Jaisalmer!

The Jaisalmer Fort
The golden - hued Jaisalmer Fort 'Sonar Kila' is located on the top of the Trikuta Hill and it is visible from a distance of about 15 kilometers from Jaisalmer. From a distance, the Jaisalmer fort seemed to be rising from the heart of the Thar Desert. The ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at sunset. Clothes, quilt and puppet shops dot the stone path to the courtyard. Atop the fort, stand two cannons, least intimidating. The view of the entire toy-like golden town was enchanting.

Amer (Jaipur) Manak Chowk and Havelis
A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous 'havelis'.

Patwon Ki Haveli
The Patwon ki haveli is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, having ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars. The delicately chiselled balconies and extensive corridors and chambers of this haveli also present an impressive sight.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Located at the eastern end of the city, the Salim Singh ki Haveli is an interesting site to visit in Jaisalmer. Built around 300 year ago, this haveli belonged to Salim Singh, the Prime Minister to then Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh. The Salim Singh ki Haveli is characterised by yellow stone that is covered with intricate carvings, elaborate balcony and beautiful blue cupola roof.

Nathmal Ki Haveli
Nathmal-ki-Haveli is the third of its kind supposedly built in AD 1885. Characterised by intricate architecture and craftsmanship, it belonged to later-day prime minister Nathmal, who gifted it to the Rawal. The haveli has two wings left and right, which were carved by two brothers with splendid miniature paintings. The jharokhas are the speciality of the haveli as they seem to emerge from a book of poetry because of the fine stone carvings.

Gadsisar Sagar Tank
A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings. The sight of countless birds flocking over the water is enchanting here.

Jain Temples
Within the palace there were three exquisitely carved Jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras- Rishabhdev, Sambhavnath and Parshwamnath. There was also a library with a huge collection of some extremely old manuscripts.

Gyan Bhandar or Library
Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of Jain temples.

The Desert Culture Centre and Museum
The Desert Culture Centre and Museum is another important place to visit in Jaisalmer. One can see a good collection of historical as well as contemporary objects of interest here giving a clear insight into past and present of the place. The museum has a good collection of old coins, different kinds of textiles, traditional Rajasthani instruments and some fossils discovered in the desert.

Jaisalmer Folklore Museum
Situated on the bank of Gadsisar lake in Mehar Bagh garden, this museum was established in 1984 by N.K.Sharma, a local connoisseur. The museum divided into six sections and has a rich collection of paintings, photographs, costumes, hairstyles and jewellry, utility articles of rural life, camel and horse decorations, fossils, ornamental arches, as well as articles connected with folk and cultural lifestyles.

Jaisalmer - Government Museum
The Govt. museum in Jaisalmer was opened in 1984 and is situated on Police Line Road near Moomal Hotel. It houses a large collection of wood and marine fossils and gives an insight into the geological past of the area. Sculptures from the ancient townships of Kiradu and Lodurva dating back to the 12th century pulsate with youth and grace and depict the skill of the time.