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The Golden City
Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. It is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site. It was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom it derives its name. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill.Before the days of the British Raj, the fortress city served as a refuge and way-station for caravans and travelers along the Silk Road.
The history of the Kothari’s Patwa Haveli dates back to early eighteenth century, when the patwas were struggling to set up their trade and business. On the advice of a priest at the Jain Temple, the patwa brothers left Jaisalmer with the intention of never returning (they were advised by the priest that their business could not flourish in Jaisalmer). The legend has it that the patwas were immensely successful thereafter and their business spanned across banking & finance, silver, brocade and opium trade.
This Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli. The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to be brothers. There is a very interesting story regarding its construction. It is said that the two brothers started building different facets of haveli simultaneously.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli was built in 1815 by Salim Singh, the prime minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital. This mansion was not created with the help of cements and mortar- the stones are connected with strong iron rods. This mansion is famous for its distinctive architecture as it is constitutes 38 gracefully carved balconies. The architecture of this mansion is inspired by dancing peacock. One of the most ambitious constructions of its times, the Haveli is so magnificent, that it even invited the ruler's envy during its era.
Around 7 km on the western outskirts of Jaisalmer, Amar Sagar is a Lake sum Oasis, which is placed neighbouring to the Amar Sing palace, built in the 17th century. There is a garden located nearby. The site also consists of a number of wells along with Chattris, including that of Maharawal Amar Singh. There is also a Shiva temple in the vicinity, which was made in 1704 AD. It is a beautiful marble temple that attracts visitors in good numbers.
am Sand Dunes is a must visit in the state of Rajasthan in the environs of the city of Jaisalmer. It is likely that you are going for a Desert Safari when planning to visit Thar Desert or else, the point of going there is useless, making the Sam Sand Dunes an increasing major tourist attraction of the city. Although it is said many times that Jaisalmer is the best time of the day to go there is before sunsets at around 4-6 PM or in the wee hours of the morning at 4-6 AM, before the sun rises.
A descendant of Maharawal Jaisal Singh, the founder of the state and Maharaja of Jaisalmer State, Jai Singh II (1688–1743), commissioned a dam to create a water tank during his reign in the 16th century. This made the desert green in this area. After his death on September 21, 1743, his son Lunkaran built a beautiful garden next to the lake and a chhatri (Hindi for cenotaph) for his father on a hill next to the lake. Because of his father's death he suffered a lot. Later on, many more cenotaphs were constructed here for Lunkaran and other Bhattis.
Today, it is a popular tourist destination, known for its architectural ruins and surrounding sand dunes. Apart from that Ludrawa is also famous for the Jain temple dedicated to 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvnath destroyed in 1152 AD when Muhammad Ghori sacked the city but was reconstructed in 1615 by Seth Tharu Shah and further additions were commissioned in 1675 and 1687. The temples were rebuilt in the late 1970s, are reminders of the city's former glory.
If you are done with history then Akal Fossil Park is the place to be. For, it takes you beyond History. It takes you back to the prehistoric Jurassic era, which is, hold your breath, 180 million years back! It is a fossil park where stood a forest 180 millions years ago. Then the area submersed in to the sea and the tree trunks got preserved in the form of fossils.