblance to the ship stern. 

NATHMAL HAVELI

The haveli built by two brothers Hathi and Lalu in the 19th century with each concentrating from either sides of the haveli. So observe it a little more closely and you will find slight differences between right and left portions. Nevertheless the symphony in the symmetry is impeccably harmonized and definitely a must see. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli. These grand elephants are made so beautifully that they almost look real. 
The interiors are beautifully epitomized with miniature style. One can also find modern machines like cars, fans being carved on the pillars although these machines didn’t exist then. Such was the imagination of the architect brothers! This haveli was sanctioned to be the residence of the Prime Minister Diwan Mohata Nathmal and that’s how the name came to be.

GADSISAR LAKE

The huge water reservoir built by Maharaja Maharwal Gadsi Singh has been gaining a lot of popularity as one of the most visited tourist spot. Strange but true is the fact that the whole populace of Jaisalmer in the olden days relied only on this lake for all their water needs. On the periphery of this famous lake lie a cluster of small beautifully carved temples and a picturesque museum. Moving south wards from the lake you can find an artistically carved arcade called Tilon-Ki-Pol.  
The reflection of the hue coloured temples in the serene waters of this lake is definitely worth capturing.  For the bird watchers and ornithologists the winter months are the most suitable to enjoy the true beauty of this place. Different kinds of migratory birds flock here then and the place is actually a luxury for the city dwellers. And make sure you don’t miss out the panorama during sun set when you see the changes of the ochre reproduce in the calm waters.

BADA BAGH (OUTSIDE FORT AREA)

Just a few minutes from our place is the “Big Garden” which in the early 16th century was commissioned by Maharawal Jait Singh. 
It is believed to have been brought to its present form by his son, Lunakaran who completed the garden after his father’s death. Bada Bagh is the productive oasis in the charming settings of a pretty rain fed lake and a dam in the middle of the plateau. Three things to look out for in this place is the beautiful green garden, a tank and a dam measuring 1,200 feet in length and 350 feet in width. Made from solid blocks of stone there are steps leading to it. One eye catching aspect here is the five tier drainage system (People with no B.Tech degrees did such wonders in olden days). A split-level drainage system makes sure that as the tank fills up completely there is a natural outflow of water and thereby minimises the risk of flooding. Constructed by the Maharaja Jai Singh II between the desert and the rain fed lake is the royal cremation grounds.

CENOTAPH

Commonly called chhatris, near the Bada Bagh one can find clusters of beautiful cenotaphs. 
Built by different Maharawals these are situated on the top of a small hill. The Chhatries (cenotaphs) were built during the Bhatti dynasty. These memorials represent a combination of Paliwal, Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture. These Cenotaphs in their own way add their grandeur to the city. Named after the famous Indian sage Vyas a little north of the fort lays one of the well known Vyas Chhatri.

IN AND AROUND JAISALMER CITY :

AMAR SAGAR

In the midst of dry sands of Jaisalmer the beauty of a small lake Amar Sagar has become a major tourist spot. Adjacent to the palace of Maharaja Amar Singh you will find this enchanting place that is being flanked by fruit trees including mango. 
Set around this lake is a small peaceful town with a five storied haveli whose beauty is enhanced by its delicately carved murals. Exquisitely carved Jain Temples constructed by Himmat Ram Bafna, the descendant of famous patwas on the banks of this lake enhance the aura of the place. The Patwas were the wealthy Jain businessmen of the region.  An excursion to Amar Sagar offers you an opportunity to delve into the historical splendour of Jaisalmer. Dams were built to hold rain water and in fact this lake was also started as a lake water reservoir.

LODURVA

Originally the capital of Bhattis, a little away from the city in the north -west direction is this small hamlet much older than Jaisalmer itself. Being attacked by Mughal emperors a number of times, Raja Jaisal then moved his base from here. The eye catcher here is the Parasnath Jain Temple which is beautified by the image of the 23rd Jain Tirthankara. The aesthetic splendour of the intricately carved Jain Temples is marvellous and a must watch. The complex Jaali work, splendid arch at the entrance, and the ruins scattered around all of these together call for a master piece. 
There is also the wish fulfilling tree Kalpavriksha inside the premise of the complex. The copper leaves are believed to have the power to fulfil the wishes of any devotee. One feels sheer exuberance at the sight of brightly coloured peacocks as they dance around the exotic Lodurva ruins.

AKAL FOSSIL PARK

A stretch of over an area of 21 hectare, on the outskirts of Jaisalmer 17 km away from the city one can find randomly scattered fossilized wood logs and you know you are in the Akal Wood Fossil Park. 
Believed to have the remains of more than 180 million years old forests, you may even tend to find a sea shell or two highlighting the possibility of Jaisalmer being submerged in an ocean. The place also has enormous fossilized tree trunks. The fossils are said to represent non-flowering plants & provide a clue to the age of deposition of sediments. Under the archaeological department, further excavations are underway to bring to light more fossils. A must see to know what it means to say you are a witness to volcanic putrefied rocks.

DESERT NATIONAL PARK

Jaisalmer, truly the ocean of sands is the habitat of various species of wild life. Near to the Indo-Pak border covering an area of approx. 3150 sq. Km is the huge Desert National Park.
One can see a wide variety of animals that are normal inhabitants to the desert ecological system. Although one can majorly find sand piles, rocks and lakebeds of the extinct salt lakes you sure can’t miss out the chinkaras, bustards, desert fox, black buck and desert cat that are some of the animals tourists usually get to see.
Apart from this, being in close proximity with the Bharatpur sanctuary, you can enjoy the company of lovely birds like Demoiselle Crane, Houbara, patridges, quails and falcons. You can also spot water holes in the middle areas where the animals are usually clustered.
The three lakes Rajbaugh Lake, Milak Talao Lake and Padam Talao Lake are ideal places for watching and photographing wildlife. A good three hours can be spent admiring the fauna in the Thar Desert.