ABOUT JAISALMER

Its like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not with standing the warmth and colour of people is simply over whelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city. And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as his new abode abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometres northwest. 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 Bhatti Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional taxes on passing by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling cattle.

Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences. In the 13th century Ala-ud-din Khilji Emperor of Delhi besieged the fort for nine years in an effort to take back the treasure taken by the Bhatti Rajput from his imperial caravan train. When the fall of the fort was imminent the women of the fort committed Jauhar, an act of mass self-immolation, while men donned saffron robes and rode to their certain death. Duda son of Jaitasimha, a Bhatti hero also perished in the battle. Dudas descendants continued to rule Jaisalmer. In 1541 they even fought Mughal Emperor Himayun. Though their relations with Mugshal was not always hostile. Sabala Simha won the patronage of Mughal Emperor Shaha Jahan for battle distinctions in Peshawar and the right to rule Jaisalmer. In the days of Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British.

Ages have gone by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience. The old city was completely encircled by wall but much of it is now pulled down sadly for want of building material in recent years. The massive golden fort, which is the essence of Jaisalmer, is entered through First Gate. Is a burrow of narrow streets complete with Jain Temples and old palaces. The main market the Bhatia Market is right below the hill. The bank, offices and several shops are also located near the Amar Sagar Gate to the west.

HOW TO REACH JAISALMER :-

By Air

Jodhpur 285km is the convenient airport.

By Road

A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with many destination in and around Rajasthan.

By Train

A good connection with major cities of the country through Jodhpur.

Patwon ki Haveli :-

The Haveli built between 1800 and 1860, was built by five Jain brothers who made their fortunes by trading jewellery and fine brocades. This Haveli is divided into five apartments.

The first Haveli is a private museum and shop, featuring displays of old furnishings and household items. The second and fifth Havelis are government run. They are empty but you can wander around and soak in the atmosphere. Only the ground floor is open on the second Haveli. The third Haveli is an antique shop and the fourth, a private residence, is not open for public.

Sonar fort :-

Built in 1156 by the Bahtti Rajput ruler Jaisala, and reinforced by later rulers, the fort crowns the 80m - high Trikuta Hill. Over the centuries it was the focus of many battles between the Bhatties, the Mughals of Delhi and the Rathores of Jodhpur. This is one of the planets only living forts, with one quarter of the old city's population residing in it. The fort has 99 bastions around its circumference and is protected by three walls. The lower wall is of solid stone blocks which reinforce the loose rubble of which Trikuta hill is composed. The second wall snakes around the fort, and between this and the third, of inner, wall, the warrior Rajputs hurled boiling oil and water, and massive round missiles on their unwitting enemies below.

Above the fort flies the Jaisalmer standard, which features a chatri against a red and yellow background. The fort looks especially magical when it is lit up at night.

It is fascinating to9 wander around this living fort. It is packed with houses, temples, handicraft shops and honeycombed with narrow, winding lanes, all of them paved in stone. It is also quite as vehicles are not allowed up here. Even building materials have to be carried up by camel cart. The fort walls provide superb views over the old city and surrounding desert. Strolling around the outer fort ramparts is a popular activity at sunset.

The fort is entered from First Fort gate tough it is forbidding series of massive gates via an enormous stone paved ramp, which leads to a large courtyard. The former Maharaja's seven storeys Palace, Rajmahal, fronts onto this. The square was formerly used to review troops, hear petitions and present extravagant entertainment for important visitors.

Gadisar lake :-

This tank outside the city walls, once held the town's water supply, and, befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this arid city, is surrounded by small temples and shrines. A wide variety of waterfowl flock here in winter. The tank was built by Maharaja Gadsi Singh, taking the advantage of a natural declivity that already retained some water.

Manak chowk Haveli’s :-

Outside the Jaisalmer 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 18 th and 19 th centuries, the carving in the Havelis of Jaisalmer is of a very superior quality.

Sam Sand Dunes :-

Sam village is on the edge of the Desert National Park. One of the most popular excursions is to the sand dunes on the edge of the park, 42 km from Jaisalmer along a very good sealed road.

It is best to be here at sunrise or sunset, , and many camel safaris spend a night at the dunes. Just before the sunset jeep carrying loads of day-trippers arrive from Jaisalmer to be chased across the sands by tenacious camel owners.

Despite of the tourist hype, it is still quite a magical place, and it is possible to frame pictures of solitary camels against lonely dunes. The desert dung beetles are fascinating to watch.

Desert National Sanctuary :-

The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar desert and its diverse fauna. Sand dunes form around 20% of the Park. The major landform consists of craggy rocks and compact salt lake bottoms, inter medial areas and fixed dunes which are quite suitable for the chinkara to move at high speed. The black buck is another common antelope of this region. Its other notable inhabitants are the desert fox, Bengal fox, wolf and desert cat.

Sudashri forest post is the ideal place for observing the wildlife of Desert National Park and is the most suitable in the entire 3162 sq. kms. of this park for watching and photographing the activities of the animals from behind cover.

Birdlife in this sandy habitat is vivid and spectacular. Birds such as the sandgrouse, partridges, bee-eaters, larks and shrikes are commonly seen. Demoiselle crane and Hobard arrive in the winter. The birds of prey seen here are tawny and steppe eagles, long legged and honey buzzards, falcons and kestrels. But the most outstanding of the avifauna is the great Indian bustard. This tall, heavy bird is an epitome of confidence and grace. It is good to see five or six bustards near Sudashri water hole.

Entry Requirements:
All visitors to Desert national sanctuary need to pay an entry fee of Rs 100 per person and for jeep, car fee is Rs.100 and for coach fee is Rs. 200

Accommodation and other facilities:
Fortunately for tourists, accommodation is not a problem in Jaisalmer. The town (not the park) has a number of guest houses, forest lodges and hotels, including some luxurious heritage properties.

Besides the accommodation in the town, there are two forest lodges and two restaurants within the park. The restaurants are however, extremely basic and it’s advisable to bring your own food if you plan to spend the entire day.

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