The 'Golden City' was founded in 1156 A. D. by Rao Jaisal. Located in the heart of the Thar desert, few cities in the world can match its magnificence. It was the domain of Bhati Rajputs, who were known for thier valour and chivalry.

They levied taxes on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi on Sind. Jaisalmer soon became rich, so mush so that the merchnts, who also served as ministers in the royal courts, came to command more power than the rulers themselves. No wonder the large mansions of the merchants, built adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval desert cultures, are so profusely decorated that the palace, in comparison, appears to pale.

Traces of this former opulence are seen inthe majestic buildings built here in luminous sandstone. While the havelis and the palace, along with the temples, will warrant the mandatory visits, Jaisalmer is incredible for the experience it brings alive of a medieval township caught in a timewarp, as you move up its ancient cobbled streets.

For most part, its incredible sculptors were Muslim crargsmaen sho were induced, on their journeys to the patrons in others parts of India, to stay. The results is an archi-tectural purity that, because of Jaisalmer's incredible isolation, is not seen elsewhere.

City Sights
Sonar Fort: Built in 1156 a.D. by the Rawal Jaisal the Fort (often called sonar qila) crowns the 80m high Trikuta Hill. About a fourth of the old city's population resides within the fort walls, The fort has 99 bastions around its circumference. There is a group of five Jain Temples within the fort built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The temples are open only till 12 noon.

Patwon Ki Haveli:
It is the most elaborate and magnificent, best known for tis latticed facade.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli:
It was built baout 300 years ago and is still lived in. It has a beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks.

Festivlas
Desert Festival:
This festival is celebrated on SAM (sand dunes) in the month of Jan & Feb.

Nagaur Fair:
A trading fair for cattle and camels in January-February. It is a wonderful opportunity to catch up on rural life as owners from all over the state come to camp onthe outskirts of Nagaur while they buy and sell animals.

Shoppings
Rugs, bedspreads, table-cloths in mirror work, embroideries and applique work style. Also you can find camel leather goods like bags, hats, wallets and juttis, etc with colorful embroidery. Even chunkey silver jewellery is available.