Jaisalmer-The Glory Of The Golden Fort

Introduction: 

Jaisalmer is like the golden mirage in the heart of Thar Desert .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. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with all its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city. 

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput,abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer,perched on the Trikuta Hill. Bahti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi-or-Sind. These caravans earned the town great wealth. 

For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences. The rise of shipping trade and the port of Mumbai saw the decline of Jaisalmer. But the desert fortress, that seems to be straight out of the 'Tales of the Arabian Nights' still enchants. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes stewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. The setting sun turning 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 an contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities. Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event. 

When to Visit: The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and February. 

Getting to Jaisalmer: 
Jaisalmer is well connected by train with Jodhpur and other major cities. It is 295 km. from Jodhpur & 325 km from Bikaner via Pokaran. A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with Jodhpur and many other destinations in and around Rajasthan 

General Information:

 
Area : 5.1 sq. km.
Altitude :  225 metres 

Climate Summer : 41.6 degree C(Max.) 25.0 degree C(Min) Winter : 23.6 degree C(Max.) 7.9 degree C(Min) 
Best Season October- March Clothing Summer: light tropical Winter: light woolen 

Languages :  English, Hindi, Rajasthani.

Festivals: 

Folk dances, exciting competitions an contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities. Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event. 

Places To Visit

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-Akhaiyal,Ganesh Pol,Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. 

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

Gadsisar Lake: A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings. 

Tazia Tower: A pagoda like structure looming up from the ‘Badal Mahal’ with beautiful ‘Taazias’-ornately decorated bamboo,paper and tinsel replicas of a bier, carried out in procession during Moharram by the Muslims. 

Havelis: Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis,all intricately latticed are strew all over Jaisalmer-each with a different facade. 

Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture a display 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 magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely 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 Temple: The fort has three exquisitely carved jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars-Rishabhdev,Sambhavnath and Paraswanath. 

Gyan Bhandar or Library: Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of Jain temples.