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The name Jaisalmer evokes a vivid
picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. The exotic, remote
and beautiful, Jaisalmer is a bit of a paradox. So far west that it
is in the heart of the desert, one would expect barren near-desolation.
Yet this frontier town is today one of Rajasthan's best-loved tourist
destinations. Local colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable
and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic.
Visit Rajasthan
Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhati Rajput, laid
the foundation of this city in 1156 AD. Trikuta was the hill chosen and
Jaisal abandoned his old fort at Lodurva and established his new capital
here.
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
cargos 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.
 In medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location
on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa
and the West. The glory of Jaisalmer faded when sea trade replaced the
old land routes. But there is still an 'Arabian Nights' quality about
the town. The narrow streets in the walled city preserve a traditional
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 glory of old Rajasthan, is a marvellously rewarding
travel experience. 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. And all the colour and excitement of the best
in Rajasthan.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival
every year when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes
and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and contest especially
the turban-tying contest, Mr.Desert contest and camel races enlighten
the festivities. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh
climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience. This
is a city to be visited.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
FORTS AND PALACES
 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'.
Havelis: Some of the most exotic mansions or 'havelis', all ntricately
latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade.
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.
OTHERS
Gyan Bhandar or Library: Some of the oldest manuscripts of India
are found in this library established as a part of Jain temples.
RAJASTHAN TRAIN TRAVEL
PALACE ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome
to Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience
of the Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes
the visitor to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The
coaches also carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful
interiors. Last but not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers
on board include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach
as well as restaurant and organized shopping facilites.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
Akal (16 kms from Jaisalmer) : It looks like a army frozen in its
tracks, standing petrified in the forest of Aakal, in a bare hillside
of mica, and red and yellow stone. It is a fossil park where 180 millions
years ago stood a forest. The fossil trunks lie scattered in this part.
Barmer (153 kms from Jaisalmer ) : It is famous for wood carvings,
embroidered fabrics and block printed textiles.
Lodurva (17 kms from Jaisalmer) : The ancient capital of Jaisalmer,
some vestiges of former glory remain.
WILDLIFE
Desert National Park
(40-km from Jaisalmer) : 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.
GARDENS
Bada Bagh (6-km from Jaisalmer) : A fertile oasis on the bank
of an artificial lake. Much of the city's fruits and vegetables are
grown here. Surrounded by dense trees are the royal cenotaphs with beautifully
carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the former rulers.
OTHERS
Camel Safaris : These are conducted on many routes.
Wood Fossil Park (17-km from Jaisalmer) : It has fossils dating
to 180 million years ago.
Sam Sand Dunes (42-km from Jaisalmer) : It is the closest point
to witness the total sandy desert. Sam (pronounced 'sum') has a truly
magnificent stretch of sweeping dunes, with little or no vegetation.
The best way to see this and other sights around Jaisalmer is to take
a came safari. The standard trip lasts 4 days and three nights, and
offers the opportunity to explore the area in authentic and leisurely
fashion, with entertainment by folk performers, visits to villages,
and chatter from colourful guides thrown in.
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