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Jaisalmer Travel
Category:- All India Travel Tourism > City Guide > Rajasthan > Jaisalmer
4 One of Rajasthan's
most alluring cities, Jaisalmer, deep in the heart of Thar Desert, abounds
in ancient palaces, temples and quaint settlements. As the sun sets, the
sandstone buildings emit a lustrous glow, that make Jaisalmer the "Golden
City". Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer,
kept it almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of
the British Raj.
Very few cities can, even hope to match the sheer grandeur of this city.
There is an undefinable aura of magic and mystery, that surrounds its famous
desert-fortress - the yellow sandstone walls and bastions of which, take
on a golden hue in the afternoon sun, which is why it is, so aptly, called
Sonar Kila or the Golden Fort.
What to See | Festivals | How to Get There | Hotels to Stay
What To See
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer fort lies deep in the heart of the desert. Rising
out of the sea of sand, its rounded battlements of golden sandstone, echoing
the colour of the desert, this 12th century fort has proudly withstood the ravages
of time. Walking down the narrow cobbled stone lanes, one can feel the magnetism
of Jaisalmer. Several entrances, called 'pols', guard the Megh Durbar and the
Jawahar Mahal, which bear the imperial symbols of the Bhatti clan's lunar lineage.
Outside the fort, is the main market place called Manek Chowk. From Manek Chowk,
one can walk into the lanes, where the famous carved havelis are to be found.
Within
the fort, is a palace located on the highest point of Tricuta Hill, within a
protective wall of double ramparts. Four gateways provided protection to the
fort, and several tower-like buildings functioned as lookouts. The fort also
houses a number of small Mahals, such as the Janaki Mahal, Moti Mahal, and the
Phool Mahal.
The Havelis Of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is famous for its intricately latticed havelis with
conspicuous facades.
Salim Singh ki Haveli
Built about 300 years ago, this haveli was the residence of the powerful Mohta
clan - the hereditary ministers of the Jaisalmer rulers. The blue cupola roof
is distinctive, and an exquisite projecting balcony adorns the top storey.Part
of it is still occupied.
Patwon ki Haveli
This is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. Located
in a narrow alley, it is five storeys high, and one of its rooms is adorned
with exquisite murals.
Nathmalji ki Haveli
One very interesting fact about this haveli, is that its two sides were carved
by two brothers. Although the motif used by one is not similiar to the other,
they are, nevertheless, in perfect harmony. One has to look very closely to
spot any dissimiliarities. The excellent craftsmanship of the stone carver,
is illustrated in the gossamer quality of the screened windows. Yellow sandstone
elephants guard the building, and even the front door is an amazing piece of
art.
Tazia Tower
The pagoda - like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds).
Each storey of this five-tiered tower, has a beautifully carved balcony. Muslim
craftsmen built the tower, in the shape of a Tazia (ornately decorated bamboo,
paper and tinsel replicas of a bier carried in procession during Mohurram),
and gifted it to their royal patron.
Jain Temples
Parswanath Temple
The Parswanath Temple is the oldest, and the most beautiful of the Jain
temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures.
The shikhara, is crowned by an amalak, and a waterpot containing a lotus
flower.
Lodurva
Jain Temple
15 km from Jaisalmer, are the deserted ruins of this town, which was the
ancient capital, previous to Jaisalmer. It is an important centre of Jain pilgrimage.
The temples at Lodurva exhibit fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow
stone. They have ornate carved arches at the entrance, and a Kalputra, the Divine
- Tree, within. In the temple, is a hole from which, a snake is said to emerge
every evening, to drink an offering of milk. Only the ' blessed' can actually
see it, it is said.
Gadsisar Lake
A rainwater lake, now a picnic spot - ideal for boating.
Sam
From Jaisalmer, it is possible to get an insight into desert life, by visiting
the Sam sand dunes. It is a great place to see lovely patterns carved out by
winds, on the sand. Camel rides on the sand dunes are a thrilling experience,
as is the brilliant sunset.
Wood Fossil Park, Aakal
An impressive fossil park, bearing witness to the geologic cataclysms, that
have taken place in the Thar.
Desert National Park
An extensive variety of desert birdlife, ranging from birds of prey to sandgrouse,
doves, shrikes, bee-eaters, warblers and desert coursers, are to be found in
the National Park. The most remarkable bird of the desert, the Great Indian
Bustard can also be sighted here. Among the animals to be seen, are the desert
fox, wolf, blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai, and the crusted porcupine.
Festivals
The Desert Festival is a colourful extragavanza of music and gaeity. The
grand finale is a trip to the sand dunes at Sam, where one can enjoy a camel
ride and, simultaneously, view the troupes of musicians and dancers performing
on the dunes.
Camel Safaris
An intriguing way of exploring the vast desert around Jaisalmer, is the
Camel Safari - a prime attraction for visitors. Most safaris last 3 to 4 days,
and thread their way through Amar Sagar, Ludharva, Mool Sagar, Bada Bagh and
Sam, as well as several abandoned villages on the way. The best time for a safari
is October to February.
How to Get There
Air:
Jodhpur (285 km) is the nearest airport.
Road:
Regular bus services link Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Ramdeora and Bikaner.
Hotels to Stay
RTDC Hotel, Moomal;
Hotel Heritage Inn,
Gorbandh Palace,
Jaisal Castle,
Narain Niwas,
Dhola Maru.
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