- Jaisalmer or the Golden City
- Jaisalmer or the Golden City was founded in the year 1156 by a Bhatti Rajput prime Jaisala named the city from the vulnerable former capital of Lodhruva, 15 km. to the south-east.
- The Bhatti Rajputs were more than courageous; bards still sing praises of their inimitable courage and valor. According to a popular legend, Lord Krishna had prophesized that a descendant of the Yadav clan would establish his bastion atop the Trikuta hill and true to his prediction Rawal Jaisal built the massive Jaisalmer Fort on top of the Trikuta hillock.
Jaisalmer became an important city on the Rajasthan map during the medieval era as it lay on a crucial and flourishing foreign trade route that connected India to Egypt, Persia, Arabia, Africa and the West.
- Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan which is 250 feet high perch. The fortis protected by three strong walls protect the citadel.
- The first wall was constructed by the local Jain panchayat in the 15th century and the Rawals made further additions and fortifications. The pathway leads to the royal palace that passes through four gates: Akhai Pole (Ganesh Pole), Suraj Pole, Bhuta Pole and Hawa Pole. Within the boundaries of the fort are the three most exquisitely sculptured Jain temples that have been dedicated to Rishabhdevji, Sambhavanathji and the Ashthapadi temple. Their ornamentation done in the style of the Dilwara temples at Mt. Abu is simply marvelous.
- PRIME SITES - SALEM SINGH HAVELI
- Salem Singh Haveli is one of those havelis that are the pride of Jaisalmer architecture, a part of the national heritage. The Haveli is situated at the eastern end of the city and has an Arabian Nights structure.
- PRIME SITES - PATWON KI HAVELI
- Patwon ki Haveli is built near the city center and was constructed by Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons, dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery. The five suites built between 1800 and 1860 are virtually the display of the city's legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade and gold. It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, a veritable museum piece in the open.
