August 12, 2025
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Historical Places in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is a paradise for history enthusiasts with a treasure of historical places in its area. Situated in Thar Desert, this city has the most magnificent places with spectacular architecture and fine carvings. The fort, havelis, temples, and the artificial lake, everything speaks of its rich history. The beautiful Chokhi Dhani Palace Hotel celebrates city’s powerful history with its delightful ambiance that it offers to the visitors. Here is guide of historical visit which you can visit while your travel to this glorious city of Rajasthan in India.
The Sonar Quila
Founded in 1156 AD, the Jaisalmer Fort or the Sonar Quila, or the Golden Fort is the one of the largest fortified cities in the world that has been fully preserved. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fort named after its founder king Jaisal Singh, has an Islamic and Rajput architecture blended together. Situated on the Trikula hill, this living fort has palaces, havelis, temples, homes, and shops showcasing a blend of both civilian and military architecture.
Patwon Ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli is the larges haveli in Jaisalmer constructed between 1805 to 1860. Built by a wealthy merchant Guman Chand Patwa and his sons, it is famous for the mirror work, murals, and the fine carvings that it has. This haveli is a great example of the Rajputana architecture making it one of the most visited tourist spots. The use of yellow sandstone gives it a goldish glue and brings it in harmony with the aesthetic of Jaisalmer. It has five small havelis, each one giving a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle lead by the Patwa family.
Salim Singh ki Haveli
One of the must visit havelis is the Salim Singh ki Haveli which is also known as the Jahaz Mahal because of its unique ship-like shape. This haveli situated in golden city was built by Salim Singh in the year 1815. He was the prime minister of Jaisalmer at that time. What makes this haveli unique is its distinct architecture with a roof resembling our national bird peacock and the carefully carved brackets resembling ships. This haveli has an extensive use of the blue cupolas along with finely carved and decorated balconies.
Nathmal ki Haveli
Nathmal ki Haveli served as the residence of the prime minister Diwan Mohata Nathmal at that time. This haveli constructed by two brothers is famous for its symmetrical architecture and outstanding embellishments. The brothers worked on different sides of this haveli simultaneously to get it constructed. A beautiful masterpiece, this haveli has marvellous designs and motifs that will leave you in awe of it. The miniature painting and the beautiful carvings further add to its unmatched beauty.
Jain Temples
If you have a spiritual or religious soul, Jain temples will leave you feeling peaceful and strongly connected to the powerful force. There are seven temples in the Jaisalmer fort since the 12th and 15th centuries. Dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras, these are important pilgrimage sites constructed in Dilwara style. The fine marble work, sculptures, and detailed carvings along with the beautifully decorated pillars showcase the fine craftsmanship. The most famous temples are the Parshvanath temple, Shantinath temple and the chandraprabhu temples.
Gadisar Lake
An artificial lake, Gadisar lake was constructed by Maharawal Gadsi Singh in the 14th century to solve the water scarcity problem in arid region. This man-made lake has become an important historical landmark which is surrounded by many temples, ghats, shrines, and cenotaphs. There is a gateway with an artistically carved archway named ‘Tilon ki Pol’ that leads to this lake. This lake has been home to various migratory birds making it a delightful place for the bird watchers. You can enjoy boating in this lake followed by light and sound show in the evenings.
Desert National Park
The desert national park is one of the largest national parks in India that showcases a unique desert ecosystem. Established in the year 1980, this park is spread across 3162 square kilometers and is home to various endangered species. You will get to diverse wildlife here including the Chinkara, blackbuck, great Indian bustard, desert fox, and different species of reptiles. The Akal Wood Fossil Park is one of the main attractions with fossilized plants and trees that are 180 million years old.
Bada Bagh
While enjoy your stay at the Chokhi Dhani Palace Hotel in Jaisalmer you can get a nice itinerary planned. Do include Bada bagh or the big garden situated in this city which has complex of chhatris built by the royal family of this golden city. It was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century as an honour to his father, Maharaja Jai Singh. The cenotaphs have been constructed in a traditional Rajasthani style with fine carvings on the pillars, panels, and the domes.
Kuldhara Village
Kuldhara Village is famous for being mysteriously abandoned overnight in 19th century for the reasons unknown. Established in 1291 by the Paliwal Brahmins, people do believe that this happened due to the oppressive demands of the then leader Salim Singh. This place has been believed to be cursed by the residents to remain uninhabited. Presently, this place is believed to be haunted and is often visited to see the ruins showcasing the damaged structures of homes, temples, and the wells.
Lodurva Village
Lodurva village is known for once being the thriving capital of the Bhatti Rajputs. This place has been famous for its restored jain temples especially the Parshvanath temple. This temple has ornated pillars, fine carvings, and decorated arched gateways. It is also famous for the Kalpavriksha, a tree with mythological significance known for fulfilling wishes. This place if often visited by the pilgrims and tourists to admire its beauty and feel peace.
The Chokhi Dhani Palace Hotel in Jaisalmer has been constructed inspired the rich and royal history of this city. This desert city is window to the times that have passed by but left a lot for us to see, feel, and learn. This city is an explorer’s delight and a must visit for all the history enthusiasts.
