Rajasthan Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, another princely state of Rajasthan is a paradise of the desert kingdom. Summarizing the allure of the desert, the splendid Jaisa
lmer nestles in the foothills of Trikuta.Jaisalmer is a desert city and instantly invokes number of images in the mind of travellers.
The word itself provokes an image of deserted land with camel swiftly moving on the golden sands. The city is almost enticing and for domestic travelers as it is to foreign tourists. Standing in pride with its colossal forts, palaces and havelis, Jaisalmer showcases the artistic sense of the Rajput kings.The city is awesome to cover in cool season.
The city is actually divided into nearly two equal halves. The town is small enough to be covered on foot. If not less, try spending at least 4 days in the city, only then you would get a full coverage of beautiful city.
History Of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is amongst the last of the former princely kingdoms of Rajputana before the border between India and Pakistan. The people of Jaisalmer believe Lord Krishna prophecied to Arjuna that one of his descendants would establish a kingdom on Trikuta Hill. The Lord’s prophecy was fulfilled in 1196 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput who traced his lineage to Krishna’s Yadava clan, shifted his capital from Lodurva (16 km away) to Trikuta Hill.
Jaisalmer earned great wealth and glory in its heyday, because it was strategically located on the most lucrative of trade routes between Central Asian kingdoms and the Far East.
Merchants were valued citizens and their houses or havelis are legendary with ornate, intricately carved façades of sandstone. The Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer grew rich living off the rich caravans that crossed their territory till their days of glory slowly came to an end with the burgeoning of the shipping trade through the port at Mumbai.Jaisalmer’s past glories can be seen in its impressive golden fort on Trikuta Hill that dominates the horizon.
The fort houses a township with markets, palaces, temples and exquisite carved sandstone havelis. Today, these homes are national treasures and art museums that are still inhabited. This last outpost of the Indian Republic is valued for its heritage as much as for its brave citizens, its people and culture, colourful festivals and crafts have placed Jaisalmer on the world tourist map.
Havelis of Jaisalmer
Havelis of Jaisalmer are some very interesting places to visit. The intricately latticed Havelis of Jaisalmer are elaborately designed. Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Salim Sing ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli all with exquisite lattice work are worth visiting
1. Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli
Unusaual and mystic! It is a Salim Singh ki Haveli. The top most storeys of this haveli are destroyed yet the surviving structure has peerless grandeur. You indeed would be enticed with the intricate workmanship and designed Jharokhas.
2. Patwon-ki-Haveli
Patwaon - Ki - Haveli is another dimension to the Jaisalmer havelis. It is a five storey edifice which was constructed in 1800 AD and 1860 AD. This is the largest of its kind and is one of the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer
3. Nathmal-ki-Haveli
Nathumal Ki Haveli is two identical looking portions which are combined by a common facade. The projected balconies are the sheer example of Jeweler's art applied to stone carvings.
4. Gadissar Lake
The origin of this artificial water tank dates back to 1156 AD. Surrounded by small temples and shrines, it also gives a view of the exquisite archway, Teelon ki Pol - one of the main entrances to the lake and the city.
5. Vyas Chhatri
Also known as the city of Sunset Point, it houses the cenotaph of Sage Vyas who compiled the famous epic Mahabharata. Moreover, it gives you a bird's-eye view of the picturesque beauty of Jaisalmer
6. Jain Temples
The Parswanath Temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures. There is a small dome which is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower.
7. Gadsisar Lake
A rainwater lake, now a picnic spot - ideal for boating. This is one of the best hangouts in Jaisalmer.
8. 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.
9. Sam
Sam, easily accessible from Jaisalmer displays an outstanding desert life. 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.
Getting there
By Road
Jaisamlmer is connected by road with Jaipur 340 Kms, Mount Abu 325 Kms, Udaipur 260 Kms, Delhi 595 Kms, Bombay 1050 Kms, Jodhpur 290 Kms, Bikaner 330 Kms and Ajmer by 500 Kms.
By Rail
Connected by rail with Jodhpur which takes at least an overnight journey. Trains available from Jaisalmer
Jodhpur to Jaisalmer (Jaisalmer Express - 4810) Daily, Time: 22.55
By Air
One cannot fly to Jaisalmer. Jodhpur is the nearest airport at a distance of 500km away and after that you need to catch a bus or train Connected by Air with Mumbai by Alliance Air, check your Schedule and plan accordingly to save the Time.
Getting around in Jaisalmer
The city of Jaisalmer is small and can be covered within a couple of hours by local transport or bicycle. Or you can walk as nothing is too far, here.
