Jaisalmer has varied forms of entertainment in which music and dances catch the top position as the city is rich in its multiple cultures and also include other entertainment such as discotheques and cinema theatres. The climate seems to be dry in nature being a deserted region and the summers look extremely hot while winters make a pleasant stay.

 Major Tourist Attraction of Jaislmar

Akal Wood Fossil Park

Akal Wood Fossil Park is located near the Barmer Road, which falls 17 Kilometer away from the main city. It takes us back to the very old Jurassic period moving behind to 180 million years. Actually now it is a fossil park which was a forest long back. As the area got immersed into the sea all the tree stalks turned out to be fossils by itself. One can find scattered fossil trunks in the park, which has varied sizes, the largest measuring 13 meters lengthwise and in width 1.5 meters. It contains about 25 preserved trunks on the whole covering the 21 hectare ground.

Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh meaning a Huge Garden is situated 6km away from the city on the Ramgarh road. This garden was custom-built by Maharawal Jait Singh during the 16^th century, while it was ended by Lunakaran, his son, after Singhs death. Being a big garden it had three unique attractions which included a tank, a dam and a garden. Nearby we can find the Govardhan Stambh that signifies that it was built to honor the dam and tanks construction. Locally people called the Dam as Jait Bandh and the tank as Jait Sar correspondingly as they believe these names were based on the man who built them.

Desert Culture Center and Museum

Desert Culture Center and Museum is located within the city on Gadi Sagar Road and the major importance here are rare coins and manuscripts.  This is a perfect place to learn about the customs and rich culture of the city and is indeed a famous destination. One can stay long hours and get to know about Jaisalmers history in whole. On the other hand the museum has sizzling collection of customary Rajasthani fabrics, weapons, utensils, fossils and musical instruments. Foreigners find this place very interesting as they could find the established opium mixing boxes called the Karal. Various entertainment programs are frequently organized for the tourists.

Barmer

Barmer lies 153km away from Jaisalmer and is situated on top of a hill. As other cities of the western Rajasthan, it holds Garh right on its top, which is considered as the left out pieces of an old fort. Bahada Rao found the town during the 13^th century and is also known as Bar Rao from which the city derived the name as Barmer. Previously it was named Bahada-mer and later ended in Barmer. The three Jain temples being ruined are found to the south of the city whereas Juna Barmer or Juna are found following on its west. Barmers biggest asset is the creativity in human skill and creation of arts.

Dussehra Chowk

Rajasthan has different palaces and Dussehra Chowk is a central court around which all the palaces surround. Lots of festivals and parades have taken place here. The streets here pave way with busy tourist shops, restaurants, hotels, houses and temples to different segments of the fort. Also these streets are entirely busy with children returning back home from schools, milkmen driving out with their pots on motorcycles and women found cleaning as well as washing their clothes etc. One can walk up and watch the astonishing views of the city from outside the fort and the best time to do is during the mornings and evenings.

Chandraprabhu Temple

Jaisalmer is a place of rich cultural heritage and consists of many Jain temples. Anjals Seth Lachhi Rammal, built this temple and owns 11 feet high statue of Lord Chandraprabhu shining in white colour supporting a pair of idols of stone made on both sides. This temple is being dedicated to the 8^th Tirthankara or the Hermits and its chamber holds four pictures of Lord Chandraprabhu. The exteriors are finely carved with 24 other statues of Tirthankaras and they enrich the beauty and overall splendor of the temple. There also lies a path known as the Pradakshina which finally leads to Lord Mahaviras feet on a Chhatri or Cenotaph.

Gopa Chowk

Jaisalmer, famous for its forts and palaces have historic and glorious past adding rich cultural heritage to the state of Rajasthan. The major Fort is the Jaisalmer Fort which has many Jain temples and other complexes inside. Gopa Chowk is a squared place lying besides the main gate of the fort and this marks an entrance for the visitors. They need to move on abrupt slopes which pave way to the entrance of the fort by passing sequence of striking gates. There exist four different types of gates each of it having its own significance. All such gates create everlasting impression in the minds of the tourists.

First Fort Gate

Down through ages, the monuments of Jaisalmer have faced the rocking winds from the desert. Jaisalmer provides the best of enjoyable experiences by its rich culture and climatic variations and also its glorious past. Earlier it was entirely covered by fences but in recent years it is pulled under as in need of building materials. The First Fort Gate has given way to the huge golden fort which is considered as the heart of Jaisalmer. This is in fact a den of steep streets comprising mainly of Jain Temples and palaces. In the recent days lots of hotels have emerged near the Fort Gate for tourists attraction. 

Gyan Bhandar

Gyan Bhandar is a small library found during 1500 A.D by Acharya Maharaj Jin Bhadra Suri. The Sambhavanath Temple keeps an impressive thought and has a chamber which is lit dimly and the steps starting from the temple leads down to the basement called the Gyan Bhandar.  Being a 16^th century record house of numerous ancient manuscripts, it looks very tiny and fascinating and at times dates back to 11^th century too. It also includes astrological charts, the Turins shroud which is a Jain edition and Gindhasuris shroud, a holy man. Parasnaths images which are ivory made are kept in a small cabinet and include precious crystals and emeralds.

