Is it real, or is it a mirage. As you approach Jaisalmer, you realize that your imagination is not playing tricks after all. Rising from the heart of the Thad Desert, etched in yellow sandstone, this citadel city stands in all its awesome splendor.

SOME SUGGESTED SIGHTSEEING PLACES

•Jaisalmer Fort :

The fort is a sheer magical sight. With its rounded bastions and the shade of the surrounding sand, it presents a beautiful silhouette against the setting sun. There is habitation within the fort and walking up and down the cobbled streets, one is transported to an era gone by. The fort is reached through a succession of gates, Akhai Pol, Ganesh Pol, Hawa Pot etc. in 1295, the fort was believed to have witnessed Jaubar. The defenders finally won, but many lived went aste !

Withing the fort are Vaishnava and Jain Temples, one of the Vaishnava Temple being beliebved to have been constructed by jaisal himself. Anotehr temple is famous for gold plated doors. The Jain temples contain rare palm leaf manuscripts. The palace in the fort is crowned by a huge metal umberella mounted on a stone shaft.

• Gadisar Lake :

The entrance to his lake is said to have been built by a concubine. And when the nobles objected to the chief passing through a gate built through earnings of prostitution, she is believed to have addes a statue of Satya Narain on top ! The lake itself was constructed by Raway Garshimha or Ghatsi. It stores rain water and not only supports life around it but is a pleasant sight in the pervading aridness.

•Nathmalji Ki haveli :

there is a story current in the town that two brothers worked on this edifice simultaneously from opposite directions and finished the work in perfected harmony. Whatever the truth, the craftsmanship is superb.

•Patwon Ki Haveli :

Five stores high, with extensive corridors and changers all supported by exquisitely carved pillars, it is one of the largest and most elaborate haveli in Jaisalmer.

• Salim Singh Ki haveli

This 300 year old haveli of Jiasalmer’s Prime Minister top Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh-Salim Singh has a beautiful blue couola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is carved with intricate carvings and has an elaboratein the form of peacocks. This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notable of the array oh havelis.

• Sam Sand Dunes :

No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the Wind-caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are surely a delight for a trigger-happy photographer.Various cultural programmes are organized against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes. Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back.

HOW TO REACH :

By Air :

The nearest airport is the Jodhpur airport, 285 Km away from Jaisalmer. There is an airport at Jaisalmer also but that is managed by the Indian Air Force and is operational only from September to March. The Jodhpur airport, about 285 km from Jaisalmer is a good option.

By Train :

Jaisalmer is well connected by rail network with Jodhpur as well as other major cities of India such as Jaipur, Agra, New Delhi and Mumbai.

By Road :

Jaisalmer has a well-developed network of roads and is very well connected to other cities of Rajasthan such as Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner and other cities of India. Location Western Rajasthan, 795 Km from Delhi

 

 

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