Attractions
Bada Bagh Jaisalmer
Bada Bagh might surprise you with its greenery in the arid desert landscape of Jaisalmer. This was in fact the very idea when it was built back in the 16th century – to build a beautiful green oasis in the desert region. Originally, there were only a dam and a water reservoir, but successive rulers started to build memorials and chhatris in the memory of erstwhile rulers of this region.
Mandir Palace
Mandir Palace, located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is an exquisite architectural marvel that once served as the residence of the city's rulers. Constructed over a period of more than two centuries, this palace is a fine example of ornate Rajput architecture. It features intricately carved balconies, canopies, and screen windows, all made from the region's characteristic yellow sandstone.
Patwaon Ki Haveli
In the city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan a classical architectural marvel stands, known as the Patwon ki Haveli. Situated near the Patwa valley, this haveli comprises of 5 different palaces, and is also known as the house of the brocade merchants, because it was built by a wealthy brocade merchant and jeweler. The 5 mansions are meant for 5 Patwa brothers. At present, there is one haveli where guests are put up.
Godisar Lake
The Gadsisar Lake is one of the most famous tourist places in Jaisalmer which was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer. In the later years, Maharaja Garisisar Singh rebuilt and revamped the lake. This historic lake is located towards the south of Jaisalmer city and the entrance to the lake is through Tilon-Ki-Pol, a magnificent and artistically carved yellow sandstone archway.
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
Nathmalji ki Haveli was constructed by Maharawal Berisal in 1885 CE, to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. The chief architects of this haveli were two brothers, named Hathi and Lulu. There is a very interesting story regarding its construction. It is believed that both the brothers started building the facets of the haveli simultaneously.
Jaisalmer Fort
Also known as Sonar Quilla or Sone ka Quilla (golden fort) Jaisalmer fort stands high showcasing its beauty and elegance as it is one of the world’s largest forts located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Sonar Quila is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. Its extensive yellow sandstone walls are bright yellow during the day and fade to honey-gold as the sun sets and due to this, it is also called the Golden fort.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Salim Ji ki Haveli is located at the heart of the Jaisalmer city, near the Jaisalmer railway station. This 300 years old Haveli is named after its owner Salim Singh Mahto and was built on the remains of an older haveli, built in the late 17th century. Salim Singh Mahto was the then prime minister of the princely state with Jaisalmer as its capital.
Jaisalmer Government Musium
The Jaisalmer Government Museum, established by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Rajasthan, is located in Jaisalmer, India. This museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts that reflect the cultural heritage and history of the region. Among its notable exhibits are ancient marine fossils, traditional household items, weaponry, and sculptures dating back to the 12th century.
Jaisalmer Jain Temples
The Jain Temples located inside the Jaisalmer Fort date back to the 12th and 15th centuries. The temples are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdevji, famous Jain hermits known as ‘Tirthankars’ (wise teachers who taught people how to attain nirvana). Like all other structures in Jaisalmer, the temples are carved out of yellow sandstone. They have been built in the famed Dilwara style which is known for its beautiful architecture.
Laungewala War Memorial
The Longewala War Memorial, located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, commemorates the Battle of Longewala, a significant conflict during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. This memorial honors the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who successfully defended their post against a much larger Pakistani force. The site features displays of military equipment, including tanks and artillery used in the battle, as well as informative panels and a documentary detailing the events of the conflict.
Kudhara
The underlying history of Kuldhara has piqued the curiosity of one visitor too many, and makes it one of the most enigmatic destinations to visit in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The story has a beautiful daughter, an unscrupulous minister, scared villagers, an exodus in the middle of the night, and no idea where the villagers vanished. This is not the story of a movie, but the unfathomable legend that lies behind the abandoned village of Kuldhara. Located about 18 km from the city of Jaisalmer is this old town that was abandoned by its villagers in the 1800s.
Desert National Park
One of the best spots to explore the Thar desert ecosystem and wildlife, the Desert National Park is an amalgamation of rolling sand dunes, jagged rocks and dense salt lakes. Situated between the districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer, the protected area is amongst the largest in the country with a total area close to about 3,162 sq km. Lying in the midst of the remote Thar desert, Desert National Park provides a haven to thriving populations of black bucks, chinkaras and desert foxes that can be seen here.
Tanot Mata Temple
The Tanot Mata Temple situated in the Tanot village of district Jaisalmer, is a major attraction for those visiting the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. It is enveloped within numerous legends that are sure to instil awe and curiosity towards its sacred power and purity. The heritage site is preserved and maintained by the Border Security Force (BSF) of India since the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971. Localities have immense faith on the temple’s austerity and pay regular visit to the Tanot Mata.
Ramdevra Temple
Ramdevra is a Village located about 12 km to the north of Pokhran in Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan in India. Ramdev Pir or Baba Ramdev is a Hindu Deity of Rajasthan, India. He was ruling during the 14th century and said to have miraculous Power, who devoted his life to the betterment of the poor people. Lord Ramdev Pir was the son of the king Ajmal. First, the King was not having any child. So the King Ajmal went to Lord Krishna at Dwarka, where he pleased for the son like him. So the king was blessed with the two Sons one Viramdev and younger Ramdev.
Jaisalmer War Musium
This exhibit is primarily to pay respect to all the soldiers who took part and lost their lives in the 1965 India-Pakistan war and the 1971 Longewala battle. A visit to this museum lets you see a number of captured tanks and other memorabilia from the battle, instilling a sense of immense pride in your country and its soldiers. The museum also features an audio-visual room where they screen movies about the battle. You can also see an interview with Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri who was a crucial part of the Longewala battle.