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::
N O R T H I N D I A >
J A I S A L M E R :: |
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Brief
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Rising
from the heart of the Thar Desert, like a golden mirage, is
the magical city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in
yellow sandstone, stands with all its awesome splendour, dominating
the amber - hued city. With the crenellated golden sandstone
town walls and narrow, streets, lined with exquisitely carved
buildings, through which camel carts trundle leisurely, it
has an extraordinarily medieval feel and an incredible atmosphere.
The fort inside, perched on its hilltop, contains some gems
of Jain temple building, while beautifully decorated merchants
havelis, are scattered through the town. Jaisalmer gives convenient
access to the surrounding desert wilderness, sand dunes and
oasis villages, ideal for camel rides and safaris. |
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History
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An
interesting legend associates this city. Lord Krishna foretold
Arjuna, that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan, would
build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy came
true in 1156 AD, when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav
Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and
founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta
Hill. These Rajputs lived off the forced levy on the caravans
laden with precious silk and spices, that crossed the territory
enroute to Delhi or Sind, earning the town great wealth. As
a major staging post on the trade route, the merchants prospered
and invested in building beautiful houses and temple. But
maritime trade between India and the West, came to a decline
and ceased altogether in 1947. |
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Culture
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The
life within the citadel, conjures up images of medieval majesty
visible in its narrow lanes, strewn with magnificent palaces,
havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous
camels. Folk dances, exciting competitions, turban-tying contest,
Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities
during the Desert festival. Colourful craft bazaars and a
sound and light spectacle, is oraganised with folk artistes
performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam
sand dunes on the full moon night. |
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Climate
& Geographical Location - |
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Jaisalmer
is very hot and dry in summer and extremely cold in winter.
It is situated deep in the heart of the Thar desert, at an
altitude of 225 metres. |
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How
to Reach - |
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Jaisalmer
is well connected by air, rail and road. By air, Jodhpur at
285 km is the convenient airport and is well connected to
Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot, Aurangabad, Jaipur, Udaipur and Ahmedabad.
By rail, the nearest railhead is Jodhpur and is connected
to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Kota, Bikaner, Ahmedabad
and all other major cities in the country. The Palace on Wheels
,also visits this city of Royal splendour. By road, a good
network of roads joins Jaisalmer with many destinations in
and around Rajasthan. The state transport also runs bus services
from other cities of the state and interstate services too. |
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: T O U R I S T P L A C
E S : |
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The
Fort- Jaisalmer - |
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The
golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from
its 80 metre high perch on the hill, housing the entire township
within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow
lanes dotted with some lovely havelis, three beautifully sculptured
Jain temples dating between the 12th-15th century AD and five
interconnected palaces. These fort temples are dedicated to
the Jain Tirthankaras - Rishabdev, Sambhavnath and Parswanath.
The fort is approaced through four gateways-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh
Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol. |
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Gadsisar
Lake - |
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A
scenic rain water Lake, with numerous beautiful shrines around
and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot
for outings. |
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Tazia
Tower - |
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A
pagoda like structure, looming up from the Badal Mahal with
beautiful Taazias - ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel
replicas of a bier, carried out in procession during Moharram
by the Muslims. |
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Nathmaiji-ki-Haveli - |
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This late
19th century haveli, with intricate architecture - a display
of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right wings of the mansion,
which were carved by two brothers, are not identical, but
very similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are
ornate with splendid miniature paintings. |
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Patwon-ki-Haweli - |
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The
most elaborate and magnificient of all the Jaisalmer havelis.
It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors
and chambers. One of the apartments of this five storey high
haveli is painted with beautiful murals. |
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Salim Singh-ki-Haweli
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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 notables of the array
of havelis. |
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Bada Bagh - |
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Bada
Bagh is a fertile oasis on the bank of an artificial lake.
It is surrounded by dense trees and royal cenotaphs, with
beautifully carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the
former rulers. Much of the city''s fruits and vegetables are
grown here. |
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Amar Sagar - |
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Amar
Sagar is a pleasant garden,, beside a lake with mango and
other fruit trees. Beautifully carved Jain temples ,add to
its splendour. |
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Sam Sand Dunes - |
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No trip is
complete to Jaisalmer,, without a trip to the picturesque
sand dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes,
that create an enchanting mirage, are a sure delight for a
trigger-happy photographer. Various cultural programmes are
organised, against the backdrop of these fascinating sand
dunes. Exciting camel safaris, allow you to get the real feel
of the desert on the camels back. |
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Lodurva - |
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At
a distance of 16 km from the city, lies Lodurva the ancient
capital of Jaisalmer. An important pilgrim spot of the Jain
community with some magnificent Jain temples, the Toran or
the orante arches at the main entrance of the temples and
its splendid carvings are noteworthy. A Kalpataru or a divine
tree within, is the main attraction of the temples. |
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Others
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GYAN
BHANDAR OR LIBRARY - Some of the oldest manuscripts
of India, are found in this library, established as a part
of Jain temples. |
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MANAK
CHOWK AND HAVELIS - A main marketplace outside
the fort, leads to the narrow lanes, dotted with famous havelis. |
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MOOL SAGAR - At a distance of 18 km from Jaisalmer,
Mool Sagar is a pleasant shady grove and a perfect picnic
spot during summers. |
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WOOD
FOSSIL PARK, AAKAL -
At a distance of 17 km from Jaisalmer, lying on the Barmer
Road, this pack takes you back to the Jurassic period, when
the whole Thar region lay under the sea. It has 180 million
year old fossils - the geological landmarks for the study
of the Thar Desert. |
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BARMER
- A tiny, yet lively town, in sun-drenched
sands, Barmer is a miniature Rajasthan, with all its colour;
warmth and tradition. It is renowned for its hand block printing
industry, carved wood furniture, colourful costumes and amiable
folks. |
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