Location:
Rajasthan
Ideal Time to Visit: October- February
Festival: Desert Festival
Attractions: Jaisalmer fort, Manak Chowk and the Havelis.
About Jaisalmer
Amidst the Golden Desert lies the magnificence Jaisalmer. Summarizing the
allure of the desert, this flaxen grandeur submerged in golden sandstone
stand with arrogance on the Trikuta Hill in the heart of the Thar Desert.
Legend has it that Lord Krishna foretold Arjuna that a descendent of the
Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prediction was
fulfilled when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan founded new
capital Jaisalmer in 1156 A.D. The life within the city enchants medieval
glory, visible in its lane ragout with magnificent palace, havelis, temples
and ubiquitous camels. Embellished with festivity and entertainment, the
Golden City of Jaisalmer is scrupulously a mesmerizing experience for a die
hard nature lover on the sparkling sands.
Major Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer
There are forts, temples and lakes to be visited in Jaisalmer. In addition
to these, you have the much popular Desert Festival to participate in.
Jaisalmer Fort
The fort stands over the Trikuta Hill at a height of 250 feet, encircles the
entire town within its boundary wall across the hills. The fort houses
beautiful havelis, Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five
interconnected palaces. The palaces have delicate craftsmanship with 'jaali'
frames and elegant 'jharokhas'. Built in golden sandstone the colossal
represents the glowing eminence of the desert. The fort has 4
gateways-Akhaiyal,Ganesh Pol,Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.
Jain Temples
The fort has three remarkably carved Jain Temples sanctified to the Jain
Tirthankars- Rishabhdev, Sambhavnath and Paraswanath. Gyan Bhandar or
Library is another attraction housing some of the antique manuscripts of
India established in the premises of the Jain temples.
Gadsisar Sagar Lake
Gadsisar Sagar Lake is a panoramic rain water lake built in 1156 A.D. with
many fascinating shrines around the lake. The place is also a home to an
amazing avian variety. It is an idyllic spot for outings.
Havelis of Jaisalmer
Havelis of Jaisalmer abundantly carved with filigree work, elaborated
corridors and pillars painted with exquisite artistic scene often leaves the
tourist spellbound. Most Havelis are constructed between 12th-15th century.
These art museums are the residences constructed by the affluent merchants
of this preceding trade center. Main attractions are Patwon-ki-Haveli,
Jaisalmer Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, and Salim singh-ki-Haveli.
Desert Festival
This 3 days desert festival comes in the month of February. Jaisalmer
sparkles with colors, celebration, and songs. Many contests are organized
during these days. Camel races, Folk dances, Turban tying contest and Mr.
Desert are the foremost attractions of the event.
Popular Excursions from Jaisalmer
During your trip to Jaisalmer, you can also choose to enjoy some popular
excursions and explore the exoticism of the Thar Desert and the wildlife
that inhabit the vast expanse of the antiquated sands. Given below are some
popular excursions from Jaisalmer.
A trip to Sam Sand Dune
42km. creates a fascinating mirage, definitely a photographer's delight. No
trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes
of Sam. A journey to Sam sand dunes on camel safari is accompanied with
scenery of folk music and dance, a real kaleidoscopic, memorable event for a
visitor.
Desert National Park
On the Sam sand dunes experience the wilds of the desert, encountering with
Indian Gazelle, Chinkara Eagle and extrinsic avian variety. The park lies to
the southwest of Jaisalmer.
Wood Fossil Park
The park is 17km from Jaisalmer, lying on the Barmer Road, 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.
Popular Shopping Centres in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is famous for its embroidery work, mirror work, wood products and
silver jewellery. The tie and dye, is made at Kadi Bundar, north of the
city. Main market are Pansart Bazzar, Sadar Bazzar. Some Government outlets
with handicraft items and Khadi Gramodyog are also notable for their fair
price.
Jaisalmer Travel (Airport/Railway/Road) Information
Air:Jodhpur, at 285 km, is the nearest airport to the
town. A meter- gauge line links Jaisalmer with other metropolitan cities in
India.
Rail: Night train services link Jaisalmer with Jodhpur.
Road: The city of Jaisalmer is also well connected by
road services. Bus services from Bilaner, Ajmer, Jaipur, Ahmedabad runs to
the city. RTDC conducts the royal tour on Palace on Wheel, which also covers
Jaisalmer.
