The name Jaisalmer
evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert.
Legend has it that Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of the city in 1156
A.D. After consulting a local hermit by the name of Eesul. Tricuta was
the hill chosen and Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Lodurva to
establish this new capital.
Over
the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by
outside influences and even during the days of Raj, Jaisalmer was the
last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British.
In
Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade
route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West. Ages
have gone by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting
winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful
culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable
experience.
Attractions in Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer
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 an enchanting cow-web of
narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis,three beautifully
sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five
interconnected palaces.The fort is approached through four
gateways-Akhaiyal,Ganesh Pol,Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.
- Manak Chowk and Havelis
A main marketplace outside
the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis.
- Gadsisar Lake
A scenic rain water lake with numerous
beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake
is an idyllic spot for outings.
- Tazia Tower
A pagoda like structure looming up from
the ‘Badal Mahal’ with beautiful ‘Taazias’-ornately
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 strew all over Jaisalmer-each
with a different facade.
- Nathmalji-ki-Haveli
The late 19th century haveli with
intricate architecture a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left
and right wings of the mansion which were carved by two brothers are
not identical but very similar and balanced in design. The interior
walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.
- Patwon -ki-Haveli
The most elaborate and magnificent
of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and
extensive corridors and chambers.One of the apartments of this five
storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
- Salim Singh-ki-Haveli
This 300 year old haveli of
Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh-Salim
Singh, has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly carved
brackets in the form of peacocks.This extraordinary mansion in
yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate
projecting balcony on the top storey.The mansion is one of the most
notable of the array of havelis.
- Jain Temple
The fort has three exquisitely carved
jain temples dedicated to the Jain
Tirthankars-Rishabhdev,Sambhavnath and Paraswanath.
- Gyan Bhandar or Library
Some of the oldest
manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part
of Jain temples.
