The Jaisalmer Fort : The most alluring possession of Jaisalmer is
the Jaisalmer Fort, seems to emerge from the golden sand of the
Thar Desert. This is the fort, which
creates a golden aura, as the rays of the afternoon sun kisses its yellow
sandstone walls and bastions, giving it a name - Sonar Kila or the Golden
Fort.
Jain Temples
This group of fine Jain temples were built in the 12th - 15th century
within the
Jaisalmer Fort. They are
beautifully carved and dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Sambhavnathji. The Gyan
Bhandar, a library containing some extremely old manuscripts, is within the
temple complex.
Havelis of Jaisalmer
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.
Some of the must see havelis are :
» Patwon Ki Haveli
» Salim Singh Ki-Haveli
» Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli
Desert Festival :
The most ideal time to visit the Golden Fort is during the Desert Festival,
a spectacular event held every Jan/Feb, coinciding with the full moon.
Not to Overlook - Excursion
Camel Safari : When you are in Jaisalmer, then do
experience the charm of a camel safari, the best, though not easy way to
explore the desert around. Most of the safaris lasts for 3 - 4 days, and
passes through various unfamiliar sights - millet fields, small hamlets and
interesting ruins. When the night is wrapped by the darkness of the sky, the
caravan stops and camps out in tents under the star-dazzled sky. The common
route include some or all of the following places :
Sam
Dunes
Sam Dunes is an insight into the desert lifestyle. This spectacular sight
is one of its kind in the world. The blowing wind creates small patterns on
the sea of sand as it cuddles it with every gentle blow. Camel Safari on the
Sam dunes reminds you of the Arabian Night stories, you must have read as a
child. One can experience the glorious sun set and feel the real lifestyle
of a desert.
Some other sights covered are :
» Bada Bagh & Chatris (5 km from Jaisalmer)
» Amar Sagar (7 km)
» Mool Sagar (9 km from Jaisalmer)
» Barmer (153 km from Jaisalmer)
» Lodurva (17 km from Jaisalmer)
» Kuldhera (25 km west of Jaisalmer)
» Khuri
» Akal Wood Fossil Park (16 km from Jaisalmer)
» Desert National Park (40 km. from Jaisalmer)
Location : Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India.
Laguage : Rajasthani, Hindi
Climate : Too cold in Night and too hot in Day.
Best time to visit : October to March
Indulge In : Camel Safari
Speciality : Sam Dunes, Desert Festival (Jan / Feb every year )
Sail on the Sea of Sand
Jaisalmer, a magical desert land with prismatic look and brilliance of the
sun and the sand. Also known as the Golden City, jailsalmer was founded by
Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D.. Jaisalmer remained unaffected by foreign
influence for a long period due to its distant location, the period which
included the days of the British Raj. The Golden City of Jaisalmer was the
last state to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. The
magnificence and the glory of this Golden City - Jaisalmer can be least
rivalled with other cities of the world.
Getting There
By Air : Indian Airlines operates flights to Jodhpur,
Jaipur, Mumbai and
Delhi from Jaisalmer.
By Train : There are two trains IJPJ and Jodhpur express
which operates daily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur. Jodhpur is connect to all
the major cities of the country.
By Road :There are many deluxe buses operating daily from
Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner.
Related Traveller's Storie(s)
Jaisalmer - Potpourri of
Art and Craft - By Priya Tikoo
Udaipur-The Heart of Rajasthan-
By Kitu Bhardwaj
Sariska- The Tiger Reserve-
By Albeena Abbas
Rajasthan- The Royal State
Of Rajasthan- By Shahnawaj Ahmed Ansari
