Tourist attractions in Jaisalmer are a constant reminder of the golden Jaisalmer past that sparkles with tales of valor and unmatched courage.

See the heart-stirring yellow sandstone Jaisalmer Fort that for some inane reason sends your adrenalin rushing at first sight; enjoy desert camps on Thar sand dunes near the Khuri village; tour the ruins of Lodurva and marvel at the exotic Gadi Sagar Tank that was at a certain point of time in history, the only source of water supply for Jaisalmer. A Jaisalmer tour is incomplete without a camel safari and that is perhaps the most romantic way of coursing the Jaisalmer sands and exploring its myriad tourist attractions. 

The annual Jaisalmer desert festival is one of the most important tourist attractions of the area. Held annually in the month of February the desert festival shows off Jaisalmer culture with unparalleled flourish. See brightly colored folk dancers perform traditional dances like Ghair, Ghoomar, Terahtal and such in open-air with the vast Thar Desert and the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort as the backdrop. Shop for crafts at desert stalls and cheer your favorite camel in the popular camel race events that take place during the course of the festival.

The havelis of Jaisalmer are the most fascinating tourist attractions of Rajasthan that enchant you with their delicately carved windows, latticed screens, romantic courtyards, brilliant murals and beautiful frescoes. The Desert Culture Centre and Museum is one of the most frequented Jaisalmer tourist attractions and offers you a fair glimpse of vibrant Rajasthan hues.

Forts and Monuments of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Sonar Quila of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Jaisalmer Fort known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort, rising from the sand, the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look. Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the cross - road of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and havelis.

Its simply a magic, the bastions envelops a whole townships that consist of palace complex various security sources and the havelis of rich merchants carved with an incredibly light touch, several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and traders placed strategically on the trade route, from where the ancient caravans passed en-route passing all the riches for the prosperity to an otherwise non source full kingdom. These merchants served and acquire a great deal of power and noble status in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th century and proceeded further. But the rich merchant inspired by the classic style of the royals, constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval culture and profusely decorated walls and ceilings and intricately carved outdoors and interiors. The rich merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who worked delicately on the sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies.  The colourful art forms and some how side kind the royal heritage and made it appear paler in comparison. The craftsmen were usually Muslims who were induced on their journey to exhibit their skills. The result was architectural purity that cannot be seen elsewhere.

The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Seen from outside, the sight must be almost identical to what was seen by merchants on their overland camel caravans to central Asia. Once this desert outpost was an important gate for the trade route, and Jaisalmer grew wealthy on the proceeds. But the advent of commercial shipping relegated the town to relative obscurity. The fort stands almost 30 metres over the city and houses an entire living area within huge ramparts. Walking through the narrow lanes is an experience worth savouring.

However, since the British rule, due to the rise of sea trade and growth of the port of Bombay, the city went through a major economic recession. After the independence and partition of India, the ancient trade route was totally closed and thus sealed the fate of the city. However, the strategic importance of Jaisalmer was revealed during the 1965 and 1971 wars between India and Pakistan. Today, these veritable arts - museums are still inhabited, and their colourful celebrations and festivals have placed Jaisalmer Fort firmly on the world tourism map.
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Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Two architect brothers took charge of the construction of this magnificent piece of architecture in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomizing the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolize the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli. Its facade is a riot of ornamentation: flowers, birds, elephants, soldiers, a bicycle and even a steam engine.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

This haveli was built about 300 years ago by the scheming Prime Minister Salim Singh in 1815 and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and it is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down.

Patwon-Ji-Ki-Haveli of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

The Thar Desert that you envisage prior to the tour to Jaisalmer will nevertheless be an overwhelming experience but nothing will prepare you of the magnificent Havelis of Jaisalmer in the arid deserts cape, ornamented and colorfully frescoed. The gorgeous mansions of Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis'. Their elaborate homes are etched out in sandstone with infinite details and pains, carved and pieced together in different patterns. There is a perfect harmony that characterizes them and they are a treat for the eyes of the beholder.The splendid mansions of sandstone built by the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are excellent examples of Rajasthani architecture. The extensive designs, frescoes and murals used to decorate the havelis would appear loud to many finer tastes but in the arid desert where the no greenery softens the cityscape, merchants imbibed color and ornamentation in their life by indulging in building mansions for themselves with intricate and lavish patterns.

Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India is foremost among the places of tourist interest in Jaisalmer. A major among the tourist attractions in Jaipur, the haveli is a specimen of regal Rajputana sculpture. This finest of the havelis in Jaisalmer is sure to present before you a sheer enthralling world of stone chiseled in to most captivating designs, on your visit to Jaisalmer. This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. Nevertheless, even after these encroachments and abuse you can find a good amount of paintings and mirror-works on the wall. The other important aspects are its gateways and arches. You will notice individual depictions and theme on each and every arch. Although the whole building is made yellow sandstone, the main gateway of the Patwon Ji ki Haveli is in brown color.

Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India is a cluster of five havelis in Jaisalmer. The members of one family built this place of tourist interest in Jaisalmer in different periods of time. Though the time spans of the five wings differ from each other, the wings are astonishingly in perfect symmetry with each other. Originally built by Guman Chand, it is the most brazen and largest of the havelis in Jaisalmer.

Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India is now a heritage hotel. On your visit to Jaisalmer, it reminds one of the memories of large corridors, marvelously sculpted pillars and vibrantly adorned walls once witnessing an incomparably sumptuous lifestyle. The specious suites are covered with arty murals.
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Tazia Tower of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India
 
The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendour, with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted it to their royal patron.

Lakes and Parks of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Desert National Park of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

The Thar Desert, which is known as the 'ocean of sands', covers a large portion of western Rajasthan. It's a wrong notion of people that the deserts can't support a varied flora and fauna. The fragile ecosystem of the Thar supports a unique and varied wildlife species. In this vast ocean of sands lies the famous Desert National Park, which provides an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and its diverse wildlife.

The Desert National Park is located 45 km west of the Jaisalmer city in the west Indian state of Rajasthan close to the India- Pakistan border. Spread over an area in excess of 3150 sq km, this is probably the largest park of India. Rajasthan Desert National Sanctuary was set up in 1980. The desert sanctuary being a fragile ecosystem has its own flora and fauna. Sand-dunes, both fixed and shifting, low rock-faces, grasslands and scrublands, characterize this park where the greatest need is for water. The topography of the park comprises of craggy rocks, compact salt lake bottoms and vast sand dunes, which form about 20% of the Park. There are three main lakes in this sanctuary - Rajbaugh Lake, Milak Talao Lake and Padam Talao Lake. These lakes are the major watering holes for the inhabitants of the national park. As the desert only supports a few type of small grasses, shrubs and xerophytic trees, the leaf cover is limited and not suitable for large herbivorous, camel being an exception. Vast tracts are encrusted with sewan grass, and the aak shrub and khair, khejra and rohira trees are widespread, but sand dominates every scene. Even so, many creatures have adapted to this harsh, inhospitable terrain.

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Akal Wood Fossil Park of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

17 km from Jaisalmer, Akal Wood Fossil Park that houses fossils, which are 180 million years old! Considered to be geological landmarks, these fossils recreate the world of Jurassic period before us when the entire Thar Desert lay under the sea, just as indicated by a legend in Ramayana (the great epic of Hindu religion). Sea shells and massive fossilized tree trunks in this park record the geological history of the desert. The whole area is now preserved for posterity as a natural wonder. 

The park sprawls over the area of 10 sq km and boasts of 25 petrified trunks, the largest being 13 m long. It is believed that the area was once covered with thick forests of non-flowering trees, mainly comprising of Chir and Deodar. It is believed that the sea retreated about 36 million years ago and left behind a fossiled forest in this area and the wood fossils of the place, has given ample evidence to the geologists to believe that a possibly hot and humid climate existed in the region 180 million years ago as well as the area has been under the sea on four different occasions.

The area of wood fossil Park, Akal is 21 hectare. It is 15 kilometer form Jaisalmer on the Jaisalmer Barmer road in Rajasthan. The fossilized wood logs are lying prostrate in random orientation. 25 wood logs are visible on the surface of which 10 are well exposed. The largest exposed log is 7 m. in length and 1.5m.in width. There are more wood fossils lying deep under the surface. Evidence of similar fossils is surfacing in many other areas in Jaisalmer region.

Wood fossils of Akal are an example where the process of petrification took precedence over disintegration of organic matter and fossilized the wood. The fossilization took place about 180 million years ago, and the whole forest composed of huge trees was petrified. In that geological era there were only non flowering trees. Therefore the wood fossils are considered to represent gymnosperms like Chir, Deodar or Red wood of lower Jurassic age.

The presence of gigantic trees suggests that the land that is desert today had a different hot and humid climate which supported a luxuriant forest. These tree trunks were buried in sediments in a horizontal form and petrified. Subsequent geological activities caused shifting and upheaval of the sandy basin bringing these fossils to the surface. These now stand exposed in the present form due to weathering by wind and erosion by water. There are large numbers of petrified logs and innumerable pieces of woods scattered on the surface in the area and evidence of fruits have also been discovered.

Just 17 kms from Jaisalmer and a kilometre away from the Barmer Road are fossilised remains of 180 million-year-old forests. These are beautiful forest vistas and any forester around can show you. There is a ticket to visit the Park for foreigners Rs 20 and locals Rs 5 plus Rs 10 for vehicle.
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Gadsisar Lake of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Gadsisar Lake (Godi Sagar) is a rain Water Lake built by Maharawal Gadsi in 14th century, which was the main source of water for entire town, and befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this arid city, it is surrounded by small temples and shrines. The beautiful yellow sandstone gateway arching across the road down to the tank is the Tilon-ki-Pol, and is said to have been built by a famous prostitute, Tilon. When she offered to pay to have this gateway constructed, the Maharaja refused permission under it to go down to the tank and he felt that this would be beneath his dignity. While he was away, she built the gate, adding a Krishna temple on top so that king could not tear it down.

Excursions near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Sam Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Sam Sand Dunes, 42 away km from Jaisalmer, is the most popular excursion to see the total sandy bush less desert. It has a truly glorious stretch of sweeping sand dunes. Sam dunes are also the most picturesque spot around Jaisalmer, and perhaps the whole of western Rajasthan. Sitting there in the evening with the sun setting, listening to the ballads of the legendary lovers Moomal and Mahendra (see Moomal Ki Meri for details) on the jew’s harp or the narh (a traditional musical instrument), you might feel that time has come to a grinding halt. The silken smooth sands of Sam look like a tale out of the Merchant of Venice and camel safaris are much in vogue here. An overnight trip to the area is a must if you really want to enjoy all the sights and sounds, the ruins and the temples. Sleeping out in the open, stretched out on the sands while facing the twinkling sky is an out of the world experience. Many a tourist has fallen in love with the haunting beauty of the dunes – there is a definite aura of romance about it.

It is best to be here at sunrise or sunset, and many camel safaris spend a night at the dunes. The best way to see this and other sights around Jaisalmer is to take a came safari. The standard trip lasts for 4 days and three nights, and offers the opportunity to explore the area in authentic and leisurely fashion, with entertainment by folk performers, visits to villages, and chatter from colourful guides thrown in. However you can also day trip and go by car. Hordes of tourist arrive just before sun set. Camels can be hired easily and you may be able to get your favourite picture with a lone camel on a desert track and the setting sun in the backdrop. Despite the tourist throng the place has not lost it magic. The desert festival held sometimes in February each year is a big draw and it is full of fun, colour and laughter, cultural events and competitions.

Khuri Village and Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

The thar desert second biggest desert in the world is spread from Sriganganagar to Barmer belt of about 1000 Kms and Jaisalmer lies in between. Khuri Village of Rajasthan came into picture about 5 years ago and lies approximately 40 Kms South West of Jaisalmer. It is surrounded by Desert Hills. It is becoming a popular destination to those who are in search of traditional village life and wish to spend a night in thatched Huts. It is a delight fully peaceful place with mud and straw decorated houses.

At Khuri Village, you will have a perfect opportunity to experience the romance of desert in the most fascinating way. Experience the hospitality that is so much associated with Rajasthan. The warmth of the people is sure to make you feel at home away from home. It will be the most unique and personal way to experience the cultural tours of Rajasthan.

