JAISALMER TRAVEL TOURISM

Location : 412 kms. From Jaipur, Rajasthan
Main Attractions : Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort
Founded In : 1459 AD
Best Time To Visit : October-March

The westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has and ancient history linked with its development as a trading centre. Parts of its "Golden" fort continue to be inhabited, and its cobbled streets head through a journey of medieval enchantment. Jaisalmer is celebrated for the exquisite stone-carved Havelis or mansions of the merchants who held the reins of its destiny.

The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the Raj. Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. Very few cities can boast of the magnificence that surrounds Jaisalmer.

Prime Attraction

Havelis Of Jaisalmer Jaisalmer is famous for its intricately latticed havelis with conspicuous facades. alim Singh Ki-Haveli was the residence of the powerful Mohta clan - the hereditary ministers of the Jaisalmer rulers. The blue cupola roof is distinctive and an exquisite projecting balcony adorns the top storey. Patwon-Ki-Haveli is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. It is five storeys high and extensively carved. One very interesting fact about Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli haveli is that its two sides were carved by two brothers. Although the motif used by one is not similar to the other, they are in harmony. One has to look very closely to spot dissimilarities. The excellent craftsmanship of the stone carver is illustrated in the gossamer quality of the screened windows.

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.

Jaisalmer Fort Jiselmer FortThe fort stands about 100 meters over the city and in fact houses a citadel within its huge ramparts. Walking down the narrow cobbled stone lanes, one can feel the sheer magic of Jaisalmer. Several entrances called "Pols", including the Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and the Hava Pol guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal, which were occupied by the royal family. Outside the fort is the main market place called Manek Chowk. From Manek Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelis are to be found.

Gadsisar Lake This tank, south of the city walls, was once the main source of water supply to the city and there are many small temples and shrines around the tank. In winter a wide variety of water birds flock here. The beautiful arched gateway across the road down to the tank is said to have been built by a famous prostitute

Places Of Interest Around Jaisalmer

Sam Sand Dunes Sand DunesFrom Jaisalmer, it is possible to get an insight into desert life by visiting Sam. It is great place to see patterns carved out by winds on the sand. Camel Safari on the sand dunes are an unforgettable experience as is the sunset. 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.

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 are found here, forming an ecological chain revolving around cacti and other hardy desert plants.

Lodurva Once the capital of Rawal Jaisal, Lodurva now has ruins of the ancient townhip. It is an important center of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at Lodurva exhibit some more fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow stone.

Shopping In Jaisalmer

The local tradition of carving is best seen in little wooden boxes that are intricately pierced in exciting patterns and motifs. Also woollen and cotton rugs and blankets, embroidered fabrics, silver jewellery and trinkets, available in shops that open off the cobbled streets.

The main shopping areas are Sadar Bazaar and Sonaron Ka Bas, Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazaar and also Rajasthali - Government shop for handicrafts and Khadi Gramodyog.

How To Get There

1. Road
A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with Jodhpur and many other destinations in and around Rajasthan

2. Rail
Jaisalmer is 290-km from Jodhpur via Pokhran, Dechu and Balesar or 330-km from Bikaner via Pokhran and Phalodi. It is well connected by train with Jodhpur and other major cities of the country by a meter gauge line.