This tank, south of the city walls, was once the water supply of the city and there are many small temples and shrines around the tank. In winter a wide variety of water birds flock here. The beautiful arched gateway across the road down to the tank is said to have been built by a famous prostitute. When she offered to pay to have this gateway constructed the Maharaja refused permission since he would have to pass under it on going down to the tank and that, he felt, would be unseemly. While he was away she built the gate anyway and added a Krishna

Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., Jaisalmer is perhaps the world's only fort where medieval pattern of life still prevails. Built of the famous Jurassic sandstone-Sonar Kila or Golden Fort, it rises like a mirage from the barren Thar desert of Rajasthan with its 99 bastions silhouetted against the sky.

The Winter is the perfect time for Jaisalmer's Desert Festival. Camel races and dances, folk music, desert ballads, puppeteers, fire walkers and sword swallowers - they're all part of the activity. Just a walk through Jaisalmer, savoring the medieval glory of old Rajasthan, is a marvelously rewarding travel experience.