The fascinating desert scape of Jaisalmer offers camel safaris for exploring the historic sights and villages of sheep and camel herders. The environs of Jaisalmer are dotted with beautiful temples, haunting ruins of the old capital, rolling sand dunes and the habitat of a rare desert bird known as the Great Indian Bustard. The beautiful havelis, which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of this desert city.

The alfresco shops which dot the city sell everything from clothes to the famous culinary delight of Jaisalmer - Ghotua (bright yellow candy balls). The love of jewelry of the people living in this city is proven by the paraphernalia of silver ornaments designed for the nose, head, fingers, ears, ankles and even for teeth, called chupara . Jaisalmer is also famous for embroidery and mirror work on textiles, rugs and camel skin slippers.

The Jaisalmer fort rises like a fabulous mirage out of the sands of the Thar Desert. Standing on the peak of the Trikuta Hill, in medieval times the entire population of Jaisalmer lived within the fort and even now thousands of people live here. The Royal palace, a cluster of exquisitely carved 15th & 16th Jain temples, mansions and shops are all contained within its walls.

Built in the 19 th century by two architect brothers, the haveli is a symphony epitomizing the side by side symmetry during construction, as one brother concentrated on the left while the other concentrated on the right. Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.

Built about 300 years ago, the haveli is said to have had additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the Maharaja's palace, but the Maharaja had it torn down.

Five storeys high and extensively carved, this is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalemr. There are remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.

A visit to SAM gives insght into desert life. The places allows one to see beautiful patterns carved by winds on the sand. Camel rides on sand dunes give the experience of an unforgettable sunset.

Pokran os renowned for its furniture and interior crafts. The fort has an assortment of weaponery, brocade clothes abd various games of dice and dominoes on display.

Barmer, a remote desert town is located approximately 158 kms from Jaisalmer. The town is a major center for desert handicrafts such as woodcarvings, carpets, block printing and embroidery. The mud huts that the villagers live in are beautifully decorated with geometric and floral patterns.

The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and its rich fauna. Its inhabitants include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox, hare and desert cat. One also hear the morning call of the grey partridge. Blue tailed and green bee-eaters, drongos, common and bush quail and Indian rollers are birds, which are commonly found around waterholes. The park is also home to the great Indian Bustard which is peril of extinction.

The nearest airport is Jodhpur- 290 km.

Jaisalmer is connected with Jodhpur by night train service.

A network of good motor able roads and private and government buses connect Udaipur to all the nearby major cities.