Jaisalmer district :

Jaisalmer District, is a district of Rajasthan state in western India. The city of Jaisalmer is the administrative headquarters of the district.it is appx 289 km from the Jodhpur city and 559 km from the Jaipur city. Jaisalmer is a district that is situated in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. This district is popular for its glittering sand dunes and yellow sandstone. It is the only region in India that has the yellow sandstone. That is the reason why the city of Jaisalmer, lying within the district is also known as the Golden city.  As of 2011 it is the least populous district of Rajasthan (out of 33).

History :
Historians say that the history of Jaisalmer district is quite ennobled by an interesting story. Maharawal Jaisal had laid the foundation of the fort and town of Jaisalmer in the year 1156 AD. He did so in order to shift his capital to this safer place from the then capital town from Ludharva, which lays nearly 18 Kms away from Jaisalmer. 
Jaisalmer state forms part of the present day Jaisalmer district . Bhati, a clan belonging to 'Yadu Rajputs of Chandrawasnshi (Lunar) race' ruled over this region. 
They are believed to have descended from Lord Krishna, the legendary hero who had reigned at Dwarka. 
History of Jaisalmer district further is embellished by its association with the British rulers. During the British era, this Jaisalmer state was one of the Rajputana States, which received protection from them. The treaty between Maharawal Moolraj-II and the British government is a milestone, which had been bestowed upon the responsibility of the principality of Jaisalmer. It was signed on 12th December of the year of 1818. The terms of this treaty was such that the king of this state was bound to act under the subordination of British Empire. The year 1938-39 saw the occurrence of Afgan War when the contemporary king, namely, Maharawal Gaj Singh was reigning. He made good arrangements of transportation of the troops of British rulers. Because of their timely help and corporation the Britons showed their gratitude and appreciation. 

In the year 1949 Jaisalmer was amalgamated into Rajasthan state. As such there was no significant change made in the structure of the state. October 6,1949 was a watershed since the region received the prestige and status of being an autonomous district of the Jodhpur division. 

Geography :

It is the largest district of Rajasthan and third largest in the country in area. Jaisalmer District lies in the Thar Desert, which straddles the border of India and Pakistan. It is bounded on the northeast by Bikaner District, on the east by Jodhpur District, on the south by Barmer District, and on the west and north by Pakistan. The district is located within a rectangle lying between 26°.4’ –28°.23' North parallel and 69°.20'-72°.42' east meridians.

The length of international border attached to the district is 464  km. Jaisalmer is almost entirely a sandy waste, forming a part of the great Indian desert. The general aspect of the area is that of an interminable sea of sandhills, of all shapes and sizes, some rising to a height of 150 ft. Those in the west are covered with log bushes, those in the east with tufts of long grass. Water is scarce, and generally brackish; the average depth of the wells is said to be about 250 ft. There are no perennial streams, and only one small river, the Kakni, which, after flowing a distance of 28 m., spreads over a large surface of flat ground, and forms a lake orjhil called the Bhuj-Jhil. The climate is dry and healthy. Throughout Jaisalmer only raincrops, such as bajra, joar, motif, til, etc., are grown; spring crops of wheat, barley, etc., are very rare. Owing to the scant rainfall, irrigation is almost unknown.

Economy :

In 2006 the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Jaisalmer one of the country's 250 most backward districts (out of a total of 640). It is one of the twelve districts in Rajasthan currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).

Demographics :

According to the 2011 census Jaisalmer district has a population of 672,008, roughly equal to the nation of Equatorial Guinea or the US state of North Dakota. This gives it a ranking of 508th in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 17 inhabitants per square kilometre (44/sq mi). Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 32.22%. Jaisalmer has a sex ratio of 849 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 58.04%.

Important places of interests of Jaisalmer district are as follows : 

Jaisalmer Fort :  Jaisalmer Fort is a landmark. It rises as high as hundred meters. Inside it, a beautiful citadel with strong fortifications is built. If one wants to behold the delight of Jaisalmer district strolling down the lanes, paved with narrow cobblestones, would be ideal. A multiple of entrances Pols, namely the Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and the Hava Pol are there . They act as defense for buildings like the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal . They are the home for the imperial family members. The light of the setting sun falls on the fort studded with yellow stonewalls and citadels. A that time the fort can be easily mistaken as if it is made from gold. Thus it gained the name of the Golden fort, popularly known as Sonar Kila. 
 

Manek Chowk :  It is a major market place, which has been found outside this fortress. From this market place one can even step in the lanes where few popular havelis are situated.

Special attractions are the havelis of Jaisalmer. They are one of the significant places of interests of Jaisalmer district. 

Salim Singh Ki-Haveli :  It was the home of the ancestral ministers of the kings of Jaisalmer district. They belong to Mohta clan who were quite powerful in the district. One of its distinct feature is a 'blue cupola roof'. Also there is a beautiful balcony which projects out and also decks up the top storey. 

Patwon-Ki-Haveli : It is one of the most prominent and also the intricate haveli in the whole of Jaisalmer district. It is 5-storied building and also is carved out in an elaborate one. 

Nath malji ki Haveli :There is a story, which is quite popular amongst the people of Jaisalmer district. It is said that two brothers carved its two sides. It is unique that though the motives are quite dissimilar, harmony exists between them. In order to know the dissimilarities, one needs to examine them carefully. The outstanding craftsmanship of the stone carver is exemplified in the sheer quality of the shielded windows. 

Tazia Tower : This is a significant place to visit. It looks like a pagoda and also rises up to some height from the Badal Mahal, better known as the Palace of Clouds. It is a 5-tiered pillar with each and every storey possessing balcony which all are exquisitely carved out. 

Gadsisar Lake : Gadsisar Lake is the name of a rainwater lake. This picturesque locale is ideal for picnicking. Boating facilities also is available. 

Lodurva :  It is one of the places of interests of Jaisalmer district. It was the capital town of 'Rawal Jaisal'. Till date it is full of antiquities, which helps one to reminisce the heritage of the primitive town ship. Nowadays it has turned into a pilgrimage where multitudes of Jain devotees pay visit every year. Numerous temples also are found here exhibiting the artistic acumen of those crafters who create masterpieces on yellow stones. Toran is a famous Jain Temple at Lodurva. 

Sam : It is one of those places of interest of Jaisalmer district, which offers a slice of the wonders of life in the desert region. This place is thronged with patterns, which are carved on sands by winds. One can experience celestial pleasure when one rides on sand dunes at the time of sunset.