Nicknamed as “The Golden City”, Jaisalmer is a beautiful town in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer represents the rich Indian heritage and culture in its best form. The city stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone and is a hub of magnificent palaces and temples. Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the great Thar Desert (close to Indo-Pak border) and was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput Chief. Bhatti moved his capital from Lodhurva to Jaisalmer after a Brahmin hermit told him that Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers, had come here and forecasted that a ruler would one day build a grand fort along the crest known as Trikuta or Triple Peaked Hill.

The fort was thence constructed at the Trikuta Hill and it came to be known as the Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort and most popularly, the Jaisalmer Fort. Today, this fort that houses several splendid palaces and the wonderful Jaina temple is one of the most hit tourist destinations of Jaiselmer. Other notable attractions are the magnificent havelies or palaces at Jaislamer such as the Salim-Singh ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli and Nathmalji ki Haveli etc. These havelies were once the abode of some wealthy Indian merchants and are now a great source of revenue for the Rajasthan tourism.

Another famous joint in Jaiselmer is the Gadsisar Sagar Lake. The lake is a ideal picnic spot that provides you the opportunity to view hundreds of migratory birds during the winter season. You can also see the breathtakingly beautiful lush green garden- Bara Bagh which is an oasis in the desert. Not to forget is the Tazia Tower, a worth visiting place in the sandy city. This five storey tower rises from the Palace of Clouds (Badal Mahal ) and is well known for its brilliantly engraved galleries on each storey. To complete your sight seeing, there are the world class museums such as the Desert Culture Center & Museum, the Jaisalmer Folklore Museum and the Government Museum of Jaisalmer.

If you want to enjoy in this mesmerizing desert city, there isn’t mush to do because reaching Jaisalmer is simple. You can choose any from the road, rail or air means of transport according to the distance and your pocket. Jaisalmer has its own airport which is managed by the Indian Air Force. It is also connected to many major cities of India like Agra, Jaipur, New Delhi and Mumbai through rail. And there is a good network of roads too to take you safe and sound to this Golden City.

Once you are in Jaisalmer, getting around is not a problem. You can hire a cab and a guide to roam around and enjoy all the major pulls of the city. A good time to visit this sandy city is in the months of January and February when there is a three days long festival held here. The festival is ideal to watch the folk dances and performing arts like Kalbelia dances.