Jaisalmer is one of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist destinations. Local colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic. Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhati Rajput, laid the foundation of this city in 1156 A.D. Trikuta was the hill chosen and Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Lodurva and established this new capital.

The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert.

The glory of Jaisalmer faded when sea trade replaced the old land routes. But there is still an 'Arabian Nights' quality about the town. The narrow streets in the walled city preserve a traditional way of life: the craftsmen still work at the ancient crafts of weaving and stone carving, the making of silver jewellery and embroidery. And the stately, nonchalant camel is everywhere.

Winter is the perfect time for Jaisalmer's Desert Festival, celebrated in January/ February. The desert seems to bloom in a thousand colours. There are camel races and folk dances. Craft bazaar and traditional balled singing. A sound and light spectacle on the sand-dunes of Sam on the full moon night of purnima.

Major Attractions - Jaisalmer Travel Tourism

• Jaisalmer Fort
  The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill,housing the entire township within its ramparts.It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis,three beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces.The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiyal,Ganesh Pol,Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.
• Havelis
  Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis,all intricately latticed are strew all over Jaisalmer-each with a different facade.
• Jain Temple
  The fort has three exquisitely carved jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars-Rishabhdev,Sambhavnath and Paraswanath.