Rising for the heart of the
Thar Desert the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden
mirage it the city of Jaisalmer . A commanding fort
etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome
splendor , dominating the amber – hued city .
The city has an
interesting legend associated with it, according
to which , Lord Krishna – the head of the
Yadav Clan , foretold Arjuna that a remote
descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his
kingdom atop the Trikuta hill . His prophecy was
fulfilled in 1156 A.D when Rawal Jaisal , a descendent
of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti
Rajput , Abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new
capital – Jaisalemr , perched on the Trikuta hill .
Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer
were feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the
caravans laden with precious silks and spices that
crossed the territory enroute Delhi or Sind . These
Caravans earned the town great wealth . For years
Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences .
The rise of shipping trade and the port of Mumbai saw
the decline of Jaisalmer . But the desert fortress ,
that seems to be straight out of the ‘Tales of the
Arabian Nights “ , Still enchants .
The Life with in the
citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible
in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces ,
havelis , temples and of course skilled artisans and
ubiquitous camels .
The setting sun turning
Jaisalmer in to a beautiful golden Desert Festival ,
held in Jan/ Feb , Every year when the city reverberates
to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms .
Folk dances
exciting competitions and contests , especially the
turban –tying contest . Mr Desert contest and camel
races enliven the festivities . Colorful craft bazaars
are set up for the occasion and a sound and light
spectacle is organized with folk artistes performing
against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam Sand
dunes on the full moon night . Surely a not-to-be missed
event.
Places of
Interest in Jaisalmer
==========================
The Fort,
Jaisalmer
The
Golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape
from its 80 meter high perch on the hill , housing the
entire township with in its ramparts . It has an
enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some
lovely havelies , three beautifully sculptured Jain
temples of the 12th – 15th century
A.D and five interconnected palaces .
The Fort is approached through for gateway –Akhaiya Pol,
Ganesh Pol , Suraj Pol and hava Pol .
Manak
Chowk and Havelis
A
Main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow
lanes dotted with famous havelis .
Gadsisar
Lake
:
A Scenic rain water
lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a
spectacular avian variety . The lake is an idyllic spot
for outings .
Tazia Tower
:
A pagoda like structure looming up from the
‘Badal Mahal “ with beautiful “Tazzias – ornately
decorated bamboo , paper and tinsel replicas of a bier ,
carried out in procession during Moharram by the Muslims
.
Havelis
:
Some of the most exotic
mansions or havelis , all intricately latticed are
strewn all over Jaisalmer –each with a different
façade .
Nathumal Ji- Ki –Haveli
: The 19th century haveli with intricate
architecture – a display of sheer craftsmanship .The
left and right wings of the mansion which were carved
by two brothers are not identical but very similar and
balanced in design . The interior walls are ornate with
splendid miniature paintings .
Patwon ki Haveli
: The most
elaborate and magnificent
of all the Jaislamer havelis .it has exquisitely carved
pillars and extensive corridors and chambers . One of
the apartments of this five storey high haveli is
painted with beautiful murals .
Salim Singh Singh Ji Ki Haveli : This 300 years old
haveli of Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister to Rawal Gaj Singh
– Salim Singh has a beautiful blue cupola roof with
superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks . This
extraordinary mansion is yellow stone is covered with
intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting
balcony on the top storey . The Mansion is on e of the
most notable of the array of havelis .
Jain
Temples :The
fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated
to the Jain Tirthankaras –Rishabdev , Sambhavnath and
Parswanath .
Excursions
near Jaisalmer
==============
Lodurva
:
(16 km ) The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an
important capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim
spot of the Jain community with some magnificent jain
temples , “Toran “or the ornate arches at the main
entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy . A
“Kalpataru “ or a divine tree with in is the main
attraction of the temples .
Wood Fossil
Park, Aakal
: (
17 km ) Lying on th Barmer Road this park takes you
back to the Jurassic period ( when the whole Thar
region lay under the sea ) with 180 million year old
fossils – the geological landmarks for the study of the
Thar Desert .
Sam Sand
Dunes
:
( 42 km ) No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without trip
to Most picturesque dunes of Sam . The ripples on the
wind –caressed dunes , that create an enchanting mirage
, are surely a delight for trigger- happy photographer
. Various cultural programmes are organized against
the back drop of these fascinating sand dunes,
Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of
the desert on the camel back .
Desert
National Park
: (
45 km ) the landscape of the Desert National Park is
dominated by rolling Sand dunes and scrub covered hills,
The Prominent Fauna of the park includes blackbuck ,
chinkara , desert fox and the great Indian bustard .
Amar Sagar :
( 5 km ) A pleasant garden beside
a lake with mango and other fruit trees .Beautifully
carved Jain Temples add to its Splendor .
Bada Bagh
:
( 6 km ) A fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial
lake . Much of the city’s fruits and vegetables are
grown here . Surrounded by dense trees are the royal
cenotaphs with beautifully carved ceilings and
equestrian statues of the former rulers .
Mool Sagar
:
( 18
km ) The pleasant shady grove is a perfect picnic spot
during summers .
Barmer
:
( 155 km ) A tiny desert town renowned for its hand
block printing industry, carved wood furniture ,
colorful costumes and amiable folks .
Camel
Safaris
:
This is the most interesting means to explore the
desertscape and are conducted on various circuits .
How to reach
Jaisalmer
==============
Jaipur is connected to all the major Indian cities by
train. Buses, taxis and other coaches are available from
Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Udaipur and all the other major
cities.
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General Information
Area: 27,000 sq. kms
Altitude: 237 meters
Climate: Max ºC Min. ºC
Summer: 48 28
Winter: 22 4
Rainfall: 26-46 cm.
Best season:Oct-March
Distance
from major cities in kms
Agra 232
kms.
Ajmer 131 kms.
Bikaner 321 kms.
Delhi 258 kms.
Jodhpur 331 kms.
Kota 242 kms |
How to get
here |
|
By Air : Indian Airlines operates
flights to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi
from Jaisalmer.
By Bus : There are many deluxe buses
operating daily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur,
Jaipur, Bikaner.
By Train : There are two trains IJPJ
and Jodhpur express which operates daily
from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.
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Festive Fun: |
|
Teej, also known
as the festival of Swings (a reference to
the flower-bedecked swings which are erected
at this time), celebrates the onset of the
monsoon and is held in honor of the
marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It is
celebrated with particular fervor in
Jaisalmer
Gangaur Festival : April
Kolayat Fair : November
Holi
: March
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Where to
stay |
Jaisalmer provides a wide range of hotels
options varying from high end heritage
hotels to lower end budget accommodations.
Click for more information:
Click Here
For More Hotels Information |
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