Jaisalmer - Rajasthan

Tourism

Rajasthan tourism is not only just a traveling ,but it’s a panorama of life, which is a mixture of the modern ,natural, man modern and of tradition and progressive. There are so many places worth to see in Jaisalmer. So many forts, temples and havelils are there. There are forts made of sandstones, Gadsisar Lake, Tazia Tower, Havelis of Nathmalji, Patwon and Salim Singh, Jain temples, Lodurva, Akal wood fossil park, Sam and so on.

The Fort

The Fort is made of sandstone. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes spotted with some lovely havelis the beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces. In 1156 A.D on Trikuta hill Bhatti Chief Jaisal laid the foundation of the fort. The fort is also called Sonar Kila or Golden Fort because it is made up of yellow sandstone. Even today, one fourth of the old city's population resides within the fort. A cross-cultural merging of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles is visible in this fort. The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.

Manak Chowk

Manak Chowk is the main market place outside the fort. The chowk was once a grain-market. Merchants from far away lands used to visit the city to trade. At Manak Chowk you’ll get the impression that you are sitting in a time machine and have gone back into the past – women dressed in brightly colored ghagharas (long skirts) and odhanis (long scarf), their limbs decked with ivory and silver ornaments. Manak Chowk hosts the relics of a bygone age.

Gadsisar Lake

Gadsisar Lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaisalmer. This tank outside the city walls. Its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this arid city is surrounded by small temples and shrines. A wide variety of waterfowl flock here in winter. A rain water lake built by Maharawal Gadsi in 14th century.

Tazia Tower

Tazia Tower of Jaisalmer is situated in Badal palace near Amar Sagar Lake. Near to Badal Vilas is Jawahar Vilas constructed by Maharawal Jawahar Singh in between 1935-40 A.D. These were the homes of the former royal family. This is the last Royal palace constructed by the kings of Jaisalmer. It is a 5-storied structure where each story has significance in its own. On each floor there is a balcony that is famous for their individual designs. This was built by Muslim craftsmen and is based on the shape of Tazia. Tazia is actually the replica of Mausoleum of various Imams. They are made of wood, thermocol and colored papers.

Nathmalji-ki-Haveli

Nathmalji-ki- Haveli was the house of the Diwan Mohata Nathmal, prime minister of the 19th century. Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli. Two brothers carved its left and right wings, which are similar in their looks. In those days there were no such instruments, which could keep a track on continuity and thus when this building came up finally it had irregular shape. Its highlights are yellow sandstone elephants that stand majestically at its entrance and the intricately carved front door.

Patwon-Ki-Haveli

Patwon -ki-Haveli is the most outstanding of all the havelis of jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. The first biggest and the most affected haveli was constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa. Rich man Patwa was a renowned trader of his time. He could afford and thus ordered the construction of separate stories for each of his 5 sons. These were completed in the span of 50 years. All five houses were constructed in the first 60 years of the 19th century. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five storied high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.

Salim Singh-ki-Haveli

Salim Singh-ki-Haveli was built about 300 years ago and was the residence of Salim Singh. The new building was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta family of Jaisalmer. They were the most influential family of their time. This haveli was commissioned by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital. One of its parts is still being used as residence. It has a beautiful cupola roof with superb carved brackets in the form of peacocks. The haveli consists of as many as 38 balconies and they all have distinct designs for themselves. The front facet of the haveli resembles ship stern and thus this haveli is also sometimes referred as Jahazmahal. It is now a part of national heritage.

Jain Temples

Jain Temples built in the Jaisalmer fort in 12th to 15th century. The first temple you come around is the one dedicated to Chandraprabhu, the eighth tirthankar (Jain Teacher), whose symbol is the moon and features fine sandstone sculpture in Mandapa (Fore chamber of the inner sanctum of the temple). These are beautifully carved and dedicated to Rishabhdevji and Sambhavnathji. The Ashtapadhi Jain temple is also worth visiting. The Gyan Bhandar or a library is also within the temple complex. It contains old manuscripts. These jain temples are dedicated to jain Tirthankars, Sambhavnath and Paraswanath. These Jain temples are open to public from the early hours of morning till 12 noon.

