Jaisalmer Travel Guide
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 Yadav clan foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of
the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill, His prophecy was
fulfilled in 1156AD. When Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput abandoned his fort at
Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill Bhatti
Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chief who lived off the forced levy on the
caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute
Delhi-or Sind. These seems to be straight out of the "Tales of the Arabian
Night ' still enchants.
The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in
its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of course
skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. the setting turn 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 and contest, especially
the turban raying contest.
Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivals colorful craft bazars
are setup for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized with
folk artistes performing against the spledid backdrop of the famous sam sand
dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be-missed events.
Places to See :
The Jaisalmer Fort
The
golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desert escape from its 80 meter
high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It
has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted lanes doted with some lovely
havelis, three beautiful sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century A.D.
and five interconnected palaces.
The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol Suraj pol
and hava Pol. Manak Chowk and Havelis : A main market place outside the fort
leads to the narrow lanes doted with famous havelis.
Gadsisar Lake
A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular
avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.
Tazia Tower
A pagoda like structure looming up from the "Badal Mahal" with beautiful
Taazias' - ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier, carried
out in processing during Moharram by the Muslims.
Nathmal ji ki Haveli
The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture a display of sheer
craftsmanship. The left and right wings of the mansions, 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.
Patwa ki Haveli
The
most elaborate and magnificient of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely
carved pillars and exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers.
One of the apartments of this five story 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 superby 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 notables of the array of havelis.
Jain Temples
The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara-Rishabdev,
Sambhavnath and Parswanath.
Gyan Bhandar of Library
Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established
as a part of jain temples.
Fairs & Festivals :
Desert Festival (Jan/Feb)
A spectacular event coinciding with the full moon in Jan/Feb. The rich culture
of the region is on display during this three day long festival.
The famous Gair and Fire dancers are the major attraction of the celebrations.
Interesting contests including a turban. Tying competition and a Mr. Desert
contest further enhance the fun of the occasion.
A trip to the Sam sand dunes marks the grand finale, where one can enjoy camel
rides and brilliant performance by the folk artist under the full moon against
the backdrop of picturesque dunes.
