Jaisalmer

JAISALMER

Jaisalmer the “golden city”.The city of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert. The city was founded by The Bhati Rajput ruler Maharawal Jaisal Singh in 1156 Ad. The city gets its name from the golden sands of the Thar Desert and the same golden colored sandstone used in the city’s architecture. The city is a famous tourist spot due to its magnificent architecture and the various arts and crafts which are unique to this region. It was built as a walled city which makes it one of the largest forts in the world.

HOW TO REACH JAISALMER

By Road :: There are well connected by road, come here from various places of India via Jodhpur / Bikaner / Barmer, Deluxe buses are also available for Jaipur, Bikaner & Ajmer.
By Rail :: There are so many express trains to / from Jaisalmer. . majorly From Jodhpur / Jaipur / Delhi / Bikaner
By Air :: There are Small Airport, operator basically on season Time only, that time frequent flights to Jodhpur & Jaipur. Other Nearest Major Air port is Jodhpur
 

Best time to visit – October to March: These months constitute the winter season in Jaisalmer. It is also an ideal time to visit Jaisalmer. Sightseeing and other outdoor activities like camel ride, desert safari are more enjoyable during this time as the maximum temperature does not go beyond 24 degree Celsius.

Attractions In Jaisalmer :

1. Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort is famously known as Golden Fort of Rajasthan. It was constructed by Raja Jaisal, Rajput ruler in the year 1156 AD. It ranks amongst the largest forts in the world. Rising from the desert sands like a mirage, the fort is a real sight with its 99 turrets during night. The Fort stands tall and proud displaying the magic of Rajasthani architecture.

2. Jain Temples

Jain Temples situated in the Jaisalmer Fort are a must visit site in Jaisalmer. You will find these temples to be very old and high pilgrimage as well as archeological value attached to them. These are a group of Jain temples dating back 12th and 15th centuries and are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankars (Hermits). On the walls of the temples, you can find animal & human figures, carved in famous Dilwara style.

3. Patwon-Ki-Haveli

Patwon-Ki-Haveli is located in the main city. It was built by a famous trader named Guman Chand and his sons. This massive five-storied construction has five intricately decorated huge suites. The large corridors and the decorated walls are excellent representations of the art form that prevailed. The entire construction is made of yellow sandstone. The grandeur and the architecture of the monument add immense value to the cultural heritage of the city. Out of the five havelis, one is converted into a museum. The third haveli houses the works of local craftsmen of the bygone era.

4. Sam Sand Dunes

Sam Sand Dunes is the ideal location to set off for the Desert Safari. The safari on camelback will take you along crests and troughs of desert where you can watch the picturesque sunset on the desert. Jeep safaris are available as well. Desert festival is organized in the months of February and March.

5. Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake is located a kilometer away from the fort was constructed by the first ruler of the land, Raja Rawal Jaisal and later reconstructed by Maharawal Garsi in the year 1367 AD. The people of the desert city depended on this tank for their water needs. You will find temples, Holy shrines and Chattris around the banks of this lake. The artistically carved entrance made of yellow sandstone offers breathtaking view. Boating is allowed here and hence you could take a trip round the lake.

6..Jaisalmer War Museum

Dedicated to the Indian Army, the museum displays exhibits related to the sacrifices made by soldiers during wars. It provides insights into the history and equipment used by the armed forces.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

1. Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh means ‘Huge Garden’. Maharawal Jait Singh’s period saw its construction, which was in the beginning of 16^th century. His son Lunakaran completed the construction after the death of his father. The garden served as a memorial where the nobles and their families were cremated.

2. Lonegwala War Memorial

Situated 125 Kms from the city Jaisalmer in Western most point of Rajasthan near to Tanot mata Temple, War Memorial Museum display all weapon, tank used in the 1971 Indo –Pak war. The Battle of Longewala (4–7 December 1971) was one of the first major engagements in the western sector during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971,

3. Tanot Mata Temple

Tannot, basically the village is close to the border with Pakistan, and is very close to the battle site of Longewala of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, situated 125 Kms from the city Jaisalmer in Western most point of Rajasthan. As per the oldest Charan literature Tannot Mata is as incarnation of divine goddess Hinglaj Mata, and she later takes the form of Karni Mata.   

The story of Tanot Temple at the Longewala border in Rajasthan is one such miraculous tale when the local deity Tanot aka Awad Mata didn't let any Pakistani tank bomb explode and Indian soldiers who were certain of martyrdom and defeat went on to crush the Pakistanis in both 1965 as well as 1971 wars.

4. The Thar Heritage Museum

Thar Heritage Museum is located at the main market of the city. Laxmi Narayan Khatri was the founder of this museum. The museum presents the history, culture, art and architecture of the famous Thar Desert & also showcase the Sea fossils aging over million years. The museum houses unique ornaments of the ship of the desert and horses. Documents and coins of Jaisalmer, ancient manuscripts and weapons are some of the collections found in this museum.

5. Desert National Park

It is located about 45 km from Jaisalmer, is one of the largest national parks in India, spanning 3,162 km². It is famous for its fragile Thar Desert ecosystem, Jurassic-era fossils, and unique wildlife, including the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, chinkaras, and desert foxes.