The Great Golden Gigantic Fortress or the Sonar Killa it is called after the famous director Satyajit
Ray made a film on this fortress.
The Jaisalmer Fort was
built by the Rajput ruler Raja Jaisal in the year
1156 AD. It is amongst the largest forts in the
world and it offers spectacle view with its 99
turrets during night.The Jaisalmer Fort is an amazing example and demonstration of the magic of Rajasthani architecture. The tourists will gladly get lost in for its amazing sight and earlier it was named Trikoot Garh. It is situated on Meru hill and has witnessed many battles. There are many families living inside the fort, almost quarter part of the city population stay here. The people here are very friendly and helpful and also own shops of artifacts, clothes, Jewellery and accessory etc. The chief attractions within the Golden fort are the Laxminath temple, Raj Mahal or Royal Palace and Jain temples. Though you will find must better prices the shops outside the fort. The tourists can stay inside the Fortress in a Haveli though expensive than the hotels outside the fort
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Salim Singh Ki Haveli has been
built on the ruins of an older Haveli that was
constructed in the late 17th century.
The new building was built in the year 1815. A must visit places in Jaisalmer is Salim Singh Ki Haveli, it was constructed almost 300 years ago by Salim Singh; he was the terrifying Prime minister of Jaisalmer while it was the capital. This Haveli is located alongside the hills close to the Jaisalmer Fort and railway station. What makes it special is its distinct architecture that is almost 300 years old and embellishes an elegant, arched roof in the form of a peacock and consists of 38 balconies with different designs for each of them. The front side of the Haveli bears a resemblance to ship so it is also at times called as Jahazmahal. Some part of this Salim Singh Ki Haveli is still occupied.
Gadisar Lake
The Lake Gadisar is one of the main
tourist attractions of Jaisalmer.
Gadisar Lake was constructed by Raja Rawal Jaisal,
the first ruler of the land and later rebuild in the
year 1367 ADby Maharawal Garsi and it is placed a kilometer away from the fort. The people of this place where totally depended on this Lake. You will locate Chattris, many temples and Holy shrines around the banks of the Gadisar Lake. It has become a pilgrimage spot. The ingeniously engraved doorways made of yellow sandstone showcases spectacular view. This striking entrance across the road along the Lake Gadisar was constructed towards the end of 19th century by Royal courtesan named Tillon; hence it is called Tillon Ki prol (Gate of Tillon). You will also find the statue of Lord Vishnu installed here in the year 1908 A.D. to save the gate from demolition by the then Maharawal and declared this place as Krishna Temple to save it. Another attraction is Boating the tourists can take a tour round the lake to experience the tranquil environment. In winters, you may see a variety of different kinds of migratory birds. You can click some amazing pictures so do carry a good camera and a binoculars.
Desert National Park
Desert National Park is one of the largest National desert parks with an area of about 3162square kilometers in India.
Only 20% of the park is covered with Sand dunes.
You will find abundance of fauna and flora lives in this park and can be viewed huge numbers of migratory birds. Several of the birds found in this desert are the tawny Eagles, short-toed Eagles, spotted eagles, Kestrels and Laggar falcons. The best part is the Great Indian Bustard; it is one of the endangered birds. As for the animals you can spot the desert Fox, the wolf, the cat and the famous blackbuck. You will also locate a number of fossils of birds, animals and plants that date back to 180 million years. The tourist can book a Jeep Safari to experience and enjoy the brilliant landscapes that offer view of died out lakes in this park.
Sam Sand Dunes
The most thrilling excursion in and around Jaisalmer that you can plan would be 'Sam sand dunes'. The Sam Sand Dunes is the perfect location to undertake the Desert Safari.
An immeasurable area is enclosed with rising and falling mounds of fine sand; Sam Sand Dunes is just 42 kilometres away from the Jaisalmer city and is very popular for its day tours as well as overnight camping excursions. The tourists will love the camelback safari all along the crests and channels and the best part of this Camel ride is to capture the charming sunset dipping into the Sand Dunes sparkling on the horizon of the desert that lasts only minutes. Do not miss it of anything for it's the most striking sunset you might have seen. The tourists can drive in there in a well-built Jeep, SUV or any other well built vehicle. The local Taxis can be hired from the Jaisalmer city. Preferably, the best experience is to opt for an overnight camping in the Sam Sand Dunes which includes transfers to and forth to Sam Sand Dunes further a short camel safari along with the dinner on the amazing dunes with live local folk performances, including accommodation. February and March are the months when Desert festival is organized. If you are travelling around during this period please do not miss the Camel racings, folk singing and dancing and many other cultural events.
The Thar Heritage Museum
The Thar Heritage Museum is situated at the central market of the Jaisalmer city. This museum was founded by Mr. Laxmi Narayan Khatri.
The museum offers the tourists with the information of Jaisalmer and Thar Desert's history, art and culture and its designs and architecture of the famous Thar Desert. The museum shows how from millions of years aging sea fossils eventually turned sea into Thar Desert. The museum also accommodates exclusive ornaments of the horses and ship of the desert. In this Thar Museum you will also find ancient manuscripts and weapons, coins of Jaisalmer and documents are few of the collections found in this museum.