There are just a few ‘living forts’ existing in the world and Jaisalmer fort is one of them. A good amount of the city’s population lives in and around it. The fort is located in the city center and holds a glorious 800-year history. You will need a whole day to explore the entire fort with its museums. The fort is also a shopping hub for many. You will find several merchants selling various handmade items of stone, brass, and iron. Also, there are dozens of shops of Indian ethnic wear for men and women.
Attractions
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Jaisalmer Fort
One of the best Living forts in the world
Gadisar Lake
A perfect place to chill out
Constructed by the first ruler of Jaisalmer ‘Raja Rawal Jaisal’, Gadisal lake is situated just one kilometer away from Jaisalmer’s Sonar Fort. This lake fulfills the water requirements of the entire city. At the bank of this lake, you will find several temples and holy shrines.
Boating is one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer. The picturesque Gadisar Lake and its artistically carved entrance is something that you will fall in love with. This artificial like is of the best places to escape from the hectic city life. In winters, you will find several species of beautiful migratory birds.
Kuldhara
The haunted village (a heritage site by ASI)
Kuldhara is an abandoned Indian village that lies 15 km away from Jaisalmer. This place is famous as a haunted village and narrates several inspiring and fascinating tales. This ghost village is marked as a heritage site and is protected under the authority of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Established around the 13th century, this village was prosperous at the time. Over the years, it acquired a tag of a haunted destination. Therefore in 2010, the Government of Rajasthan decided to develop the place as a tourist spot.
Tanot Mata
Temple of the local deity Tanot aka Awad Mata
Tanot Mata Temple is situated 38 km away from the Longewala border and 120 km from Jaisalmer City. The story of this temple is associated with a miraculous tale of the border fight between India and Pakistan. The legend says that the local deity Tanot aka Awad Mata didn’t let any Pakistani shell explode in the region. In the war of 1965 and 1971, Indian soldiers who were certain of death and defeat went on to crush the Pakistanis.
Over 3000 bombs dropped in the region or on the temple but none of them exploded. Those bombs can be seen by people in the museum built by BSF inside the temple premises.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
A heritage site known for distinctive architecture
Built-in 1815 with a peacock-shaped roof, Salim Singh Ki Haveli has 38 gracefully carved balconies. It stands out of other havelis in Jaisalmer in terms of art and sculpture. It is one of the must-visit places in Jaisalmer for the one who loves to explore the beautiful artistry.
This haveli is located 1.5 km from Jaisalmer Railway Station. The unique feature of this mansion is that it is not created with cement and mortar but with stones that are coupled with strong iron rods.
Patwon Ki Haveli
A heritage famous for exquisite and intricate artwork
Patwon Ki Haveli is the oldest, biggest, and most-visited tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. Often called as Patwa Haveli, this monument stands out of all other havelis in Jaisalmer because it’s a cluster of 5 different havelis.
Series of early-1800s palaces, Patwon ki Haveli is now a museum featuring intricate carvings, furniture & artwork. Currently, this heritage property is maintained by the Government of Rajasthan. The haveli is also the office of the Archeological Survey of India and State Art and Craft Department.
Longewala War Memorial
A showcase of Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Famous for the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the Longewala battle ground is around 125 km from Jaisalmer city. Apart from historic details, the Longewala War Memorial throws a significant light on the military equipment used in the war.
There is no entry fee to visit the site and one needs to have 1-2 hours to explore all the military vehicles and the museum. A small movie is also shown on the projector which has some shots of the great Bollywood film ‘Border‘.
Indo-Pak Border
An international border between Pakistan and India
Indo-Pak border might be long-range fencing of wires for a few but visiting the place is one of the extraordinary activities for many. If you are a fan of Border movie, we are sure a visit to the Indo-Pak border must be on your list.
Longewala and Tanot are the major posts of the Indian army. You can visit there with special permission which can be acquired by the Army headquarters at Jaisalmer City.
Jaisalmer War Museum
Exhibiting the Saga of Indian Army
Constructed by the Desert Corps of the Indian Army, Jaisalmer War Museum magnificently enraptures the bleeding history of this border city. It is a house of some unique artifacts paying tribute to and honor the sacrifices of the Indian Army during the numerous wars fought throughout the years.
The museum has a dedicated hall showcasing the glorious history of the Longewala War fought by India-Pakistan in 1971. The entire place is a beautiful garden well-decorated with war machinery such as tanks, jet fights, etc.