Jaisalmer, popularly known as the golden city, lies on
the western border of India and is a fascinating tourist
destination. Rawal Jaisal of the Bhati clan founded the
town in 1156. A major portion of this ancient city is a
desert and the golden rays of the setting sun draw a
breathtaking picture on the sands of Jaisalmer. The city
is dotted with intricately wood and stone carved forts
and mansions which speak of the glorious past and the
fabulous wealth. Jaisalmer is a city of forts, havelis,
and sand dunes with added attraction of camel safaris
which are unique and one of their kind.
Fort Rajwada
Address: 1, Hotel Complex, Jodhpur-Barmer Link
Road, Jaisalmer.
Rooms:
65 Rooms
Location: 4 Kms from Airport, 2 Kms
from Railway Station, 1 Km from Bus Stand.
Known as SONAR QUILA,
rising from the sand , the mega structure merges with the golden
hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most
colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look. The 12th century
Jaisalmer Fort is one of the most formidable forts in Rajasthan.
Perched on Trikuta hill, Jaisalmer Fort is a 250 ft tall and massive
fort surrounded by a 30 ft high sandstone wall with 99 bastions,
offering a spectacular sight to visitors. The Fort also houses a
Jain Temple.
The delicate pagoda
like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal. Rising in its five tiered
splendour, with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony,
the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it
in the shape of a Tazia and gifted to their royal patron. Tazias are
ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier
carried in procession during Mohurram.
The Paraswanath
temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain Temples. The
walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures and
rising above is a tall Shikhar, which is crowned by an amalak and a
waterpot containing a lotus flower.
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
Desert National Park
Gadsisar Sagar Lake
Two
architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly,
while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the
left and the result is a symphony epitomising the side by side
symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style
monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of
yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.
The park set in the
backdrop of rugged terrain with shifting sand dunes and scrub
covered hills, it is an excellent example of desert eco system. Sand
dunes constitute about 20% of the total park area, while the rocks
and the salt lake form an appropriate dwelling for the Black buck
and the Chinkara. The other animals found in this area are the
desert fox, the Bengal fox and the desert cat.
Gadsisar Sagar Lake
is among the most beautiful tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. It
attracts hundreds of migratory birds during the winter season.
Located on the bank of Gadsisar Sagar Lake, Bara Bagh is an oasis in
the desert.
How to reach
Jaisalmer
By Air
By Rail
By Bus
There is regular
flights operated by Indian Airlines between Jodhpur and
Jaisalmer.
Palace on Wheels - the king's train has Jaisalmer in its
itinerary and that remains the best and most luxurious way of
reaching Jaisalmer and explore it in opulence. There are direct
trains from other cities of Rajasthan also which connects to
Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer is well connected to the nearby towns and cities by
road. The nearest important city is Jodhpur.
Events in
Jaisalmer
Desert Festival
The festival falls
every year between the pleasant months of jan-feb. The very rich and
colourful Rajasthani folk culture is on show here for a few days.
Rajasthani men and tall beautiful women dressed in their brightly
costumes dance and sing lingering ballads of valour, romance and
tragedy. Traditional musicians attempt to outdo each other in their
musical superiority.
Weather
Jaisalmer is a
typical desert with dry, hot summers and high chill, windy
winters. The summer temperature ranges from 41°C to 25°C and the
winter highs and lows are 23.6°C and 7.9°C. The city of
Jaisalmer is best visited during the 'Desert Festival' which is
held in the months of January and February.
Last Minute Guide
Shopping At
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is an
exciting place for shopping. Jaisalmer is famous for its tablecloths
in mirror work and trinkets. Puppets and joothies are other popular
items. The puppets in Jaisalmer make an excellent souvenir. There
are various places to shop for in Jaisalmer. Tourists can find most
items in the shops located in and around the fort. Puppets are best
to buy from the market below the Sunset Point. There are various
other places to shop for in Jaisalmer. The Bhatia Bazaar is an
interesting place to visit.
Cuisines of
Jaisalmer
'SONAL' the Dining
hall, at Fort Rajwada, offers one of the best dining experience. The
restaurant has a capacity of 135 covers & offers multi-cuisine food,
with Rajasthani delicacies in its mesmerizing ambience. The interior
decor is reminiscent of the romance of the desert and brings alive
the litany of the bards. 'ROOPAL' The multi-cuisine restaurant of 85
covers offers Rajasthani, Indian & European delicacies round the
clock & also serves as a coffee shop. Rasoda Restaurant at Gorbandh
Palace specializes in Continental and traditional Indian cuisine.
Apart from this we have Safari bar, Bagheecha open air Restaurant,
and Sarovar open air Restaurant at the poolside.
