Jaisalmer, another princely state of Rajasthan is a paradise of the desert kingdom. Summarizing the allure of the desert, the splendid Jaisalmer nestles in the foothills of Trikuta. Jaisalmer is a desert city and instantly invokes number of images in the mind of travelers. The word itself provokes an image of deserted land with camel swiftly moving on the golden sands. The city is almost enticing and for domestic travelers as it is to foreign tourists. Standing in pride with its colossal forts, palaces and havelis, Jaisalmer showcases the artistic sense of the Rajput kings.
 | Jaisalmer is a desert city and instantly invokes number of images in the mind of travellers. The word itself provokes an image of deserted land with camel swiftly moving on the golden sands. The city is almost enticing and for domestic travellers as it is to foreign tourists. Standing in pride with its colossal forts, palaces and havelis, Jaisalmer showcases the artistic sense of the Rajput kings. The city is awesome to cover in cool season. The city is actually divided into nearly two equal halves. The |
History Of Jaisalmer
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D.
A descendant of the Yadu Vamsi clan, Rawal Jaisal was a Bhatti Rajput. The Bhatti Rajputs were more than courageous; bards still sing praises of their inimitable courage and valor. According to historical records, one Gaj Singh of the Bhatti Rajput clan established his supremacy in Ghazni, Afghanisthan, though he lost it to Khorasan forces in the later years. One of his grandsons recaptured Ghazni, embraced Islam and came to be known as the Chagatta clan. Babar, a descendant of the Chagattas established the Mughal dynasty in India.
According to a popular legend, Lord Krishna had prophesized that a descendant of the Yadav clan would establish his bastion atop the Trikuta hill and true to his prediction Rawal Jaisal built the massive Jaisalmer Fort on top of the Trikuta hillock.
Jaisalmer became an important city on the Rajasthan map during the medieval era as it lay on a crucial and flourishing foreign trade route that connected India to Egypt, Persia, Arabia, Africa and the West. The kingdom of Jaisalmer supposedly amassed riches by imposing heavy tariffs on passing camel caravans carrying silks, spices and other precious items for trade from one continent to the other.
Courage, valor and regal determination turned Jaisalmer into one of the most powerful Rajasthan states that survived inspite of being a waterless land. In fact entire Jaisalmer had just one water source in the olden days and that was the manmade Gadi Sagar Tank.
The history of Jaisalmer is marked by royal intrigues, wars and desert romances. Jaisalmer lost its importance as an important caravanserai after the development of Mumbai ports. Jaisalmer was a lost chapter till two crucial Indo-Pak wars that reinforced Jaisalmer's importance as a border state.
Tourist Attraction in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort :
Like various other cities of Rajasthan, in Jaisalmer too you will find different facets of its own glorious heritage. Though you can find historical monuments scattered all over the city, the living Jaisalmer Fort, immense in size, will immediately command your attention.
| If you visit the fort at the crack of down, the beauty of the Jaisalmer Fort would mesmerize you. As the early morning rays dawn on the fort, they cast a midas touch. As far as your eye takes you the yellow sandstone fort turns magical golden yellow, lending the fort its name, ‘Sonar’ or the golden fort. The Jaisalmer fort is dominating structure in the sand-scape. The Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaur, and commands the desertscape |  |
The fort is a subtle fusion of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by imposing crenellated 30 feet high sandstone wall, it has 99 bastions built in 1956 A.D. The fort is approachable through one main entrance, followed by four gates namely, Suraj Pol, Ganesh Pol, Akshya Pol and Hawa Pol, each of which is hidden from the other.
Jali or latticework screens of excellent craftsmanship shade interiors from the fierce heat and desert winds. The Rang Mahal has some exquisite murals painted on arches and spandrels. The fort contains one-third of the city's population
The fort also houses many old Hindu as well as Jain temples, beautifully carved havelis, the entire living area is well protected within the ramparts of the fort.
Jain Temples - The Jain temples situated in the Jaisalmer Fort are a must see. The ancient temples dating back to 12th and 15th centuries A.D. are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankars, and have high pilgrimage as well as archaeological value attached to them. Built in yellow stone, the Delwara style temples are dedicated to Rishabhdev and Shambhavnath, Parswanath, the famous Jain hermits known as Tirthankars. Astapadhi temples that are situated in the same complex, are a must visit too.
Gyan Bhandar - Gyan Bhandar is a small basement chambers inside the Fort. You will find some of the oldest manuscripts of India in this library.
