JAISALMER

 Is it real, or is it a mirage As you apparuch Jaisalmer, you realize that your imangination is not playing after all. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert ethed in yellow sandstone this citadel  city in all its awesome splendor.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna, head of the Yadav Clan foretold that a remote descendant of the Yadav clan would establish his kingdom atap the Trikuta Hill. True to this word Rawal Jaisal a Yadav and a Bhati Rajput, abandoned his fort at lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hills. Bhati Rajput were fedal Chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with sikns and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi or Sind. These Caravans were the source of great wealth for the clan.

The rise of shippoing trade through the port of Mumbai saw the decline of Jaisalmer. The fortress however stood the test of time . In the mind eye even today, medieval majesty of the citadel still remains Narraw lanes, magnificent palaces havelis of the rich and the famous temples are all there.

And when the sun sets every evening , Jaisalmer is transformend into a magic kingdom- the sanar kila.

The best time to visit  the golden city is during the  desert festival every February  when the city reverberation with sounds and rhythms all its own. Jain in on the  falk dances , complete in unique contests involving tying the turban emerge as Mr. Desert Enthral- the camel races are on Colorful craft bazaar set up, a sound and light spectacle with fallk artists performing will thrill you to the bone. Catch it an a full moon night with the Sam sand dunes as a backdrop . Return, year after year.

PRIME SITES

The Fort: The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has on enchanting cob-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis,  three beautiful sculptured Jain temples of the 12^th – 15^th  century A.D. and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached throught four gateway – akhaiya pol Suraj- Ganesh Pol and Hava Pol.

Manak Chowk and Havelis: A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis.

Gadisar Lake: A scenif rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around with  numerous beautiful Shrines around and a spectacular avian variety . The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.

Tazia Tower: A pagada like structure looking up form the badal Mahal with beautiful Taazias arnately decorated bamboo paper and tinsel replicas of a bier, carried out in procession during Moharram by the Muslims.

Havelis: Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis , all  intricately latticed are strewn all over Jaisalmer each with a  different facade.

Nathmalji – ki – Haveli : The late 19^th century haveli with intricate archirtecture a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right wings of the mansion which were mansion which were carved bye two brothers are not identical but very similar and balance in design . the interior walls are ornate with splendid minataure paintings.

  Patwan – ki Haveli: This most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer haveli. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of this apartments of this five storey high It has is painted with beautiful morals.

Salim Singh – ki – Haveli : This 300 year haveli of Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gai Singh –Salim Singh has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peococks.

This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with  intricatr carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey.

The mansion is one of the most notable of the top storey.

Jain Temple: The fort has seven exquisitely carved Jain temple dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras- Rishabhdev, Sambhavnath Parswanath.

Gyan Bhandar or Library : some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this Library established as a part of jain temples.

EXCURSIONS

Lodurva (16km): The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim spot of the Jain community with some magnificent Jain temple.  ‘Taran’ or the arnate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy. A ‘Kalpataru’ ar a divine free within is the main attraction of the temple.

Wood fossil park ,Aakal (17km): lying on the Barmer Road this park takes you back to the Jurassic period (when the whole Thar region lay under the Sea ) with 180 million year old fossils the geological landmarks of the study of the Thar Desert.

Sam Sand Dunes (42km):  No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of sam. The ripples on the wind- caressed dunes , that create an enchanting mirage , are surely a delight for a friger- happy  photographer. Various cultural programmers are organized against  the backdrop of these  fascinating sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back.

Amar Sager (5kms):  A pleasant garden beside a lake with mango and other fruit trees, Beautifully carved Jain Temple add to its splendour.

Bada Bagh (6km):  A fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial lake. Vegetables are grown here. Surrounded by dense trees are the royal cenotaphs with beautifully  carved and equation staues of the farmer rulers.

Mool  Sagar (8kms):  This pleasant shaded grove is perfect picnic spot during summers.

Camel Safaris : This is the most interesting means to explore the desertscape  and are  conducted on various circuits.

FESTIVAL FUN

Desert Festival (Feb):  A spectacular event coinciding with the full moon in February. The rich culture of the region is on display during this three day long festival. The famous Gair and Fire dancers are the major attraction  of the celebrations. Interesting contests including a turban typing competition and My desert contest further enhance the fun of the occasion. A trip to the Sam sand of the occasion A trip on the Sam sand- dunes marks the grand finale, where one can enjoy camel rides and brilliant performances  by the  by the folk artistes under the full moon against the backdrop of picturesque dunes.

Shopping : Shop for exquisitely carved wooden boxes in tiny curio Shops. wooden boxes in tiny curio shops. Traditional rugs handwoven blankets and weave are also available. Mirror work embroidered articles . silver I jewellary , trinkets and curios are other buys of Jaisalmer .

TRAVEL INFORMATION

HOW TO GET THERE