The village carries a unique charm that makes it distinct from the other tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Narrow streets of the villages lined with shops selling local handcrafted items and food is a site to behold. Your stay at Khuri village is sure to be an enriching experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Just pack your bags and get ready to have an experience of a lifetime.

1Km.Away from village, patches of sand dunes is additional attractions for the tourists. Some resorts in village offer came ride, music-dance and dinner package to the tourists. There are regular Vilages buses run from jaisalmer to khuri villages. People & village life can be seen on the way to khuri in various villages.

Pokran near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

It is located on the junction of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner Road. It is on route to Jaisalmer and is also a fort town though the fort is not of the dimensions of Jaisalmer or Jodhpur. Pokran also came into limelight, as it was the site for India nuclear detonation. Pokran is also renowned for its furniture and interior crafts. The Fort locate about 1.5 kms from the bus stand has an assortment of weaponry, brocade clothes and various games of dice and dominoes on display. Fort Pokran also offers hotel accommodation with some washed out appeal.

Barmer near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Barmer is a desert town just 153 kms from Jaisalmer and 224km from Jodhpur on the Luni-Munabao section of the Northern Railways. Located atop a hill as so many of the cities of western Rajasthan are, it houses the remains of an old fort called Garh right on its peak. The name Barmer is derived from the ruler Bahada Rao or Bar Rao who is said to have founded the town in the 13th century. Initially called ‘Bahada-mer’, it was later shortened to Barmer. To the immediate west of the city lie the remains of Juna or Juna Barmer and to the south are the ruins of three Jain temples. There is an inscription dated 1295AD on one of the pillars of the hall of the largest temple at Juna. This mentions a Maharajakula Sri Samanta Sinha Deva ruling Barmer at the time. Being a barren wasteland, the people of Barmer have learnt the hard way that they needed to develop exceptional skills in order to survive. Thriving in this nothingness lies the town of Barmer in Rajastan state, famous for its only asset – the dexterous and creative human skill, to create art, where none was. This place is primarily famous for its woodcarving, furniture and interiors, carpets, block printing and embroideries. The centre for embroidery is the Sadar Bazaar and woodcarvings are around the Station Road.

The Thar Desert of Rajastan is nothing if not known for its soulful melodies and dance. Like virtually all other districts in the region, Barmer is known for its folk music and dance. Like in Bikaner, the Bhopas (priest singers) are found in Barmer, who compose music in honour of the deities of the region and its war heroes. The other folk musicians come from a community called the Muslim Dholis (drummers) for most of whom this is the only means of livelihood. They sing mainly at festivals and other social occasions to the accompaniment of the Kamayacha (a stringed instrument played with a bow). The other musical instrument popular in Barmer is the algoza (two flutes played together).

There are several major festivals held in Barmer, the most famous of which is cattle fair held every year at Tilwara village situated on the banks of the Luni River. The fair goes on for a fortnight in the months of March April. The other major festival is the Barmer Thar Festival of Rajastan, which was a creation of the tourist office, started as a practice to enhance the tourism potential of this town. This festival too is held in early March every year. A major yearly religious fair is held at Khed on every Poornima (full moon) at the Ranchor Rai Mandir there. Another fair is held at a village called Nagar Meva which is about 8km from the town of Balotara. There is a Jain temple there dedicated to the Jain prophet Parasvanath, and the fair is held every year on Posh Badi (Dec-Jan) to celebrate his birth. Just 35 kms form Barmer is a group of five temples in architectural style known as Solanki. These temples feature some very fine sculpture and the Someshwara Temple with a multi tier spire is the most impressive. Since it is very close to the sensitive Pakistan border, foreigners visiting it must obtain prior permission form the District Collector.

Bada Bag near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Situated 6 kms north of Jaisalmer on way to Ramgarh is the Bada Bag. Royal cenotaphs with carved images of past Maharawals & their families are the highlights of the Bada Bagh. Each chhatris preserve inscribed tablet recording the death of Maharawals in which the memorials are raised. The chhatris have been built on a set-pattern but in different sizes. The beautiful spot jait bundh (Dame) & Lake after Maharawal Jait Singh was constructed in 1513 AD. Attached to bundh (Dame), on other side is garden of mangoes and other fruits.

