Jaisalmer: The Golden City

Jaisalmer Fort

The golden city, Jaisalmer, is in the state of Rajasthan, situated on the western frontier of India. The city has close proximity to Pakistan and Thar Desert. For an unforgettable experience, one should enjoy Desert Safari in the sand dunes. The Jaisalmer Fort is one of the major attractions; therefore, this fort is different from other Indian forts. The main difference is that Fort of Jaisalmer is a living fort as there are hotels, shops, ancient havelis, etc.

History:

Panorama of Jaisalmer

The position of Jaisalmer, founded in the year 1156, between Central Asia and India, on the camel-train routes, earned huge wealth to the city. The locals and merchants of the city built various magnificent mansions and houses, making use of carvings made of sandstone and wood.

The Rajput Jauhar in the 13th century made Jaisalmer experience sieges and sackings, thus, prevented huge harm from the Mughals. In the 17th century, due to cordial relationship with Delhi, Jaisalmer witnessed another golden age, and more of palaces and havelis were built during this time.

Culture & Cuisines:

Men in traditional dress celebrating Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Rich by cultural ethnicity and tradition, the Jaisalmer city is acknowledged all around the globe. The culture of the city has made great contribution to the rich culture of the Rajputs. The various facets like heroism, staunchness, and gallantry has also made the part of rich culture of Jaisalmer. Thus, there is clear reflection of the cultural exuberance in the cuisines, lifestyle, dance and music. Adding life to the culture of Jaisalmer, the feats, festivals and fairs also play an important role.

The succulent and boneless strips of chicken, murgh-e-subz is stir-fried with shredded vegetables. This delicacy is simply not to be missed. Or else, you may taste ker sangria, a delicacy made of capers and desert beans. Ker sangria is very popular in the regions of Jaisalmer where meat was found in very low quantity. In case, you have a substantial appetite, you can order tandoor thali, which comprises of two chicken preparations, vegetable kebab, mint sauce, and naan. Kadi pakorao, dumplings made of flour cooked in sauce of yogurt, or bhanon aloo, mint paste stuffed potatoes and simmered in gravy, are some of the other specialties of Jaisalmer.

Handicrafts:

The craftsmanship of Jaisalmer is praiseworthy. The exquisite pieces of traditional silver jewelries, decorated leather products, printing works, fine and delicate embroidery work, etc., are some of the specialty of Jaisalmer when it comes to handicrafts. The traditional crafts of Jaisalmer reflect the essentials of people, festivals, and culture along with legacy of the ancient era.

Tourist Attractions:

Lodurva, Jain Tample

Jaisalmer is praised for being of the major tourist attractions in India. One can take pleasure in excursion to Desert Cultural Center, Jain Temples, Tazia Tower, Gadsisar Lake, and Jaisalmer Fort. The Havelis like Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, and Salim Ji Ki Haveli, are worth visiting. The place is also admired by adventure seekers for amazing Camel Safari and Jeep Safari. Part from visiting attractions in Jaisalmer, one could also enjoy attractions around Jaisalmer like Lodurva, Bada Bagh, Phalodi Travel, Khuri Sand Dunes, Amar Sagar Lake, Wood Fossil Park, Sam Sand Dunes, Mool Sagar, Desert National Park, and many more.

Best Time to Visit:

During the months from October to March, it is considered ideal time for visiting Jaisalmer. Apart from this, the city bustles with tourists across the year.

How to Reach

Jaisalmer, nestled in the core of Rajasthan, is one of the major attractions of India drawing tourists from every nook and corner of the globe. The place is well-connected with different modes of transportations like airways, roadways and railways.

•    Airways: Jaisalmer does not have any airport. The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, 300 Km away. Jodhpur is connected to different metro cities via government or private airlines. As per your preference, you may hire cab or opt for train journey.

•    Railways: Jasialmer has its own railway station, with direct trains from various regions of India. You may also reach Jaisalmer through the Palace on Wheels train.

