Jaisalmer is one of the most important tourist destinations in Rajasthan. It is located in the desert region of Rajasthan. Known as The Golden City, It was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D. He was a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput. The Desert festival of Jaisalmer is very popular among the tourists.
❖ Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer is a medieval fortress town in the remote desert of Rajasthan. Because it was located on the caravan routes between Egypt, Arabia, Persia and India, it became an extremely prosperous town. By the 19th Century however, the opening of ports such as Bombay, caused the caravan trade to dwindle. After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, this remote desert area became a military area and an area of camels, sheep and cattle. Jaisalmer Fort
Major Attractions:
1. Construction of the Fort
2. Located on a Hilltop
3. Palaces of the Maharawals
4. Installation of a unique device
5. A Marvel Built in Sandstone
Location : Trikutta hills-Jaisalmer
Time to Visit: October -February
❖ Gadi Sagar Tank and the Folklore Museum
Gadi Sagar Tank and the Folklore Museum South of the city through an imposing triple gateway, Gadi Sagar Tank , built in 1367, was once Jaisalmer's sole water supply. Its north and east banks are flanked with ghats and temples whose sandstone bricks glow with a warm deep ochre in the evening light. This peaceful place is the focus of the festival of Gangaur in March, when women fling flowers into the lake and pray for a good husband, and the Maharawal heads a procession amid a pomp and splendour unchanged for generations.
❖ Tazia Tower
Tazia Tower The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendour, with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted it to their royal patron.
❖ Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar Lake A rain water lake built by Maharawal Gadsi in 14th century, which was the main source of water for entire town before introduction of take water, now a tourist spot. There are may small temple & shrines around it. A vide variety of water birds can bee seen here specially in winter.
❖ Jain Temples
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 Rishabdevji 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 are also Shiva and Ganesh temples within the fort, which also close at 12 noon.
❖ Havelis in Jaisalmer
The beautiful sandstone mansions of Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis'. Their elaborate homes are a poem etched out in sandstone with infinite details and pains, carved and pieced together in different patterns, and though they are lavish and loud in nature, there is a perfect harmony that characterizes them and they are a treat for the eyes of the beholder Havelis in Jaisalmer
Major Attractions:
1. Patwon-Ji-Ki-Haveli
2. Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
3. Salim Singh Ki Haveli
4. Fabricatinon of the Palace At Kings convenience
5. Fort was Protected from Encounters
Visiting Hours: 1000-1630 Hrs
❖ Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli
Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli Salim Singh ki Haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of this is still being used as residence. It was owned by Salim Singh, a former prime minister of the state of Jaisalmer and has an arched roof with superb carved brackets inn the form of peacocks. It is worth a lengthy look and admiration of the tourists who revel to see this pride of Jaisalmer architecture, which is now a part of the national heritage. Situated at the eastern end of the city, it seems to have sprung out of Arabian Nights, with its top blossoming like a wild flower.
❖ Patwon Ki Haveli
Patwon-Ki-Haveli Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.
❖ Nathmalji Ki Haveli
Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli The havelis of Jaisalmer stand as proud reminders of the exalted Rajasthan past that glitters with tales of war, passion and love intrigues. The grandiose lifestyle of royal Rajasthan was not just limited to those who reigned but was imitated in proportions by the nobles, merchants and the rich.
❖ Desert Festival
Desert Festival The city of Jaisalmer comes alive every year during January - February, with the staging of the Desert Festival. The exhibition of performing arts on the expanse of golden sands is a breathtaking sight at Sam. Turban tying competition and camel races are the other exciting events. Grand Finale takes place near Sam Dune at Dune Safari Camp.
How to Reach
By Air: Indian Airlines operates flights to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi from Jaisalmer.
By Bus: There are many deluxe buses operating daily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner.
By Train: There are two trains 1JPJ and Jodhpur express which operates daily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.