If you are sick of the chaotic city life and are in dire need of a break, visit Jaisalmer and experience the pure magnificence and radiance of the desert. This remote and exotic city provides a hodgepodge of spiritual, visual, culinary and cultural experiences. The honey color, imparted by the setting sun on its stone ramparts, turns the beautiful city into a ‘Golden City’ that echoes with its royal past, and the city standing tall in the desolute beauty of the desert proudly welcomes visitors to an enchanting world of fable, color and history.
In the whole world, there are very few cities that can boast of the grandeur that surround Jaisalmer.The breathtaking spectacle of Jaisalmer Fort, first seen from a distance of 15 km, in reality is eye-catching. In the early morning, the bastions, ramparts and the long stretching walls dazzle magnificently. The fair-haired sandstone ramparts present a very glorious view.
Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is lying in the heart of Thar Desert. The bravura city of Jaisalmer is named after founder Rawal Jaisal. Set up on what were the crossroads of money-spinning trade routes, this remote and exotic settlement began to be celebrated for the aesthetic sense represented by the palaces, havelis of Jaisalmer and the valor of its rulers.
Some of the eye-catching sights of the Golden city Jaisalmer are lying below with their fast facts:
The Jaisalmer Fort: The golden-hued Jaisalmer Fort or old name Tirkuta fort ‘Sonar Qilla’ is able to be seen miles away from the town. With its 99 bastions, the fort gives an awe-inspiring manifestation in the afternoon sun. In fact the fort is a part of the desert citadel, walking up and down the cobbled and narrow lanes, one gets the feeling of a different age altogether.
Jain Temples: The fort of Jaisalmer consists three elegantly engraved Jain Temples devoted to the Jain Tirthankaras - Rikhabdevji and Sambhavnathji. Gyan Bhandar or Library. A few of the oldest manuscripts of India can be discovered in this library set us as a part of Jain temples.
Gadisar Lake: The Gadisar Lake, once the water supply of the city, is surrounded with multitudes of shrines and small temples. The small museum is consisting displays of folk art here.
Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli: The residence of the powerful Mohta Family, the hereditary ministers of the Jaisalmer rulers Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli has distinctive blue cupola roof, and a facade, which is engraved all over, and a superb projecting balcony that adorns the top storey.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli: This is one of the most elaborate and largest houses in Jaisalmer with five storeys, and comprehensively engraved.
Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli: Dating back to 19th century, this haveli of Jaisalmer was reputed as a Prime Minister’s house. Although the motif employed by the one is not parallel to the other, yet they remain in concord and harmony. As a visitor, you have to have a sound spot any unlikeness. The marvelous craftsmanship of the stone carver is demonstrated in the gauzy quality of the screened windows.
Distance from major cities:
New Delhi (864 km), Jaipur (558 km), Mumbai (1177 km), Ahmedabad (626 km).
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Pics: Wikipedia Commons, Traveler Hat
