Golden City of Jaisalmer

The Golden City of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is simply unmatched. It was the part of the famous Silk Route during the days of yore. The splendid Jaisalmer Fort stands proudly on its land and narrates the stories of the valor and chivalry of the Rajput rulers. Jaisalmer still retains its medieval charm, which is evident in its colorful narrow streets, splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan, opulent havelis and bazaars.
The otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer comes alive once every year during winters. It is the time when the festivities of Desert Festival slowly start engulfing the Desert City. During the festival in Jaisalmer, the city displays the wealth of its culture and traditions to the rest of the world. The festival expresses the people's zeal for the life and is a colorful extravaganza of fun, frolic, laughter and adventure.

Jaisalmer Fort
Also called the 'Golden Fort' and locally the 'Sonar Quilla' the Jaisalmer Fort is an iconic symbol of the city. Built by the Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, this is among the largest forts in the world. Situated in the Thar desert on the Trikuta Hill, the fort has stood witness to many battles. The unique fort situated among the golden sands of Thar and built from yellow sandstone is indeed a breathtaking sight from the outside. The fortification includes three layers of walls that are as high as 30 ft. The fort once the home to royals is now inhabited by hundrends of local families. And the insides of the fort are in a sad shape when compared to the exterior, owing to the improper sanitation system and lack of maintenance. Inside the fort, travellers must explore the Gyan Bhandar library, the Raj Mahal, Laxminath temple, Jain temples, four massive gateways and merchant Havelis. The exquisitely done sculptures and motifs, classic of the Dilwar style, is breathtaking in its beauty.

Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh, which means big garden is the final resting place of the royals, the various cenotaphs stand silent testimony to the passing time. Even though they represent the end, the cenotaphs, also built from yellow sandstone are a beautiful expression of artistic workmanship. The intricate work makes the walls mesmerising during the day, and is also a great place to observe vivid sunsets.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Built in the year 1815, the Salim Singh Ki Haveli located in Jaisalmer was built on an exisiting 17th century Haveli. The Haveli used by the most influential family of the day, the Mehtas, was commissioned by the then Prime Minister Salim Singh, after whom the Haveli is named. Built in a distinct style, the Haveli sports interesting features such as the peacock inspired roof and the gateways guarded by realistic sculptures of elephants. Among other noteworthy features are the balconies of the Haveli; as many as 38 in number, they all sport distinct designs.

Gadsisar Lake
Away from the Jaisalmer city is a spot of tranquility that travellers must visit, the Gadisisar lake. Situated in the city outskirts, the lake was constructed in 1400 A.D. as a water source for the entire city. The area surrounding the lake has many temples and shrines, attracting devotees from across the country. The lake itself is beautiful; the sharply contrasting colours of the surrounding are reflected in the lake. It is also where you can catch a glimpse of avian life. Many migratory birds come here during the winter season.

Kuldhara, Abandoned Village
Among the most fascinating places to visit in Jaisalmer is Kuldara, the abandoned villages. Set in the arid Thar desert, Kuldara and the nearby 82 villages were once upon a time the home to the Paliwal Brahmins. Well planned roads, homes, some of them even two-storeyed, common parking areas and other structures that stand in ruins today, force the viewer to imagine them in the past, when life still walked the streets. In 1825, the villagers of all 82 villages are said to have disappeared in the night, there is no clear conclusion on why and where they went, or even how they all managed to disappear together in a single night! Definitely a must-see place in India.

Khaba Fort
Another seemingly haunted place is Khaba in Jaislmer. Considered a popular tourist attraction along with the deserted ruins of Kuldara, the Khaba fort was once inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, and suddenly deserted one night. The fort stands in absolute stillness and has very few people walking about. Maintained by the government, it has many peacocks in the surrounding areas. Don't miss out on asking the locals for spooky stories associated with the fort and the village.

Vyas Chhatri
Among the most popular location for the shutterbugs, is the Vyas Chhatri in Jaisalmer. This beautiful version of cenotaphs was built in honour of the popular Hindu sage Vyas, author of the epic Mahabharata. The structures flaunt delicate pillars and clear carvings. Head out here early in the morning to catch the sunrise and the true grandeur of the place as it lights up in the soft rays.

About Jaisalmer