Jaisalmer is considered the most romantic city in Rajasthan as it evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. As the legend goes, the city was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D.
On being advised by a local hermit named Eesul, he decided to abandon his old fort at Lodurva and chose the Tricuta hill as the site for his new fort and shifted his capital to Jaisalmer.
Over a period of time the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched from outside influences and even during the days of the British Raj, Jaisalmer was the last one to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the Britishers.
In the Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the west.
The monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting winds of the desert through the ages and it is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience.
Best time to Visit
The climate of this city is of typical desert character. The maximum summer temperature is around 46°C and minimum 35.4°C. In winter, the highest temperature is 14°C and lowest around 2°C. The best season to visit Jaisalmer is between October and March, when the heat becomes comparatively low. Especially between January and February, when the desert festival is held, Jaisalmer becomes a hub of tourist activities.
Places of Interest
Jaisalmer Fort
In the heart of the city, is this breathtaking fort, amidst the golden sand of the desert. Built in the 12th century, it looks untouched and reflects the colour of the golden deserts. The charm of this place leaves a person under a spell. Walking up and down the cobbled and narrow , one gets the feeling of a different age altogether. The mahals within its precincts are the Janai mahal, moti-mahal and phool Mahal. The imperial symbols of the Bhatti clan's lunar lineage are displayed in the Megh Durbar and Jawahar Mahal which are guarded by several entrances called 'pols'.
The popular, intricately carved havelis lead to Manek Chowk, the main market place in Jaisalmer. The fort was well-protected with four gateways and several tower like buildings which served for guarding. On the highest point of Tricuta Hill, in the fort, is a palace, well protected by walls. The 5 main mahals of this fort are the Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vela, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal.
Gadsisar Lake
A rainwater lake is now a picnic spot ideal for boating.
Tazia Tower
The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendor, with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted it to their royal patron. Tazias are ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier carried in procession during Mohurram.
Havelis
Jaisalmer is famous for its intricately latticed havelis with conspicuous facades.
Salim Singh Ki-Haveli
The residence of the powerful Mohta family, the hereditary ministers of the Jaisalmer rulers. The blue cupola roof is distinctive, a facade which is carved all over and an exquisite projecting balcony adorning the top-story.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli
One of the largest and most elaborate houses in Jaisalmer. It is five storeys high, extensively carved.
Two brothers carved the Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli. One working on the right side and the other on the left. Though the motif used by one is not similar to the other, yet they are in harmony. One has to look closely to spot any dissimilarity. The superb craftsmanship of the stone carver is illustrated in the gossamer quality of the screened windows.
Jain Temples
Being the financers of the Rajputs, the rich and influential Jain community was given full religious liberty and they built many temples in and around Jaisalmer. The Parswanath temple is oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures and rising above is a tall shikhar, which is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower.
Lodurva
(16 Km)-Northwest of Jaisalmer, Lodurva is an important centre of Jain pilgrimage. It was the Lodurva Fort that Rawal Jaisal abandoned and shifted to his new capital of Jaisalmer. Ruins of the ancient township can be seen here.
The Desert (Sam Dunes)
Ride by the dunes on camel-back to get a feel of the pace and space of desert life. The golden sand dunes beckon the tourist, creating an illusion of being smooth and firm. The Sam sand dunes offer a fascinating sight. The winds carve brilliant patterns in the golden sands. The Camel rides are a unique experience.
FESTIVALS
The Desert Festival is a colourful extravaganza of music and gaiety. The grand finale is a trip to the sand dunes at Sam, where one can enjoy a camel ride and, simultaneously, view the troupes of musicians and dancers performing on the dunes. The Desert City rejoices alongwith the rhythmic dances - Ghoomar, Gangaur, Gair, Dhap, Moria, Chari and Terahtal. The fire dancers are the special highlights of the festival. The Festival takes place in the month of February/ March every year.
Gangaur Festival (March-April)
The festival of maidens and married women dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated with pomp and gaiety, women dress in their best costumes and images of Gauri beautifully decorated and bejewelled, the town band is played and women sing and dance to its tunes. The erstwhile Maharawal also join the procession.
The camel safaris, the prime attraction of the desert is a thrilling experience. It is an interesting way of exploring the vast desert around Jaisalmer. The Safaris which take you through Amar Sagar, Ludharva, Mool Sagar, Bada Bagh and Sam last for about 3-4 days. The best time for safari is October to February.