About City
Jaisalmer- Golden splendor amid the desert
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. 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. Climb on to the camel saddle and make your way through this desert or camp under the night sky in this golden land for an unforgettable experience.
Jaisalmer attracts a lot of tourists for its desert camel safari. A bumpy ride on a camel in the Thar Desert is one of the exciting things to do in Jaisalmer. Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri Sand Dunes are the popular dunes in Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer Desert Festival, a music festival typically held in the 2nd week of February is also hosted near Sam Sand Dunes. Jaisalmer is also known for various crafts such as silver jewellery, embroidery, stone, work, leather products, and printing work.
Altitude: 225.0 mtrs.
Best Season: Oct-Feb
Climate: Summer
Mean Max. 47.0 'C
Mean Min. 35.0 'C
Winter Mean Max. 20.0 'C
Mean Min. 2.0 'C
Clothing: Summer light tropical or cotton Winter Woolen.
Transportation
Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur (285 km)
Rail: Jaisalmer is connected with Jodhpur by night train service.
Road: Well connected by road with all the major cities of India. Direct bus services to Udaipur, Mount Abu, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Barmer, Ajmer and Jaipur. Ahmedabad and Bhuj (Gujarat)
What to see
Jaisalmer Fort : Renew yourself amid the past galore, as you visit the commanding Jaisalmer Fort. The fort stands guard over the desertscape from its 250 feet high perch on the hill with its wall following the contours of the hills. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby hiding the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. The fort has four entrances namely Ganesh Pol, Rang Pol, Bhoota Pol, and Hawa Pol. The main attraction of the fort is Maharawal Palace popular for its marble throne. The Palace also has a wonderful museum that showcasing arms, dresses, utensils, & ornaments of the Rajput kingdom. An added attraction of this place is a five-storied Tazia tower located parallel to the Maharawal Palace. This tower was constructed by Muslim craftsmen and is made with decorative Bengali-styled roofs. Jain Temple and Lakshmi Temple are also quite famous among the visitors.
Gadsisar Lake : A rain water lake, adorned with an arched gateway. Many small shrines and temples are festooned all around the lake. Today, it is an ideal picnic spot, famous for boating.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli : Witness the legendary architectural wealth of Jaisalmer at Salim Singh's haveli, truly unsurpassed in splendor. Of particular note are the blue roof and rows of peacocks below the arched balconies. The haveli was once the residence of the Mohta family, ministers of Jaisalmer rulers.
Patwon-ki-Haveli : It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, not to be missed at all. This five haveli wonder has its ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars and its delicately chiselled balconies surely leave you mesmerized. The haveli is built using yellow sandstone and the main gateway is brown in colour. The haveli is five stories high divided into six apartments. The walls also feature beautiful mirror work and several paintings. There is a stunning apartment which is flawlessly painted with beautiful murals. There are about 60 balconies in the haveli.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli : This haveli was carved by two brothers is famous for its architecture that reflects the fusion of both Rajput and Islamic styles. One worked on right side and the other on left, but the harmony in design exists still. Screened windows, projected balconies and intricate carvings illustrate superb craftsmanship.
Jain Temples : Within the citadel are the splendorous Jain temples, dedicated to Rishabdevji, Sambhavnathji and Parshvanathji.
Jaisalmer War Museum: The Museum is organized by the Indian Army, the museum showcases tales of bravery and sacrifice of heroes of the wars. War trophies and vintage equipment are on display along with tanks, guns and military vehicles. The museum has murals of soldiers who lost their lives in the war and weapons used at that time. The Indian Air Force has also contributed in the museum by presenting a hunter aircraft, which was used during the Battle for Longewala during the 1971 Indo Pak War.
Khaba Fort: Khaba Fort is a ruined citadel set amid a barren desert village in Jaisalmer, The crumbling structure of the fort still has the ruins of the homes of some 80 families that used to live here. The view of the green field from the top of the fort is fantastic. It makes for great photography opportunities. The elegance of the Fort is enhanced by the presence of many peacocks roaming around the fort. Witness over hundreds of peacocks and peahens roaming in the site for daily grains and experience a morning like never before.
Excursions
Devikot (40 kms), Ramdeora (150 kms), Sam Sand Dune (42 kms), Lodhruva (17 kms), Bada Bagh (6 kms), Wood Fossil Park (17 kms), Desert National Park (40 kms), Barmer (153 kms)
