Jaisalmer
City Information
The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid
picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the
desert. Legend has it that Rawal Jaisal laid
the foundation of the city in 1156 A.D. After
consulting a local hermit by the name of Eesul.
Tricuta was the hill chosen and Jaisal abandoned
his old fort at Lodurva to establish this
new capital. Over the years the remote location
of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside
influences and even during the days of Raj,
Jaisalmer was 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. Ages have gone by and the monuments
of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting
winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer
is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh
climatic conditions, together amounting to
a memorable experience.
It’s not just the desert itself and
the likes of camel safaris and intriguing
fauna and flora that attract visitors, there’s
much to see and do here and the people of
this city are almost as romantically colourful
as the place itself, creating the feeling
of the past being held in time warp, where
modernisation seeps in every so often, leaving
a hint of magic in the air.
Looming over the city and apparently rising
out of the desert haze, is the spectacular
golden Jaisalmer Fort. Made of yellow sandstone,
the fort inspires wonder at its beauty like
perhaps none other in India. It has the appearance
of a giant sandcastle shimmering in the desert
heat like a mirage that will soon disappear.
Contrary to expectation though, the Jaisalmer
Fort is a living breathing entity. The fort
actually functions as intended, and is still
the site of an entire living area, home to
a quarter of the city's population.
Modern Jaisalmer has a medieval feel to it.
Here 'jharokhas' look down onto cobbled streets,
veiled women walk behind their turbaned, strapping
moustachioed men folk; undulating sand dunes
and camel trains drink from an ancient water
trough in the main market square.
It’s hardly surprising that Jaisalmer
retains an untouched aura, given its remote
location and almost inaccessibility. Jaisalmer
is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh
climatic conditions which together, amount
to a memorable experience that, if visiting
India shouldn’t be missed. Discover
the romance of the place yourself and be as
enchanted as those who have been before, you
certainly won’t regret it.
Main
Sightseeing of Jaisalmer
The Jaisalmer Fort : Jaisalmer
Fort is the most alive of any museum, fort
or palace that you are likely to visit in
India. It was built in 1156 by the Rajput
ruler Jaisala. About a quarter of the old
city's population resides within the fort
walls. The fort is entered through a forbidding
series of massive gates leading to a large
courtyard.
Tazia Tower : The delicate
pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal
Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five
tiered splendour, with each storey graced
by a delicately carved balcony, the tower
is of historical significance.
Gadsisar Lake : A scenic
rain water lake with numerous beautiful
shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot
for outings.
Jain Temples : Within
the fort walls are a group of beautifully
carved Jain temples built between the 12th
and 15th centuries. They are dedicated to
Rikhabdev and Sambhavanth. Gyan Bhandar
or Library : Some of the oldest manuscripts
of India are found in this library established
as a part of Jain temples.
Havelis : The impressive
mansions built by the wealthy merchants
of Jaisalmer are known as havelis, and several
of these fine sandstone buildings are still
in good condition. Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli
: This haveli was built about 300
years ago and part of it is still occupied.
Salim Singh was the prime minister when
Jaisalmer was the capital of a 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, once
had two additional wooden storeys in an
attempt to make it as high as the Maharaja's
palace, but the maharaja had the upper storeys
torn down. Patwon-Ki-Haveli
: It is one of the largest and most elaborate
houses in Jaisalmer. It is five storeys
high, extinsively carved. It is divided
into six apartments, two owned by the Archaeological
Survey of India, Two by families who operate
craftshops here, and two private homes.
Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli : This
late 19th century haveli was also a prime
minister's house. This haveli was carved
by two brothers, one working on the right
side and the other on the left. Yellow sandstone
elephants guard the building, and even the
front door is a work of art..
Go to Top
Excursions
from Jaisalmer
Lodhruva : This is an ancient
capital of Jaisalmer. Northwest of Jaisalmer,
Lodurva is an important centre of Jain pilgrimage.
The Jain temples, rebuilt in the late 1970s,
are the only reminders of the city's former
magnificence. The main temple has an image
of Parasnath, the 23rd tirthankar.
Barmer (153 kms) : Barmer
is a small and lively desert town, known for
its hand block printing industry, carved wooden
furniture and colourful costumes worn by its
friendly people. The best time to visit is
during the gay Barmer festival held every
year in the month of march.
Sam Sand Dunes (42 kms) :
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 camel safari. This is Jaisalmer's
nearest real Sahara-like desert. This place
has become a massive tourist attraction.
Desert National Park : 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.
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 ?
By Air : NA
By Rail : Well connected
by railway network with major cities in Rajasthan.
By Road : Good road connection
for all over Rajasthan.
