Jaisalmer was founded by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in 1156. According to the local legends, seeking a more secure capital, the usurper was advised by a saint to build a castle on the Trikuta hill. It was in fulfillment of Lord Krishna's prophecy that a distant scion of his Yadav clan would build a kingdom here. There was water on the hill, a miracle performed by Krishna to quench the thirst of Arjuna. The hilltop offered the safest fort location, dominating and surveying the desert for miles. Jaisalmer lay on the camel trade route between India and Central Asia.
Jaisalmer stands tall in the desolate beauty of the desert, proudly welcoming visitors to an enchanting world of fable, color, and history. The view of Jaisalmer Fort, first seen from a distance of 15 km is stunning. In the early morning the ramparts, bastions and the long stretching walls dazzle gloriously. The yellow sandstone fortifications look magnificent. It is one of the most exotic cities of the Orient, standing in the heart of the desert for centuries. Today, Jaisalmer is the personification of the old order influence the new. An inherent feel for color and design percolated ever stratum of society, and jewelry, crafts and architecture became objects of delight equally between prince and peasant. The gloryof Jaisalmer faded when sea trade replaced the old land routes. But there isstill an 'Arabian Nights' quality about the town.
Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience.