Founder : Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput Chief
Also Known as : Golden City of India
Location : In the western Rajasthan region amid Thar Desert, close to Indo- Pak boarder
Distance : Jodhpur (280 km), Barmer (155 km), Gajner (289 km), Khimsar (320 km), Pokran (110 km), Bikaner (330 km), Sam (40 km), Khuri (50 km)
Area : 126.27 sq. km
Population : 2,324,319 (approximately)
Temperature : Max 46 º C, Min 35 º C (summer); Max 14º C, Min 02º C (winter)
Languages : Hindi, Rajasthani and English
Major Attractions : Jaisalmer Fort, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Patuwon Ki Haveli,
Excursions : Khuri Village & Sand Dunes, Kuldhara & Khabha Villages, Desert National Park, Pokran, Barmer, Bada Bag, Baisakhi, Luderwa, Mool-Sagar, etc
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Jaisalmer InformationRising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, lord Krishna- the head of Yadav clan foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill, His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156AD.
When Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chief who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi-or Sind. These seem to be straight out of the "Tales of the Arabian Night ' still enchants.
The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, and temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. The setting turn Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms, Folk dances, exciting competitions and contest, especially the turban raying contest.
Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivals colorful craft bazaars are setup for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized with folk artistes performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely not to be missed events.
It’s 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.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 Humayun though their relations with Mughal were not always hostile. Sabala Sinha 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: The golden city of India, Jaisalmer has its own airport. The Jaisalmer Airport is managed by the Indian Air Force. The city of Jaisalmer is well-connected by air with the cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur and New Delhi. The airport is functional only in the month period of September to March.
By Rail: Being a major travel destination of India, the golden city of Jaisalmer is well connected by rail with the cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, and Mumbai. Jaisalmer is directly connected to Jodhpur by rail, which is well connected to many major cities of India including Agra, Jaipur, New Delhi and Mumbai.
By Road: The Golden City of India, the city of Jaisalmer has a good network of roads. The city is well-connected by road with all the major cities of India.
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