JAISALMER INFORMATION
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 de
stinations.
Local colour and warmth prevail over the inhospitable and forbidding terrain,
imbuing the medieval town with a special magic.
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
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 intricately
latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade
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
