|  Jaisalmer  Fort : This is one of the largest and most formidable forts in  Rajasthan, perched on the Trikuta Hill. Towering to a height of  almost 250 ft, its yellow sandstone walls, which turn honey-like with  the setting turn, have earned it the title ‘Golden Fort’. The  fort is made of 3 layers of walls – the outer wall is made of solid  stones, the second wall protects the fort from inside and the third  wall was used by warriors to hurl boiling oil, water and stone  missiles to enemies between the first and second wall. Further  strengthening its defenses are the 99 bastions. This fort, earlier,  used to house the entire population of Jaisalmer, and even today,  quite a number of people have their homes inside. On exploration, you  come across colourful bazaars selling a range of goodies and several  interesting structures that were added by the Hindus, Jains and  Muslims – a fine example of the secular thoughts of the ruler.  Among  the most prominent structures inside is the seven-storeyed Raj  Mahal (Royal Palace), situated at the Dussehra Chowk, which is  centre of the fort. This Royal Palace is intricately carved balconies  and jharokhas and has been converted into a Museum &  Heritage Centre, which houses interesting artifacts like kitchen  utensils, weaponry and royal garments. Within the Royal Palace, the Rang Mahal is known for its mirror and paint works and the Juna Mahal for its jali screens. Similarly, the Sarvotam Vilas flaunts beautiful blue tiles and mosaic-works.  Other rooms within the palace are done with beautiful frescoes on the  walls and ceilings. The  seven Jain Temples are some of the oldest structures in the  Jaisalmer Fort, built over a period of time and dedicated to the Jain  Thirthankaras. Built in yellow sandstone, exquisite carvings adorn  the temple walls. The temple complex is flanked by shops selling  Rajasthani handicrafts, turbans, traditional clothes and colourful  puppets. The campus also has a Gyan Bhandar Library, which  houses a good collection of artifacts and rare manuscripts. The Laxminath Temple is less-ornately done but has  a dome exhibiting fine paintings.   The  Jaisalmer Fort has four huge gateways, namely - Akshaya  Pole, Suraj Pole, Hawa Pole and Ganesh  Pole. Images of the Sun God adorn the Suraj Pole and an idol of  Lord Ganesha is placed on the Ganesh Pole. The Fort houses several  interesting havelis or palaces constructed by the rich  merchants who visited and stayed within the fort. These havelis are beautifully carved, and the highlights include filigree work, jali windows, pavilions and beautiful balconies.
Open  from: 8.00 am-1.00 pm; 3.00 pm-5.00 pm
 Entry  fee – Rs 10
 Raj  Mahal – 8.00 am-12 Noon
 Entry  fee – Rs 30
 Nathmal  ji-ki-Haveli: Built by two brothers, this was the residence of an  erstwhile prime minister of Jaisalmer. The architecture of thi haveli  is particularly noteworthy because the left and right side of the  haveli have slightly different details. The highlight of this grand  palace are two yellow stone life-size elephants, who seem to guard  the palace! Other carvings and images include those of horses, cattle  and flowers and more modern images of cars and fans. Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli :  Located below the Trikuta Hill, this is one of the most striking  palaces, with the roof carved out like a peacock! Stone elephants  stand guard to the haveli and the palace contains almost 38 balconies  with different designs. The façade is often said to resemble a  ship, thus earning it the name Jahaz Mahal.   Patwon-ki-Haveli :  These are among the most important havelis in Jaisalmer, built over  almost 50 years, since this is not a single haveli, but a cluster of  5 havelis. These havelis are also referred to as the Mansion of  Brocade Merchants, because the family who owned it is said to have  been dealers on gold and silver threads. Beautiful paintings and  mirror-work adorn the walls and its gateways and arches have  different designs. Located inside the haveli is the office of the Archeological Survey of India and State Art and Craft  Department.Open from: 10.30 am-5.00 pm
 Entry  fee – Rs 2
 Tazia  Tower : An important tourist spot, this tower is located within  the Badal Mahal complex near the Amar Sagar Gate. The tower is  5-storeyed and each floor has its own individually designed balcony. Gadsisar  Sagar Lake : This is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions  and a famous picnic spot. This is not an oasis, but a water  conservation tank made to preserve some of the rainwater. This lake  attracts a large number of migratory birds. Temples and shrines  dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna surround the lake and the beautiful Tilon ki Pol arches on its banks.  Desert  National Park : Located about 40 kms from Jaisalmer, this national  park is counted among the largest in India. The park is built on what  was earlier a saltpan, and owing to its location, it also contains  sand dunes. Several migratory birds have made it their home and one  of the most common sightings is the Great Indian Bustard. Other  varieties include Spotted Eagles, Falcons, Buzzards and Vultures.  Hire a jeep to explore the park and don’t forget to carry a good  pair of binoculars and camera. Desert  Culture Centre and Museum : This houses some of the best preserved  arts and artifacts of Jaisalmer. Interesting exhibits include old  rare coins, kitchen utensils, weapons, manuscripts, textiles and an  interesting collection of fossils excavated from the Thar Desert.Open  from: 10.00 am-5.00 pm (Friday closed)
 Sam  Sand Dunes : Located about 42 kms from Jaisalmer, the Sam Sand  Dunes are extremely popular as camel safari spots. We recommend  taking an entire package that lets you enjoy a tour of the desert on  a camel, followed by a bonfire, folk performances and sumptuous  Rajasthani cuisine. Lodurva :  Located 16 km away, Lodurva derives its fame from the ruins of a Jain  Temple and a mythical wish-fulfilling tree. Among the most known  temples, is the Parshvanath Temple, which sports an extremely  ornate toran and a black image of Parshvanath with a  multi-hood serpent shade. Other well-known Jain temples include Rishabhnath Temple, Shambhavanath Temple and Ajitanath  Temple. The Kalpavriksha Tree is the substitution of an  original tree, which died. Made of eight metals, the copper leaves  are believed to grant wishes. Amar  Sagar Palace & Lake : Located adjacent to the  Amar Singh Palace, pavilions with steps lead to the lake. The haveli  is a beautiful 5-storeyed structure and is known for its murals,  which adorn the walls. There is also an old Shiva Temple in the  complex.  Bada  Bagh : Literally meaning Big Garden, this site houses a garden, a  tank and a dam. The tank and dam are built of solid blocks of stones  and the Govardhan Stambh was erected to commemorate the construction  of the two structures. The chattris or cenotaphs within the  garden were erected one for each ruler. Mool  Sagar :  Located about 8 kms from Jaisalmer, this is a pleasant  garden and tank, belonging to the erstwhile royal family and built as  a summer retreat. The main attraction here is the Shiva Temple, which  is believed to have been built by two large slabs of sandstone. The  royal palace within is known for its striking paintings and murals. |