JAISALMER

The Golden City

By Patanjali Somayaji

jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort also known as the "Sonar Qilla" (Golden Fort) can be seen from miles and dominates views of the city. Built by Maharawal Jaisal Singh in 1156 AD, the fort is believed to be one of the very few "living forts" in the world, as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort. Jaisalmer is the largest district of Rajasthan, the 3rd largest district by territorial region in the country and is hugged on the west & south-west by 471 km of an international border with Pakistani.

The ancient Fort, overlooking the golden city of Jaisalmer.

Many shops dot the alleys and pathways inside the lower and outer parts of the fort. The fort initially housed the entire population of Jaisalmer, and today retains a resident population of 4000 inhabitants largely descended from the Brahmin and Rajput communities that once served the rulers of Jaisalmer.

A shop inside the fort selling trinkets and souvenirs for tourists

Jaisalmer War Museum

Setup in August 2015 by the Desert Corps of the Indian Army, the Museum displays war exhibits which include vehicles and equipment captured during the course of operations in 1965 and 1971. Popularly known as JWM, the museum has an Honour Wall engraved with the names of the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees.

Sand Dunes and Camels

40 km west of Jaisalmer lie the Sam sand dunes, one of the most popular tourist attractions of Jaisalmer.

The silky sand dunes of the Rajasthan desert offer some of the most spectacular views of the sun setting behind vast expanses of sand.

Rajasthani folk music

No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without immersing yourself into local folk music and dance performances. Cultural acts including puppet shows are a staple at all the tourist hotspots, hotels and camps.

A folk musician with his son, under training

Patwon Ki Haveli

The oldest of the Jaisalmer Havelis, Patwon Ki Haveli, is actually a cluster of five smaller Havelis. Carvings etched in yellow sandstone painstakingly pieced together in patterns were commissioned to show the status and wealth of the owners of the Havelis, filling the Havelis with paintings, artwork and wall frescoes.

Beautifully preserved room within the Haveli

Wedding cards on walls

Many houses within the fort had wedding announcements painted on the walls, usually accompanied by pictures of Ganesha. In a very local tradition, these paintings remain until the next wedding in the family, when the wall is repainted with the update.

GADSISAR LAKE

A scenic rainwater lake, Gadsisar lake was excavated in 1367 by Rawal Gadsi Singh. Surrounded by small temples and shrines, the lake was originally the main source of water to Jaisalmer city.