GENERAL INFORMATION

Jaisalmer is spectacular. The drive from Jodhpur is very pleasant. Approaching from the desert, seems suddenly to rise out of the desert haze, a magnificent edifice of massive yellow sandstone ramparts and bastions bathed golden in the afternoon sun.

Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of this city in 1156, Trikuta hill was chosen for the site of the new city and Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Lodurva and established this new capital.

The Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans that crossed their territory enroute Delhi or Sind. These caravans, laden with precious cargoes of spices and silk brought great wealth to this town. Because of its remote location. Jaisalmer for years remained untouched by outside influences and during the British Raj, the Rulers of Jaisalmer were the last to sign the instrument of Agreement with the British.

The glory of Jaisalmer foded when sea trade replaced the old land routes. But there is still on’ Arabian Nights’ quality about the town. The narrow streets in the walled city preserve to traditional way of life: the craftsman still work at the ancient crafts of weaving and stone carving, the making of silver jewellery and embroidery. And the stately, nonchalant camel is everywhere. Just a walk through Jaisalmer savouring the medieval glory of old Rajasthan, is a marvelously rewarding travel experience. Winter is the perfect time for Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer’s Desert Festival, celebrated in January/February, is a must on any itinerary. The desert seems to bloom in a thousand colours. There are camel races and folk dances. Craft bazaars and traditional ballad singing, and a sound and light spectacle on the sand-dunes of Sam on the full moon night.

WHAT TO SEE

THE FORT

The golden-hued Jaisalmer Fort Kella can be seen miles away before reaching the town. The fort stands almost 30 metres over the city and houses on entire living area within its huge ramparts. Walking through the narrow lanes is an experience worth savouring.

It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and Java Pol. Also within it are many beautiful havelles and a group of Jain temples dating from the 12^th to the 15^th centuries.

MANAK CHOWK AND HAVELIES

Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak Chowk the centre of local activity. From Manak Chowk one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelies are to be found. Each havell’s façade differs from other.

GADSISAR LAKE

A rainwater lake, now a picnic spot ideal for boating. All around the lake are many small shrines and a spectacular variety of birds can be seen here.

TAZIA TOWER

Declicate pagada like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal. Tazias are ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier carried in procession during Mohurram by the Muslims.

JAIN TEMPLE

Within the Fort complex are many beautiful Jain temples, dedicated to Rishabdev, Sambhavnath and Parswanath the Jain Thirthankars.

GYAN BHANDAR OR LIBRARY

Established as a part of Jain temples, the library contains some of the oldest manuscripts found in India.

HAVELIS

Jaisalmer is famous for its intricately latticed havellis with conspicuous facades.

NATHMALJI-KI-HAVELI

Carved by two brothers in the 19^th century, the intricate architecture in stone is the epitome of skill and beauty. Paintings in the miniature style adom the interior walls.

PATWON-KI-HAVELI

Five storeys high with extensive corridors and chambers all supported by exquisitely carved pillars, it is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer.

SALIM SINGH-KI-HAVELI

Distinctive for its blue cupola roof, this extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered entirely with intricate carvings and has an elavorate projecting balcony adoming the top storey.

EXCURSIONS

LUDRUWA

16 kms. To the west is the ancient capital of Jaisalmer, an important centre of Jain pilgrimage “Taran” or the ornate arch at the main entrance of the Jain temple and the splendid carvings here are worth seeing. The replica of the divine tree “kalpataru” is another attraction.

WOOD FOSSIL PARK, AAKAL

17 kms. The fossils at the Park, 180  million years old, stand witness to the geologic cataclysms that have taken place in the Thar desert.

SAM SAND DUNES

42 km Sheer magic of the golden Sam sand dunes, beckons the tourists to ride by the dunes on camel back to get a feel of the desert.

DESERT NATIONAL PARK

45 km. The Desert National Park with its rolling landscape of sand dunes and scrub-covered hills commands a panoramic view. The variety of wildlife here includes blackbuck, the great Indian bustard, chinkara, desert fox etc.

AMAR SAGAR

5 km. An enchanting place beside a lake, with mango and other fruit trees. Exquisitely carved Jain temples enhance the aura of the place.

BADA BAGH

6 km. Surrounded by densely grown trees and on the bank of an artificial lake are the royal cenotaphs with orname carving on the ceiling and carved images of former rulers on horse-back.

MOOL SAGAR

8 km. A beautiful place for picnic in summer, it is a cool, shady grove, which belonged to the former rulers of Jaisalmer.

BARMER

153 km. A small and lively desert town, known for its hand block printing industry, carved wooden furniture and colourful costumes worn b its friendly people.

CAMEL SAFARIS

These are conducted on many routes.

SHOPPING

Mirror work embroidered articles, Woolen pattue and other items made of good quality, locally produced, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios.

MAJOR FESTIVAL

DESERT FESTIVAL

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is a magnificent spectacle of colour music and festivity. It coincides with the full moon in January-February when the cherished moments of its glorious past and rich culture are re-created. The famous Gair dancers and the fire dancers are the special highlights of the festival. Further excitement is in the air with the turban-tying competition and Mr. Desert contest. The grand finale is a trip to the Sam sand dunes where one car has the pleasure of a camel ride and also view the musicians and dancers performing in moonlight on the dunes.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Jodhpur 285 km is the convenient airport.

RAIL

Rail connection with major cities of country like Jodhpur, Jaipur and Delhi.

ROAD

Jaisalmer is well connected by road from Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Udaipur.