The Golden City of Jaisalmer is named after the yellow sandstone used in most of its buildings. It is an oasis of magnificent ancient buildings standing on the sand dunes of the Thar Desert. The city used to be a strategic outpost, but now there are gorgeous old mansions, magnificent gates and huge Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden Fort. This magnificent 12th-century building stands above the town.
In addition to palaces, temples, and beautiful old houses, the fortress has 99 forts and a huge gate leading to the main courtyard, where the seven-story maharaja’s palace is located. The palace was built in the early 16th century and was expanded by successive rulers to the 19th century. The parts open to the public include beautifully decorated Italian and Chinese tiles, beautifully carved stone gates, and some Jains. Temples built between the 12th and 16th centuries, each temple is decorated with exquisite marble and sandstone images, palm leaf manuscripts and brightly colored ceilings.
Be sure to visit the well-preserved 1000-year-old library Gyan Bhandar, which contains many 16th century manuscripts and antiquities.