Tazia Tower :
 | The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendor, 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 Muharram. |
Jain Temple :
| 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 looks fabulous. There is also an emerald icon of Mahavira inside the temple premises. Visitors are allowed only till 12 O' clock in the afternoon. |  |
Gadissar Lake :
A short walk beyond Tazia tower is Gadsisar, an artificial lake that was an important source of water in the past. A natural decline was enlarged to catch every drop of rain and, in a season of drought, Gadsisar was the mainstay of Jaisalmer.
 | A lake might be a relief here. After all the sand, Gadsisar Lake is one of the major tourist attractions. Just leave the madding crowd behind and venture towards the outskirts and you will find yourself next to the famous Gadsisar Lake. Contrary to the popular belief, it is not an oasis but a water conservation tank made around 1400 A.D. by the then maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharwal Gadsi Singh. Well within the city, named after Maharwal Gadsi Singh, the rainwater lake is a favourite picnic spot. |
In the dry region of Jaisalmer, Gadsisar Lake has its own importance. The lake was once a major source of water supply in the city of Jaisalmer and as such it is not surprising to find numerous shrines and temples around it. A yellow sandstone gateway that leads to the lake was constructed by a prostitute, Tilon, despite disapproval from the Maharaja.
This place was selected because it had a certain amount of declivity already and it automatically retained some of the rainwater. If you are lucky and venture out in winters, you might get to see a variety of migratory birds. Due to its proximity to Bharatpur, some of the birds get attracted to this place also.
You will find whole varieties of temples and shrines surrounding the lake. In later years it became more of a pilgrimage spot. The beautiful gateway that arches across the road down to the Lake was built by royal courtesan named Tillon in the end of 19th century, known as Tillon Ki prol (Gate of Tillon). Lord Vishnu's statue was installed in the year 1908 A.D. or the gate by the courtesan & declared Krishna Temple to save it from demolition by the then Maharawal.
Havelis of Jaisalmer :
Some popular havelis of Jaisalmer have been listed and given below :
Salem Singh Ki Haveli :
The haveli is located towards the eastern end of the city. This magnificent building has a rich blue roof and carved brackets designed in peacock shapes. The haveli is built with yellow stone and its exteriors are delicately carved. There is a balcony projecting from the top storey. The haveli was built by the erstwhile Prime Minister of Jaisalmer - Salim Singh.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli is a palatial structure built during the glorious period of Jaisalmer by wealthy merchants and today attracts a lion’s share of tourist visiting the village. Exhibiting the same famous characteristics for which Jaisalmer mansions are famous for like the extensive carvings, beautiful canopy and splendid frescos, Salim Singh Ki Haveli is a must visit for anyone touring Jaisalmer.
the Haveli has incorporated the best of both styles of design. The monument also serves as a reminder of the harmony that existed between different religious sects during the ancient times.
Patwon Ki Haveli:
Patwon ki Haveli is one of the largest and most elaborated houses in Jaisalmer. It is five storeys high, extensively carved.
This grand mansion is one of its kind in the Jaisalmer city. The haveli was built by the family of a rich merchant - Guman Chand Patwa. Putwa and his sons started the construction work in the year1800 A.D., and after six decades the mansion was all ready to stand high in glory.
| The Patwon ki Haveli is a cluster of seven small havelis adorned with intricately latticed work. The biggest and the most grandiose haveli. This mega structure features five suites and a number of balconies projecting from different storeys. Its intricately carved facade with pillars and balconies is one picture worth capturing. It is an open air museum and has preserved for centuries the heritage of the rich merchant class and the architecture of |  |
Now the haveli has been taken over by the government. A tour through the haveli will lend an interesting insight in to the lifestyle of the rich traders.
Nathmal Ki Haveli :
Situated amid picturesque Thar Desert, Jaisalmer city is among the major tourist attractions in Rajasthan. It is marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climate conditions. The Sonar Quila fort, made of yellow sand stone will immediately command your attention here. The city is also known for its old mansions, better known as Havelis. Among many of them you will find Nathmalji ki Haveli most striking.
 | This haveli was originally built by two brothers Lallu and Hathi working on the haveli from different ends could arrive at such harmonious symphony in stone. One working on the right side and the other on the left. Though the motif used by one is not similar to the other, yet they are in harmony. One has to look closely to spot any dissimilarities. The boundary however, has been dissolved by a common facade at the front. Exquisite carvings on the 19th century |
As most of the construction was done by Muslim artisans, it reflects the popular architecture and in certain aspects resemble the popular buildings made by the erstwhile Muslim rulers.
The superb craftsmanship of the stone carver is illustrated in the gossamer quality of the screened windows.
Excursions
Lodurva (16 km) :
Lodurva is situtated 16 kms from Northwest of Jaisalmer. It is an important spot of the Jain community with some magnificent Jain temple.
