Jaisalmer,
popularly referred as the "the Jewel of the Desert," is one of the
most fascinating cities of Rajasthan, India. Also known as "the Golden
City of India," Jaisalmer is popular for its centuries old magnificent
forts, palaces havelis (mansions) and amber-hued houses. Jaisalmer is also
known for its exotic sand dunes, offering exciting and unforgettable camel
safaris. The vivid and colorful festivals of Jaisalmer are other major
attractions for tourists visiting the city.
Jaisalmer Fort Known as
SONAR QUILA or the Golden fort, rising from the sand , the mega structure
merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in
its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look. Its simply a
magic, the bastions envelops a whole townships that consist of palace
complex various security sources and the havelis of rich merchants carved
with an incredibly light touch,several temples and the residential complexes
of the armies and traders placed strategically on the trade route, from
where the ancient caravans passed en-route passing all the riches for the
prosperity to an otherwise non source full kingdom. These merchants served
and acquire a great deal of power and noble status in the royal courts of
Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th century and proceeded
further. But the rich merchant inspired by the classic style of the royals ,
constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other in the nature of
medieval culture and profusely decorated walls and ceilings and intricately
carved outdoors and interiors. The colourful art forms and some how side
kind the royal heritage and made it appear more pale in comparison . The
craftsmen were usually muslims who were induced on their journey to exhibit
their skills. The results was architectural purity that cannot be seen
elsewhere.
Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one
of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what was the cross -
road of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated
for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by
their palaces and havelis.The rich merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who
worked delicately on the sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades
with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful
balconies. Today, these veritable art - museums are still inhabited, and
their colourful celebrations and festivals have placed Jaisalmer Fort firmly
on the world tourism map. The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort,
over 800 years old, crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by
99 turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Seen
from outside, the sight must be almost identical to what was seen by
merchants on their overland camel caravans to central Asia. Once this desert
outpost was an important gate for the trade route, and Jaisalmer grew
wealthy on the proceeds. But the advent of commercial shipping relegated the
town to relative obscurity.
The fort stands almost 30 metres
over the city and houses an entire living area within huge ramparts. Walking
through the narrow lanes is an experience worth savouring. It is approached
through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. Also, within it are
many beautiful havelies and a group of Jain temples dating from the 12th to
the 15th centuries. Being part of the Desert Triangle and the venue of
Desert Festival, the place is accessible by rail, road and air and has
tourist accommodation ranging from high budget to low budget. The city is
also covered by the "Palace on Wheels" a train-cum-road package,
which needs no description. This place too witnesses large flow of tourist
traffic in winters
| » Other
Attractions in Jaiselmer |
Jaisalmer Havelis : Built by the wealthy
merchants, the havelis (mansions) of Jaisalmer are famous for their
exclusive cutwork, yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped
decoration of peacocks. The splendid havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli,
Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji ki haveli are major tourist attractions
in Jaisalmer
Gadsisar Sagar Tank : Gadsisar
Sagar Tank is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. A
famous picnic spot, the Tank attracts hundreds of migratory birds during the
winter season.
Bara Bagh : Baba Bagh is an
oasis on the bank of Gadsisar Sagar Tank. It has greenery all around to give
a much-needed relief to the local people.
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.
The Desert National Park: Situated
near Jaisalmer, The Desert National Park is one of the largest national
parks in India, covering an area of 3,100 sq km. The Park is known for its
fragile ecosystem and unique flora and fauna.
| » Places to
Stay in Jaisalmer |
There are several budget hotels and paying guest accommodations
available in Jaiselmer.Heritage Hotel-Fort Rajwada, Hotel Himmatgarh Palace,
Narayan Niwas Palace. Three Star Hotel- Hotel Dhola Maru, Jaisalmer.
| » Best Time to
visit Jaisalmer |
Extremely hot summers with maximum temperature touching 47 °C.,
Cold winters - min 1°C The rainy seasons are very humid starting from
July to mid September. The best time to visit Jaipur is between October to
March.
Air : The nearest airport is the Jodhpur
airport, 285 Km away from Jaisalmer. There is an airport at Jaisalmer also
but that is managed by the Indian Air Force and is operational only from
September to March. The Jodhpur airport, about 285 km from Jaisalmer is a
good option.
Rail : Jaisalmer is well
connected by rail network with Jodhpur as well as other major cities of
India such as Jaipur, Agra, New Delhi and Mumbai.
Road
: Jaisalmer has a well-developed network of roads and is very well
connected to other cities of Rajasthan such as Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner
and other cities of India.
Extremely hot summers with maximum temperature touching 47 °C.,
Cold winters - min 1°C .
Jaisalmer Fort
