Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", is situated on the westernmost border of India in the state of Rajasthan. Nearby the border with Pakistan, the city is identified for its proximity to the Thar Desert. Desert Safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is a memorable knowledge.
The city is conquered by the Jaisalmer Fort. Different most forts in India, the Jaisalmer Fort are a living fort. There are shops, hotels, age old havelis (homes) inside the fort region.
Jaisalmer exercises vast attraction, but with the arranging of the annual Desert Festival (January - February), it has also become one of the yearly calendar. Basically, it is a showcase of the area on the desert citadel. A number of entertaining events at the stadium comprise turban tying competitions and camel races.
Jaisalmer History
The city has an interesting fable linked with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a distant descendent of the Yadav Clan would constructed his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prediction was accomplished in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, deserted his fort at Lodurva and founded an original 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 valuable silks and spices that crossed the district on the way Delhi-or-Sind. These caravans gained the town great wealth.
Places of Interest
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort also well-known as Sonar Quila or the Golden fort, growing from the sand, the extra-large structure blends with the golden hues of the desert atmosphere and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale appear. Its only a thrilling, the bastions envelops a entire townships that consist of palace intricate different security sources and the havelis of rich merchants carved with an amazingly light touch, several temples and the housing complexes of the armies and traders placed deliberately 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 continued more.
But the rich merchant enthused by the classic manner of the royals, built vast residences (havelis) next to each other in the nature of gothic civilization and freely beautified walls and roofs and elaborately engraved outdoors and insides. The colored art forms and a few how side kind the royal heritage and made it look paler in comparison. The craftsmen were usually muslims who were induced on their journey to exhibit their skills. The consequence was architectural purity that cannot be seen elsewhere. A wonderful movie on reincarnation believed to be a kids movie classic was made by the master filmmaker Satyajit Ray in the backdrop of this fort named Sonar Kella meaning 'the golden fort' in Bengali.
Nathmalji ki Haveli
Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomizing the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.
Salim Singh ki Haveli
This haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and it is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey broken down.
Patwonji ki Haveli
This is one of the major and most complex haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a slender lane. It is five storeys high and is widely carved. The haveli is separated into six apartments, two by families who operate craft-shops and two apartments serve as private residences. There are oddments of paintings on several of the inside walls as well as a few mirror work.
Tazia Tower
The slight pagoda like Tazia Tower advances from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Waxing in its five-tiered magnificence, with each storey decorated by an exquisitely carved balcony, the tower is of historical implication. Muslim craftsmen constructed it in the figure of a Tazia and endowed it to their royal patron.
Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar Lake is one of the main tourist attractions of Jaisalmer. Just depart the madding crowd behind and embark towards the outskirts and you will discover yourself next to the well-known Gadsisar Lake. Contrary to the well-liked belief, it is not a haven but a conservation tank made around 1400 A.D. by the then maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharwal Gadsi Singh. Can you consider this structure just outside the city walls once played a reservoir that assured the whole supply of water to the waterless city!
This place was chosen because it had a sure amount of decline already and it routinely retained a few of the rainwater. If you are lucky and embark out in winters, you might get to assure a diversity of migratory birds. Due to its nearness to Bharatpur, a few of the birds get appealed to this place also.
You will discover entire forms of temples and shrines surrounding the lake. In later years it became more of a pilgrim's journey spot. The gorgeous gateway that arches across the road down to the Lake was constructed by royal courtesan named Tillon in the end of 19th century, well-known as Tillon Ki prol (Gate of Tillon). Lord Vishnu's statue was established in the year 1908 A.D. or the gate by the courtesan & announced Krishna Temple to save it from destruction by the then Maharawal.
Desert Cultural Center Jaisalmer
Desert civilizing center and museum is a place where you will get to experience about the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Jaisalmer, a well-liked destination in Rajasthan. So if you are short on time and cannot grind away in library, this is the place to be. The place is well preserved and harbors uncommon coins and manuscript linked to Jaisalmer history and the history of Rajasthan in entire.
This museum has a few eye-catching assemblings of customary Rajasthani textiles, utensils, weapons, musical instruments and fossils. One thing that is very well-liked among foreigners is 'Karal', the customary opium blending box. The place regularly organizes showcase programs for tourists. Attempt to obtain there before the adverted time in order to avoid rush.
