Jaisalmer is a bit
of a paradox. So far west that it is in the heart of th
e
desert, one would expect barren near-desolation. Yet this
frontier town is today one of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist
destinations. Local colour and warmth prevail over the
inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town
with a special magic.
Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhati
Rajput, laid the foundation of this city in 1156 AD. Trikuta
was the hill chosen and Jaisal abandoned his old fort at
Lodurva and established his new capital here.
The Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived on
the forced levy on the caravans that crossed their territory
en-route Delhi. These caravans, laden with precious cargos of
spices and silk brought great wealth to this town. Because of
its remote location, Jaisalmer for years remained untouched by
outside influences and during the British Raj, the rulers of
Jaisalmer were the last to sign the instrument of agreement
with the British.
In medieval times, its prosperity was
due to its location on the main trade route linking India to
Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The glory of
Jaisalmer faded when sea trade replaced the old land routes.
But there is still an 'Arabian Nights' quality about the town.
The narrow streets in the walled city preserve a traditional
way of life : the craftsmen still work at the ancient crafts
of weaving and stone carving, the making of silver jewellery
and embroidery. And the stately, nonchalant camel is
everywhere.
Just a walk through Jaisalmer, savouring the medieval glory of
old Rajasthan, is a marvellously rewarding travel experience.
Desert Festival, celebrated in January/ February, is a must on
any itinerary. The desert seems to bloom in a thousand colours.
There are camel races and folk dances. Craft bazaar and
traditional balled singing. A sound and light spectacle on the
sand-dunes of Sam on the full moon night. And all the colour
and excitement of the best in Rajasthan.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert
Festival every year when the city reverberates to the sound of
melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting
competitions and contest especially the turban-tying contest,
Mr.Desert contest and camel races enlighten the festivities.
Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic
conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience. This
is a city to be visited.
FORTS AND PALACES
The
Jaisalmer Fort:
The golden - hued Jaisalmer Fort 'Sonar
Kila' can be seen miles away before reaching the town.
Manak Chowk and Havelis: - A main marketplace outside
the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous 'havelis'.
Havelis:
Some of the most exotic
mansions or 'havelis', all intricately latticed, are stretched
all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade
LAKES
Gadsisar Sagar Tank: - A scenic rain water lake with
numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot
for outings.
TEMPLES
Jain Temples: - The fort has three exquisitely carved
Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabhdevji
and Sambhavnathji.
OTHERS
Gyan Bhandar or Library: Some of the oldest manuscripts
of India are found in this library established as a part of
Jain temples.
RAJASTHAN TRAIN
TRAVEL
PALACE ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about!
Welcome to Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with
it an ambience of the Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale
journey, which takes the visitor to the imperial cities of
Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also carry out an
image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but
not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board
include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as
well as restaurant and organized shopping facilites.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
Akal (16 kms from Jaisalmer) : It looks like a army
frozen in its tracks, standing petrified in the forest of
Aakal, in a bare hillside of mica, and red and yellow stone.
It is a fossil park where 180 millions years ago stood a
forest. The fossil trunks lie scattered in this part.
Barmer (153 kms from Jaisalmer ) : It is famous for
wood carvings, embroidered fabrics and block printed textiles.
Lodurva (17 kms from Jaisalmer) : The ancient capital
of Jaisalmer, some vestiges of former glory remain.
WILDLIFE
Desert National Park (40-km from Jaisalmer) : It
preserves the eco-system of the desert within its confines.
The Monitor lizards, desert foxes, porcupines, occasional
wolves and black bucks, and the Great Indian Bustard (a
protected bird ) are found here, forming an ecological chain
revolving around cactii and other hardy desert plants.
GARDENS
Bada Bagh (6-km from Jaisalmer) : 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.
OTHERS
Camel Safaris : These are conducted on many routes.
Sam Sand Dunes (42-km from Jaisalmer) : It is the
closest point to witness the total sandy desert. Sam
(pronounced 'sum') has a truly magnificent stretch of sweeping
dunes, with little or no vegetation. The best way to see this
and other sights around Jaisalmer is to take a came safari.
The standard trip lasts 4 days and three nights, and offers
the opportunity to explore the area in authentic and leisurely
fashion, with entertainment by folk performers, visits to
villages, and chatter from colourful guides thrown in.
PLACES TO STAY
Being one of the major cities of
Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is well equipped with
standard and luxurious hotels
as well as budget accommodations.
General Information
Location
285-km
From Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Jaisalmer
Fort, Manak Chowk & Havelis
Festive Attraction: Desert
Festival
Best Time To Visit: October To
Februay |
