Rajasthan · Destination Guide
Jaisalmer
The Golden City
Explore other destinations
Overview
The Golden City
Jaisalmer also called the 'Golden City' is located in the heart of the Thar Desert. The town was founded by Rawal Jaisingh in 1156 A.D. in the 17th century, business and commerce flourished in Jaisalmer. From India the goods were sent to Middle East via Jaisalmer and articles from various countries used to reach Jaisalmer. But slowly the business transaction dwindled up and prosperity of Jaisalmer also reduced. Jaisalmer's remote location has kept it almost untouched by outside influences. Once the capital of Bhati Rajputs, Jaisalmer is India's most exotic and unusual towns and worth visiting. The town is dotted with forts, palaces and temples all exquisitely carved from golden yellow sandstone. At the dawn and dusk Jaisalmer looks golden that's why it is called the golden town. The magnificent wood and stone-carved forts and havelis display the love and aesthetic sense of the Rajputs towards the fine arts. Mina work of Jaisalmer is unique, which can be seen in beautifully decorated houses, rooms and balconies of the town.
The Fort
The golden fort can be seen miles away before reacting the city .The fort stands 30 metres over the city houses an entering area within its huge ramparts. It is approached through four gates. Inside the fort are many beautiful Havelies and a group of Jain Temples dating from 12th to 15th centuries.
Manak Chowk and Havelis
The main market ‘Manak Chowk’ is out side the fort which is the centre of local activity. From Manak Chowk walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelies are to be found.
Nathmalji-ki-Havelies
Carved by two brothers in the 19th century, the intricate architecture in stone is the epitome of skill and beauty. Paintings in the miniature style adorn the interior walls.
Salim Singh-Ki-Havelies
Distinctive for its blue cupola roof, this extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered entirely with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony adoring the top storey.
Jain Temples
Within the fort complex there are many Jain Temples, dedicated to Rishabdev, they are the Sambhavnath and Parswanath the Jain thirthankars.
More to See
Further into Jaisalmer
Plan Your Visit
Jaisalmer fits naturally into a longer route
Tell us how many days you have and we'll build Jaisalmer into an itinerary alongside the destinations around it.
