Indian States
Rajasthan
Cities
In Rajasthan
Jaisalmer
Nothing
else in India is remotely similar to Jaisalmer. Its desert fort,
which resembles a gigantic sandcastle, is straight out of ' Thousand
and One Nights '. There are many havelis which can be found elsewhere
in Rajasthan, but nowhere are they quite as exquisite as in Jaisalmer.
Even the humblest shops and houses display something of the Rajput
love of the decorative arts. There is a down side to Jaisalmer
becoming one of Rajasthan's most popular tourist destinations.
Jaisalmer
is a great place to simply wander. The old city was once completely
surrounded by an 
extensive
wall, much of which has sadly been ripped away in recent times
for building material. Some of it remains, however, including
the city gates and, inside them, the massive fort which rises
above the city and is the essence of Jaisalmer. The main market
area is directly below the hill, while the banks, the new palace
and several other shops and offices are near the Amar Sagar Gate
to the west.
Money
: The Bank of Baroda at Gandhi Chowk changes travellers cheques
and issues cash advances on Visa and Master-Card. The State Bank
of Bikaner & Jaipur, opposite the hotel Neeraj, changes travellers
cheques and major currencies. Special Events :
In January/February, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival has camel races,
dances, folk music, desert ballads and puppeteers.
