Jaisalmer – Tourist Attraction
Gadisar Lake
The Gadsisar rainwater lake is a popular picnic spot, owing to its cool and scenic surroundings. In fact, it is a great vantage point to sight the spectacular Jaisalmer Fort from , when it is bathed in the glorious hues of the golden sun at sunrise. The lake sits just outside the city walls and was once the sole reservoir that controlled the entire supply of water to the arid city of Jasialmer! Located in the southern part of the city, the entrance to the lake is marked by beautifully carved yellow stone archway known as Tilon-ki-Pol. Contrary to the popular belief, it is not an oasis but a water conservation tank made around 1400 AD by the then maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharwal Gadsi Singh.
Desert Safari At Sam Sand Dunes
The pristine, breathtaking, expanse of the unbroken sand dunes of Sam makes it a great desert safari spot. One can enjoy desert safari by either riding a camel or by hiring a jeep. While camping in the desert, surrounded by the golden sands of the Thar desert, visitors can get an immersive insight into life in the desert. There is a lot to learn while travelling through the remote areas of Jaisalmer and absorbing the rich culture of the region with its folk dance performances, puppet shows and other open-air cultural extravaganzas.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli
In the narrow lanes of the main city of Jaisalmer, lies the magnificent Patwon-ki-haveli, known for its pretty paintings, intricate carvings and a grandiose style of architecture. The entire complex is not a single haveli but a cluster of five smaller beautiful havelis. The first among these havelis was commissioned and constructed in 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa. There are a few paintings and mirror artwork that adorns the inside walls of this grand mansion. To cater to the visitors interested in the rich cultural history of the area, one of the sections has been converted into a museum that houses several artefacts from the early 19th century. The hardwork and aesthetic skills of the local Rajasthani craftsmen can be seen in every corner of this haveli in the individual depictions and theme on each and every arch. Although the whole building is made in yellow sandstone, the main gateway of the Patwon-ki-haveli is in brown color.
Kuldhara
On the outskirts of the city of Jaisalmer lie the ruins of the abandoned village of Kuldhara that have captivated the minds of travellers for centuries. Back in the 1800s, the village used to be a prosperous town but, it said that after some unfathomable tragedy, the town was abandoned overnight. Legend says that no one saw the inhabitants leave the village and no one knows the reason for the mass exodus. Since then, no one has been able to settle here. The many stories of how a region of almost a thousand residents simply vanished, makes it a top priority for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. A walk through this desolate, abandoned village in the desert with its houses, roads and a temple is an experience that takes you back in time. Some interesting water conservation techniques have been unearthed amongst the 200-year-old ruins, a remarkable feat in such a water-scarce desert terrain. The abandoned houses of the village are often used as film sets. Tourists can explore the village on camel rides that are easily available throughout the tourist season.
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