Jaisalmer Information
Travel to
exotic city of Rajasthan - Jaisalmer is a ideal abode to spend your
holidays. The heritage city was once encompassed by an extensive wall,
much of which has sadly been ripped away in recent times for building
material. Some of it remains, however, including the city gates and,
inside them, the massive fort which rises above the city and is the
essence of Jaisalmer. The main market area is directly below the hill,
while the banks, the new palace and several other shops and offices are
near the Amar Sagar Gate to the west
Jaisalmer charms the tourists with its magical legends and feel of
valor and idealistic zeal and the 'only living fort'. It is the most
perfect blend of the old worldly charm with the stirring quality of the
contemporary. There are churning sands and towering monuments with
latticed stonework. The golden sands of the daytime take on almost
fairy-tale facade by the silvery moonlight of the night along with the
mellow music and perfect rhythmic performances of the multicolored
desert people
The Legacy of the Jaisalmer Past
The 'Golden City' of Jaisalmer was founded in the year 1156 by a Bhatti
Rajput prime Jaisala named the city from the vulnerable former capital
of Lodhruva, 15 kms to the south-east. After he sought counsel of a
hermit who lived in a cave near aspring on top of a rocky hill. The
sucession of Maharajas of Jaisalmer trace their lineage back to the
ruler of Bhatti Rajput Clan Jailasimha.
Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is one of the princely states in the state of Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer experiences very warm weather during the months of summers
that extends from April to the month of October when temperature may
rise up to 45 'C. The winters are usually pleasant with temperature
dipping up to 2 'C during night. Best time to visit Jaisalmer is between
the months of October to March.
Reaching
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer By Air
Jaisalmer is well linked by the flights to and from New Delhi, Jodhpur
and Jaipur. The Jaisalmer Airport is in the cantonment area, which is 5
km away from the city center and is managed by the Indian Air Force. It
is operational only from September to March, the main season.
Jaisalmer By Train
There are daily trains to Jaisalmer from Jodhpur, which is well
connected to all the major cities by the network of trains such as Agra,
Jaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai and many more. The Jaisalmer Railway Station
is just a 10-minute drive from Gadi Sagar Pol.
Jaisalmer By Road
Smooth network of roads and luxury coaches connect Jaisalmer to all the
major cities of Rajasthan such as Bikaner, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The main
Bus Stand is situated near the Railway Station, but all the major buses
are available from a Bus Depot situated at the city centre.
Accommodations in Jaisalmer
Budget Hotels
» Hotel Deoki Niwas Palace
» Hotel Mahadev Palace
» Hotel Swagatam
» Heritage Hotels
» Fort Rajwada
» Gorbandh Palace
» Rawalkot (Welcome Heritage Group
» Narayan Niwas Palace
» Hotel Jaisal Castle
» Hotel Nachana Haveli
» Hotel Rawal Kot
The Myriad Attractions of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer fort was built in 1156 and is the second oldest in Rajasthan.
Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing
crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high, it has 99 bastion, 92 of which
were built between 1633 and 1647. Wells within the fort still provide a
regular source of water.
Jaisalmer Shopping
Jaisalmer is popular for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs,
blankets, and the finely cut antiques. Just outside the fort is Manak
Chowk, the marketplace of Jaisalmer. The market is known for bargaining
of local products. Jaisalmer is also an ideal place for buying
exquisitely embroidered garments with mirror work in a brilliant mosaic
of colours, traditional rugs, blankets and shawls, silver jewellery,
stonework, carpets made from camel hair, and colourful silk and cotton
cloth.
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.
Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar is a small lake amidst the small temples with exquisite gates
all around. Beside the arch gateways and temples, the sheer view of
water amidst the sandstone structures looks like an oasis, in the middle
of the desert.
Manak Chowk
Manak Chowk has successfully maintained the legacy of the Rajasthan and
charm since time immemorial. Various lanes with exquisitely carved
havelis lead to the chowk that remains abuzz, most of the time, with
various activities. Exploring the chowk is an experience in itself.
Havelis Of Jaisalmer
Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli
The Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli is a enticing edifice whose two upper storeys
had to be demolished and yet whose surviving structure has unsurpassed
splendor. Particularly noteworthy are the rows of peacocks below the
jharokhas (projected arched balconies).
Nathmal-ki-Haveli
This haveli has two identical-looking portions, which are, in fact, two
different parts united by a common façade. The projected
balconies or jharokhas are a perfect example of jeweler’s art
applied to stone carving.
Patwon-ki-Haveli
Near the city centre is the Patwon-ki-Haveli. Its five suites built
between AD 1800 and AD 1860 are evidence of Jaisalmer’s legendary
architectural wealth. The balconies are delicately chiseled, and oblique
sunrays create enchanting and dramatic shadows. It is the grandest
mansion in Jaisalmer, a veritable museum piece in the open.
The
Desert National Park
The Desert National Park is situated in the Indian state of Rajasthan
near Jaisalmer. This is one of the largest national parks, covering an
area of 3100 sqkm. The desert sanctuary being a fragile ecosystem has
its own flora and fauna.
Jain Temples
This group of fine Jain temples were built in the 12th to 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. The
temples are open till 12 noon. There is also a Shiva and a Ganesh
temples within the fort which also close at 12 noon.
Excursions From Jaisalmer
Sam Sand Dunes
SAM, 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.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.
Amar Sagar(7 km)This was once a pleasant garden with a lake. The lake
here dries up in the summer season. Closeby is the Jain temple where one
can see some beautiful carvings.
Mool Sagar (9 km from Jaisalmer) This is another pleasant small garden
and tank.
Barmer (153 km from Jaisalmer) It is famous for wood carvings,
embroidered fabrics and block printed textiles.
Festivals of Jaisalmer
Desert Festival ( Jan- Feb)
Once a year in winters and on the middle of the continually rising and
falling stark yellow sands of the great Thar Desert, the empty sands
around Jaisalmer come alive with the brilliant colour, music and
laughter of the Desert Festival. The festival is organised by the
tourist authorities as tourist entertainment around January-February.
The very rich and colourful Rajasthani folk culture is on show here for
a few days. Rajasthani men and tall beautiful women dressed in their
brightly costumes dance and sing lingering ballads of valour, romance
and tragedy. Traditional musicians attempt to outdo each other in their
musical superiority.
Camel
Safari of Jaisalmer
A large number of travel agents and tour operators in Rajasthan
organise camel safaris. Most of these are in the vicinity of Jaisalmer,
Bikaner, Osian and Khimsar, and stretch from anywhere between 2 to 7
days, with longer ones of up to a month. Shorter, day-long camel safaris
which just about give you a glimpse of the desert are also organised.
The majority of camel safaris start from the desert fort town of
Jaisalmer.
In most cases, one camel is provided per person, and a camel cart
accompanies the entourage, laden with food, utensils and other supplies;
it’s also an option for anyone who gets sick of sitting on a
lurching camel. Tents, food, mineral water, mattresses and an escort are
invariably provided, and most operators will also make sure you get a
full dose of local entertainment in the evenings. For longer camel
safaris, which cover a few days, camps are usually set up at night in
the vicinity of villages.
