Jaisalmer also known as the Golden city was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156
AD. Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is an evoking land with vivid picture of sheer
magic and brilliance of
the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer in Rajasthan was
the last princely state to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the
British. Jaisalmer is very much famous for its magnificent fort and 19th
century havelis. Jain temples are also one more prime attraction in
Jaisalmer.
The Most Popular Sights to Visit in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
This fort seems to rise out of a desert haze, its yellow sandstone walls
and a bastion taking on the golden hue of the afternoon sun gives it the
name of Sonar Kila or the Golden Fort.
The Jaisalmer fort stands about 100 m over the city and in fact houses a
citadel within its huge ramparts. Walking down the narrow cobbled stone
lanes, one can feel the absolute magic of Jaisalmer. Several entrances
called Pols, including the Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and the Hava
Pol guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal, which are exquisitely built
and were occupied by the royal family. Outside the fort is the main market
place called Manek Chowk. From Manek Chowk, one can walk into the lanes
where the famous carved havelis are to be found.
The Havelis of Jaisalmer
Patwon-Ki-Haveli
Jaisalmer is famous for its intricately latticed havelis with conspicuous
facades.
Salim Singh ki Haveli
This haveli was the residence of the powerful Mohta clan - the hereditary
ministers of the Jaisalmer rulers. The blue cupola roof is distinctive and
an exquisite projecting balcony adorns the top storey.
Patwon ki Haveli
This is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. It is
five storeys high and extensively carved.
Nathmalji ki Haveli
One very interesting fact about this haveli is that its two sides were
carved by two brothers. Although the motif used by one is not similar to the
other, they are in harmony. One has to look very minutely to spot
dissimilarities.
Amar Sagar Jain Temple
The Parswanath Temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain
temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures.
There is a small dome which is crowned by an amalak and a water pot
containing a lotus flower.
Lodurva Jain Temple
Once the capital of Rawal Jaisal, Lodurva now has ruins of the ancient
township. It is an important center of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at
Lodurva exhibit some more fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow
stone.
Sam Dunes
From Jaisalmer, it is possible to get an insight into desert life by
visiting SAM. It is great place to see patterns carved out by winds on the
sand. Camel rides on the sand dunes are an unforgettable experience as is
the sunset.
Shopping Experience in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs,
blankets, and the finely cut antiques. It is a good place for buying
exquisitely embroidered garments with mirror work in a brilliant mosaic of
colors, traditional rugs, blankets and shawls, silver jewellery, stonework,
carpets made from camel hair, and colorful silk and cotton cloth. The Desert
Festival that is held between January and February is a celebration of the
Rajput heritage, with lots of singing and dancing, cultural programmes,
camel races and other interesting competitions.
Traveling to Jaisalmer - Made Easy
The Golden City - Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is one of the most favored tourist
destinations for tourists in Rajasthan, India. Is Jaisalmer your next travel
destination...! then be sure about the routes to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer is set in the western most part of Rajasthan, India.
Travel to Jaisalmer would not be easy by air, as Jaisalmer doesn't own a
airport. But, still if you want to travel to Jaisalmer by flight, then board
a flight to Jodhpur, which is the nearest airport from Jaisalmer. From
Jodhpur you can pick a bus or even board a train to Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer is directly linked to Delhi (about 897 km away), the capital city
of India by both rail & road.
Jaisalmer is well-connected to all the major cities of Rajasthan. One can
easily reach Jaisalmer by rail or road from all the parts of Rajasthan.
How to Approach Jaisalmer
By Air : Jaisalmer doesn't have its own airport. The nearest airport
from Jaisalmer is at Jodhpur. Jodhpur is 285 km from Jaisalmer, from where
you can pick a state transport bus or a private vehicle, plied by the travel
operators. Indian Airlines has a twice-weekly service to Jodhpur from Delhi.
By Rail : From Jodhpur there is a direct train to Jaisalmer for
overnight journey, except on Wednesday. The journey takes approximately ten
hours. The Palace on Wheels is the most luxurious way to travel to
Jaisalmer.
By Road : Jaisalmer is 897 kilometers from Delhi; 638 kilometers
from Jaipur; 285 kilometers from Jodhpur; 500 kilometers from Ajmer, and 330
kilometers from Bikaner. Most of these places are connected to Jaisalmer by
National Highway No 15.