Baisakhi near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Baisakhi, located only 16km from Jaisalmer, is a Tirth (religious palace) for Hindus, attracting a number of devotees on full Monday of Baisakh every year for holy dip. A temple dedicated to Lord shiva is originally of early pratihar period and seems to be restored in 16th Century.

Ram-Kunda near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Ram Kunda, a temple 11 km from Jaisalmer and 1 Km. off the ramgarh route, is a shrine dedicated to God Rama & Krishna, constructed during the reign of Maharawal Amar Singh in 17th Century.

Luderwa near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

16 km northwest of Jaisalmer, Luderwa is the ancient capital of Jaisalmer now a silent city, the only witness to its former splendour are the jain temple, toran (ornate arche) & artificial divine tree (Kalptaroo) are the main attraction here. Ruins of the deserted capital still remind the famous love legend of Moomal-Mahendra.

Amar-Sagar near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

6 km from Jaisalmer and on way to Luderwa the natural spot developed by Maharawal Amar Singh is a water reservoir. The dams were constructed to hold rainwater in 1688 AD. Several terraces are formed where summer palaces and temples are constructed and gardens developed. On the south of the lake stands the exquisitely carved Jain temple constructed by Himmat Ram Bafna, the descendant of famous patwas.

Mool-Sagar near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Mool Sagar, 8 km from Jaisalmer on way to Sam Sand Dunes, is an another natural point. Mool Sagar consists of lake, Garden and summer palaces constructed by Maharawal Mool Raj in 18th Century. The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara-Rishabdev, Sambhavnath and Parswanath.

Kuldhara & Khabha near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

The total number of 84 villages were abandoned by Paliwal Brahmins overnight, out of that two most prominent villages are Kuldhara & Khabha located about 18 to 30 km south West of Jaisalmer and Kuldhara  is another 5 km on the same road. The ruins of Kuldhara & Khabha exhibit the architectural, excellence of those times, which was buried under dunes till recently.

Camel Safaries near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India

Deserts have since long exerted an irresistible charm on the psyche of the humans, the landscape inspiring different emotions in different people. And what better way to explore this magical realm than on a camel back, for a camel safari is one of the most adventurous of experiences, and indeed a novel way to 'discover' the desert.

Camel safaris trace their origins to the time of trade between India and China, when camel caravans would journey along established trade routes laden with spices and herbs and jewels. They provide an opportunity to get a glimpse of traditional Indian life in the desert, with all the hardships, the beauty and the desolation.

The accommodation on the way consists of primitive thatched mud huts, and the way of life-though hospitable-is entirely ethnic.

Camel safaris generally cover the area around Jaisalmer, Bikaner or Jodhpur, popularly known as the desert circuit. The duration can vary between one day and two weeks. Big towns are not usually on the route though there is no definite route that you have to adopt.

Route navigation in the desert is an acquired art, and caravans must be manned by riders who not only know how to study the stars, but also recognise the shifting sands of the terrain.

A camel safari is exciting, but is not exactly a relaxing vacation. Unless you are accustomed to horse-riding, a day-long camel ride will be tiring. Even if you are accustomed to horse-riding, since the gait of the camel is quite different, it may take some time to get used to it.

Keeping in your seat as the camel raises or lowers itself to the ground, can appear at first to be a losing battle. However, whether tiring or relaxing, a camel safari is bound to be a unique experience.

Traverse the lonely stretches of the Thar Desert, like the travellers of old ... on a camel. In fact, the most magical way to explore the sands of Rajasthan, especially the unending sand dunes of Jaisalmer and Bikaner, is on camel back.

Camp under the stars, listen to the haunting strains of folk music echoing across the sand dunes, stay at any of the many heritage resorts run by erstwhile royalty, marvel at the remote forts and palaces, or enjoy the gentle hospitality of villagers at an oasis ... India's camel safaris take you back in time to a more leisurely age, and make for a memorable experience.

One of the most popular deserts in India, the Thar region was once ruled by the Rapjuts. These strong and powerful rulers built magnificent fortress palaces, of which the ruins are still visited. The Thar is best experienced by camel safaris. These leave from Khuri village. There are also, day treks that leave in the morning and return at night, as well as overnight trips. All travelers and tourists are required to make this journey along with an experienced guide.