Introducing
Jaisalmer
In the middle of the desert, Jaisalmer in western Rajasthan is not an oasis
in the true sense of the term, but provides succour to all by its beauty and
charm. Jaisalmer remains a mystery for all those who haven't visited the
desert town as to how a place in the midst of the desert could attract
tourists in such great numbers. Called the golden city, the romantic sand
dunes of the desert are enthralling. The sands of Jaisalmer come alive when
the rays of the setting sun caress the sand and draw a heavenly picture.
Equally beautiful are the wood- and stone-carved mansions and buildings that
the Rajput rulers built and gave an altogether new character to this place
in the midst of desert. Jaisalmer has also become a popular destination for
desert safaris in present times.
Jaisalmer was founded way back in the year 1156 by Bhatti Rajput Rawal
Jaisal. During the medieval period, Jaisalmer had emerged as a major trade
route centre between India and the western countries. To the west of
Jaisalmer is Pakistan and to its south is Bikaner, another beautiful Rajput
heritage city. The isolated location of Jaisalmer also bestows to the city a
very serene ambience. Jaisalmer is thinly populated compared to other cities
of Rajasthan.
Climate
Jaisalmer is a place with a typical desert climate. Summers are very hot
while winters are cool and pleasant. Rainfall is scarce and dust storms may
be the norm during daytime in summers. It is normal for the temperature to
climb past 45 degrees during summer.
Best Time to Visit
November-February
How to Reach
Air : Jodhpur is the nearest big airport from Jaisalmer at
a distance of 285 kms.
Rail : Although railways in Jaisalmer is not well
developed, there is direct metre gauge service between Jodhpur and
Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer also figures in the route of luxury trains-The Palace
on Wheels and Royal Orient Express.
Road : Regular deluxe bus services are available to
Jaisalmer from Jodhpur. Buses also operate from national capital Delhi and
other destinations of Rajasthan.
Where to stay
The accommodation facilities in Jaisalmer are sufficient to cater to the
needs of tourists visiting the place. Some hotels in the star category are
Fort Rajwada, Hotel Rowal Kot, Garbandh Palace and Dhola Maru. Most hotels
slash their prices significantly during the lean season.
Attractions in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
: The fort of Jaisalmer is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan. The fort
is located on Trikuta Hills and has a 250 feet high pedestal. There are five
beautiful palaces inside the fort- Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal,
Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal. Very strong but beautiful looking jali or
latticework screens have been put up to protect the interiors from the
fierce heat and desert winds. Rang Mahal, the most popular of the palaces
has some exquisite mural paintings.
Jain Temples : Another
attraction of Jaisalmer is the Jain temples of the place. Three exquisitely
sculptured Jain temples are dedicated to Rishabhdevji, Sambhavanathji and
Ashthapadi. The ornamentation of the temples have been done in the style of
the Dilwara temple at Mt. Abu and look fabulous. There is also an emerald
icon of Mahavira inside the temple premises.
The
Havelis of Jaisalmer : The Havelis of Jaisalmer, examples of the
architectural brilliance of the Rajputs, are places worth taking a look.
Some of the popular Havelis are Patwon-Ki-Haveli, Salim Sing ki-Haveli and
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli. The elaborate designs in the walls and luxurious
interiors give a splendid look to the Havelis.
Desert Culture Centre and Museum : The Desert Culture
Centre and Museum has an impressive collection of traditional items of the
state. These include old coins, different kinds of textiles and traditional
Rajasthani instruments. Some fossils found in the desert have also been kept
for display. A visit to the museum would give tourists a good idea of the
history and culture of Rajasthan.
Excursion places near Jaisalmer
Lodurva : Lodurva, at a distance of 16 kms from Jaisalmer
is a popular excursion spot. The place has ruins of many Jain temples and
other monuments. It is also great to see a number of peacocks in the place.
There is also a grand artificial reservoir called Amar Sagar in Lodurva.
Akal Wood Fossil Park : The Akal Wood Fossil Park takes
tourists back to the pre-historic period. This is a 21-hectare park and has
some priceless collections. There are fossilized logs of trees and
innumerable trunks dating back to many thousand years. The park is located
on the outskirts of Jaisalmer.
Sam : Sam, a place in the midst of the desert and easily
accessible from Jaisalmer is also worth a visit. Here, one can see and even
touch patterns carved out by winds on the sand. Camel rides on the sand
dunes of Sam are sure to become a memorable experience for tourists.
Shopping in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is famous for a variety of products. They include embroidery
works, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets and beautiful antique pieces.
Tourists can also find silver jewellery and carpets made from camel hair in
Jaiselmer.
