Visitor's note about Jaisalmer
Exotic, remote and extremely beautiful, Jaisalmer is a place with a distinct charm. With its imposing fort and a barren landscape, it's a picture perfect place. I came here expecting it to be a tranquil place with a medieval charm and it turned out just the same. The sight of setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a golden brown city was the memorable experience.



Factfile
Location: Rajasthan
Best time to visit: November-March
Must visit attraction: The Fort
Excursion: Akal, Barmer, Lodurva

A word about Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer was a major trading center in the medieval times. Here a commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendor, dominating this amber-hued city. The enchanting desert fortress still carries an unmistakable medieval charm and that makes it a place worth visiting.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN JAISALMER

The Jaisalmer Fort
From a distance, the Jaisalmer fort seemed to be rising from the heart of the Thar Desert. Clothes, quilt and puppet shops dot the stone path to the courtyard. Men were peddling the manjira - I walked to them and they began playing an intoxicating tune. I found rest of the fort as a tranquil town obsessed with its own beauty. Atop the fort, stand two cannons, least intimidating. The view of the entire toy-like golden town was enchanting.

Jain Temples of Jaisalmer
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. Really, there were surprises all over the palace and the journey was just started.

Havelies of Jaisalmer
I explored three Havelis including Nathmalji ki haveli, Patwon ki haveli and Salim Singh ki haveli, all with different facades. The haveli façade were breathtaking and the carvings were intricate, yet simple, making almost indiscernible patterns. The stone floor, balconies and dark passages were keeping the scorching sun away and that was a pleasant experience specially when my energy was melting away like icing on cakes in summer.

Gadsisar Sagar Lake
While driving me back to the hotel, my cab driver insisted to visit this lake. There were many beautiful temples and shrines around the lake. But the sight of countless birds flocking over the water was the most enchanting.