Excursions around Jaisalmer
Amar Sagar Lake
Amar Sagar is a little and gorgeous lake cum Oasis and is next to a 17th Century palace called the Amar Singh Palace. Maharawal Akhai Singh constructed this palace in honor of one of his predecessors Amar Singh. Subsequently to the palace are pavilions with a big stairs leading down to the Amar Sagar Lake. This haveli has been built in the form of apartments. The Amar Sagar is a 5 story extravagantly haveli and is well-known for its murals. Wherever you go in this haveli, you will notice gorgeous murals painted with tickly efforts.
You can discover lots of of wells and ponds in the nearby which have a royal air about them. There is an old Shiva temple in the composite itself. Amar Singh constructed this because he was supposed to be an ardent follower of Lord Shiva, a Hindu God associated to end.
Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh, which literally signifies 'Big Garden', is situated on the Ramgarh road. It was commissioned by Maharawal Jait Singh in the early 16th century and accomplished by his son Lunakaran after his death.
The place has three unlike things to watch, a garden, a tank and a dam. In the locality itself you will discover Govardhan Stambh (pillar). This pillar was built to memorialize the structure of the Dam and the tank. In the local dialect the Dam and the tank are well-known as Jait Bandh and the Jait Sar severally. It is considered that these are based on the name of the man who built them. The Jait Bandh is a prevailing structure. It is about 1,200 feet in length and 350 feet in width. If you view it nearly you will notice that this has been constructed out of rock-hard blocks of stone. The similar material has been utilized for the structure of well as well as the tank.
Cenotaph
Additional interesting monuments in the locality are the Cenotaphs. These cenotaphs also well-known as chattris and were built by the different Bhatti rulers. One cenotaph has been raised for each ruler. The oldest among them is the cenotaphs of Maharawal Jait Singh who dominated from 1470-1506. This custom was stopped when in 1947, one of the prince died of a secret illness. This was taken as a bad omen and thus this custom came to its finish.
Desert National Park
The Desert National Park is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan near Jaisalmer. The Desert National Park is a protected sanctuary. The park is believed not only the biggest in the state of Rajasthan but among the largest in India. The catchments region of the Desert National Park is around 3100 sq. km. The desert is an abrasive place to confirm life and thus most of the fauna and flora live on the edge. Nevertheless this place attracts big hoard of migrant birds due to its close nearness to Bharatpur.
The great Indian Bustard is a brilliant bird and can be seen in substantially good numbers. It migrates locally in dissimilar seasons. The area is a paradise for migratory and resident birds of the desert. One can view lots of Eagles, Harriers, Falcons, Buzzards, Kestrel and Vultures. Short- toed Eagles, Tawny Eagles, Spotted Eagles, Laager Falcons and Kestrels are the most usual among these.
The significant region of the park is on a landscape, which contains of lakebed of nonextant salt lakes and thorny scrubs. It is a marvel in itself that how come living organisms flourish in these coarse terms. Likewise, a significant region of the Desert National Park comprises of sand dunes. If you really desire to search the brilliant wildlife at the Desert National Park in Jaisalmer then the best means is by setting out on an adventure-filled jeep safari.
Khuri Sand Dunes
Khuri sand dunes are gradually picking up in the must travel charts of visitors. If you discover Sam sand dunes slightly crowded then you can very fine choose for Khuri sand dunes. Located just 40 K.M. off the town, Khuri is a must visit for tourists seeking solitude in the desert. It is a passive place with houses of mud and straw embellished like the patterns of Persian carpets.
The Khuri sand dunes provide you an unforgettable experience in the land of the Rajputs. Delight the ride on camel back and let the place itself take you to its magnetizing heights. Get closer to the local path of living with a close see of thatched straw roofs, camels, narrow streets and the local market. At the night, systematize a campfire with the fellow tourists (if any) and listen to the songs of 'Kalbeliyas'.
You can also attempt Rajasthani cuisine for alter and just keep looking on sand dunes as it changes its hue during dissimilar parts of day. And say goodby to the sun as it sets behind the crimson red sand dunes.
Lodurva
Lodurva is the ancient capital of Bhattis Rajputs and was once a blooming city but lost most of the magnificence when the Bhattis shifted their capital to Jaisalmer. However this place is a main tourist attraction and attracts many attentions due to ruins of Jain temples. The most mesmeric experience will be the peacock dance amid exotic Lodurva ruins. Yes, Peacocks are a immense pull and they are in abundance here. Lodurva is also notorious for its Jain temples. The temples are made of brightly yellow sandstones. Though in ruins, the magnificences of these Jain temples are plainly seeable. You will discover temple walls decorated with the images of Lord Parsvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar. The gorgeous Jaali works make these temples a piece of wonder. You will notice the excellent and prevailing arch in the major temple building. These arches are distinctive of the Dilwara style of temple architecture.
