The largest district of Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan is located amidst the scorched and sandy terrain of the Great Thar Desert of India. Needless to say, Jaisalmer is one of the most attractive cities of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer was an important ancient trading center because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition.



Rawal Jaisal founded Jaisalmer, in 1156 AD. A descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, he abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, atop the Trikuta Hill. Jaisalmer is more often and aptly called the “Golden City" as the sunsets, the sandstone buildings, and the sand dunes emit a lustrous glow. Jaisalmer has a mystic aura and grandeur that no other city can match. There are ancient palaces, temples and havelis constructed of yellow sandstone, on which golden sun rays fall and give the city a golden hue.

Jaisalmer Fort is an invincible fort, erected out of golden sand and stone, perched at Trikutta Hills amidst the miles of shimmering desert sand. This fort acts as guard to the city and is 250 ft high on the hill. There are cutting twists and turns, which make the fort difficult in approach. The fort has five interconnected palaces with remarkable craftsmanship. There is a rainwater lake in Jaisalmer that serves as a good picnic spot, named as Gadsisar Lake. A great feat of architecture in Jaisalmer is the Salim-Ki-Haveli. It has a blue roof and rows of peacocks below the arched balconies. Other important places of attraction in Jaisalmer are Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Jain Temples, and Gyan Bhandar or Library.

Jaisalmer is the city of colors, festivities, charm and revelry. There is a three-day long Desert Festival that takes place in Jaisalmer in the month of February. Enchanting Rajasthani music attracts the skilled folk dancers to gyrate on its tunes. There are other attractions also like turban tying contest, Mr. Desert contest, Camel safari and others to mark this extravaganza.

Jaisalmer is well connected to other cities India. Jaisalmer is an important city when it comes to the defense of country as it lies on the border of India. The city also has bustling shopping areas where one can pick great ethnic items like traditional fabrics, accessories and showpieces especially crafted in Rajasthan.