Jaisalmer is high in the desolate beauty of the desert, proudly welcoming visitors to an enchanting world of fable, color and history. The view of Jaisalmer Fort, first at a distance of 15 km, is magnificent. In the early morning the ramparts, bastions and extends along the walls dazzle gloriously. The yellow sandstone fortifications look magnificent.
It is one of the most exotic of the East, standing in the heart of the desert for centuries, courageously weathering the vicissitudes of fortune and furious assaults of nature. The sudden appearance of the 76-meter rock in the flat desert, crowned by the most impressive fort is a majestic inspiring sight.
Today, Jaisalmer is the personification of the old order of the new influence. An inherent feeling for color and design percolated ever stratum of society, and jewelry, crafts and architecture became objects of pleasure equally between prince and peasant.
Introduction
The city of Jaisalmer shimmers like a mirage amidst the desolate beauty of the arid desert heat of Rajasthan. It is a small city that can be covered within two hours of leisure walk through the alleys and lanes, and has a very medieval feel and an incredible atmosphere. The Havelis (mansions of rich merchants), which are the pride of Jaisalmer, the architecture and part of the national heritage should be seen and admired at an unhurried pace. The Jaisalmer Fort, perched atop the triangular Trikuta Hills, contains gems of Jain temple buildings, beautifully decorated, all Havelis are scattered throughout the city. The city is also famous for its beautiful embroidery.
During medieval times Jaisalmer grew rapidly due to its strategic location on the camel trade route between India and Central Asia. Even now, especially after the two wars with Pakistan, its strategic importance has led to the construction of roads, railroads, and an airstrip, and Jaisalmer in the vicinity of the population.
The climate of this city is typical of the desert. Temperatures vary between 46 ° C and 35.4 ° C in summer and 14 ° C and 2 ° C in winter. The best season to visit is between October and March, especially between January and February Jaisalmer becomes a hub of tourist activities during the festival of the desert.
Tourist attractions in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer has a large number of tourist sites of incomparable architectural wealth.
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur and orders of the desertscape of its 250 meters high on the pedestal Trikuta Hill. Three strong walls protect the citadel. The fort has five palaces called Sarvottam Vilas Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal. Jali lattice screens or excellent knowledge of the shadow of the interior heat and fierce winds of the desert. The Rang Mahal has some exquisite murals painted on arches and spandrel. The fort contains a third of the population of the city. Many homes provide accommodation for visitors to attractions and shops.
The Jain temples
Three exquisitely sculptured Jain temples dedicated to Rishabhdevji, Sambhavanathji and the temple Ashthapadi are located inside the fortress. The decoration, made in the style of temples Dilwara Mont. Abu, is wonderful. The emerald icon of Mahavira here is a gem unprecedented.
Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli
The Salim Singh-ki-Haveli is a magnificent building whose upper two floors had to be demolished and yet the structure has survived unparalleled splendor. Particularly noteworthy are the rows of peacocks below the jharokhas (projected arched balconies).
Patwon-ki-Haveli
Near the city center is the Patwon-ki-Haveli. The five suites built between AD 1800 and AD 1860 are proof of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural wealth. The balconies are delicately carved, and the sun oblique enchanting and create dramatic shadows. It is the largest mansion in Jaisalmer, a veritable museum piece in the open.
Nathmal-ki-Haveli
This Haveli has two identical looking portions, which are, in fact, both parties met with a facade. The projected balconies or jharokhas are a perfect example of jewelry art applied to stone carving.
Center of Culture and Desert Museum
The Desert Culture Center and Museum has a number of old coins, different types of textiles, traditional Rajasthani instruments, and some fossils that were discovered in the desert. It gives visitors an overview of the history of Rajasthan.
Tours to Jaisalmer
There are many sites varied nature excursions near Jaisalmer.
Lodurva
Lodurva, the ancient capital of the Bhatti, is 16 km from Jaisalmer. Its ruins are visited for the largest Jain temple and Kalpataru, a mythical tree of wish fulfillment. Lodurva has a large number of peacocks that hover around the temple walls spectacular colors ready to dry and stony landscape. Amar Sagar is a large artificial water reservoir with a temple and a promenade on the bank which is a great place for a picnic.
Akal Wood Fossil Park
The Akal Wood Fossil Park is 21 hectares of the protected area which brings you back to the Jurassic period when the whole Thar region lay in the sea fossilized logs of trees are exposed to view. Countless trees were buried under the sand, and 25 saw 15 are above ground. The largest newspaper is seven meters long and 1.5 meters wide.
The ghost town of Kuldhara, the sand dunes of Sam and the Desert National Park are other places to be visited.
How to reach Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is 897 km from Delhi, 638 km from Jaipur, 285 km from Jodhpur, 500 km from Ajmer and 330 km from Bikaner. It is connected by good roads to Jodhpur, Bikaner via Pokhran and Barmer via Devikot. Jaisalmer is a small town is best explored on foot. The airport of Jodhpur is the nearest airport is 308 km from Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is connected with Mumbai, Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Alliance Air. The Palace-on-wheels is the most luxurious travel to Jaisalmer, recreating the atmosphere of the coaches of the legendary palace comforts.
Important Travel Information
Jaisalmer is famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, and cut fine antiques. It is a good place to buy clothes delicately embroidered with mirror work in a mosaic of brilliant colors, traditional carpets, blankets and shawls, silver jewelry, stone, carpets made from camel hair, colorful silk and cotton. The Desert Festival takes place between January and February is a celebration of the Rajput, with many songs and dances, cultural programs, camel races and other competitions.
