Places of interests in Jaisalmer

It looks like a army frozen in its tracks, standing petrified in the forest of Aakal, in a bare hillside of mica, and red and yellow stone. It is a fossil park where 180 millions years ago stood a forest. The fossil trunks lie scattered in this part.

Only 3-km or so north of Jaisalmer, Bada Bagh is a fertile oasis, with a huge old dam on the banks of an artificial lake. The enchantingly scenic backdrop of a dainty lake and the dam in the middle of the plateau, add to the beauty of the place.

Located 45 kms to east of Jaisalmer is a traditional village with clusters of thatch roof houses, people still living in their traditional attire, bordering the village are high rolling sand dunes for miles together. Camel ride or camel safari on these dunes is an unforgettable life time experience.

For anyone interested in seeing the culture of Jaisalmer on display through the ages, the Lok Sanskritik Sangrahalaya or the Museum of Folk Culture situated on the bank of Gadsisar Lake in Mehar Bagh Garden is a must.

The rainwater fed reservoir, was built in 1156 AD and rebuilt in 1367AD by Maharwal Garsisingh. Until 1965, it remained the city’s only water supply. It is adorned with an arched gateway, which is believed to have been built by a courtesan. The Tilon ki Pol, the palatial archway at the water’s edge, was built by a local prostitute. The dismayed king tried to severe it down, but not the one to stay behind, Tilon constructed a tiny temple along the lake, dedicated to Lord Satyanarayan (Krishna, as truth) and ensured the building’s survival. Along the lakeshore and on the islands, is a plethora of little temples and cenotaphs. Arrayed all around the tank, are many small shrines and temples. An extraordinary plumage of birds can be seen here.

The Government Museum in Jaisalmer is situated on Police Line Road near Moomal Hotel. It was opened in 1984. The large collection of wood and marine fossils in the museum gives an insight into the geological past of the area.

This group of fine Jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th century within the Jaisalmer Fort. They are beautifully carved and dedicated to Rishabdevji and Sambhavnathji. The Gyan Bhandar, a library containing some extremely old manuscripts, is within the temple complex.

Jaisalmer fort was built in 1156 and is the second oldest in Rajasthan. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high, it has 99 bastion, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. The fort is also known as the Golden Fort, for its amber hue, attracting a large section of tourists from all around. Almost one fourth of present Jaisalmer lies inside the complex of this massive fort. The fort nestles over Trikuta Hill and is guarded by number of gorgeous havelis, beautifully carved Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century AD and 5 royal palaces. The Havelis or mansions built by the wealthy merchants in the 19th century within the complex are famed for their exquisitely carved sandstone facades. The fort also has 4 gateways - Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.

Located 11 kms off the Jaisalmer Road, Kailana Lake is a picturesque lake. One can witness the spectacular sunsets and cherish the beauty of the place.

The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desert escape from its 80 meter high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted lanes doted with some lovely havelis, three beautiful sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol Suraj pol and hava Pol. Manak Chowk and Havelis : A main market place outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes doted with famous havelis.

Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak Chowk, which is the centre of local activity. From Manak Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelis are to be found. Each haveli's facade differs from other. Built mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries, the carving in the havelis of Jaisalmer is of a very superior quality.

Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.

Sam, easily accessible from Jaisalmer displays an outstanding desert life. It is a great place to see patterns carved out by winds on the sand. Camel rides on the sand dunes are an unforgettable experience as is the sunset.

Any trip to Jaisalmer is indeed, incomplete, without a trip to the most panoramic dunes of Sam where the wind is unceasingly carving out scenic patterns, on the sand! Situated 42 kms from Jaisalmer, the sun-soaked Sam Sand Dunes bring to light a glided mirage. Truly the essence of the desert, the ripples of the wind-caressed dunes create an enchanting mirage.

Visiting Dhanis inhabited by Rajputs, Muslims, Paliwals etc. See their colorful life style, village folk herding goats sheeps & women carrying water in earthen pots brackish & sweet water from wells and see natures miracles of sand change from grey to pink, from pink to yellow.

See Great Indian Bustard, Hawks, Eagles, Falcons, Monitor, Lizard, Desert Cat, Wolf, Hyenas, Black Buck, Chinkaras, Lots of migratory birds, Imperial Sand grouse, Lesser Bustard Ducks Etc

Wood Fossil Park at Aakal, is 17-kms from the city of Jaisalmer. Lying on the Barmer Road, this park transports you back to the Jurassic period, when the whole Thar region lay under the sea. The park with 180 million-year-old fossils that are the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert is any geology enthusiast?s delight.