Jaisalmer, a district town at the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, represents all that is opposite to what the word ‘desert’ suggests- isolated, forsaken, dull and boring. Jaisalmer is the land of hospitable people- colourful ghagra clad women and moustached men in vivid turbans. Most of the city’s architecture is made of yellow sandstone which glistens as gold in the sun, and therefore Jaisalmer is called, ‘The Golden City’. Well, the iconic Jaisalmer Fort is called, ‘Sonar Kella’, after the famous movie by Satyajit Ray. Not a single moment is boring in the hustle and bustle of the fort city, with street side shopkeepers calling you in for a bargain. You can’t miss buying souvenirs, mostly fabrics with tie and die, jewellery and handicrafts using wood, stones, glass, mirrors, silver, camel leather as they are so bright. There are folk musicians here and there, singing and playing local indigenous musical instruments and/or even dancing. They may even instantly compose and sing a song for you with your name in it. Do not forget to tip them. You will be allured by women who would paint amazing designs with mehendi on your palm.You can see camels here and there inside the city.
Jaisalmer is situated in the extreme west of Rajasthan and it is hugged on the West and South West by Pakistani borders. It is 550kms away from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and 800kms from New Delhi, the capital of India. Jaisalmer district is the largest district of Rajasthan and the third largest in India, in terms of territorial region. Jaisalmer was formed by the Bhati Rajput ruler in 1156AD.
Jaisalmer is famous for its regal city tour comprising of architectural gems like the magnificent fort, havelis and Jain temples and a lake. This is the cultural and heritage part of the city.Jaisalmer also boasts of providing the offbeat desert experiences with dune bashing and camel safari which reveals more of the adventurous side of the city.