Jaisalmer - Fact File
Location : Rajasthan, India.
Area : 5.1 sq. kms
Population : 90,000 approximately
Main Languages : Marwari, Hindi, English and Rajasthani.
Known As : Golden City.
Major Attractions : Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli, Nathmalji ki Haveli etc.
Climate : Extreme climate, Summer temp : 45°C and 35°C, Winter temp : 24°C and the minimum is 8°C.
Ideal Time to Visit : October to February.


Jaisalmer - the Golden City
Jaisalmer also called the 'Golden City' is located in the heart of the Thar Desert. The town was founded by Rawal Jaisingh in 1156 A.D, as desired by Monk Eesul who ordered the king to leave Lodhuba and settle this town. In the 17th century, business and commerce flourished in Jaisalmer. From India the goods were sent to Middle East via Jaisalmer and articles from various countries used to reach Jaisalmer. But slowly the business transaction dwindled up and prosperity of Jaisalmer also reduced. Jaisalmer's remote location has kept it almost untouched by outside influences. Once the capital of Bhati Rajputs, Jaisalmer is India's most exotic and unusual towns and worth visiting. The town is dotted with forts, palaces and temples all exquisitely carved from golden yellow sandstone. At the dawn and dusk Jaisalmer looks golden that's why it is called the golden town. The magnificent wood and stone-carved forts and havelis display the love and aesthetic sense of the Rajputs towards the fine arts. Mina work of Jaisalmer is unique, which can be seen in beautifully decorated houses, rooms and balconies of the town.

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer
Desert Festival is held every year in the month of February on the Sam Sand Dunes about 42 kms from Jaisalmer. Over the years the Jaisalmer Desert Festival has offered visitors a chance to enjoy local folk dances and music, camel safaris in the scenic setting of Sam Sand dunes. Apart from the decorated camels, the handsome riders, with their big moustaches and penetrating eyes, are another attractive feature of the Desert Festival. Several events are organized during the festival such as - the turban tying competition, tug of war and the Mr. Desert competition. The puppet shows, ballads, dances and snake charmers liven up the Desert festival.

Camel Safari in Jaisalmer
Camel Safari in Jaisalmer is a wonderful experience and it is best to cover the beautiful desert city. The camel safaris are available here in varied options, you can take it for few hours, for whole day or for 4 to 5 days.

Attractions of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
Built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D, Jaisalmer Fort looks as if it is made of molten gold. Jaisalmer Fort is situated to the south of town on 76 m high Trikut hill. The fort is an excellent piece of architecture - the intricately carved trellises, doorways, wall niches, steps and staircases are a testimony to the expertise of the master craftsmen of the region. There are 99 towers in the fort, some of which still possesses canon. Jaigarh fort has four gateways - Akhaya Pole, Ganesh Pole, Suraj Pole and the Hawa Pole. Inside the fort there are several five winged seven storied umbrella typed Maharaoal or palaces. Within the Jaisalmer Fort there are a group of Jain temples that were built in between 12th to 15th century. Dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Sambhavnathji, these temples are known for their carvings. Jaisalmer fort also has a Shiva and a Ganesha temple.

Patwon ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli was built in the year 1805. The five storeyed building stands magnificently in the narrow corridor type path. Patwon ki Haveli is extraordinary with lattice carvings. The walls and balconies have adornments of murals and hanging windows which can be seen from the roof.

Salim Singh ki Haveli
Built in 1815 A.D, this is the haveli of the ex-Prime Minister Salim Singh of Jaisalmer. The terrace has arches and peacock shaped bracket which look very attractive.

Nathmalji ki Haveli
Another ex-Prime Minister's house Nathmalji ki Haveli was built by two architect brother in 1885. The Haveli is a unique example of Rajasthani architecture. The walls were decorated with miniature paintings and the statues of two elephants in front the gate are fine work of art.

Gadi Sagar
Oasis amidst the Thar desert - Gadi Sagar Lake houses several ancient temples with beautifully inlaid stone carving arches.

Amar Sagar
Amar Sagar is located at a distance of 6 kms from the town. Near the shore of the Amar Sagar there is a palace and a Jain temple.

Lodurva
From Amar Sagar further 16 kms away is Lodurva, the capital of the Bhatti rulers.

The place has Jain Temple which was rebuilt in 1970 and reminds the past of the town. In the temple premises there is a famous tree 'Kalpataru' which fulfills one's wish.

Accommodation
Plenty of accommodation is available in the hotels ranging from high budget to low budget.. The royal residence has now been converted into hotel. Some of the famous hotels are Narayan Niwas Palace (Heritage), Jawahar Niwas Palace (Heritage), Heritage Inn (3 Star), Gordbandh Palace (3 Star) etc.

How To Reach Jaisalmer
By Air : Jodhpur airport (290 kms) is the nearest airport from Jaisalmer. Indian Airlines operate flights from Jodhpur to Delhi.

By Rail : Jaisalmer railway station is connected to important places of Rajasthan and rest of the India. 'Palace on Wheels' is the best and the most luxurious way of reaching Jaisalmer. A train runs daily between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer except Wednesday.

By Road : Jaisalmer is connected by NH 15 and state highways to cities and towns of Rajasthan and other states. Regular buses run to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur and Bikaner.