Jaisalmer
About Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, another princely state of Rajasthan is a paradise of the desert kingdom.
Summarizing the allure of the desert, the splendid Jaisalmer nestles in the foothills
of Trikuta. Jaisalmer is a desert city and instantly invokes number of images in
the mind of travelers. The word itself provokes an image of deserted land with camel
swiftly moving on the golden sands. The city is almost enticing and for domestic
travelers as it is to foreign tourists. Standing in pride with its colossal forts,
palaces and havelis, Jaisalmer showcases the artistic sense of the Rajput kings.
Jaisalmer is a desert city and instantly invokes number of images in the mind of
travellers. The word itself provokes an image of deserted land with camel swiftly
moving on the golden sands. The city is almost enticing and for domestic travellers
as it is to foreign tourists. Standing in pride with its colossal forts, palaces
and havelis, Jaisalmer showcases the artistic sense of the Rajput kings.
The city is awesome to cover in cool season. The city is actually divided into nearly
two equal halves. The town is small enough to be covered on foot. If not less, try
spending atleast 4 days in the city, only then you would get a full coverage of
beautiful 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 built 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 - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta
Hill.
Bahti 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.
Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort:
The Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur, and commands
the deserts cape from its 250 feet high pedestal on the Trikuta Hill. Three strong
walls protect the citadel. The fort has five palaces called Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai
Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal. ...more on
Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer
Tazia Tower:
The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising
in its five-tiered splendor, with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony,
the tower is of historical significance.
Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted to their royal patron.
Tazias are ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier carried
in procession during Muharram.
Jain Temple:
Another attraction of Jaisalmer is the Jain temples of the place. Three exquisitely
sculptured Jain temples are dedicated to Rishabhdevji, Sambhavanathji and Ashthapadi.
The ornamentation of the temples have been done in the style of the Dilwara temple
at Mt. Abu and looks fabulous. There is also an emerald icon of Mahavira inside
the temple premises. Visitors are allowed only till 12 O' clock in the afternoon.
Gadissar Lake:
A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular
avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings ...more on
Gadissar Lake in Jaisalmer
Havelis of Jaisalmer
Some popular havelis of Jaisalmer have been listed and given below:
Salem Singh Ki Haveli:
The haveli is located towards the eastern end of the city. This magnificent building
has a rich blue roof and carved brackets designed in peacock shapes. The haveli
is built with yellow stone and its exteriors are delicately carved. There is a balcony
projecting from the top storey. The haveli was built by the erstwhile Prime Minister
of Jaisalmer - Salim Singh. ...more on
Salem Singh Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer
Patwon Ki Haveli:
This grand mansion is one of its kind in the Jaisalmer city. The haveli was built
by the family of a rich merchant - Guman Chand Patwa. Putwa and his sons started
the construction work in the year1800 A.D., and after six decades the mansion was
all ready to stand high in glory.
This mega structure features five suites and a number of balconies projecting from
different storeys. Its intricately carved facade with pillars and balconies is one
picture worth capturing. It is an open air museum and has preserved for centuries
the heritage of the rich merchant class and the architecture of Rajasthan. ...more
on Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer
Nathmal Ki Haveli:
This haveli was originally built by two brothers and feature two distinct compounds.
The boundary however, has been dissolved by a common facade at the front.
As most of the construction was done by Muslim artisans, it reflects the popular
architecture and in certain aspects resembles the popular buildings made by the
erstwhile Muslim rulers. ...more on Nathmal
Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer
Excursions
Lodurva (16 km):
The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim spot of the Jain community
with some magnificent Jain temple. "Toran' or the ornate arches at the main entrance
and splendid carvings are noteworthy. ...more on
Lodurva in Jaisalmer
Amar Saggar:
6 kms, on way to Luderwa the natural spot developed by Maharawal Amar Singh is a
water reservoir in 1688 AD. The dams were constructed to hold rainwater.
Several terraces are formed where summer palaces, temples are constructed & Garden
developed. On the south of the lake stands the exquisitely carved Jain temple constructed
by Himmat Ram Bafna, the descendant of famous patwas.
Wood Fossil Park, Aakal:
Just 17 kms from Jaisalmer and a kilometer away from the Barmer Road are fossilised
remains of 180 million-year-old forests.
These are beautiful forest vistas and any forester around can show you 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 a trip to the most picturesque dunes of
Sam. The ripples on the wind -caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage,
are surely a delight for a trigger -happy photographer. Camel rides on the sand
dunes of Sam are sure to become a memorable experience for tourists. ...more on
Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer
Desert National Park (45 km):
Rajasthan is an abode of many wildlife sanctuaries and National Park, however none
of them is similar to the Desert National Park. The park is widely different from
a usual park and actually for a novice, the park has little importance. Nonetheless,
the Desert National Park has an important role to play in maintaining the ecological
balance of the region.
It is the largest park in the state of Rajasthan spreading over an area of 3162
sq km around one fifth of the park is covered with sand dunes. The rest of the landmass
comprises craggy rocks, compact salt lakes bottoms, inter medial areas and fixed
dunes ...more on Desert National Park
in Jaisalmer.
Bada Bagh:
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.
How To Reach Jaisalmer
Fly Away: Flights are not the best ways to reach Jaisalmer. Jodhpur is the
nearest airport at a distance of 300 km.
On Tracks: From Jodhpur there is a direct train to Jaisalmer for overnight
journey. The journey takes approximately ten hours. The Palace on Wheels is the
most luxurious way to travel to Jaisalmer, recreating within the coaches the ambience
of the legendary palace comforts.
On Wheels: Jaisalmer is 897 kilometers from Delhi; 638 kilometers from Jaipur;
285 kilometers from Jodhpur; 500 kilometers from Ajmer, and 330 kilometers from
Bikaner. Most of these places are connected to Jaisalmer by National Highway No
15.
Where To Stay in Jaisalmer
Please visit our exclusive section on Hotels in
Jaisalmer to find the best accommodation in Jaisalmer.
Where To Shop in Jaisalmer
Shopping in Jaisalmer is a great way to experience the beauty of the state. There
are some major shops inside the fort which include Sadar Bazaar, Sonaron ki Bass
Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazaar, Gandhi Darshan, Seema Gram and various Rajasthani Govt
Shops.
Jaisalmer is famous for a variety of products. They include embroidery works, Rajasthani
mirror work, rugs, blankets and beautiful antique pieces. Tourists can also find
silver jewellery and carpets made from camel hair in Jaiselmer.
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