India Tourism » Travel to Jaisalmer

JAISALMER : The glory of the Golden Fort
Jaisalmer reminds one of a certain age that came into existence between the time when reality ended and fantasy began. It seems it is the last outpost of the Thar Desert and nothing exists beyond it!

The unusual fort of 99 bastions seems to have sprung out from the triangular hillock over which the fort is seated. A walk through uphill serpentine route leads to the inside of the fort, which surprisingly is STILL INHABITED! The inside of the fort is actually a maze of tightly packed lanes and labyrinths dotted with numerous houses, shops and temples. The Jain temples here are renowned the World over as fine examples on stone carvings. The old palace is worth a watch simply for the views it commands from its terrace. The noteworthy feature to see from here is the hurling stones that are still kept on the walls of the fort!

The old Jaisalmer town surrounding the fort is once again full of labyrinths worth exploring for their teeming life and unique architecture. Patwon ki Haveli, a group of five adjoining havelis, was once home to the wealthiest merchant family of the region who were so rich that they lent money even to the kings! These havelis are the finest examples of the architecture of the region, the external façade of the whole complex is so intricately carved that it doesn't looks as work on stone. A few more havelis like Diwan Nathmalji ki haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli are notable for excellent carvings. The town itself is a rare treat to wander through as one finds scores of tourists including me taking pictures all the time.

Excursions:
Lodruva: 15 kilometers from Jaisalmer is this former capital of the Jaisalmer kings that was attacked several times by Islamic invaders. It now has a beautiful Jain temple with eqxuisite sculptures and ornate torana.

Kuldhera: A haunting village deserted en masse by its Paliwal residents in one night some 400 years ago due to the immoral intentions of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer at that time. The ruins are now a great tourist attraction.
A few of the 99 bastions of Jaisalmer fortKhurri and Samm: Just a short drive from Jaisalmer are the ideal stretches of perfect sand dunes perfect for camel safaris and watching sunsets.

Akal Wood fossil Park: Just 16 kilometers from Jaisalmer is the site having the fossilized remains of a 180 million years old forest.

Desert National Park: A large area of Thar Desert has been declared National Park to protect the amazingly large variety of animals found here.

Pokaran: Midway to Jodhpur or Bikaner, the town has a beetroot red fort and interesting bazaars.

Ramdeora and Kheechan: Though not near Jaisalmer, these places do come on the way while traveling to Jaisalmer. Ramdeora has the shrine of Baba Ramdev and is the site of a colorful fair every year. Kheechan village near Phalodi town attracts large numbers of migratory Demoiselle Cranes every winter.