Jaisalmer, the city of palaces, is one of the most charming and exotic tourist destinations of Rajasthan. Known for its grandeur forts, Havelis (mansions), magnificent palaces and age old houses, Jaisalmer boasts of a rich historical tradition mirroring the valor and charisma of the Rajputana clan.
The city, which is a perfect amalgamation of the historic and medieval period, is also famous all over the world for its camel safaris, exotic sand dunes, sacred shrines, age-old museums and lakes. The city of Jaisalmer has innumerable tales to tell, facts to state, an exception to showcase and color to fill your soul with joy. Jaisalmer has been a major trading center from ancient times due to its strategic location on the camel trade routes. During the 19th century, merchants built Havelis all over the city, elegantly constructed using golden-yellow sandstone, which have created Jaisalmer’s identity as the ‘Golden City.’
Major Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is so loaded with its cultural heritage that every corner of the city has a past to depict. Though it is a little tough to list all the places you simply cannot miss visiting whilst in the city, there are a few extremely famous places in Jaisalmer that even our school history books could not exclude.
Jaisalmer Fort: The second oldest fort in Rajasthan (the oldest being Chittorgarh), the Jaisalmer Fort rises from the very heart of the city atop the Trikuta hill. The fort was built by Raja Jaiswal in the year 1156 AD and is an embodiment of Indian architecture, design and military brilliance.
Patwon-ki-Haveli: One of the largest and most intricate Havelis in Jaisalmer, the Patwon-ki- Haveli was built by five brothers of the Jain religion between the year of 1800 and 1860. It is famous for its beautiful mirror work on the ceilings and wall as well as exquisite paintings of the bygone era.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: Built in the 19th century by two architect brothers, the Nathmalji-ki-Haveli is one of Jaisalmer’s most prominent tourist attractions. The Haveli mainly served as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, who was the Prime Minsiter of that place during that period.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli: Built nearly 300 years ago, Salim Singh-ki-Haveli is named after its owner Salim Singh Mohta who served as the Prime Minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state. The haveli, a part of which is still occupied, has an elegantly arched roof with impeccable carved roofs in the shape of peacocks.
Museums: Jaisalmer boasts of numerous museums which home goods and antiques some of which are as old as a hundred and fifty million years, giving tourists a glimpse of the city’s rich historical heritage. The Government Museum is situated on the western bounds of the Jaisalmer Fort and was opened during 1984. The Folklore Museum was founded by a local connoisseur named N.K. Sharma in the year 1984. It is situated on the bank of Gadsisar Lake in Mehar Bagh.
Gadi Sagar Lake: A rain-water lake, Gadi Sagar is situated in the southern part of Jaisalmer and supplies water to the entire city. The banks of the lake are surrounded by temples, Chattris and holy shrines. A very interesting fact of this lake is that it is never dry despite being in the middle of a desert, as it is fed by the Indira Gandhi Canal.
Desert safari: You cannot leave this desert city without a desert safari. Tourists seldom miss out on the camelback rides that give them the feel of once what was a hobby of the royal Rajputs. Jeep safaris are also available with the ideal places being Sam Sand Dunes and Phalodi, while one can also opt for such safaris in the Desert National Park. Desert festivals are also organized during the month of February and March.
These were just a few of the famous tourist spots around Jaisalmer which you cannot miss visiting if you are in the city. There are numerous other havelis, palaces, museums and tourist attractions that will leave you with memories of a grandeur past of the Rajputana sect.
