aisalmer
reminds one of a certain age that came into existence between the time when
reality ended and fantasy began. It seems it is the last outpost of the Thar
Desert and nothing exists beyond it!
The unusual fort of 99 bastions seems to have sprung out from the
triangular hillock over which the fort is seated. A walk through uphill
serpentine route leads to the inside of the fort, which surprisingly is
STILL INHABITED! The inside of the fort is actually a maze of tightly packed
lanes and labyrinths dotted with numerous houses, shops and temples. The
Jain temples here are renowned the World over as fine examples on stone
carvings. The old palace is worth a watch simply for the views it commands
from its terrace. The
noteworthy feature to see from here is the
hurling stones that are still kept on the walls of the fort!
The old Jaisalmer town surrounding the fort is once again full of
labyrinths worth exploring for their teeming life and unique architecture.
Patwon ki Haveli, a group of five adjoining havelis, was once home
to the wealthiest merchant family of the region who were so rich that they
lent money even to the kings! These havelis are the finest examples
of the architecture of the region, the external façade of the whole
complex is so intricately carved that it doesn't looks as work on stone. A
few more havelis like Diwan Nathmalji ki haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli
are notable for excellent carvings. The town itself is a rare treat to
wander through as one finds scores of tourists including me taking pictures
all the time.
Outside the town is the old water source of the town known as Gadsisar
tank. The beautiful pond is surrounded by many noteworthy arches, temples
and buildings including the main gateway having been built by a prostitute!
The collection of folk art pieces by just one person in a museum located
just outside the tank is worth studying. The two groups of Cenotaphs (Vyas
Chhattri for Brahmins and Bada Bagh for the royal families) situated at the
other end of town have fine carvings and are renowned for their spectacular
views.
Jaisalmer town is a very interesting and culturally rich,
the kind of which is perhaps nowhere else in the World! It is quite easy to
spend 3 days to a week in the town without the feeling of having seen
enough.
It is a strict rule in the town that all houses are to be
made of yellow sandstone. Built in year 1156 by Bhatti King Jaisala,
Jaisalmer is popularly known as 'Golden City' due to the extensive use of
yellow sandstone that glows under the setting sun.
Excursions:
Lodruva: 15 kilometers from Jaisalmer is this former capital of the
Jaisalmer kings that was attacked several times by Islamic invaders. It now
has a beautiful Jain temple with eqxuisite sculptures and ornate torana.
Kuldhera: A haunting village deserted en masse by its Paliwal
residents in one night some 400 years ago due to the immoral intentions of
the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer at that time. The ruins are now a great
tourist attraction.
Khurri
and Samm: Just a short drive from Jaisalmer are the ideal stretches of
perfect sand dunes perfect for camel safaris and watching sunsets.
Akal Wood fossil Park: Just 16 kilometers from Jaisalmer is the site
having the fossilized remains of a 180 million years old forest.
Desert National Park: A large area of Thar Desert has been declared
National Park to protect the amazingly large variety of animals found here.
Pokaran: Midway to Jodhpur or Bikaner, the town has a beetroot red
fort and interesting bazaars.
Ramdeora and Kheechan: Though not near Jaisalmer, these
places do come on the way while traveling to Jaisalmer. Ramdeora has the
shrine of Baba Ramdev and is the site of a colorful fair every year.
Kheechan village near Phalodi town attracts large numbers of migratory
Demoiselle Cranes every winter.
;)
;)
;)
Khurri
and Samm: Just a short drive from Jaisalmer are the ideal stretches of
perfect sand dunes perfect for camel safaris and watching sunsets.
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