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.
Jaisalmer
FortBuilt 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 TemplesWithin 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 TempleIt is located in a centre of
the fort. The less ornate Hindu temple in the complex features an
interesting dome that exhibits fine paintings.
HavelisJaisalmer's
strategic position on the camel terrain route bought 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
sand stone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent condition.
The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis is the
Patwaon Ki Haveli. The haveli was built between 1800 and 1860 by five Jain
brothers. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli are the other two
havelis that are opened to visitors.
Gadi Sagar TankOnce
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.
Added Attraction Sunset camel ride
on the Sam Sand DunesA trip to Jaisalmer is in incomplete without
this visit to most panoramic Dunes of Sam, where the wind is unceasingly
carving out scenic patterns on this desert sand. truly the essence of the
desert, the ripples of the Dunes create a enchanting mirage. By visiting the
Sam Sand Dunes, it is possible to get an insight into desert life from
Jaisalmer itself! Camel rides on the Sand Dunes are a thrilling experience,
as is the brilliant sunset.
HOW TO GET
THERE:
By Road: Well connected to
Jodhpur,
300 kms and
Bikaner,
285 kms.
By Air: Jodhpur, 300 kms is the nearest year round
airport. Indian Airlines operates direct flights to Jaisalmer from November
to February only.
By Rail: Jaisalmer is connected to Jodhpur by two daily trains and
Jaipur
with one daily train.
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India Travel Hotel.
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