A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city. Jaisalmer is atypical Rajput settlement. Rawal Jaisal , a descendent of the yadav Clan and a Bhati Rajput ,laid the foundation of this city in 1156 A D. Trikuta was the hill chosen and Jaisal abodoned his old fort at Lodurva and established his new capital here, which came to be known as Jaisalmer.
The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. the setting turn Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.
The
perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert
Festival held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city
reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk
dances, exciting competitions and contest, especially the turban
raying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivals colorful craft bazars are setup for the occasion and a soundand light spectacle is organized with folk artistes performing against the spledid backdrop of the famous sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be-missed events. Its like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not with standing the warmth and colour of people is simply over whelming.
One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city. And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your way in a Camel Safari.
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. The old city was completely encircled by wall but much of it is now pulled down sadly for want of building material in recent years.
The massive golden fort, which is the essence of Jaisalmer, is entered through First Gate. Is a burrow of narrow streets complete with Jain Temples and old palaces. The main market the Bhatia Market is right below the hill. The bank, offices and several shops are also located near the Amar Sagar Gate to the west.
Fort
& Palaces :- Jaisalmer Fort
Known as SONAR QUILA, rising from the sand , the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look. Its simply a magic, the bastions envelops a whole townships that consist of palace complex various security sources and the havelis of rich merchants carved with an incredibly light touch, several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and traders placed strategically on the trade route, from where the ancient caravans passed en-route passing all the riches for the prosperity to an otherwise non source full kingdom.
It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. Also, within it are many beautiful havelies and a group of Jain temples dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries.
- Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
- Salim Singh Ki Haveli
- Patwon-Ji-Ki-Haveli
- Desert National Park
- Akal Wood Fossil Park
- Gadi Sagar
- Desert Festival ( JAN - FEB )
Once a year in winters and on the middle of the continually rising and falling stark yellow sands of the great Thar Desert, the empty sands around Jaisalmer come alive with the brilliant colour, music and laughter of the Desert Festival. The festival is organised by the tourist authorities as tourist entertainment around January-February.
