Location
Jaisalmer is located in the westernmost part of the state of
Rajasthan, the heart of the great Thar Desert. It is neighbored by Pakistan
on its western side. On its south, there is the beautiful city of Bikaner.
The eastern part of the place is bordered by Jodhpur, another city of color
and tradition. The climate of this city is of typical desert character.Set
so deep in the heart of the desert that one would expect barren
near-desolation, 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.
The city of gold !
Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city
of Jaisalmer, rather "the city of gold". 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.
Places of Tourist Interest
» Jaisalmer Fort : Jaisalmer Fort is the most alive
of any museum, fort or palace that you are likely to visit in India. It was
built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala. About a quarter of the old city's
population resides within the fort walls. The golden hued fort is a sentinel
to the bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill, housing
the entire township within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of
narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis, three beautifully sculptured
Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces.
The fort is approached through four gateways - Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj
Pol and Hava Pol.
» Lodurva Jain Temple : 15 km from Jaisalmer, are
the deserted ruins of this town, which was the ancient capital, previous to
Jaisalmer. It is an important centre of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at
Lodurva exhibit fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow stone.
They have ornate carved arches at the entrance, and a Kalputra, the Divine -
Tree, within. In the temple, is a hole from which, a snake is said to emerge
every evening, to drink an offering of milk.
» Havelis : The impressive mansions built by the
wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are known as havelis, and several of these
fine sandstone buildings are still in good condition.
»
Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli : This haveli was built about 300 years ago and
part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when
Jaisalmer was the capital of a 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, once had two additional
wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the Maharaja's palace,
but the maharaja had the upper storeys torn down.
» Patwon-Ki-Haveli : It is one of the largest and
most elaborate houses in Jaisalmer. It is five storeys high, extinsively
carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by the Archaeological
Survey of India, Two by families who operate craftshops here, and two
private homes.
» Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli : This late 19th century
haveli was also a prime minister's house. This haveli was carved by two
brothers, one working on the right side and the other on the left. Yellow
sandstone elephants guard the building, and even the front door is a work of
art.
How to get there !
» By Air : - Indian Airlines operates flights to
Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi from Jaisalmer.
» By Bus : There are many deluxe buses operating
daily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner.
» By Train : There are two trains IJPJ and Jodhpur
express which operates daily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.