Lodurva, the ancient capital of Bhatti Rajputs was once a flourishing city but lost most of the splendour when the Bhattis shifted their capital to Jaisalmer. The Jain Temples, rebuilt in the late 1970s, are the only reminders of the city's former magnificence.
| Nevertheless, the place is a major tourist attraction and has Jain temples made of bright yellow sandstone, these temple walls are decorated with the pictures of Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar. You will notice the splendid and dominating arch in the main temple building. These arches are typical of the Delwara style of temple architecture. ‘Toran' or the ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy. A 'Kalptaru' or a |  |
The imposing and fabulous arch is famed for its phenomenon and superbly executed jali craft on the screens and walls inside the temple premises. On your visit to Jaisalmer, you can’t remain without admiring the intricately imprinted yellow sandstone in the temples and miracle of the artistic beauty visible on these ancient monuments.
Amar Saggar :
 | 6 kms, on way to Luderwa the natural spot developed by Maharawal Amar Singh is a water reservoir in 1688 AD. The dams were constructed to hold rainwater. Several terraces are formed where summer palaces, temples are constructed & Garden developed. On the south of the lake stands the exquisitely carved Jain temple constructed by Himmat Ram Bafna, the descendant of famous patwas. |
Wood Fossil Park, Aaka :
Just 17 kms from Jaisalmer and a kilometer away from the Barmer Road are fossilised remains of 180 million-year-old forests.
These are beautiful forest vistas and any forester around can show you 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 for the study of the Thar Desert.
Sam Sand Dunes(42 km) :
The Sam dunes are also the most picturesque spot around Jaisalmer, and perhaps the whole of western Rajasthan. Sitting there in the evening with the sun setting, listening to the ballads of the legendary lovers Moomal and Mahendra on the Jew’s harp or the narh (a traditional musical instrument), you might feel that time has come to a grinding halt. The silken smooth sands of Sam look like a tale out of the Merchant of Venice and camel safaris are much in vogue here.
An overnight trip to the area is a must if you really want to enjoy all the sights and sounds, the ruins and the temples.
| Sleeping out in the open, stretched out on the sands while facing the twinkling sky is an out of the world experience. Many a tourist has fallen in love with the haunting beauty of the dunes – there is a definite aura of romance about it. The old ruins and the various temples in this area are a must see. The best way to enjoy the Sam Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer, is through an overnight trip. One of the most pleasurable moments comes at the time of the sunset. Watching the sand dunes in the faint orange glow |  |
Desert National Park (45 km) :
Rajasthan is an abode of many wildlife sanctuaries and National Park, however none of them is similar to the Desert National Park. The park is widely different from a usual park and actually for a novice, the park has little importance. Nonetheless, the Desert National Park has an important role to play in maintaining the ecological balance of the region. This is one of newer sanctuaries and was established in the year 1980.
 | It is the largest park in the state of Rajasthan spreading over an area of 3162 sq km. Around one fifth of the park is covered with sand dunes. The rest of the landmass comprises craggy rocks, compact salt lakes bottoms, inter medial areas and fixed dunes. In Desert National Park, a protected sanctuary largely over sand dunes, you get to see the fauna and flora as in a desert and some of the species peculiar to a harsh terrain. |
The vegetation is sparse with only few grasses and shrubs that provide food for the wildlife inhabitants of the park.
The animals of the park include Desert Fox, Bengal Fox, Desert Cat, Wolf, hedgehog, Black Buck and Chinkara. These animals live in an extremely difficult terrain, still they have managed to survive.
There is a fair number of reptiles found in the park as well. These are Spiny Tail Lizard, Monitor Lizard, Russel's Viper, chameleons and Sind Krait.
The bird population of the park is responsible for making it hugely attractive. The Great Indian Bustard which is a protected species in India, finds a safe shelter in this park.
Birds found in this park are Sand Grouse, Partridges, Bee Eaters, Larks, Shrikes, Harriers, Falcons, Buzzards, Kestrel, Vultures, Short-toed Eagles, Tawny Eagles, Spotted Eagles and Lagger. Demoiselle Cranes and Houbara flock to this park in the winter months.
Bada Bagh :
A fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial lake, much of the city's fruits and vegetables are grown here. Surrounded by dense trees are the royal cenotaphs with beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the former rulers.
How To Reach
Fly Away: Flights are not the best ways to reach Jaisalmer. Jodhpur is the nearest airport at a distance of 300 km.
On Tracks: From Jodhpur there is a direct train to Jaisalmer for overnight journey. The journey takes approximately ten hours. The Palace on Wheels is the most luxurious way to travel to Jaisalmer, recreating within the coaches the ambience of the legendary palace comforts.
On Wheels: 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.
Shopping In Jaisalmer
Shopping in Jaisalmer is a great way to experience the beauty of the state. There are some major shops inside the fort which include Sadar Bazaar, Sonaron ki Bass Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazaar, Gandhi Darshan, Seema Gram and various Rajasthani Govt Shops.
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.
We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.
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