Located
amidst the beautiful Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer city is popularly
referred to as the golden city for when the sunrays fall on the yellow
sands and the stunning Jaisalmer fort, the whole city glows like gold.
The Thar Desert renders the city an Arabian Nights look especially with
the presence of the ship of the Desert Camel in the region. The city of
Jaisalmer has many interesting legends behind its origin. It is believed
that Lord Krishna had prophesized that in the future a man from his clan
would establish a city on the Trikuta hill where the Jaisalmer city
today stands. The city was founded by a Bhati Rajput Raja Rawal Jaisal
in 1156, who belonged to the Yadava clan. The Desert city derives its
name Jaisalmer from its founder. Jaisalmer being strategically located
though amassed huge wealth owing to its proximity to Persia, Egypt,
Afghanistan, Arabia, Africa and the west; it had to bear several
invasion attempts and was devastated many times. The sleepy Desert city is today one of the most visited tourist destination of Rajasthan. One can experience the hospitality of the people of Jaisalmer which is pronounced in the rhetoric of 'padharo mhare desh' (welcome to our land). The golden city is a cultural hub and a rich centre of arts, music, dance, and architecture. The folk music of the region is the result of age-old traditions and customs in the city which is amalgamated with classical music and ultimately reveals the Desert life. The desolate landscape of Jaisalmer renders it a serenity which is unique to only this city of Rajasthan.
The city of Jaisalmer offers a plethora of activities to people with distinct tastes. To experience culture as well as adventure Jaisalmer is an ideal place to visit. The finest structures of architecture can be viewed here; the majestic Jaisalmer fort and the exquisite havelis - Nathmal ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli are all reminiscence of the bygone royal era. The world famous Desert Festival is the occasion when one can experience the rich culture of Jaisalmer at its best. For the adventurous lot a Desert Safari is must to get the experience of the Caravan traders of medieval era. The people of the land of sand dunes despite extreme living conditions are extremely jovial and live life to the fullest with their rich customs and traditions still alive. Once who has been to this golden city yearns to visit the city again for not one but several reasons.