Rajasthan Dekho

Jaisalmer

 
  Jaisalmer  
Jaisalmer is 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.

A tour to Rajasthan's oldest living equipped city of Jaisalmer is like taking a step back in time to the days of the Arabian Nights. The first thing any tourist to the 'Golden City' will notice is the striking yellow fortress wicker into the top of the hill that dominates the centre of Jaisalmer Rajasthan. The Golden Fort, as it's known due to the yellow stone used to build the fort, tranquil has a quarter of the city's population living in it and is by far the emphasize of a visit to this city. Mounting from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden optical illusion is the city of Jaisalmer Rajasthan. A strong fort imprinted in yellow sandstone stands, with its entire overwhelming magnificence, dominating the amber hued city.

The city of Jaisalmer has an attractive legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna the head of the Yadav family, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav family would built his monarchy atop the Trikuta Hill. His forecast was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav family and a Bhatti Rajput, deserted his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer Rajasthan, suspended on the Trikuta Hill. The life within the fortress conjures up images of medieval majesty noticeable in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, and temples and of course skilled artisans and everywhere camels.

The surroundings sun rotating Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a stunning sight. The perfect time to visit the golden city Jaisalmer is during the Desert Festival, held in January/February. Folk dances, thrilling competitions a contest, especially the turban tying contest. Mr. Desert competition and camel races cheer up the festivities. Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the time and a sound and light vision is prepared smartness folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night certainly a not to be missed occasion.
  Jaisalmer  
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'.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS


The Jaisalmer Fort

The golden : hued Jaisalmer Fort 'Sonar Kila' can be seen miles away before reaching the town. Manak Chowk and

Havelis: A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous 'havelis'.

LAKES


Gadsisar Sagar Tank
A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.

TEMPLES


Jain Temples
The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabhdevji and Sambhavnathji.

  Jaisalmer  

OTHERS


Gyan Bhandar or Library
Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of Jain temples.
GETTING THERE
Air : The nearest airport is Jodhpur.

Rail : Jaisalmer is connected to Jodhpur by a regular train service.

Road : Roads in Jaisalmer connects it to major cities of Rajasthan, which are well linked to rest of the country.