Location



Jaisalmer is a border district of India located in the state of Rajasthan and touching Pakistan. Most of the district is part of Thar Desert and offers excellent camel safari options. Jaisalmer is connected to other cities in the state as well as in Gujarat and some other places in India with National Highway No 15.

The 'Golden City' of Jaisalmer was founded in the year 1156 by a Bhatti Rajput prime Jaisala named the city from the vulnerable former capital of Lodhruva, 15 kms to the south-east. After he sought counsel of a hermit who lived in a cave near aspring on top of a rocky hill. The sucession of Maharajas of Jaisalmer trace their lineage back to the ruler of Bhatti Rajput Clan Jailasimha.

The History of Jaisalmer is as turbulant as the character of its bandit chiefs would lead one to expect. Ferociously independent, inordinately proud of a tenuous "divine" lineage; brave, even foolhardy in battle and often treacherous as allies, the Bhatti Rajputs were the most feared of all desert marauders. When they were on the rampage, the gates of neighboring fortresses were closed and the cowering citizens barred their doors and windows against these "wolf-packs of the wastes". Their major opponents were the powerful Rather clans of Jodhpur and Bikaner and endless ding-dong battles were waged for the possession of a petty fort,or meager waterhole. Cattle-stealing was a major pass time, along with falconry and the hunt.The source of income was the forced levies on the great caravans that traveled the ancient Spice Route on their way to imperial Delhi.

With the coming of the Muslims in the 13th and 14th centuries, the nature of the conflicts changed. The new enemy was not given to playing , if games according to a chivalri if bizarre, a code of conduct. The outsiders were here to found an empire and to propound Islam, a fanatically held faith. However, since Jaisalmer was situated deep in the desert, it escaped direct Muslim conquest. The Rawals, as the rulers were styled, agreed to pay an annual tribute to the Delhi Sultans in order to preserve a circumscribed independence.

Festivals in Jaisalmer

The most famous of the local festivals in Jaisalmer is the camel fair, also known as the desert fair. Held during the winter season of the year, it is marked by camel dances, camel races, folk dance and music.

Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer

The Desert National Park

Situated near Jaisalmer, The Desert National Park is one of the largest national parks in India, covering an area of 3,100 sq km. The Park is known for its fragile ecosystem and unique flora and fauna.

Tazia Tower

The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a beautifully carved balcony.

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort is the most alive of any museum, fort or palace that you are likely to visit in India. It was built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala. About a quarter of the old city's population resides within the fort walls. The fort is entered through a forbidding.

Sam Sand Dunes

Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, Sam Sand Dunes are major tourist attractions near Jaisalmer. Enjoying Camel safaris on the sand dunes are truly an unforgettable experience. Sam Sand Dunes is also famous for its breathtakingly beautiful sunset.

Lodurva Jain Temple

15 km from Jaisalmer, are the deserted ruins of this town, which was the ancient capital, previous to Jaisalmer. It is an important centre of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at Lodurva exhibit fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow stone. They have ornate carved arches at the entrance, and a Kalputra, the Divine - Tree, within. In the temple, is a hole from which, a snake is said to emerge every evening, to drink an offering of milk. Only the ' blessed' can actually see it, it is said.

Gadsisar Lake

Built by a courtesan, it used to be the main source of drinking water in the olden times. Today, an arched gateway leads to a small tank flanked by shrines and well laid out gardens and flower beds. A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.