North
India Travel Guide
Jaisalmer Tourism
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'.
The city has an intresting legend associated with it, according
to which , Lord Krishna, the head of the Yadav Clan , foretold Arjuna that a remote
descendent of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta hill . His
prophency was fulfilled in 1156 A.D when Rawal Jaisal , a descendent of the Yadav
Clan and a Bhatti Rajput , Abandond his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital
- Jaisalemr , perched on the Trikuta hill.
Over the years the remote location
of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences. In the 13th century
Ala-ud-din Khilji Emperor of Delhi besieged the fort for nine years in an effort
to take back the treasure taken by the Bhatti Rajput from his imperial caravan
train. When the fall of the fort was imminent the women of the fort committed
Jauhar, an act of mass self-immolation, while men donned saffron robes and rode
to their certain death. Duda son of Jaitasimha, a Bhatti hero also perished in
the battle. Dudas descendants continued to rule Jaisalmer. In 1541 they even fought
Mughal Emperor Himayun. Though their relations with Mugshal was not always hostile.
Sabala Simha won the patronage of Mughal Emperor Shaha Jahan for battle distinctions
in Peshawar and the right to rule Jaisalmer. In the days of Raj, Jaisalmer was
the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British.
Places
to see 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.
Shopping
in JaisalmerJaisalmer's flourishing tourist trade has made it one
of the best places in India to shop for souvenirs . Prices are comparatively high
and the salesmen notoriously hard at work, but the choice of stuff on sale puts
the town on a par with Pushkar and Jaipur. Good buys include woven jackets, tie-dyed
cloth, wooden boxes and ornaments, camel-leather slippers ( jhoolis ) and Western-style
clothes. Puppets are sold inside Number One (aka "First Fort") Gate,
but you'll get better prices buying direct from the puppet-makers' quarter north
of town, immediately below the "Sunset Point"; to find it, pick your
way through Bhatia Bazaar and follow the main arterial road north past the Narayan
Niwas Palace hotel, turning left when you reach a junction that drops downhill
past a row of painted mud-and-thatch houses.
Camel
Safari in JaisalmerFew visitors who make it as far as Jaisalmer
pass up the opportunity to go on a camel trek , which provides an irresistibly
romantic chance to cross the barren sands on a sturdy ship of the desert, sleeping
under what must rank as one of the starriest skies in the world. Sandstorms, sore
backsides and camel farts aside, the safaris are usually great fun.
How
to reach
Airways : Nearest airport is in Jodhpur.
Railways
: Well connected to cities within Rajasthan. A broad gouge line connects Jodhpur
to Jaislamer.
Roadways : Jodhpur is well connected to good roads to Udaipur,
Jaipur Ahemdabad.
