JAISALMER RAJASTHAN-THE GLORY OF THE GOLDEN FORT

JAISALMER RAJASTHAN-THE GLORY OF THE GOLDEN FORT

Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. 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.
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Jaisalmer hotels and Resorts

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Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar Lake in Jaisalmer, the rainwater fed reservoir, was built in 1156 AD and rebuilt in 1367AD by Maharwal Garsisingh.

Havelis
The beautiful mansions built by Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis' and several of these fine sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition. Patwon ki Haveli is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis.

Ramdevra
As time passed by, Ramdevji became well known in Rajasthan for his miraculous powers. The Hindus who had become Muslims under compulsion from the Moghuls started reverting to Hinduism. The Fakirs (Muslim religious devotees) reported this disreputable situation of Muslims to the Pir of Ajmer. The Pir of Ajmer asked the Fakirs to go to Multan (a place on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan) and see Mustanapir, Dagdupir, Bajrukshahpir, Gadadiapir, Dilavarshahpir and Jabbarpir and follow their advice. The Fakirs went to Multan and saw the Pirs who in turn sent the Fakirs to see their superiors Musapirs and Charalshahpir. After listening to the pleas of the Fakirs, Musapir decided to go to Runeecha (Ranuja) with his small delegation of five Pirs (including himself) and he sent a message to all Fakirs of Multan to arrive in Runeecha (Ranuja) on Maha Sudhi 2 so that he could take some tough tests of Ramdevji, the aim being that if Ramdevji failed the tests then Musapir could ask Ramdevji to stop people calling himself a Pir since Hindus do not have Pirs. 

Trikuta Fort (Sonar Quila) 
The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer.

It is believed that Krishna had forecasted to Arjuna that one of his progeny down the line would set up a kingdom on the hill. The prophecy came true when Rawal Jaiswal, who belonged to the Yadava clan of Krishna, shifted his kingdom from Lodurva to Jaisalmer in 1196 due to repeated attacks by foreign invaders. Jaisalmer flourished due to its strategic location on the trade route connecting Central Asia and the Far East. The legacy of the rich merchants and their havelis with intricately carved details can still be seen today inside the fort complex.

Desert Festival
Held in the months of January-February, the Desert Festival exudes a delightful spirit. For three days, the otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer comes to life and is clustered with hordes of colourfully dressed people.

Govt Museum - Jaisalmer
The Government Museum in Jaisalmer is situated on Police Line Road near Moomal Hotel. It was opened in 1984. The large collection of wood and marine fossils in the museum gives an insight into the geological past of the area.

Manak Chowk
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 havelis are to be found. Each haveli's facade differs from other. Built mainly during the 18th and 19th centuries, the carving in the havelis of Jaisalmer is of a very superior quality.

Folklore Museum
For anyone interested in seeing the culture of Jaisalmer on display through the ages, the Lok Sanskritik Sangrahalaya or the Museum of Folk Culture situated on the bank of Gadsisar Lake in Mehar Bagh Garden is a must.

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

Jain temple
This group of fine Jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th century within the Jaisalmer Fort. They are beautifully carved and dedicated to Rishabdevji and Sambhavnathji.

Kailana Lake
Bookmark this page Printer friendly version Email this page Located 11 kms off the Jaisalmer Road, Kailana Lake is a picturesque lake. One can witness the spectacular sunsets and cherish the beauty of the place.

Camel Safaris
These are conducted on many routes.
Excursions from Jaisalmer
Sam Sand Dunes (42Km.)
Any trip to Jaisalmer is indeed, incomplete, without a trip to the most panoramic dunes of Sam where the wind is unceasingly carving out scenic patterns, on the sand! Situated 42 kms from Jaisalmer, the sun-soaked Sam Sand Dunes bring to light a glided mirage. Truly the essence of the desert, the ripples of the wind-caressed dunes create an enchanting mirage.

Wood Fossil Park
Wood Fossil Park at Aakal, is 17-kms from the city of Jaisalmer. Lying on the Barmer Road, this park transports you back to the Jurassic period, when the whole Thar region lay under the sea. The park with 180 million-year-old fossils that are the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert is any geology enthusiast?s delight.

Bada Bagh (6Km.)
Only 3-km or so north of Jaisalmer, Bada Bagh is a fertile oasis, with a huge old dam on the banks of an artificial lake. The enchantingly scenic backdrop of a dainty lake and the dam in the middle of the plateau, add to the beauty of the place.

Barmer (153Km.)
A tiny yet lively town in sun - drenched sands, Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan with all its colour, warmth and tradition. Although a barren land with harsh climate and tough terrain, Barmer is known for its rich crafts, dances and music. Once on the ancient camel trade route, the town in now the centre for wood carving, pottery, carpets, intricate emboidery work, block printed fabrics and multi- hued traditional costumes.

Desert National Park (40Km.)
It preserves the eco-system of the desert within its confines. The Monitor lizards, desert foxes, porcupines, occasional wolves and black bucks, and the Great Indian Bustard (a protected bird ) are found here, forming an ecological chain revolving around cactii and other hardy desert plants.

Fairs & Festivals - Jaisalmer
The Desert Festival takes place in January-February of each year. Camel races and dances, folk music, desert ballads, puppeteers - they're all part of the activity. At the full moon night, a sound and light drama is performed at Sam.