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 Jaisalmer
or "The Golden City" stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone,
crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several Jain
temples attracts visitors to spend cherishing vacations. It lies in
the heart of the Thar Desert and is the administrative headquarters
of Jaisalmer District. It is known as the “Golden City” because
of the beautiful honey colour, which the sandstones impart when the
sun sets. As with various other cities of Rajasthan, once you start
discovering Jaisalmer, you will start to explore various facets of
it. The city is a prominent educational as well as a cultural hub
and regularly showcases vivid cultural aspects of Rajasthan.
Climate
Summers: Max: 41.6 degrees C; Min: 5 degrees C
Winters: Max: 23.6 degrees C; Min: 7.9 degrees C
Fair & Festivals
Desert Festival (next 19th - 21st February, 2008): One of the
most popular among the festivals of Rajasthan, the festival
highlights the best of Rajasthani desert life. The main attraction
is camel dances, camel acrobatics, camel races and camel polo.
How to reach
Air: Nearest Airport in Jodhpur 300 km. from Jaisalmer.
Train: A good connection with major cities of the country
through DLI JSM Express (Jodhpur Jaipur Bikaner - Delhi).
PLACES TO SEE
Jaisalmer Fort
It is also known as the "Sonar Quilla" or the Golden Fort, visited
by every visitor during vacation trip. The fort stands almost 30
metres over the city and houses an entire living area. Walking
through the narrow lanes is an experience worth savouring. It is
approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol.
Also, within it are many beautiful havelis and a group of Jain
temples dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries.
Jain Temples
Jain temples were constructed in the 12th -15th century within the
Jaisalmer Fort. They are skillfully carved, and dedicated to
Rishabdevji and Sambhavnath. The temple complex boasts of a large
library (Gyan Bhandar) containing some extremely old manuscripts.
There are also Shiva and Ganesh temples within the fort. Over 800
years old, the Jaisalmer Fort crowns the Trikuta Hill.
Nathmal Ki Haveli
It was built by two architect brothers in the 19th century. While
one brother concentrated on constructing the ride side of the Haveli,
other concentrated on the left side. In those days there were no
instruments to measure the continuity and thus when this building
finally came up, it had irregular shape. Except this, the haveli is
considered to be a grandeur of Rajasthan culture. The haveli was
commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the
then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer.
One can find various paintings in the haveli. These consist of
horses, cattle, and depiction of floral images among various other
paintings. But the most interesting as well as striking aspect of
this haveli is the drawing of modern luxuries like cars, fans, etc.
It is believed that these things were not seen by the brother, but
were engraved only with the help of the descriptions given by people
who had seen it.
Salim Singh ki Haveli
It was built 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied. When
Salim Singh was the Prime Minister, Jaisalmer was the capital of the
princely state. This is a beautiful mansion with arched roof with
superb brackets in the form of peacocks. It is said that once it had
two additional wooden storeys, but those storeys were bought down by
the Maharaja. This havelis is actually built over the remains of
another haveli built in 17th century. The roof of the haveli has
been constructed in the form of a peacock. It is situated near the
Jaisalmer Fort.
Patwon ki Haveli: It is one of largest and elaborate havelis
in Jaisalmer. It is five-storied high and is beautifully carved. It
is divided into six apartments, out of which the Archaelogical
Survey of India owns two; families who operate craft-shops own two
and two are private homes. One can see remnants of paintings on some
of the inside walls.
This haveli is a very interesting piece of architecture, and is one
of the most important havelis in Jaisalmer. This is because of two
reasons, first, it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer, and
second, it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis.
Mandir Palace
Built in traditional Haveli style, beautiful heritage hotel Mandir
Palace is about 2 centuries old. It is an exquisitely carved
architectural marvel, which could easily match the carvings of the
famous Patwon - ki -Havelis that are prominent in Jaisalmer as
elaborately carved mansions. The imposing beauty of Mandir Palace
witnesses the centuries old traditions of Rajasthan. The main
Portion of the Palace was built during the period of late Maharawal
Jawahir Singh. The palatial rooms of this hotel are well ventilated
and offer you a unique combination of medieval charm with modern
amenities.
Desert National Park:
The city of Jaisalmer also houses the Desert National Park, which is
one of the best examples of a natural eco-system. Its inhabitants
include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox, hare
and desert cat. Flights of sandfrouse 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.
HOTELS
Luxury Hotels
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Hotel Fort Rajawada
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Hotel Rawal Kot
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Hotel Gorbandh Palace
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Rang Mahal
Hotels in Fort's
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Hotel Simla, Kund Para
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Castle Jaisal
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Sidhartha
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