|
Jaisalmer is a small
desert city of the Thar desert, but it is immensely beautiful and world
famous. This lovely city will reminds you of the Arabian nights. Every
third foreign tourist lands to Jaisalmer & thousands of domestic
tourists come here to experience the magic of Desert and feel the real
Rajasthan. The city a located around the stunning 12th century fort
called the Jaisalmer Fort. The main highlight is the robust desert life
and the beautiful Haveli with incredible carving. You can roam around
the narrow lanes of the fort and the city, or do shopping, or can enjoy
camel safari, jeep safari, camp fire and much more
HOW TO REACH
By Air - Jodhpur is the nearest airport i.e. 285km, it is well
connected with daily flights to Dehli, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur
By Rail - There are few express and regular trains from the major
cites like Delhi, Jaipur jodhpur.
By Road - Roads are in good condition. It is connected to the
other major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhopur, Bikaner, Udaipur. You
can try the state transport buses or the private luxury coach.
WHEN TO GO
Best time to travel Jaisalmer is October to mid March.
WHAT TO SEE
Jaisalmer Fort - The stunning
fort is called the Sonar Killa or the golden fort. It was built in 12th
century by Bhatti Rajputs. The fort has temples, beautifully carved
havelis, houses. The rich merchant inspired by the classic style of the
royals , constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other in
the nature of medieval culture and profusely decorated walls and
ceilings and intricately carved outdoors and interiors. The colourful
art forms and some how side kind the royal heritage and made it appear
more pale in comparison . The craftsmen were usually muslims who were
induced on their journey to exhibit their skills. The results was
architectural purity that cannot be seen elsewhere.
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli - The lovely haveli was built in 19th
Centurey by two architect brothers. Paintings in miniature style
monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of
yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli - This beautiful
300 years old haveli was ownd by Salim Singh, once the prome minster of
Jaisalmer. It has a wonderful art work with has a beautifully arched
roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks.
This haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still
occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the
capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched
roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. The mansion is
just below the hill and it is said that once it had two additional
wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's
palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down.
Patwon-Ji-Ki-Haveli - This is one of the largest and most
elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five
storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six
apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families
who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of
paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.
TaziaTower
- The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud
Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendour, with each storey graced by
a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance.
Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted it to their
royal patron.
Desert National Park - The Desert National Park is an
excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and its rich
fauna. The Sudashri forest post is the most ideal place for observing
wildlife in the Desert National Park. Sand dunes form less than 20
percent of the Park, which consists of craggy rocks, pavements and
compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes. Its
inhabitants include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert
fox, hare and desert cat. Flights of sand rouse start coming to
waterholes from sunrise onwards. One also hear the morning call of the
grey partridge. Blue tailed and green bee-eaters, drongos, common and
bush quail and Indian rollers are birds, which are commonly found around
waterholes. the park is also home to the great Indian Bustard which is
peril of extinction.
Akal Wood Fossil Park - Just 17 kms from Jaisalmer and a
kilometer away from the Barmer Road are fossilised remains of 180
million-year-old forests. These are beautiful forest vistas and any
forester around can show you. There is a ticket to visit the Park for
foreigners Rs 20 and locals Rs 5 plus Rs 10 for vehicle
Gadi Sagar
- This tank, south of the city walls, once held the town water supply,
and befitting its importance in providing precious water to the
inhabitants of this arid city, it is surrounded by small temples and
shrines. The beautiful yellow sandstone gateway arching across the road
down to the tank is the Tilon-ki-Pol, and is said to have been built by
a famous prostitute, Tilon . When she offered to pay to have this
gateway constructed, the Maharaja refused permission under it to go down
to the tank and he felt that this would be beneath his dignity. While he
was away, she built the gate , adding a Krishna temple on top so that
king could not tear it down.
Desert Festival - 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.
Sam Sand Dunes - Sam is just 45km away from Jaisalmer, it
the best sand dunes of the Thar desert. you can enjoy camel safri,
village safari, can have bonfire with folk music & dance, and you can
experience the desert life by staying in the tents there.
WHERE TO EAT
All the luxury hotels have their won specialty restaurants, where you
can get any type of cuisines, like Indian, Chinese, Continental and
Rajasthani.
Trio Restaurant - Rajasthani cuisine, said to be the best in the city.
Gopa Chowk - Its a good vegetarian fare, typically Rajasthani cuisine.
Kalpana Restaurant - Tandoori khana served in one of the best bars in
the city.
Monica Restaurant - Indian/Chinese/Continental.
Natraj Restaurant - Indian meals.
Top deck - Indian /Chinese/Continental restaurant. |