If geology interests you, then Jaisalmer is where you need to journey. The Wood Fossil Park or Aakal is located about 15 kilometres away from the city. Here, one can discover and trace geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago. The city of Jaisalmer also acts as the guard to western Rajasthan (and India’s) frontier. This ‘Golden City’ is located close to the Pakistan border and in close proximity to the Thar Desert. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live.

Jaisalmer traces its inception to the 12th century. History tells us of Rawal Jaisal, the eldest heir of the Rawal of Deoraj, was passed over for the throne of Lodurva and a younger half-brother was crowned king. Rawal Jaisal went looking for a new location to set up his capital when he came across sage Eesul. The sage told him about Krishna’s prophecy which said that a descendant of his Yaduvanshi clan would found a new kingdom at this same spot. It was in 1156 that Rawal Jaisal constructed a mud fort, named it Jaisalmer after himself and declared it his capital.

JAISALMER FORT

Perched on top of a small hill, this large fort makes for a mesmerising sight. Also known as the Golden Fort, it is surrounded by a 30 foot high wall, and has over 99 bastions and some imposing gateways or pols. It has been inhabited for centuries, and encloses houses, handicraft shops, palaces, temples, hotels and restaurants, connected by cobble stone paths.

The main square here is called the Dussehra Chowk, while the main palace is the Rajmahal. This seven-storey building was the residence of the former rulers. Its façade is embellished with stone carvings, while its interior houses the Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre. The rooftop offers panoramic views of the city.

JAIN TEMPLES

This set of seven Jain temples lies inside the walls of the Jaisalmer Fort. They are connected to each other, and are all adorned with intricate carvings of mythological and dancing figures. These yellow sandstone temples were built between the 12th and the 16th centuries. They are dedicated to various tirthankaras. The largest of them, the Parsvanath Temple, is dedicated to the 22nd tirthankara.

PATWON-KI-HAVELI

This ornate haveli is among the most splendid in Jaisalmer. It consists of a set of five houses, which were built by five Jain merchant brothers in the 19th century. Their exterior is covered with intricate carvings. Inside, some of the walls are decorated with paintings and mirror work. The buildings comprise of a set of rooms, constructed around a central courtyard. There’s also a shop selling embroidered textiles and brocades.

SAM SAND DUNES

These shifting white sand dunes, located close to the village Sam, are a great way to explore the Thar desert. They are located 45 kilometres from Jaisalmer. The best way to explore the desert is through camel rides. The dunes look especially picturesque at sunset and sunrise.

You can also stay here overnight to enjoy the campfires and folk music and dance performances held every evening. Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation runs the Sam Dhani Resort on a hillock in front of the dunes. It has cottages and tents, which are perfect for a peaceful retreat.

SALIM SINGH-KI-HAVELI

This haveli was built by Salim Singh, the prime minister of Jaisalmer in the 19th century. Its most eye-catching feature is its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets shaped like peacocks, and pretty balconies below it. The haveli is also distinct because it’s been constructed entirely of stone, without the use of cement or mortar. A part of the haveli is still occupied, but it’s worth a visit primarily for its exquisitely designed exterior.

BADA BAGH

This garden, located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, contains the cenotaphs of the Rajpur rulers. These are pyramidal and domed in shape, and have beautiful carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the rulers. Each chhatri also has inscribed tablets recording the death of the Maharawals. There’s also a set of windmills nearby, which make for a picturesque sight. There are several other attractions close to Bada Bagh. Amar Sagar consists of a beautifully-carved Jain temple located on the banks of a water reservoir. Lodhurva, the former capital of the Bhatti Rajputs, is now in ruins but it still has magnificent Jain temples with a gorgeous gateway. The main temple contains several beautiful sculptures and a silver image of Parsvanath, the 23rd tirthanakara.