•    Roadways: The well-maintained roads make the connectivity of Jaisalmer to different regions of the state easy and convenient. There are Deluxe as well as ordinary buses   and also private buses that are functional from Jaisalmer to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mount Abu, Barmer, Ahemdabad, Bikaner, Jalore, etc.

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Written by Neelam Talreja
 

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Jaisalmer: Travel Tips for Rajasthan Tours

If Jodhpur offers threshold to the stark landscapes of the Thar Desert, then Jaisalmer lies in its heart. Jaisalmer is popularly known as ‘The golden city’ due to the extensive use of yellow sandstone in the architecture that glows golden in the sunlight. The city was founded by Rao Jaisal in 1156 AD. The city was once ruled by the famous Bhatti kings of the region. Due to its strategic location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Persia, Arabia, Africa and West, the city enjoyed a long lasting trade-relation with these countries in medieval times.

Golden Castle in Jaisalmer

Attractions in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is renowned for its sand dunes, camel safaris, massive forts, striking havelis and beautiful temples. Besides forts and havelis, the 3-day long desert festival is a major attraction for the travelers. Some famous attractions in Jaisalmer are as follows:

Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer fort, popularly known as ‘Sonar Qila’ (golden fort) is situated on Trikuta hill. The massive structure is built with the extensive use of yellow sandstone which appears golden-yellow in sunshine and honey-gold at the time of sunset. The magnificence of the fort lies in the several inbuilt structures which include intricately carved havelis, sculptured Jain temples, Lakshminath Temple and 99 poles (towers).

Jaisalmer Havelis
Havelis and mansions of Jaisalmer are worth visiting for their intricate designs, decorations and yellow and red sandstone carvings. Some of the famous havelis of Jaisalmer are Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salam Singh-ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli and Haveli Shreenath.

Jain Temples
The Jaisalmer fort has 7 beautifully carved and decorated Jain temples inside the fort complex. These spectacular temples were built in the 12th century are a part of Jaisalmer’s cultural heritage. Some of the famous Jain temples include Dilwara temple, Parswanath temple, Tirthankar temple and Shantinath temple. Some other Jain temples around Jaisalmer are Brahmsar, Pokharan, Lodavra and Amarsagar.

Desert Festival in Jaisalmer
The 3-day desert festival takes place in the month of February every year. The festival held in the enthralling background of the Golden fort. The festival showcases the rich and colorful Rajasthani folk culture through various traditional art forms which include desert ballads, puppeteers, snake charmers, folk music and dance and camel race. The highlight of this festival is the famous sound and light show performed in Sand-Sam dunes.

Desert Safari in Jaisalmer
One of the ‘must do’ things in Jaisalmer is the camel safari ride in the shimmering glory of the golden sand. A magical safari in the undulating golden sand-dunes of Thar Desert usually lasts for two days with a camping stay in night to behold the rising sun in Jaisalmer. A camel safari ride allows tourists to explore the splendor of Rajasthan.

Shopping in Jaisalmer
Shopping forms an interesting part of your Jaisalmer trip. Shopping at the local markets of Jaisalmer is a unique experience. Jaisalmer is famous for mirror work, silver jewelry, antique items, silk and cotton textiles, handicrafts and embodied garments. The main shopping markets are Sadar bazaar, Manak Chowk, Pansari bazaar, Rajasthali and Sonaron Ka bas.

Hotels in Jaisalmer
Most of the hotels in Jaisalmer are renovated from the old havelis with their interiors designed in ethnic Rajasthani style. These hotels provide cozy accommodation to the guests. An array of hotels in Jaisalmer is available to suit the requirement of the tourists and fit to all price range. Various accommodation varieties in Jaisalmer include heritage hotels, deluxe hotels and budget hotels.

Visit the website of Indian Luxury Trains to choose from an array of Rajasthan Tour Packages. You may also visit the Flickr photo stream of Indian Luxury Trains for the images to get a sneak peek into tours to India.

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