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The
golden beauty, etched in yellow sandstone, perched atop
the Trikuta Hill, stands tall against miles of gleaming
sand. Epitomizing the desolate, awesome charm of the
desert. The city was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a
Bhatti Rajput King.
Jaisalmer is famous for cobbled streets, strewn with
palaces, forts, temples and havelis. Every house, here,
is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over.
These houses date back to 12th - 15th century. And hence
Jaisalmer is called 'the Museum city'. Filled with
color, festivity and smiles, Jaisalmer is truly a
memorable experience across the shimmering sands.
General information
Altitude: 225 meters
Rainfall: 30 cm
Best Season: July to March
Temperature: Extremely hot
in summers with maximum
temperature touching 47 'C.
Cold winters - min 8.9'C
STD Code: 02992
How to get there
Air
The nearest airport is Jodhpur (285 km)
Rail
Jaisalmer is connected with Jodhpur by night train
service.
Road
Well connected by road with all the major cities of
India. Jodhpur 285 km Via Pokaran Bikaner 325 km Pokaran
112 km Barmer 153 km Delhi 897 km Jaipur 638 km.
In and around
Jaisalmer Fort
The fort stands guard over the deserts cape from its 250
feet high perch on the hill with its wall following the
contours of the hills. The steep cobblestone pathways
leading to the royal palace pass through four gates. The
sharp twists and turns make the fort invincible. The
fort has five interconnected palaces with 'jaali'
screens and dainty 'jharokhas' - all showpieces of
Jaisalmer artisans' talent. Within the fort are three
exquisitely sculptured Jain temples
Gadsisar Lake
A rain water lake, adorned with an arched gateway. Many
small shrines and temples are festooned a11 around the
lake. Today, it is an ideal picnic spot, famous for
boating.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli
Witness the legendary architectural wealth of Jaisalmer
at Salim Singh's haveli, truly unsurpassed in splendour.
Of particular note are the blue roof and rows of
peacocks below the arched balconies. The haveli was once
the residence of the Mohta family, ministers of
Jaisalmer rulers.
Patwon-ki-Haveli
It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, not to be
missed at all. This five haveli wonder has its ceiling
supported by exquisitely carved pillars and its
delicately chiseled balconies surely leave you
mesmerized.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli
This haveli was carved by two brothers. One worked on
right side and the other on left, but the harmony in
design exists still. Screened windows, projected
balconies and intricate carvings illustrate superb
craftsmanship.
Jain Temples
Within the citadel are the splendorous Jain temples,
dedicated to Rishabdevji, Sambhavnathji and
Parshvanathji. The Parshvanathji Temple is the oldest
and the most beautiful of the Jain temples. Human and
animal figures are carved on the walls of its sanctum
and the rising dome or 'shikhar' is crowned by an amalak
and a water pot containing a lotus flower.
Gyan Bhandar or Library
A part of the Jain temples, the library contains some of
the oldest manuscripts of India.
Lodurva
A trip to this important pilgrimage center for Jains,
once the ancient capital of Jaisalmer rulers, is a
rewarding experience. A masterpiece of architectural
grandeur is 'Toran' or the ornate arch at the main
entrance with its exquisite carvings. 'Kalpatru' or the
divine tree is another attraction.
Sam Sand Dunes
No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to the
most picturesque dunes. The ripples on the wind-caressed
dunes create enchanting mirages - a photographer's
delight. Various cultural programme are organized
against the backdrop of these fascinating dunes.
Adventure freaks can go out on a camel safari - getting
the real feel of the desert on the camel-back.
Wood Fossil Park
This park, lying on the Barmer Road, takes you back to
the jurassic period with 180 million year old fossils,
which are the geological landmarks for the study of the
Thar Desert.
Desert National Park
Come, see the rolling landscape of the Sam sand dunes.
Head on for a wild experience, as you may encounter the
Indian Gazelle, Chinkara Eagle and exotic avian variety
in this 3000 sq. km. vast protected Biosphere Reserve.
The park lies to the south-west of Jaisalmer |
