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Jaisalmer City Guide 
Jaisalmer stands tall in the desolate beauty of the desert, proudly welcoming
visitors to an enchanting world of fable, color, and history. The view of
Jaisalmer Fort, first seen from a distance of 15 km is stunning. In the
early morning the ramparts, bastions and the long stretching walls dazzle
gloriously. The yellow sandstone fortifications look magnificent.
It is one of the most exotic cities of the Orient, standing in the heart
of the desert for centuries, weathering with fortitude the vicissitudes
of fortune and furious onslaughts of nature. The sudden emergence of the
76-meter high rock in the flat desert country crowned by the most awe-inspiring
fort makes a majestic sight.
Today, Jaisalmer is the personification of the old order influence the new.
An inherent feel for color and design percolated ever stratum of society,
and jewelry, crafts and architecture became objects of delight equally between
prince and peasant.
Tourist Attractions of Jaipur
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan after Chittor and commands
the desertscape from its 250 feet high perch on the hill. Three strong walls
protect the citadel. The first buttress wall was constructed by the local
Jain panchayat in the 15th century. Subsequent additions and fortifications
were built by the Rawals. The steep cobblestone pathway leading to the royal
palace passes through four gates-Akhai Pole (Ganesh Pole), Suraj Pole, Bhuta
Pole and Hawa Pole. Sharp turns on the road topped by high defense gateways
made it invincible. At the highest point of the place can be seen an umbrella-Meghadamber
symbolic of Krishna.
Jain Temples
Within the fort are the three most exquisitely sculptured Jain temples dedicated
to Rishabhdevji, Sambhavanathji and the Ashthapadi temple. Their ornamentation
done in the style of the Dilwara temples at Mt. Abu is simply marvelous.
The emerald icon of Mahavira is an unparalleled gem.
Salem Singh Haveli
It is at an unhurried pace that the havelis (houses of rich merchants) should
be seen and admired. These havelis are the pride of Jaisalmer architecture,
a part of the national heritage. Salem Singh haveli, at the eastern end
of the city, is an Arabian Nights structure, which, like a wild flower,
blossoms at the top.
Patwon ki Haveli
Near the city center is the Patwon ki Haveli, built by Guman Chand Patwa
and his five sons, dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery with business
stretching between Afghanistan and China. The five suites built between
1800 and 1860 are virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural
wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade
and gold. The balconies are so delicately chiseled you would stand mesmerized
by the splendor of it all, particularly when viewed early in the morning
or in late afternoon. Oblique sunrays create enchanting and dramatic shadows,
highlighting the carving and infusing a new life of its own. It is the grandest
mansion in Jaisalmer, a veritable museum piece in the open.
Nathmal Haveli
The third haveli belongs to Nathmal, a later day prime minister who gifted
it to the Rawal and was allowed to retain it. Built by two brothers in 1885,
this haveli has two identical looking portions, which are in fact two different
parts united by a common façade. Look for the projected balconies
wh9ch seem to emerge from books of poetry. So ethereal, so charming. The
carving never looked better. A perfect example of jeweler's art applied
to stone carving. The Muslim silavats (artisans) did a wonderful job here
and left a marvelous legacy of craftsmanship excellent in detail and flawless
in conception. If only for viewing these havelis a trip to Jaisalmer is
more than amply rewarded.
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