Jaisalmer Attractions

The main tourist attractions in Jaisalmer are the Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon-ki-Haveli, Gadsisar Lake, fine Jain Temples, Ludurva, royal cenotaphs at Bada Bagh and Aakal, Wood Fossil Park and Desert National Park.

in Jaisalmer which stands in a narrow lane. This five-storeyed building is extensively carved and is known for its jharokhas (balconies). In the early 19th century, the family of Ghuman Chand Patwa, an extremely rich patwa (trader of brocades and expensive embroidery) began construction of this haveli. The construction of this haveli was undertaken by two architect brothers. This construction took about half a century. While one brother concentrated on the construction in the right side of the haveli, while the other concentrated on construction in the left side of the haveli. As such this haveli is constructed in a symmetrical manner. Patwon ki Haveli is divided into six apartments out of which two are owned by Archaeological Survey of India, two are owned by families who operate craft shops and two are the private homes. There are remnants of miniature paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand as guards to the haveli.

Ludurva
Ludurva is an important tourist site which is located about 16 km north west of Jaisalmer. Ludurva was the capital of the Bhati Rajputs before Rawal Jaisal founded Jaisalmer in 1155 AD. Ludurva was a flourishing town in the 10th and 11th AD. It was a centre of art and architecture. The exquisite carvings and other remains of the ancient monuments provide a glimpse of Ludurva's glorious past. The Ludurwa Temple is a pilgrimage center of the Jains. The high ornate arch at the temple entrance with splendid carvings and the divine tree "Kalpataru" are the major attractions of this temple. This temple attracts pilgrims and devotees for all over the world.

Wood Fossil Park
Wood Fossil Park or Aakal is situated about 17 km away from the city. In this place you can discover the geologic cataclysms that have taken place in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago.

Desert National Park
The Desert National Park is located in the vast tracts of desert sands around Jaisalmer. The Desert National Park was established in 1980 in Jaisalmer and covers an area of 3162 square km. The vegetation in the park comprises of very few grasses, shrubs, and some indigenous trees on the rolling landscape of sand dunes. The Desert National Park is associated with the endangered great Indian bustard. This bird lives in small flocks and has strong legs which are meant for walking and feeds on everything from cereals and berries to grasshoppers, locusts and snakes. Other birds which are found in this park are sandgrouse, gray partridge, quails, peafowl, bee-eaters, shrikes, orioles, drongos, warblers and babblers. Houbara, the lesser bustard and the desert courser which breeds in the Thar on its migratory journey through the desert can also seen in this park. Thousands of bustards, falcons and eagles migrate here during the winter. This park supports a unique variety of wildlife species and reptiles like the desert hare, hedgehog, Indian wolf, desert cat, fox, spiny tailed lizard, sandfish, chameleons, and snakes that include the deadly saw-scaled viper and Sind krait. The best time to visit this park is during September to March.

fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at the sunset. The fort is two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall which is 30 feet high. The fort has 99 bastion, out of which 92 bastions were built between 1633 and 1647. The fort stands almost 30 metres over the city and about one fourth of the population of Jaisalmer lives within the huge ramparts of the fort. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. The five storey fort adorns itself with balconies and windows that displays some of the finest masonry work, while the interior is painted and tiled in typical Rajput style. The bastions envelops a whole township that consist of palace complex, the havelis of rich merchants, several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and merchants. 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 merchants inspired by the classic style of the royals, constructed huge mansions or havelis. These merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who worked delicately on the sandstone mansions. They filled up facades with sculptural figures, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. The main attractions within the fort are a group of beautifully carved Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th century.

were wrinkled, create a mystical picture. The best time to visit these sand dunes is during sunrise or sunset. By visiting the Sam Sand Dunes one can get an insight into real desert life.

The best way to experience the brilliant sunrise and sunset is by having a Camel Safari. Exciting desert camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back. Camel rides on the sand dunes are a thrilling experience, as is the brilliant sunset. The culture, the people, their way of life, and the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding desert landscape complement the adventurous spirit.

This place has still not lost it magic as the desert festival is held in the month of February each year. This festival is full of fun, color, laughter and cultural events and competitions. Various cultural programmes are organised every day against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes. Any trip to Jaisalmer is indeed incomplete, without a trip to the most panoramic Sam Sand dunes.

Museums in Jaisalmer

Folklore Museum
Folklore museum is divided into six sections and has a rich collection of paintings, photographs, costumes, hair styles and jewellery, utility articles of rural life, camel and horse decorations, fossils, ornamental arches, as well as articles connected with folk and cultural lifestyles.

Government Museum
The Government museum in Jaisalmer was opened in 1974. It houses a large collection of wood and marine fossils and gives an insight into the geological past of the area. The sculptures from the ancient townships of Karamu and Lour dating back to the 12th century pulsate with youth and grace and depict the skill of the time.