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Jaisalmer Travel Guide
Jaisalmer Travel Guide
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of
Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its
awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has
an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, lord Krishna-
the head of Yadav clan foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav
clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill, His prophecy was
fulfilled in 1156AD. When Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput abandoned his fort
at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill
Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chief who lived off the forced levy
on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the
territory enroute Delhi-or Sind. These seems to be straight out of the "Tales
of the Arabian Night ' still enchants.
The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible
in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of
course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. the setting turn Jaisalmer
into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.
The
perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival held in
Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious
tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and contest,
especially the turban raying contest.
Mr. Desert contest and
camel races enliven the festivals colorful craft bazars are setup for the
occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized with folk artistes
performing against the spledid backdrop of the famous sam sand dunes on the
full moon night. Surely a not-to-be-missed events.
Places
to See : The Jaisalmer Fort The golden
hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desert escape from its 80 meter high
perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has
an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted lanes doted with some lovely
havelis, three beautiful sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century
A.D. and five interconnected palaces.
The fort is approached through
four gateways-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol Suraj pol and hava Pol. Manak Chowk
and Havelis : A mai
n
market place outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes doted with famous
havelis.
Gadsisar Lake A scenic rain water lake
with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The
lake is an idyllic spot for outings.
Tazia Tower A
pagoda like structure looming up from the "Badal Mahal" with
beautiful Taazias' - ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of
a bier, carried out in processing during Moharram by the Muslims.
Nathmal ji ki Haveli The late 19th century haveli with
intricate architecture a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right
wings of the mansions, which were carved by two brothers, are not identical
but very similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are ornate with
splendid miniature paintings.
Patwa ki Haveli The most elaborate and magnificient of all the
Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and exquisitely carved
pillars and extensive corridors and chambers.
One of the apartments of
this five story high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
Salim Singh ki Haveli This 300 year old Haveli of Jaisalmer's
Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh Salim Singh, has a beautiful blue
cupola roof with superby carved brackets in the form of peacocks. This
extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and
has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey.
The mansion is
one of the most notables of the array of havelis.
Jain
Temples The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain temples
dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara-Rishabdev, Sambhavnath and Parswanath.
Gyan Bhandar of Library Some of the oldest
manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of jain
temples.
Fairs
& Festivals : 
Desert Festival (Jan/Feb) A spectacular event coinciding with
the full moon in Jan/Feb. The rich culture of the region is on display
during this three day long festival.
The famous Gair and Fire
dancers are the major attraction 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
performance by the folk artist under the full moon against the backdrop of
picturesque dunes.
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