JAISALMER
Location: 285-km From Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Jaisalmer Fort, Manak Chowk &
Havelis
Festive Attraction: Desert Festival
Best Time To Visit: October To Februay
The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and
brilliance of the desert. The exotic, remote and beautiful, Jaisalmer is a
bit of a paradox. So far west that it is in the heart of the desert, one
would expect barren near-desolation. Yet this frontier town is today one
of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist destinations. Local colour and warmth
prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval
town with a special magic.
Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhati Rajput, laid the
foundation of this city in 1156 AD. Trikuta was the hill chosen and Jaisal
abandoned his old fort at Lodurva and established his new capital here.
The Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived on the forced
levy on the caravans that crossed their territory en-route Delhi. These
caravans, laden with precious cargos of spices and silk brought great
wealth to this town. Because of its remote location, Jaisalmer for years
remained untouched by outside influences and during the British Raj, the
rulers of Jaisalmer were the last to sign the instrument of agreement with
the British.
In
medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade
route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. The
glory of Jaisalmer faded when sea trade replaced the old land routes. But
there is still an 'Arabian Nights' quality about the town. The narrow
streets in the walled city preserve a traditional way of life : the
craftsmen still work at the ancient crafts of weaving and stone carving,
the making of silver jewellery and embroidery. And the stately, nonchalant
camel is everywhere.
Just a walk through Jaisalmer, savouring the medieval glory of old
Rajasthan, is a marvellously rewarding travel experience. Desert Festival,
celebrated in January/ February, is a must on any itinerary. The desert
seems to bloom in a thousand colours. There are camel races and folk
dances. Craft bazaar and traditional balled singing. A sound and light
spectacle on the sand-dunes of Sam on the full moon night. And all the
colour and excitement of the best in Rajasthan.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival
every year when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and
rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and contest especially the
turban-tying contest, Mr.Desert contest and camel races enlighten the
festivities. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic
conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience. This is a city
to be visited.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
FORTS AND PALACES
The
Jaisalmer Fort: The golden - hued Jaisalmer Fort 'Sonar Kila'
can be seen miles away before reaching the town. more...
Manak Chowk and Havelis:
- A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes
dotted with famous 'havelis'. more...
Havelis: Some of the
most exotic mansions or 'havelis', all intricately latticed, are stretched
all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade.more...
LAKES
Gadsisar Sagar Tank:
- A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around.
The lake is an idyllic spot for outings. more...
TEMPLES
Jain Temples: - The
fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain
Tirthankaras - Rishabhdevji and Sambhavnathji. more...
OTHERS
Gyan Bhandar or Library: Some of the oldest manuscripts of India
are found in this library established as a part of Jain temples.
RAJASTHAN TRAIN TRAVEL
PALACE ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to
Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the
Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor
to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also
carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but
not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board
include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as
restaurant and organized shopping facilites. more...
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
Akal (16 kms from Jaisalmer) : It looks like a army frozen in its
tracks, standing petrified in the forest of Aakal, in a bare hillside of
mica, and red and yellow stone. It is a fossil park where 180 millions
years ago stood a forest. The fossil trunks lie scattered in this part.
Barmer (153 kms from Jaisalmer ) : It is
famous for wood carvings, embroidered fabrics and block printed textiles.more...
Lodurva (17 kms from Jaisalmer) : The ancient capital of
Jaisalmer, some vestiges of former glory remain.
WILDLIFE
Desert National Park (40-km from Jaisalmer) : It preserves the
eco-system of the desert within its confines. The Monitor lizards, desert
foxes, porcupines, occasional wolves and black bucks, and the Great Indian
Bustard (a protected bird ) are found here, forming an ecological chain
revolving around cactii and other hardy desert plants.
GARDENS
Bada Bagh (6-km from
Jaisalmer) : A fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial lake. Much of
the city's fruits and vegetables are grown here. Surrounded by dense trees
are the royal cenotaphs with beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian
statues of the former rulers. more...
OTHERS
Camel Safaris : These are conducted on many routes.
Wood Fossil Park
(17-km from Jaisalmer) : It has fossils dating to 180 million years ago.
more...
Sam Sand Dunes
(42-km from Jaisalmer) : It is the closest point to witness the total
sandy desert. Sam (pronounced 'sum') 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 came 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
in. more...
HOW TO GET THERE
Rail: Jaisalmer is 290-km from Jodhpur via Pokhran,
Dechu and Balesar or 330-km from Bikaner via Pokhran and Phalodi. It is
well connected by train with Jodhpur and other major cities of the country
by a meter gauge line.
Road: A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with Jodhpur and
many other destinations in and around Rajasthan.
PLACES TO STAY
Being one of the major cities of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is
well equipped with standard and luxurious hotels as well as budget
accommodations.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
The Desert
Festival takes place in January-February of each year. Camel races
and dances, folk music, desert ballads, puppeteers - they're all part of
the activity. At the full moon night, a sound and light drama is performed
at Sam.
SHOPPING
Jaisalmer is famous for mirror work, embroidered articles,
woollen pattu and other items made of good quality, locally produced wood,
wooden boxes, trinklets, silver jewellery and curios.
The main shopping areas are Sadar Bazaar and Sonaron Ka Bas, Manak Chowk,
Pansari Bazaar and also Rajasthali - Government shop for handicrafts and
Khadi Gramodyog.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (RTDC)
- Tourist Information Bureau, Hotel Moomal, Jaisalmer 345 001 (Rajasthan)
India
CLIMATE
Jaisalmer has got extreme climate. Best time to visit from
October to February.
NEARBY CITIES
Lodurva - 16-km
Barmer - 155-km
Pokhran - 112-km
Khimsar - 295-km
Jodhpur - 285-km
Daspan - 280-km
