Our first view of the ancient fortress city of Jaisalmer, perched on top of a sand coloured rock surrounded by the endless expanse of the Thar Desert, was from atop of our camels. The ancient fort of Jaisalmer is unique in that it is still lived in, rather than simply preserved as an ancient monument. The best, in fact the only, way to explore the narrow lanes is on foot. There are ancient temples, and palaces, carved from the local sandstone that gives Jaisalmer its name - the Golden City. Founded in the 12th century, the fort stands on an 80m-high hill, enclosed by a thick wall of over 10-m high and reinforced with 99 bastions. Within these bastions is a complete township of cobbled streets strewn with palaces, havelis or mansions of rich merchants, and Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Jaisalmer, with its narrow cobbled lanes, is a wonderful place to wander around on foot. Walking through the narrow lanes lined with exquisitely carved havelis, it has an extraordinarily medieval feel. The most elaborate and magnificent haveli, the Patwon Ki Haveli, best known for its latticed facade. The 300 year old Salim Singh Ki Haveli has a beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks and was the one we explored with a guide.

More Jaisalmer photos at https://pbase.com/gbc/jaisalmer and Jaisalmer in jeopardy http://www.jaisalmer-in-jeopardy.org

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