Exertions

Lodurva

Lodurva is known for its Jain temples. The temples are made of bright yellow sandstones. Temple walls are decorated with pictures of Lord Parsvanath, the 23rd Tirthankar. The beautiful jaali works make these temples a piece of marvel.

Wood Fossil Park

Wood Fossil Park, Akal is just 17 kms away from Jaisalmer. This park takes you back to the pre-historic period i.e. to the Jurassic period The park is located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer.This park has some priceless collections of logs of trees and innumerable trunks back to many thousand years ago.

Sam Sand Dunes

Sam Sand Dunes are 42 km away from Jaisalmer. A trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of sam. It is totally sandy bush less desert. The best time to be here is at sunrise or sunset. The best way to see is to take a camel safari. It will sure become a memorable experience. Various cultural programmes are also organized against the backdrop of these sand dunes

Desert National Park

Desert National Park is one of the largest national parks, covering an area of 3100 sq. km. The prominent fauna of the park includes black buck, chinkara, desert fox and the great Indian bustard Birdlife in this sandy habitat is vivid & spectacular. The great Indian bustard is another magnificent bird found in relatively fair numbers. It migrates locally in different seasons. The region is a haven for migratory and resident birds of the desert. One can see many eagles, buzzards, vultures, falcons and harriers. Sansgrouse are spotted near small ponds and lakes.

Amar Sagar

Amar Sagar is a small and beautiful lake adjacent to the Amar Singh Palace. It was built by Maharawal Akhai Singh in honor of one of his predecessors Amar Singh. It is a lake with mango and other fruit trees. Much of the city’s fruits and vegetables are grown here. Surrounded by dense trees are the royal. There are two other Jain temples at Amar Sagar with ornately sculpted galleries and latticed walls surrounded by old step-walls. The lake usually dries up in the summer heat.


Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh means 'Big Garden', is located on the Ramgarh road. It ascommissioned by Maharawal Jait Singh in the early 16th century and completed by his son Lunakaran after his death. The site has three different things to watch, a garden, a tank and a dam. Bada Bagh has some magnificent chattris (canopies) set amidst an oasis of greenery. These chattris are in white marble and mostly in yellow fabulous yellow sandstone. It is a great place for stopover and photography.

Barmer

Barmer is located close to Jaisalmer. It is an important centre of Rajasthan handicrafts and textiles. It is a best place for shopping of handicrafts. As you pass through the narrow streets of Barmer and as you visit local shops you may meet local artisans who have learnt their respective art from their ancestors. Barmer is also famous for its excellent wood and metal handicrafts.

Mool Sagar

Mool Sagar is situated 8km west of Jaisalmer. It is a neglected small garden and tank. Maharaja Moolraj ll built it in 1825 AD. The major attraction of this place is a Shiva temple, which is said to be constructed out of just two large blocks of sandstones. You will find numerous wells, the Moolsagar Garden and a splendid Raj Mahal built on its premises. It is a perfect picnic spot during summer.

How to reach Jaisalmer

By Air:Though Jaisalmer is not directly connected to Airways as such, Jodhpur airport is 300 Km away. Jodhpur is connected to all the major metros of India by government owned as well as private airlines. From Jodhpur you can hire Cabs or take a train journey according to your wish and preference.

By Rail: Jaisalmer is connected to major cities of India through broad gauge as well as meter gauge railway tracks. Direct trains from Jaisalmer are available to Jodhpur as well as Delhi. Jaisalmer is connected through both 'Broad gauge' as well as 'Meter gauge' tracks. You can also travel to Jaisalmer by Palace on Wheels.

By Road:Jaisalmer is well connected to the rest of state by well-maintained roads. Due to its proximity to Indo-Pak boarder, special emphasis is given on its maintenance. Deluxe & Ordinary buses of Rajasthan Roadways & Private companies operate form Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Barmer, Mount Abu, Jalore, Ahemdabad etc, Roadways main bus stand opposite Railway station & Golden bus terminal near State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Shiv road, Jaisalmer are the two major bus stands.