Gadi Sagar

Gadi Sagar Lake is considered as an important attraction among the tourists coming to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. This lake was built in by Jaisalmers first ruler, Raja Rawal Jaisal. Later on it was revamped by Maharaja Garisisar Singh. The specialty of this lake is that it takes people to a new world and renders a pleasant trip. Surrounding the lakes banks are found creatively carved temples, shrines, chattris and Ghats. Also we can see birds getting migrated to this lake for a drink which reflects a yellow sandstone reservoir. Moreover, people can enjoy boat rides and sit relaxed by seeing the sunset while the yellow reservoir changes its color.

Havapol

Bhati Jaisal who founded the Jaisalmer Fort also discovered many palaces and temples around the city. This fort was mainly constructed to be protected from massive attacks as also there were spiral path and gates towards the entrance of the fort. Whoever wants to go to the other side, they need to cross through four gates also called as pol, which runs on a narrow circular path. Out of the four gates, Havapol or the Wind gate is the last gate and has many palaces built surrounding it, leading to the main enclosure which is the public audiences hall. The fort has intricately designed havelis which are a major tourist attraction.

Havelis

Jaisalmer has identified many forms of architecture in various eras and Havelis were mostly constructed during the medieval period when there was a fusion between the Rajputana and Islamic architecture. Haveli is a place which functioned as the residential area of the ministers and the landlords who were also known as the Wazirs. As they lived a royal life they had very big rooms as well as wide space. Jaisalmer has seen many landlords and Wazirs and there isnt any shortage of Havelis since then. Among the long listed Havelis, Patwon Ji ki Haveli gains prime importance as this is the first to be constructed in the city.

Jaisalmer Folklore Museum

The best place to learn about the rich and varied cultural heritage of not only Jaisalmer but also western Rajasthan is the Folklore Museum, which is situated on Garsisar lakes banks. Being recognized in 1984 by N K Sharma it is an exhibition of different paintings, musical instruments, rare collection of old coins, manuscripts, postcards, ornaments of camel, exciting photographs and also fossils. This museum is truly informatory on the citys vast traditions and it is developing to be an important tourist destination, and is keen in imbibing the values and culture of the western Rajasthan. It is said to be the golden mine dealing with loads of information.

Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Center

Forts are of special attraction in Jaisalmer and there exists very important and also less worthy forts to be seen. The Jaisalmer fort is accessed through four gates and from Dussehra Chowk, Raj Mahal can be viewed which is one of the oldest palaces in Jaisalmer. Inside these complexes, around 7 Jain temples are built with finely structured paintings and miniatures giving a majestic look. RajMahal was earlier a living house of the royal people and now it is being converted as Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Center. This palace museum is just a public viewing hall and least importance is given by the tourists for this place as it is not worth enjoying. 

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort takes its position in the heart of the main city and has major attraction towards architecture, bazaars and miniatures. This Fort is worthy to be visited as it sticks to our mind immediately even though there are plenty of monuments spread apart. Being made of sand stones, the fort also has a different name called Sonar Quila and is Rajasthans second oldest fort. It stands two hundred and fifty feet high with 99 bastions out of which 92 were constructed between 1633 and 1647. Even now the wells inside the fort render regular supply of water and nearly one fourth of the citys people stay within it.

Khuri Sand Dunes

Towards the southwest of the city, in the outer part of Jaisalmer, 40 km away lies a place called Khuri. Tourists find this place as a major part of attraction and enjoy the camel safari, desert solitude and mud houses. The Khuri sand dunes are steadily catching its place in the visiting charts of the tourists. It is extremely peaceful with not much of crowd and the straw being decorated in the form of Persian carpets. All the experiences are made memorable by riding on a camel back and being taken to thrilling heights. The sand dunes change its shade when day comes to an end and the sunset looks lovely behind them.

Kunthanath Temple

Jaisalmer Fort comprises seven major Jain temples and each of them has their own importance. Kunthunath Temple lays few steps below to Shanthinath temple and is also built during 1536. Lord Kunthunath is being dedicated to the seventeenth Jain tirthankara also named as the enlightened master of present age together known as the Avasarpini. Jainism being an oldest religion in the world has its own way of life. They follow the preachings of tirthankaras also known as the conquerors. Tirthankara word originates from Sanskrit which means the Fordmaker. He achieves enlightenment via simplicity and he is the originator of Tirth, a part of the Jain community acting as ford transversing the human miserys river.

Mool Sagar

Mool Sagar is situated to the west of city at a distance of 8km. It is yet another peaceful tiny garden along with a tank and is never neglected. This was initially built to enjoy as a retreat during summer and it belongs to the rich family of Jaisalmer. Being constructed in 1815 AD by Maharawal Moolraj II, he had a great patronage towards arts and artisans and this can be adjudged while coming across great artistic work on its walls. It is purely through his efforts the city had lovely palaces around. Shiva temple creates an important attraction as it is built in by sandstones with just two blocks.

