Jaisalmer is an important destination of the western state of India, Rajasthan. A desert city, it was founded by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in the year 1156. Jaisalmer could be regarded as the western sentinel of entire India and a place worth visiting to get an idea of the native Rajasthan. Located at the heart of the great Thar Desert, it offers the visitor an enchanting world of fable, colour, and history. Moreover, the magnificent wood-and stone-carved mansions and buildings display the love and interest Rajputs had for the fine arts. The desert festival held here by the end of the winter season, during the months of January and February, attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

Sightseeing
The golden rays of the setting sun, the colourfully adorned locals, the massive forts and mansions, the extremely fascinating craftsmanship, Rajput havelis, all these make Jaisalmer a place of must visit in Rajasthan. Moreover a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort (the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur), Patwon ki Haveli, (the grandest haveli of Jaisalmer), Desert Culture centre and museums gives you some glimpse of this small town's past. The Jain temples meet your religious taste, Salim Singh ki haveli and Nathmal-ki-haveli give you some more idea of the haveli architecture of the town. Besides these, Gadsisar Lake is also an interesting spot that you must visit in this desert city.

Apart from many places to visit in Jaisalmer, there some other excursion sites you must not miss out. These sites include many nearby local villages, desert resorts, and places of historical as well as contemporary importance. Khuri, a village that provides you with an earthy feeling of the local Rajasthan, Manvar, a place that would give you once in a lifetime experience of the desert and the famous Pokhran range are some of the sites that needs a mention. You can also go for camel safaris during days and evenings. Ideal for viewing sunsets, these sites will also give you a chance to capture the picturesque sand dunes in your camera. Staying in the desert camps of the above mentioned places with local delicacies served is a heavenly experience.