Jaisalmer Tourist Attractions
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Jaisalmer is a Golden City that rises from the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is located in an isolated area in the far west of Rajasthan. The town was a strategic post on the camel-train routes, which brought great wealth to the residents.The town of Jaisalmer is filled with splendid havelis, embellished houses, magnificent gateways and a palace carved from golden sandstone. The houses and mansions were carved from wood and sandstone.The massive Jaisalmer Fort is a daunting 12th C structure rises above the town. Most of the attractions in Jaisalmer surround the fort to the north.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort as it rises above the golden desert. The fort dominates the town of Jaisalmer with four thousand people living within its walls. The narrow streets within Jaisalmer Fort harbor palaces, temples and havelis. There are 99 bastions and massive gates that lead to a courtyard.The courtyard contains the Maharaja's Palace that towers seven stories high. it was started in the early 1500s and added to by successive rulers until the 19th C. Some of the palace is open to the public where the extraordinary features include Italian and Chinese tiles, carved stone doors, intricate screens and mirror work. The summit of the palace provides a 360-degree view of the surroundings.Within the walls of Jaisalmer Fort are numerous Jain temples that date from the 12th to 16th C. The temples feature marble and sandstone images as well as palm-leaf manuscripts, brightly painted ceilings and a well preserved 1,000 year old library. Gyan Bhandar, the library, houses manuscripts from the 1500s and other ancient items.Wealthy merchants built the havelis, or mansions, which line the narrow streets and feature decorated walls and ceilings, intricately carved doors and stunning interiors.
