The
City Palace: The City Palace is a historic landmark. Gray white marble
columns studded with floral motifs in gold a colored stones support the
carved arches. Two elephants carved in marble guard the entrance, where
retainers whose families have served generations of rulers are at hand to
serve as guides. The palace interior houses a Museum containing select
collection of various types of Rajasthani dressed, a fascinating armory of
Mughal and Fort of Jaisalmer: The golden hued Fort or `Sonar Qila' is built
of sandstone and is like a sentinel to the bleak desertscape. From its high
perch on the Trikuta hill (the triple-peaked hill), it grows out of a rock
in an undulating expanse of sand. The imposing fort is awe-inspiring and is
protected by rugged high walls. It is approachable through four successive
gates, the Akhaiy Pol, Suraj Pol, Ganesh Pol and Hawa Pol. The palaces of
the rulers, built atop the main entrance, form an imposing edifice topped by
a huge umbrella of metal mounted on a stone shaft.
Within the
citadel are a series of magnificent old Jain temples, richly carved and
decorated, dating from the 12th to 15th centuries? The carvings are mainly
inspired by Indian mythology.
Gadsisar Lake: This scenic
rainwater lake was once the major supplier of potable water to the town.
Today, it is a big attraction for picnickers in this desert city. Boating
facility is also available. Sacred shrines and well-laid gardens border the
lake. A variety of birds can also be seen here.
Manak Chowk
and Havelies: Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak
Chowk the center of local activity. From Manak Chowk one can walk into the
lanes where the famous carved havelis are to be found each haveli's façade
differs from other.
Godsisar Lake: A rainwater lake now a
picnic spot ideal for boating. All around the lake are many small shrines
and a spectacular variety of birds can be seen here.
Tazia
Tower: Declicate pagodalike Tazia Tower raises from Bakal Mahal. Tazias
are ornately decorated bamboo paper and tinsel replicas of bier carried in
procession during Mohurram by the Muslims.
Havelis: Jaiselmer
is famous for its intricately latticed havelis with conspicuous facades.
Nathmalji-ki-Heveli: Two brothers, Lallu and Hathu, carved
it for the Prime Minister of the State, Nathmalji, in the 19th century. The
most remarkable fact is that the brothers worked separately, one on the
right side and the other one the left; the final result is a harmonious
whole, though both the sides differ in their details. The haveli is richly
carved and the inner chambers are adorned with splendid miniature paintings.
Patwon-ki-Haveli: Five storeys high with extensive
corridors and chambers all supported by exquisitely carved pillars, it is
one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer.
Salim
Singh-ki-Haveli: This five-story, extraordinary mansion commands the
skyline of the walled city. Salim Singh, a powerful Prime Minister of
Maharaja Gaj Singh, built it some 200 years ago. The haveli begins with a
narrow dimension at the base, and then suddenly spreads outward with a
projecting balcony on its top story. The blue cupolas on its arched roof
distinguish it.
Jain Temples: Within the Fort complex are
many beautiful Jain temples, dedicated to Rishabdev, Samhavnath and
Parswanath; the Jain Thirthankars.
Gyan Bhandar or Library:
Established as a part of Jain temples the library contains some of the
oldest manuscripts found in India.
EXCURSIONS
Ludruwa:
(16km) The west is the ancient capital of Jaisalmer an important center
of Jain pilgrimage. "Toran" or the ornate arch at the main
entrance of the Jain temple and the splendid carvings here are worth seeing.
The replica of the divine tree "Kalpataru" is another attraction.
Wood Fossil Park, Aakal (17kms.): The fossils at the Park,
180 million years old, stand witness to the geologic cataclysms that have
taken place in the Thar Desert. Timings: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sam
Sand Dunes (42km): The rippling sand at Sam, is spellbinding, and
allures tourists from all over the world. The shifting sand dunes are spread
over a few square kilometers and are ever changing. The camel safaris give
one a first hand feel of the desert life. The place is also a photographer's
delight, and a popular site for shooting feature films. The view of the
setting sun is an experience one can't forget.
Desert National
Park (45 km) The Desert National Park with its rolling landscape of sand
dunes and scrub-covered hills commands a panoramic view. The variety of
wildlife here includes blackbuck, the great Indian bustard, chin Kara,
desert fox etc.
Amar Sagar (5km): away, an enchanting
places beside a lake, with mango and other fruit trees. Exquisitely carved
Jain temples enhance the aura of the place.
Bada Bagh (6km):
Surrounded by densely grown trees and on the bank of an artificial lake
are the royal cenotaphs with ornate carving on the ceiling and carved images
of former rulers on horseback.
Mool Sagar (8km): A
beautiful place for picnic in summer, it is a cool, shady grove, which
belonged to the former rulers of Jaisalmer.
Barmer (153 km):
A small and lively desert town, known for its hand block printing
industry, carved wooden furniture and colorful costumes worn by its friendly
people.
Camel Safaris: These are conducted on many routes.
