222222Jaisalmer, known for its golden fort, made of yellow sandstone, is an important center of handicrafts in Rajasthan. Sandstone carvings and block printed fabrics made here find their way across the world. The carved mansions and Jain temples of Jaisalmer are worth seeing. The sand dunes at Sam, near Jaisalmer are the site of the annual Desert Festival.
22222The Golden Town : Nobody can be immune to the charms of Jaisalmer. The very first glimpse of the golden Jaisalmer Fort, occupying the pride of place in the monochromatic sandy landscape, is bewitching. Inside the citadel, turbaned faces carry a smile hidden in thick moustaches, long skirts catch the brilliance of the sun in their mirror work and the cobbled streets and the painted houses promise a view of an enchanted world.
22222Its also a world that has managed to survive for long. The fort, whose walls chronicle the deeds of its Rawals and the riches of its traders, recently celebrated 850 years of uninterrupted vitality. Its havelis speak of the long trains of camels that trekked across deserts to reach Sindh and Afghanistan and West Asia, carrying silver, cloth and expensive goods. Its musicians sing the songs of its daily existence, of the beauty of their desires, and this music will echo in your ears for long.
22222Going to Jaisalmer is about learning these melodies and hearing these narratives. Going to Jaisalmer is also about visiting the desert and a far outpost therein, an outpost built out of the same sand stone that stretches all around. Here you will realise that the desert is not an endless sequence of sand dunes but there won't be any reason for disappointment. For, the sand dunes have an inescapable magnetism that will draw you in, just as Jaisalmer effortlessly does.

How to get:
ssRoad: Jaisalmer is at the far western end of India, tucked into the hip of Rajasthan. Though it is just a few degrees off the same latitude as Jaipur, you have to arch up to Bikaner or way down to Jodhpur to get here from the state capital. So road journeys to this desert town tend to be long. Only travellers coming in from the north should use the Bikaner route. Luxury buses connect Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaipur.
ssRail: Jaisalmer Station, well-connected to Delhi by the Delhi-Jaisalmer Express (19 hrs), which starts from Old Delhi Railway Station. Mumbai offers connections up to Jodhpur via Ahmedabad (Surya Mail). From Jodhpur, there?s the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer Express (8 hrs).
ssAir: Nearest airport: Jodhpur (280 km/ 5 hrs). Taxis charge about Rs 800 approx Do remember that rates fluctuate during the high season.

What to see:

Jaisalmer Fort :Renew yourself amid the past galore, as you visit the commanding Jaisalmer Fort. The fort stands guard over the desertscape from its 250 feet high perch on the hill with its wall following the contours of the hills.
Gadsisar Lake :A rain water lake, adorned with an arched gateway. Many small shrines and temples are festooned a11 around the lake. Today, it is an ideal picnic spot, famous for boating.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli : Witness the legendary architectural wealth of Jaisalmer at Salim Singh's haveli, truly unsurpassed in splendor. Of particular note are the blue roof and rows of peacocks below the arched balconies. The haveli was once the residence of the Mohta family, ministers of Jaisalmer rulers.
Patwon-ki-Haveli : It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, not to be missed at all. This five haveli wonder has its ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars and its delicately chiselled balconies surely leave you mesmerized.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli : This haveli was carved by two brothers. One worked on right side and the other on left, but the harmony in design exists still. Screened windows, projected balconies and intricate carvings illustrate superb craftsmanship.
Jain Temples : Within the citadel are the splendorous Jain temples, dedicated to Rishabdevji, Sambhavnathji and Parshvanathji.