Mool Sagar
Located 8 K.M. west of Jaisalmer, this is a new pleasant, but rather disregarded, little garden and tank. It belongs to the Royal family of Jaisalmer and was originally constructed as a cool summer retreat. The main attraction of this place is a Shiva temple, which is said to be built out of just two big blocks of sandstones.
Maharawal Moolraj II constructed the Moolsagar composite in 1815 AD. You will discover several wells, the Moolsagar Garden and a magnificent Raj Mahal built upon its premises. Maharaja Moolsagar was well-known for his trade to art and artisans and that becomes fairly apparent when you come across a few great murals on the palace walls. He emphatically had a significant influence on the wazirs and land-lords. Therefore his trade to the art and architecture was vibrated among his nobles and subjects. It was primarily due to his efforts that so numerous lovely palaces and structures were constructed in that period which was shaped by both the Mughal and Rajput schools of art.
Situated 141 km from Jodhpur District headquarters, Phalodi is an old caravan center in the Thar Desert. This town was a trading center individual on the land path from North Western India into Central India. The region saw many movements in those times. Though different rulers ruled this city, it was in the first place under the rule of Rao Maldev Rathore of Jodhpur. Thereafter for a short while this town came under the direct rule of Emperor Akbar. But Akbar's policy of calming saw the town in the hands of the rulers of Jaisalmer.
Phalodi
Phalodi is thought to have been established in the 15th century. In the books of history this town was well-known for Jain and Hindu temples. It is considered that a few of these temples are over 300 years old. There are a number of havelis in Phalodi. Most of them are distinctive in their style. Most of the havelis have their entrances towards the central road; special attention has been given in building Jharokhas and Jaalis to keep womenfolk in privateness. Nearly all of them are painted in vivacious colors. Temples choose brilliantly yellow for the doors, a mythological mixture against pristine whitewashed walls, the sand and the colorful clothing of the womenfolk.
Phalodi town is well-known for its fragile 'jooti'. These shoes come in different shapes and sizes but will be beautified with heavy fancywork. You can bargain and purchase a few of these. If you like bangles then this place has to bid a lot. You can discover it wherever you go in the town. A little bead jeweler's shop rapidly puts together Bishnoi style necklace entire with tremendous pendants. Correspondingly, workmanship and artistry of a high order also looks to be an inborn gift of the people here.
Sam Sand Dunes
There is no indicating coming to the Thar Desert if you don't go for the Desert Safari. That is why Sam sand dunes are becoming the main attraction in Jaisalmer. This is the nearest place from where you can free yourself in 'the Great Thar Desert'. Sam has a really superb stretch of sweeping dunes, with thin or no vegetation. The best direction to get here, of course, is on camelback.
Join a camel caravan at Jaisalmer on your Rajasthan tours and ride along the breathless crests and tills. Love the romance of loneliness as your camel takes you deep in the hearts of the Thar Desert. Put yourself in the camp and experience the sun setting behind the skyline. Organize a balefire with the fellow tourists in the night and relish the rustic and earthy music and dance of Rajasthan.
In the month of February/March, this entire place turns into a cultural part. The desert festival organized among these dunes is the showcase of Rajasthani culture as a entire. Open-air cultural entertainments, puppet shows, folk dance performances, camel races, competitions and general festivities mark this annual occasion that is held with great pomp and show at the Sam Sand dunes in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Get in
By plane
A military airstrip has lately been opened to bounded civilian flights, with Kingfisher bidding flights from Delhi(only from October to March).
By train
There is a direct train service from Delhi when arriving by train you will pass the station of Pokharan, India's nuclear testing region!
By bus
Bus or car-taxi from Jodhpur or by bus from Bikaner. A every day bus runs to and from Jaipur.
Jaisalmer Travel Tips
Like any other city in the globe, it is necessary to experience a few moments of information about Jaisalmer before you program your journey to the city. These little things are very significant and in fact these traveling tips can assist you avoid getting to the wrong side of the location. These traveling tips are a must read and can test handy for your Jaisalmer trip.
Jaisalmer has a hot and waterless climate and is very warm in daytime during the summers but as the night falls, typical of the deserts, the temperature chills vividly. Therefore the dresses must follow by the weather situation prevailing at the time of the visit.
The city is simply available by both Railways as well as Roadways and is full of check as well as high-end adjustment facilities.
