| Indian City Information,
Travel to Indian Cities, City In India, Hotels in India, Tourism in
India, Flights in India, Hotels In India. |
 |
 |
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Unlike any
other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most
exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading
centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade
routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. The havelis,
built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved
from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition.
The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on
the 80 metre high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain
temples. The annual desert festival take place in January and
February each year and is a riot of colour and activity. Jaisalmer
is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs,
blankets, antique, stonework and camel safaris into the barren
sand-duned desert.
General Info
Area : 5.1 Sq. Kms.
Location:
866 km from Delhi, 605 km from Jaipur, 295 km from Jodhpur,
326 km from Bikaner.
Climate: The peak season in Jaisalmer runs
through autumn, winter and spring in the months of October -
March. The temperature is approximately 10ºC - 35ºC,
and the rainfall is occasional, with light showers.
Altitude: 793 Metres
Best Season: October to February
Languages: English, Rajasthani, Hindi.
Shopping: Jaisalmer
is famous for mirror work embroidered articles, woollen pattu
and other items made of good quality locally produced wood,
wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios.
The main shopping areas are Sadar Bazaar and Sonaron Ka Bas,
Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazaar. Also Rajasthali - Govt. shop for
handicrafts and Khadi Gramodyog. |
| |
| Places of Interest
|
Hotels
of Jaisalmer |
Make
your Package for Jaisalmer |
| |
Jaisalmer
Fort
Built in 1156 by the Bhatti ruler, Jaisala, the fort stands
atop the 80 m high Trikuta hill. The fort is surrounded by 3
walls and features 99 bastions. Over the centuries, the golden
sand stone fortress witnessed many battles between the Bhattis,
the mughals and the rathors of Jodhpur.
Jain Temples
Within the fort complex lie the beautifully carved Jain Temples
built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Maharawals (rulers)
of Jaisalmer were devout Hindus but were tolerant of Jainism,
and encouraged art and religion. There are 7 temples in the
complex - Chandraprabhu, Parasnath, Shitalnath, Sambhavnath,
Shantinath, Kunthunath and Rikhabdev Temple. The temples are
all connected by a series of corridors and walkways. Closeby
is the Gyan Bhandar, a library founded in 1500 A.D. This house
is priceless ancient manuscripts and other exhibits like astrological
charts, besides the Jain equivalent of the Christian Shroud
of Turin.
Laxminath Temple
It is located in a centre of the fort. The less ornate Hindu
temple in the complex features an interesting dome that exhibits
fine paintings.
Havelis Of Jaisalmer
In earlier times, Jaisalmer's strategic position on the camel
train route brought it great wealth. The merchants grew prosperous
and commissioned great havelis, or mansions, to flaunt their
ever growing status in society. Made of local golden-yellow
sandstone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent
condition. The most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately
latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different
facade.
Patwon Ki Haveli - This is one of the largest
and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. It is five stories
high and extensively carved.
Salim Singh Ki-Haveli - This haveli is just
three centuries old, and is still lived in. Its arched roof
is held up by well excluded brackets in the form of peacocks.
Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli - One very interesting
fact about this 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.
Gadi Sagar Tank
Once the source of water supply to the city. The tank is surrounded
by shrines and temples and a variety of waterfowl can be spotted
here in the winter months.
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.
Manak Chowk
Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak Chowk
which is the centre of local activity. From Manak Chowk, one
can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelies are
to be found. |
| |
| Excursions of Jaisalmer |
Hotels
of Jaisalmer |
Make
your Package for Jaisalmer |
| |
| Camel Safaris
While in Jaisalmer, it is difficult to resist the charm of
a camel safari, the most interesting way to explore the desert
around. Most safaris last for three to four days, and often
pass through millet fields, small hamlets and interesting
ruins. At night, the caravan stops and you camp out in tents
under the star-spangled sky. The usual circuit can include
some or all of the following places:
Sam Sand Dunes (42 km from Jaisalmer)
It is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert.
It is a great place to see patterns carved out by winds on
the sand. Camel rides on the sand dunes are an unforgettable
experience as is the sunset. Sam 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. 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.
Bada Bagh & Chatris (5 km from Jaisalmer)
Bada Bagh is a fertile oasis that supplies vegetables and
fruits to the city of Jaisalmer. There is a huge old dam and
the place was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The place also
houses royal chatris (cenotaphs) with beautifully carved ceilings.
Khuri
Out in the desert, and just 40 kilometers south-west of Jaisalmer,
lies the village of Khuri. The main attraction here is the
desert solitude and beautifully decorated houses of mud and
straw. Accommodation options are also available here to get
an authentic flavour of desert life.
|
| |
| Special Festivals
|
| |
| The Desert Festival
A spectacular event coinciding with the full moon in Jan /
Feb every year. The rich culture of the region is on display
during this three day long festival. The famous Gair and Fire
dancers are the major attractions of the celebrations. Interesting
contests including a turban-tying competition and a Mr. Desert
contest further enhance the fun of the occasion. A trip to
the Sam sand dunes marks the grand finale, where one can enjoy
camel rides and brilliant performances by the folk artistes
under the full moon against the backdrop of picturesque dunes.
|
| |
| How to get
there |
Hotels
of Jaisalmer |
Make
your Package for Jaisalmer |
| |
| By
Road : Well connected to Jodhpur, 300 kms and
Bikaner, 285 kms.A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with
Jodhpur and many other destinations in and around Rajasthan.
By Air : Direct flight connections to Delhi, Jodhpur,
Jaipur of Indian Airlines (Alliance Airways).
By Rail : Jaisalmer is connected to Jodhpur by two
daily trains and Jaipur with one daily train. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
