JAILSALMER
Rising
from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage
is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in
yellow sandstone stands, with all its awesome splendor,
dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting
legend associated with it, according to which, Lord
Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna
that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. 
His
prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal,
a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput,abandoned
his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer,perched
on the Trikuta Hill.
Bahti Rajputs of Jaisalmer
were fedual chiefs who lived off the forced levy on
the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that
crossed the territory enroute Delhi-or-Sind. These caravans
earned the town great wealth.
For years Jaisalmer remained
untouched by the outside influences. The rise of shipping
trade and the port of Mumbai saw the decline of Jaisalmer.
But the desert fortress, that seems to be straight out
of the Tales of the Arabian Nights still enchants.
The life within the citadel
conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its
narrow lanes stewn with magnificent palace, havelis,
temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous
camels.
The setting sun turning Jaisalmer
into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.
The perfect time to visit the
golden city is during the Desert Festival, held in Jan/Feb.
every year, when the city reverberates to the sound
of melodious tunes and rhythms.
Folk dances, exciting competitions
an contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr.
Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities.
Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and
a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists
performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous
Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be
missed event.
PRIME
SITES
The Fort:
The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape
from its 80 metre high perch on the hill,housing the
entire township within its ramparts.It has an enchanting
cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis,three
beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th
century A.D. and five interconnected palaces.The fort
is approached through four gateways-Akhaiyal,Ganesh
Pol,Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.
Manak Chowk and Havelis: A
main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow
lanes dotted with famous havelis.
Havelis: Some of the most exotic
mansions or havelis,all intricately latticed are strew
all over Jaisalmer-each with a different facade.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: The late
19th century haveli with intricate architecture
a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right
wings of the mansion which were carved by two brothers
are not identical but very similar and balanced in design.
The interior walls are
ornate with splendid miniature paintings.
Patwon -ki-Haveli: The most
elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis.
It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors
and chambers.One of the apartments of this five storey
high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli: This
300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer s Prime Minister to
Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh-Salim Singh, has a beautiful
blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the
form of peacocks.This extraordinary mansion in yellow
stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an
elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey.The mansion
is one of the most notable of the array of havelis.
EXCURSIONS
Lodurva
(16 km): The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important
pilgrim spot of the Jain community with some magnificent
Jain temple. "Toran or the ornate arches at the main
entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy. A Kalptaru
or a divine tree within is the main attraction of
the temple
Wood
Fossil Park, Aakal(17 kms): Lying on the Barmer Road
, this park takes you back to the Jurassic period (when
the whole Thar region lay under the sea) with 180 million
year old fossils - the geological landmarks for the
study of the Thar Desert.
Sam Sand Dunes(42 km): No trip
to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most
picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind -caressed
dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are surely
a delight for a trigger -happy photographer.
Various cultural programmes
are organized against the backdrop of these fascinating
sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to get
the real feel of the desert on the camel back.
Desert National Park (45 km):
The landscape of the Desert National Park is dominated
by rolling sand dunes and scrub covered hills. The prominent
fauna of the park includes black buck , chinkara, desert
fox and the great Indian bustard.
Barmer (155 km): A tiny desert
town renowned for its hand block printing industry,carved
wood furniture,colorful costumes and amiable folks.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Area
: 5.1 sq. km.
Altitude : 225 metres
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 41.6 degree C 25.0 degree C
Winter : 23.6 degree C 7.9 degree C
Rainfall : 15 cms.
Best Season : Oct.-Feb.
Clothing : Summer light tropical
Winter: light woolen
Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.
