Situated in the heart of the beautiful Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is popularly referred to as the Golden City, for when the sunrays fall on the yellow sands and the stunning Jaisalmer Fort, the whole city glows like gold. The Thar Desert gives the city an Arabian Nights' look, especially with the presence of the ship of the desert, camel in the region. The city of Jaisalmer has many interesting legends associated to its origin. Legend has it that Lord Krishna prophesized that in the future, a man from his clan would establish a city on the Trikuta hill where Jaisalmer city is currently located. In 1156, a Bhati Rajput, Raja Rawal Jaisal, belonging to the Yadava clan, founded the city. This historical desert city derives its name from its founder.Due to its strategically significant position, Jaisalmer amassed huge wealth owing due to its proximity to Persia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Arabia, Africa, and the West. Besides, the city also witnessed several invasion attempts and was devastated many a times. The sleepy desert city, today, is one of the most visited tourist destinations of Rajasthan. One can experience the hospitality of the people of Jaisalmer, which is pronounced in the rhetoric of 'padharo mhare desh' (welcome to our land). The golden city is a cultural hub and a rich centre of arts, music, dance, and architecture. The folk music of the region is the result of age-old traditions and customs in the city which are amalgamated with classical music, thereby revealing the desert life. The desolate landscape of Jaisalmer renders it a serenity which is unique only to this part of Rajasthan.
The city of Jaisalmer offers a plethora of activities to people with distinct tastes. To experience culture as well as adventure, Jaisalmer is an ideal place to visit. The finest structures of architecture can be viewed here; the majestic Jaisalmer Fort and exquisite havelis - Nathmal ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli, and Salim Singh ki Haveli are all reminiscence of the bygone royal era. The world famous Desert Festival is the occasion where one can experience the rich culture of Jaisalmer at its best. For the adventurous lot, a desert safari helps in experiencing the the life of caravan traders of the medieval era. The people of the land of sand dunes, despite extreme living conditions, are extremely jovial and live life to the fullest with their rich customs and traditions still alive. Once who has been to this golden city will definitely yearn to visit the city again for, not one but, several reasons.
Desert National Park
Desert National Park lies in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, which is also known as the 'Ocean of Sands'. Even though it is generally considered that deserts cannot support a varied flora and fauna, Thar Desert presents an exception by supporting a unique and diverse wildlife species. The Desert National Park of Jaisalmer is a true reflection of the fragile ecosystem and diverse flora and fauna of the Thar Desert.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort, situated in the Jaisalmer city of Rajasthan, is one of the largest forts in the world. It is also referred to as the Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort due to its location in the land of golden sand dunes of Thar Desert in Jaisalmer. This majestic fort is made of yellow sandstone and shines like bewitching gold, when the sunrays fall on it. The fort consists of several palaces, security sources, havelis (mansions) of rich merchants, temples, and residential complexes of the army.
Jaisalmer Havelis
Jaisalmer Havelis are beautiful sandstone mansions of Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants. These elaborate structures are like a poem engraved on sandstone with infinite details and pains, carved and pieced together in different patterns. Even though these "havelis" are lavish and loud in nature, there are framed in perfect harmony that characterize them and provide a visual treat for the eyes of the beholders.
