Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer - the golden beauty, etched in yellow sandstone. Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it stands tall against miles of gleaming sand. Epitomising the desolate, awesome charm of the desert.
Jaisalmer, the city of the golden fort is a fantasy in yellow sandstone in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput King.
A tour to Rajasthan's oldest living
equipped city of Jaisalmer is like taking a step back in time to the
days of the Arabian Nights. The first thing any tourist to the 'Golden
City' will notice is the striking yellow fortress wicker into the
top of the hill that dominates the centre of Jaisalmer Rajasthan.
The Golden Fort, as it's known due to the yellow stone used to
build the fort, tranquil has a quarter of the city's population living
in it and is by far the emphasize of a visit to this city. Mounting from
the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden optical illusion is
the city of Jaisalmer Rajasthan. A strong fort imprinted in yellow
sandstone stands, with its entire overwhelming magnificence, dominating
the amber hued city.
The city of Jaisalmer has an attractive legend associated with it,
according to which, Lord Krishna the head of the Yadav family,
foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav family
would built his monarchy atop the Trikuta Hill. His forecast was
fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of
the Yadav family and a Bhatti Rajput, deserted his fort at
Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer Rajasthan, suspended on
the Trikuta Hill. The life within the fortress conjures up images of
medieval majesty noticeable in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent
palace, havelis, and temples and of course skilled artisans and
everywhere camels.
The surroundings sun rotating Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is
a stunning sight. The perfect time to visit the golden city Jaisalmer is
during the Desert Festival, held in January/February. Folk
dances, thrilling competitions a contest, especially the turban tying
contest. Mr. Desert competition and camel races cheer up the
festivities. Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the time and a sound
and light vision is prepared smartness folk artists performing against
the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon
night certainly a not to be missed occasion.
Legend has it, that Lord Krishna - the head of Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled, when in 1156 AD Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, founded the city of Jaisalmer.
This amber-hued city, in the heart of the desert, dazzles gloriously in the early morning. The sunset has a peculiar glow here. As the night descends, the sky goes up in flames, which fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes black. A breathtaking sight indeed!
Jaisalmer is famous for cobbled streets, strewn with palaces, forts, temples and havelis. Every house, here, is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over. These houses date back to 12th - 15th century. And hence Jaisalmer is called 'the Museum city'.
Filled with colour, festivity and smiles, Jaisalmer is truly a memorable experience across the shimmering sands.
Prime Attractions
Forts and Palaces
-
The Jaisalmer Fort
The golden - hued Jaisalmer Fort 'Sonar Kila' can be seen miles away before reaching the town. Manak Chowk and Havelis: - A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous 'havelis'.
-
Havelis
Some of the most exotic mansions or 'havelis', all intricately latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade.
Lakes
Temples
Others
Rajasthan Train Travel
Palace on Wheels
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as restaurant and organized shopping facilites.
Excursions
Cities
-
Akal (16 kms from Jaisalmer)
It looks like a army frozen in its tracks, standing petrified in the forest of Aakal, in a bare hillside of mica, and red and yellow stone. It is a fossil park where 180 millions years ago stood a forest. The fossil trunks lie scattered in this part.
-
Barmer (153 kms from Jaisalmer )
It is famous for wood carvings, embroidered fabrics and block printed
textiles..
-
Lodurva (17 kms from Jaisalmer)
The ancient capital of Jaisalmer,
some vestiges of former glory remain.
Wildlife
-
Desert National Park (40-km from Jaisalmer)
It preserves the eco-system of the desert within its confines. The Monitor lizards, desert foxes, porcupines, occasional wolves and black bucks, and the Great Indian Bustard (a protected bird ) are found here, forming an ecological chain revolving around cactii and other hardy desert plants.
Garden
Other
-
Camel Safaris
:
These are conducted on many routes.
-
Wood Fossil Park (17-km from Jaisalmer)
It has fossils dating to 180 million years ago.
-
Sam Sand Dunes (42-km from Jaisalmer)
It is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. Sam (pronounced 'sum') has a truly magnificent stretch of sweeping dunes, with little or no vegetation. The best way to see this and other sights around Jaisalmer is to take a came safari. The standard trip lasts 4 days and three nights, and offers the opportunity to explore the area in authentic and leisurely fashion, with entertainment by folk performers, visits to villages, and chatter from colourful guides thrown in.
Getting There
Air : The nearest airport is Jodhpur.
Rail : Jaisalmer is connected to Jodhpur by a regular train service.
Road : Roads in Jaisalmer connects it to major cities of Rajasthan, which are well linked to rest of the country.
Accommodation
We are here to make your India tour absolutely entertaining. We arrange accommodations in best of the hotels available in Jaisalmer. There are heritage, star category luxury hotels in Jaisalmer, which offers a wide array of facilities and services for the convenience of the tourists.
|