Parsavnath Temple

Jaisalmer can also be called as the Land of Forts and the most stunning of it in the city is the Jaisalmer Fort which is very impressive when compared to others. Many Jain temples are built within the fort out of it the most interesting one is the Parsavnath Temple. Neatly engraved torana is mainly to be noticed while entering the temple and the sabha mandapas ceiling featuring a devils head bounded by five unique bodies. Each of its bodies get connected to its head as we go through the mandapa and from the ancient capital of Bhatti, Lodhruva, the idol was taken over.

Rajmahal

Rajmahal is a seven storey tower built above the Dussehra Chowk and is considered to be the former rulers palace. This palace is buried in Jaisalmer Forts hearts and it means Royal Palace. Now it has become a museum which is not worthy to see, but the majestic view of the city is splendid over the narrow streets. The interiors of this palace are preserved through various renovations and are just opened for the public to be viewed. There are lots of other worthy palaces to be visited in Jaisalmer city which includes minute art work, paintings and mirror work inside the rich palaces.

Rishabadeva Temple

The Rishabadeva Temple which was built during the 15^th century stands in dedication to Lord Rishabadeva. This temple holds the pride of being one among the five holy temples in Jain community and it was constructed after the Lord appeared in Mewar kings dream. As it is a three storey temple, it is surrounded by three walls including 27 halls trailed by 1444 carved pillars which are not similar. To protect the statues from the Moghuls, they were safely hidden in temples underground chamber. Other smaller Jain temples are found outside which are dedicated to the sun god with beautiful sculptures.

Sam Sand Dunes

One of the major and biggest attractions in Jaisalmer is the Sam sand dunes. Located at 42km away from the city it has only sands and nothing either. Desert Safari is extremely enjoyable and only this could complete the holiday tour in full. One can easily be lost in this great Thar Desert. However, through camel ride, the magnificent expansion of the dunes without meager vegetation can be seen thoroughly. Also the tourists prepare a bonfire during the nights and happily enjoy the earthy and rustic music along with the Rajasthani dance. Adding to it, puppet shows, camel races, folk dance performances and other cultural events make out a big festival bonanza during February and March.

Sambhavanath Temple

Jin Bhadra Suri established this temple who carried with him various manuscripts from a place known as Khambat and also from other parts of Gujarat. It also included many palm-leaf manuscripts which are considered to be very precious. As a result this temple has a chamber which is lit dimly and has preserved more than hundreds of valuable manuscripts made of palm leaf and paintings which is almost 1000 years old. These temples are beautifully carved of yellow sandstones as similar to other structures in Jaisalmer and the surroundings give a peaceful delight to the pilgrims since the temple is dedicated to Shambavdev Ji.

Shanthinath Temple

The Jain families in the city also have constructed few temples of which Shanthinath temple is said to be the most customary one amongst the shrines existing at the moment. It is thought that the temple had its construction during 1536 but at that time it was completely renovated and sanctified ceremonially. During 1997 it had its last renovation. People feel blessed by the Lords pure and brisk vibration originating from the temple and it reminds them about the history and remains of the place. Around the temple, number of images of saints, Jaisalmers sandstone and some marbles are found in an attached gallery.

Shitalnath Temple

The fort walls include seven specially designed Jain temples built in between the 12^th and 15^th centuries. All the collection of temples has connections to each other by walkways and corridors. Any leather made outfits and shoes should be strictly removed while entering the pilgrimage. Towards the southern side of the temples there lies a door which leads to a small temple called the Shitalnath Temple. Each and every temple gives their dedication to tirthankars and Shitalnath temple is being dedicated to 10^th tirthankar. The images and the statues portray the beauty of temple and Shitalnaths image is possessed of eight valuable metals.

Sonar Kila (Golden Fort)

The forts at Jaisalmer are very famous with its ideal beauty and history forever. Yellow stones, available in large quantities helped the construction of the fort and these stones glitter similar to gold when sunlight falls on them. That is why, the architectural people who loved this beauty named this as Golden Fort or the Sonar Kila. Bhati Jaisal founded this fort early during 1156 AD and giving close connection to the name Jaisal, it was earlier called Jaisameru or Jaisalgarh which later on turned to be Jaisalmer. During the founders reign many temples, palaces and walls were constructed out of which this fort was solidly constructed for protection against damages.

Tazia Tower

Tazia Tower is located very close to the Badal Palace in the heart of city and also lies near to Amar Sagar Gate. It is also an important tourist destination which preserves the work of artisans, craftsmen and making it as their homes by an earlier royal family. Even though Rajputanas architectures are scattered within the city, this tower welcomes in a great way with 5 storeys where every storey has its own significance. Each floors balcony has specialized designs individually and was created by Muslim craftsmen depicting the Tazia shape. It means exact copy of mausoleum of different Imams. All these are done of wood, colored papers and thermocol.

By  Keerthika