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Palaces inside the Jaisalmer Fort

• The fort has five palaces called Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal - all interconnected behind the seven-storied façade. Small stairs take you from one court to another with superb jali screens shading interiors from the fierce heat and desert wind. The Rang Mahal built by Mool Raj II has some exquisite murals painted on arches and spandrels. Music and dance soirees were held here for royal ladies. From the balconies you get a terrific view of the mammoth ramparts below guarding the small city. Balconies at the Gaj Mahal are also breathtakingly beautiful; if only the English Romantic poet John Keats had seen them. The fort contains one third of the city's population within the small houses on the narrow lanes. Many houses also operate as curio shops.

Jain Temples

• Within the fort are the three most exquisitely sculptured Jain temples dedicated to Rishabhdevji, Sambhavanathji and the Ashthapadi temple. Their ornamentation done in the style of the Dilwara temples at Mt. Abu is simply marvelous. The emerald icon of Mahavira is an unparalleled gem.

Havelis (Manors) of Jaisalmer

• Salem Singh Haveli -It is at an unhurried pace that the havelis (houses of rich merchants) should be seen and admired. These havelis are the pride of Jaisalmer architecture, a part of the national heritage. Salem Singh Haveli at the eastern end of the city is an Arabian Nights structure.
• Patwon ki Haveli -Near the city center is the Patwon ki Haveli, built by Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons, dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery with business stretching between Afghanistan and China. The five suites built between 1800 and 1860 are virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade and gold. The balconies are so delicately chiseled you would stand mesmerised by the splendor of it all, particularly when viewed early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Oblique sunrays create enchanting and dramatic shadows, highlighting the carving and infusing it with a life of its own. It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, a veritable museum piece in the open.
• Nathmal Haveli -The third haveli belongs to Nathmal, a later day prime minister who gifted it to the Rawal and was allowed to retain it. Built by two brothers in 1885, this haveli has two identical looking portions, which are in fact two different parts united by a common façade. Look for the projected balconies which seem to emerge from books of poetry. The carving never looked better. A perfect example of jeweler's art applied to stone carving. The Muslim silavats (artisans) did a wonderful job here and left a marvelous legacy of craftsmanship excellent in detail and flawless in conception. If only for viewing these havelis travelling to Jaisalmer is more than amply rewarded.
• Manak Chowk -The chowk was once a Sadar Mandi (grain-market), and merchants from Persia, Iraq, Egypt and Arabia used to visit the city to trade. Jaisalmer in those days can be compared to the 'great silk route' from Europe to China.

Collections

• Gyan Bhandar Library - This library was founded in 1500 A.D. by Acharya Maharaj Jin Bhadra Suri. This small underground vault houses priceless ancient illustrated manuscripts, some dating from the 11th century.

Lakes and Ancient sites

• Gadisar Lake: This lake was excavated in 1367 AD by Rawal Gadsi Singh. It is surrounded by small temples and shrines. A wide variety of waterfowl flock here in winter.
• Amar Sagar: From Lodurva, the road to Jaisalmer passes through Amar Sagar, which has a grand artificial reservoir for water, a temple and a promenade on the bank. Bada Bagh, cenotaphs of the Jaisalmer Rawals, has some magnificent chattris (canopies) set amidst an oasis of greenery. The elegant chattris are in white marble and mostly in the fabulous yellow sandstone. Another beautiful place is the Gadi Sagar Tank, the main source of the city's water supply. Early morning on the tank is charming with the temples resounding with chanting of mantras and prayers.The main gateway was built by a courtesan, Telon, who installed a Krishna image atop the arched gateway to ward off royal ire at having had to pass under a construction financed by her.
• Bada Bagh Cenotaphs: This is a complex with royal cenotaphs and carved images of past Maharawals (rulers) of Jaisalmer. Each chhatri commemorates a particular ruler and preserves an inscribed tablet recording his death.
• Lodurva ruins: The ancient capital of Bhattis, mostly in ruins, is visited for the great Jain temple, which contains the most exquisite jali work screens, a grand ceiling and a magnificent triumphal arch at the entrance. The original carriage for the deity, made in 1675, is still preserved. The most interesting object d'art is Kalpataru, a mythical tree of wish fulfillment. Lodurva has a great number of peacocks, which hover around the temple walls lending spectacular color to the dry and stony landscape. Here once flowed the river Kak. Along its banks had flourished the romance between princess Momal, and prince Mathendru of Amarkot. Their tragic end is the theme of folk songs. When the lovers perished, the river Kak stopped flowing.
• Moolsagar: Situated 8 km west of Jaisalmer, this historic site has a small garden and tank. It belongs to the royal family of Jaisalmer. One major attraction of this place is a Shiva temple, which is said to be constructed out of just two large blocks of sandstone. It is enroute to the Sam sand dunes.
• Kuladhara ruins: One of the most interesting places is Kuladhara village. This is among the 84 villages inhabited by the rich, hard-working Paliwals. The Paliwals deserted their houses overnight with the curse that anyone who removed even a stone from the houses would come to grief and perish. Howling winds rush through empty streets and skeletons of houses now exposed to the elements remains of the village.
• Wood Fossil Park, Aakal: This unique site showcases fossilised remains of 180 million-year-old forests.
• Desert National Park: This is one of the largest national parks, covering an area of 3100 sq. km. It is a haven for several migratory birds in the winter and also shelters the Great Indian Bustard.
• Sam Sand Dunes: The most picturesque dunes, no travel to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to these fascinating sand structures. Wind-caressed slopes are marked with ripples creating an enchanting mirage, a visual illusion of extraordinary splendor. The dunes can be extremely treacherous since they can sink to a few feet the moment you step over one. Occasionally you can see the dunes shifting with the strong desert winds - an astonishing feat of nature. Watching sunrise and sunset on the dunes can become etched on your memory - such an unforgettable spectacle with the great ball of light rising from behind the low hills of sand amid a perfectly still scene. A mysterious silence prevails.

SIX MUST DO'S - WHILE AT GORBANDH PALACE

• Watch the sunset at the sand dunes of Sam
• Roam around in the mystic lanes of the Sonar Kila
• Revel in the ornamental glory of Patwon ki Haveli
• Admire the magnificent Salim Singh Haveli
• Marvel at the beauty of Diwan Nathmal ki Haveli
• Unwind at the Panghat Spa