Jaisalmer is spectacular. The drive to Jaisalmer is rarely dull. Approaching it from the desert, it seems suddenly to rise out of the desert haze, a magnificent stretch of massive yellow sandstone walls and bastions bathed golden in the afternoon Sun.

Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of this city in 1156. Trikuta was the hill chosen and Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Lodurva and established this new Capital. The Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived on the forced levy on the caravans that crossed their territory en-route Delhi. 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 faded when sea trade replaced the old land routes. But there is still and 'Arabian Nights' quality about the town. The narrow streets in the wallled city preserve a tradtional way of life. The craftsmen 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 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 bazaar and traditional balled singing. A sound and light spectacle on the sand-dunes of sam on the full moon night of purnima and all the colour and excitement offer the best in Rajasthan.

TOURIST PLACES

THE 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-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.

MANAK CHOWK AND HAVELIS

Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak Chowk which is the centre of local activity. From manak chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelies are to be found. Each haveli's facade differs from other. Built mainly during the18th and 19th centuries, the carving in the havelies of Jaisalmer is of a very superior quality. Patwon-ki-Haveli is one of the most exqusite havelis with a beautiful latticed facade. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli is just three centuries old, and is still lived in. Its arched roof is held up by well excluded brackets in the form of peacocks. Nathmaliji-ki-Haveli was built by two architect brothers, each concentration on opposite sides. yellow sandstone tuskers guard the haveli.

Nathmalji-ki-Haveli : The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture - a dispaly 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 magnificient of all the Jaisalmer Havelis. It has exquistely 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 Temples : The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabdev, Sambhavnath and Parswanath.



EXCURSIONS

Lodurva(16 km) : The ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim spot of the jain community with some magnificient Jain temples. 'Toran' or the ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy. A 'Kalpataru' or a divine tree within is the main attraction of the temples.


Sum Sand Dunes (42 km) : No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are surely a delight for a trigger-happy photographer.

Various cultural programmes are organised against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR- Jodhpur 285 km is the convenient airport.

RAIL-There is a rail connection with Jodhpur.

ROAD-Jaisalmer is connected by road with the major cities of India.

DISTANCES