 | Jaisalmer
induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile
terrain not withstanding the warmth and colour of people is simply over whelming.
One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful
havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting
aspect of the desert city. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar
Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name,
founded Jaisalmer in 1156. |
Sight
Seeing of Jaisalmer
Nathmal
Ji Ki Haveli
 | Two
architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated
on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony
epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction. 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 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.
Excursion:
Sam Sand Dunes
 | Sam
Sand Dunes, 42 away km from Jaisalmer, is the most popular excursion to see the
total sandy bush less desert. It has a truly glorious stretch of sweeping sand
dunes. It is best to be here at sunrise or sunset, and many camel safaris spend
a night at the dunes. The best way to see this and other sights around Jaisalmer
is to take a came safari. |
The standard
trip lasts for 4 days and three nights, and offers the opportunity to explore
the area in authentic and leisurely fashion, with entertainment by folk performers,
visits to villages, and chatter from colourful guides thrown in. However you can
also day trip and go by car. Hordes of tourist arrive just before sun set. Camels
can be hired easily and you may be able your favourite picture with a lone camel
on a desert track and the setting sun in the backdrop. Despite the tourist throng,
the place has not lost it magic. The desert festival held sometimes in February
each year is a big draw and it is full of fun, colour and laughter, cultural events
and competitions.
Pokran
It is located on the junction of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner Road.
It is on route to Jaisalmer and is also a fort town though the fort is not of
the dimensions of Jaisalmer or Jodhpur. Pokran also came into limelight, as it
was the site for India nuclear detonation. Pokran is also renowned for its furniture
and interior crafts. The Fort locate about 1.5 kms from the bus stand has an assortment
of weaponry, brocade clothes and various games of dice and dominoes on display.
Fort Pokran also offers hotel accommodation with some washed out appeal.
Barmer
Barmer is a desert town just 153 kms from Jaisalmer and has fortresses
to boast off. This place is primarily famous for its woodcarving, furniture and
interiors, carpets, block printing and embroideries. The centre for embroidery
is the Sadar Bazaar and woodcarvings are around the Station Road.
Just
35 kms form Barmer is a group of five temples in architectural style known as
Solanki. These temples feature some very fine sculpture and the Someshwara Temple
with a multi tier spire is the most impressive. Since it is very close to the
sensitive Pakistan border, foreigners visiting it must obtain prior permission
form the District Collector
Bada
Bag
Situated 6 kms. north of Jaisalmer on way to Ramgarh. Royal
cenotaphs with carved images of past Maharawals & their families. Each chhatris
preserve inscribed tablet recording the death of Maharawals in which the memorials
are raised. The chhatris have been built on a set-pattern but in different sizes.
The beautiful spot jait bundh (Dame) & Lake after Maharawal Jait Singh was
constructed in 1513 AD. Attached to bundh (Dame), on other side is garden of mangoes
and other fruits.
Baisakhi
Only 16kms. from Jaisalmer, a Tirth (religious palace) for Hindus, attracting
a number of devotees on full Monday of Baisakh every year for holy dip. A temple
dedicated to Lord shiva is originally of early pratihar period and seems to be
restored in 16th Century.
Ram-Kunda
A temple, 11 kms and 1 Km. off the ramgarh route, Shrine dedicated to God Rama
& Krishna, constructed during the reign of Maharawal Amar Singh in 17th Century.
Luderwa
16 kms. Northwest from Jaisalmer, Luderwa is the ancient capital of Jaisalmer
now a silent city, the only witness to its former splendour are the jain temple,
toran (ornate arche) & artificial divine tree (Kalptaroo) are the main attraction
here. Ruins of the deserted capital still remind the famous love legend of Moomal-Mahendra.
Amar-Sagar
6 kms. on way to Luderwa the natural spot developed by Maharawal Amar Singh is
a water reservoir in 1688 AD. The dams were constructed to hold rainwater. Several
terraces are formed where summer palaces, temples are constructed & Garden
developed. On the south of the lake stands the exquisitely carved Jain temple
constructed by Himmat Ram Bafna, the descendant of famous patwas.
Mool-Sagar
8 kms. on way to Sam Sand Dunes, is an another natural point. Lake, Garden, summer
palaces constructed by Maharawal Mool Raj in 18th Century.
Kuldhara
& Khabha
The total number of 84 villages were abandoned by
Paliwal Brahmins overnight, out of that two most prominent villages are Kuldhara
& Khabha located about 18 to 30 kms. South West of Jaisalmer and Kuldhara
5 kms. of the same road. The ruins of Kuldhara & Khabha exhibit the architectural,
excellence of those times, which was buried under dunes till recently
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.
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