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Jaisalmer Travel
Guide
JAISALMER - THE GLORY OF THE GOLDEN FORT
The
"Golden City" of India, Jaisalmer is rich with historical monuments,
mansions and fortresses .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 largest
draw, though, has to be the landscape, which allows for a moment of tranquility
amongst the bustle of the more populous Indian cities. Th e 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.
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.
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.
Another interesting aspect of the
desert city was beautiful havelis built by wealthy merchants. You can let your
eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari.
Ages have gone by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting
winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and
harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience. The old
city was completely encircled by wall but much of it is now pulled down sadly
for want of building material in recent years.
Colorful
craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized
Folk dances, especially the turban-tying contest , Mr. Desert contest and camal
races performing exciting competitions against the splendid backdrop of the famous
Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event.
For
years, Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences. The life within
its narrow lanes stewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course
skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels, conjures up images of medieval majesty.
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.
In the 13th century, Bhatti Rajput had taken away
Imperial's treasure caravan train of Ala-ud-din Khilji Emperor of Delhi. Emperor
Khilji, in an effort to take back the treasure besieged the Fort for nine years.
Duda son of Jaitasimha, a Bhatti hero also perished in the battle. Dudas descendants
continued to rule Jaisalmer. In 1541 they even fought Mughal Emperor Himayun.
. Sabala Simha won the patronage of Mughal Emperor Shaha Jahan for battle distinctions
in Peshawar and the right to rule Jaisalmer. In the days of Raj, Jaisalmer was
the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British. The massive golden
fort, which is the essence of Jaisalmer, is entered through First Gate. Is a burrow
of narrow streets complete with Jain Temples and old palaces.
Places
to See 1.The Jaisalmer Fort 
2.Gadsisar
Lake3.Tazia Tower 4.Nathmal
ji ki Haveli
5.Patwa ki Haveli 6.Salim
Singh ki Haveli
7.Jain Temples8.Gyan
Bhandar of Library 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. Once a year
in winters and on the middle of the continually rising and falling stark yellow
sands of the great Thar Desert, the empty sands around Jaisalmer come alive with
the brilliant colour, music and laughter of the Desert Festival. The festival
is organised by the tourist authorities as tourist entertainment around January-February.
The very rich and colourful Rajasthani folk culture is on show here for
a few days. Rajasthani men and tall beautiful women dressed in their brightly
costumes dance and sing lingering ballads of valour, romance and tragedy. Traditional
musicians attempt to outdo each other in their musical superiority.
Excursions
of Jaisalmer Lodurva 
Once
the capital of Rawal Jaisal, Lodurva now has ruins of the ancient townhip. It
is an important center of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at Lodurva exhibit some
more fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow stone 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.
Wood
Fossil Park A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines
around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.
Sam Sand Dunes Sam, easily accessible
from Jaisalmer displays an outstanding desert life. It is a great place to see
patterns carved out by winds on the sand. Camel rides on the sand dunes are an
unforgettable experience as is the sunset. 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.
Desert National Park
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.
Amar
Sagar 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.
Bada Bagh
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.
Mool
Sagar
The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain temples dedicated
to the Jain Tirthankara-Rishabdev, Sambhavnath and Parswanath.
Camel
Safaries
Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this
library established as a part of jain temples.
How
To Reach Jaisalmer Air : Jodhpur
285km is the convenient airport.
Rail : A
good connection with major cities of the country through Jodhpur .
Road
: A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with many destination in and
around Rajasthan
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