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.
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.
Jaisalmer Attractions
The Jaisalmer Fort
This is one fort that Jaisalmer is known for. Jaisalmer fort is a popular travel attraction of Jaisalmer and the construction of the fort makes it mightiest of all forts in India. The fort reminds the traditional lifestyle of the Maharajahs of yesteryear. The courtyard of the fort is reached through the Ganesh Pol. There are other gates too that includes Suraj pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. Made in golden yellow sandstone, it is adorned with sculpture filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies.
Havelis of Jaisalmer are worth visiting and are very popular travel attraction of the city. Close to Manak Chowk lies the famous Havelis with elegant architectural work. To name a few Patwon Ki Haveli and Nath mal ji ki haveli. Apart from these there are few more havelis that a tourist could visit.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli
It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, its ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars and its delicately chiselled balconies surely leave you mesmerized.
Sam Sand Dunes
Sam village is on the edge of the Desert National Park. One of the most popular excursions is to the sand dunes on the edge of the park, 42 km from Jaisalmer along a very good sealed road.
It is best to be here at sunrise or sunset, , and many camel safaris spend a night at the dunes. Just before the sunset jeep carrying loads of day-trippers arrive from Jaisalmer to be chased across the sands by tenacious camel owners.
Despite of the tourist hype, it is still quite a magical place, and it is possible to frame pictures of solitary camels against lonely dunes. The desert dung beetles are fascinating to watch.
The Fort
Built in 1156 by the Bhatti Rajput ruler Jaisala, and reinforced by later rulers, the fort crowns the 80m - high Trikuta Hill. Over the centuries it was the focus of many battles between the Bhatties, the Mughals of Delhi and the Rathores of Jodhpur. This is one of the planets only living forts, with one quarter of the old city's population residing in it. The fort has 99 bastions around its circumference and is protected by three walls. The lower wall is of solid stone blocks which reinforce the loose rubble of which Trikuta hill is composed. The second wall snakes around the fort, and between this and the third, of inner, wall, the warrior Rajputs hurled boiling oil and water, and massive round missiles on their unwitting enemies below.
Above the fort flies the Jaisalmer standard, which features a chatri against a red and yellow background. The fort looks especially magical when it is lit up at night.
It is fascinating to9 wander around this living fort. It is packed with houses, temples, handicraft shops and honeycombed with narrow, winding lanes, all of them paved in stone.
Best Time to Visit : September-February.
How To Reach
Airways: Nearest airport is in Jodhpur.
Railways: Well connected to cities within Rajasthan. A broad gouge line connects Jodhpur to Jaislamer.
Roadways: Jodhpur is well connected to good roads to Udaipur, Jaipur Ahemdabad.
