Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic  and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition. The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80 metre high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples. The annual desert festival take place in January and February each year and is a riot of colour and activity. Jaisalmer is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antique, stonework and camel safaris into the barren sand-duned desert.
General Info:
Area : 5.1 Sq. Kms.
Location: 866 km from Delhi, 605 km from Jaipur, 295 km from Jodhpur, 326 km from Bikaner.
Climate: The peak season in Jaisalmer runs through autumn, winter and spring in the months of October - March. The temperature is approximately 10ºC - 35ºC, and the rainfall is occasional, with light showers.
Altitude:793 Metres
Best Season: October to February
Languages: English, Rajasthani, Hindi.
Shopping: Jaisalmer is famous for mirror work embroidered articles, woollen pattu and other items made of good quality locally produced wood, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios.
The main shopping areas are Sadar Bazaar and Sonaron Ka Bas, Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazaar. Also Rajasthali - Govt. shop for handicrafts and Khadi Gramodyog.
Places of Interest Hotels of Jaisalmer Make your Package for Jaisalmer.
 Jaisalmer Fort
Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisala, the fort stands atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill. The fort is surrounded by 3 walls and features 99 bastions. Over the centuries, the golden sand stone fortress witnessed many battles between the Bhattis, the mughals and the rathors of Jodhpur.
Jain Temples
Within the fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Maharawals (rulers) of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus but were tolerant of Jainism, and encouraged art and religion. There are 7 temples in the complex - Chandraprabhu, Parasnath, Shitalnath, Sambhavnath, Shantinath, Kunthunath and Rikhabdev Temple. The temples are all connected by a series of corridors and walkways. Closeby is the Gyan Bhandar, a library founded in 1500 A.D. This house is priceless ancient manuscripts and other exhibits like astrological charts, besides the Jain equivalent of the Christian Shroud of Turin.
Laxminath Temple
It is located in a centre of the fort. The less ornate Hindu temple in the complex features an interesting dome that exhibits fine paintings.
Havelis Of Jaisalmer:
In earlier times, Jaisalmer's strategic position on the camel train route brought it great wealth. The merchants grew prosperous and commissioned great havelis, or mansions, to flaunt their ever growing status in society. Made of local golden-yellow sandstone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent condition. The most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade.
 Patwon Ki Haveli - This is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. It is five stories high and extensively carved.
Salim Singh Ki-Haveli - This haveli is just three centuries old, and is still lived in. Its arched roof is held up by well excluded brackets in the form of peacocks.
Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli - One very interesting fact about this haveli is that its two sides were carved by two brothers. Although the motif used by one is not similar to the other, they are in harmony. One has to look very closely to spot dissimilarities. The excellent craftsmanship of the stone carver is illustrated in the gossamer quality of the screened windows.
Gadi Sagar Tank
Once the source of water supply to the city. The tank is surrounded by shrines and temples and a variety of waterfowl can be spotted here in the winter months.
Tazia Tower
The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a beautifully carved balcony.
Manak Chowk
Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak Chowk which is the centre of local activity. From Manak Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelies are to be found.
Excursions of Jaisalmer:
 Camel Safaris
While in Jaisalmer, it is difficult to resist the charm of a camel safari, the most interesting way to explore the desert around. Most safaris last for three to four days, and often pass through millet fields, small hamlets and interesting ruins. At night, the caravan stops and you camp out in tents under the star-spangled sky. The usual circuit can include some or all of the following places:
Sam Sand Dunes (42 km from Jaisalmer)
It is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. It is a great place to see patterns carved out by winds on the sand. Camel rides on the sand dunes are an unforgettable experience as is the sunset. Sam has a truly magnificent stretch of sweeping dunes, with little or no vegetation. The best way to see this and other sights around Jaisalmer is to take a camel safari. The standard trip lasts 4 days and three nights, and offers the opportunity to explore the area in authentic and leisurely fashion, with entertainment by folk performers, visits to villages, and chatter from colourful guides thrown in.
Bada Bagh & Chatris (5 km from Jaisalmer)
Bada Bagh is a fertile oasis that supplies vegetables and fruits to the city of Jaisalmer. There is a huge old dam and the place was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The place also houses royal chatris (cenotaphs) with beautifully carved ceilings.
Khuri
Out in the desert, and just 40 kilometers south-west of Jaisalmer, lies the village of Khuri. The main attraction here is the desert solitude and beautifully decorated houses of mud and straw. Accommodation options are also available here to get an authentic flavour of desert life.
Special Festivals
The Desert Festival
A spectacular event coinciding with the full moon in Jan / Feb every year. The rich culture of the  region is on display during this three day long festival. The famous Gair and Fire dancers are the major attractions of the celebrations. Interesting contests including a turban-tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest further enhance the fun of the occasion. A trip to the Sam sand dunes marks the grand finale, where one can enjoy camel rides and brilliant performances by the folk artistes under the full moon against the backdrop of picturesque dunes.
By Road : Well connected to Jodhpur, 300 kms and Bikaner, 285 kms.A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with Jodhpur and many other destinations in and around Rajasthan.
By Air :Direct flight connections to Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur of Indian Airlines (Alliance Airways).
By Rail : Jaisalmer is connected to Jodhpur by two daily trains and Jaipur with one daily train.
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