Golden splendour amid the desert.
Jaisalmer – the golden beauty, etched in yellow sandstone. Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand. Epitomising the desolate, awesome charm of the desert.
Jaisalmer, the city of the golden fort is a fantasy in yellow sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput King.
Legend has it, that Lord Krishna – the head of Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled, when in 1156 AD Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, founded the city of Jaisalmer.
This amber-hued city, in the heart of the desert, dazzles gloriously in the early morning. The sunset has a peculiar glow here. As the night descends, the sky goes up in flames, which fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes black. A breathtaking sight indeed!
Jaisalmer is famous for cobbled streets, strewn with palaces, forts, temples and havelis. Every house, here, is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over. These houses date back to 12th – 15th century. And hence Jaisalmer is called ’the Museum city’.
Filled with colour, festivity and smiles, Jaisalmer is truly a memorable experience across the shimmering sands.
Altitude: 225 mtrs.
Best season: July to March
Rainfall: 30 cms.
Climate:
Extremely hot summers with maximum temperature touching 47 °C.
Cold winters – min 1°C
Clothing: Summer Tropical Winter Woollen
Season: October to February
How to get there
Air:
The nearest airport is Jodhpur (285 km).
Rail:
Jaisalmer is connected with Jodhpur by night train service.
Road:
Well connected by road with all the major cities of India. Direct bus services to Udaipur, Mount Abu, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Barmer, Ajmer and Jaipur. Ahmedabad and Bhuj (Gujarat),
Distances to important Cities: Jodhpur 285 kms Via Pokaran, Bikaner 325 kms, Pokaran 112 kms, Barmer 153 kms, Delhi 897 kms, Jaipur 638 kms.
Places of Interest
Fort
Jain Temple
Gyan Bhandar
Garhsisar
Salim Sing Ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli
Nathmalji ki Haveli & Amar Sagar
Mool Sagar.
Excursions
Devikot (40 kms)
Ramdeora (150 kms)
Sam Sand Duna (42 kms)
Lodhruva (17 kms)
Bada Bagh (6 kms)
Wood Fossil Park (17 kms)
Desert National Park (40 kms)
Barmer (153 kms)
Prime Sites
Jaisalmer Fort
Renew yourself amid the past galore, as you visit the commanding Jaisalmer Fort. The fort stands guard over the desertscape from its 250 feet high perch on the hill with its wall following the contours of the hills. The steep cobblestone pathways leading to the royal palace pass through four gates. The sharp twists and turns make the fort invincible. The fort has five interconnected palaces with ’jaali’ screens and dainty ’jharokhas’ – all showpieces of Jaisalmer artisans’ talent.
Within the fort are three exquisitely sculptured Jain temples.
Gadsisar Lake
A rain water lake, adorned with an arched gateway. Many small shrines and temples are festooned a11 around the lake. Today, it is an ideal picnic spot, famous for boating.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli
Witness the legendary architectural wealth of Jaisalmer at Salim Singh’s haveli, truly unsurpassed in splendour. Of particular note are the blue roof and rows of peacocks below the arched balconies. The haveli was once the residence of the Mohta family, ministers of Jaisalmer rulers.
Patwon-ki-Haveli
It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, not to be missed at all. This five haveli wonder has its ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars and its delicately chiselled balconies surely leave you mesmerised.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli
This haveli was carved by two brothers. One worked on right side and the other on left, but the harmony in design exists still. Screened windows, projected balconies and intricate carvings illustrate superb craftsmanship.
Jain Temples – Within the citadel are the splendorous Jain temples, dedicated to Rishabdevji, Sambhavnathji and Parshvanathji.
The Parshvanathji Temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain temples. Human and animal figures are carved on the walls of its sanctum and the rising dome or ’shikhar’ is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower.
Gyan Bhandar or Library
A part of the Jain temples, the library contains some of the oldest manuscripts of India.
Side Trips
Lodurva (16 kms)
A trip to this important pilgrimage centre for Jains, once the ancient capital of Jaisalmer rulers, is a rewarding experience. A masterpiece of architectural grandeur is ’Toran’ or the ornate arch at the main entrance with its exquisite carvings. ’Kalpatru’ or the divine tree is another attraction.
Sam Sand Dunes (42 kms)
No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to the most picturesque dunes. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes create enchanting mirages – a photographer’s delight. Various cultural programmes are organised against the backdrop of these fascinating dunes. Adventure freaks can go out on a camel safari - getting the real feel of the desert on the camel-back.
Wood Fossil Park (17 kms)
This park, lying on the Barmer Road, takes you back to the jurassic period with 180 million year old fossils, which are the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert.
Desert National Park
Come, see the rolling landscape of the Sam sand dunes. Head on for a wild experience, as you may encounter the Indian Gazelle, Chinkara Eagle and exotic avian variety in this 3000 sq. km. vast protected Biosphere Reserve. The park lies to the south-west of Jaisalmer.
Celebrating time
The Desert Festival (February)
During the three day long festival, Jaisalmer reverberates with music, colour and joy, displaying its glorious past and rich culture. Under the full moon, the vigorous folk dancers sway to the enchanting music. The turban tying contest and Mr. Desert contest add to the enthusiasm. A trip to Sam sand dunes, where one can view folk musicians performing and even enjoy a camel safari, marks the finale of this colourful extravaganza.
