North India Tourist Destinations
Jaisalmer - Land of Fort & Palaces
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This royal fortification in the Desert Empire is a paradox in
itself. In a complete divergence to the unexplored periphery
town, which is a tourist hot spot, the remote western part of
Jaisalmer remains desolate by people, not daring to tramp into
the barren desert. The palaces and havelis of this princely
city are booming with the elegant sense of the Rajput kings.
The city life captivates medieval honor that is absolutely manifested
in its imposing palace, havelis, temples and in folk of camels.
Every house in the city is exquisitely carved and dates back
to 12th - 15th century making Jaisalmer a museum city.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF JAISALMER CITY
Jaisalmer Fort
Nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer lies inside the defensive
boundaries of this majestic fort. Jaisalmer Fort is chiseled
out of golden- yellow sandstone delineates the crowning glory
of Jaisalmer.
Manak Chowk
Manak Chowk is the main market area of Jaisalmer situated on
the outskirts of the fort. The streets residing with carved
Havelis are facilely approachable from this market place.
Havelis
These virtual art museums were the mansions constructed by the
wealthy merchants and traders of this erstwhile trading hub.
The workmanship involved in the building and crafty of these
mansions mesmerizes the onlookers. Most Havelis are constructed
between 12th-15th century. Main attractions are Patwon-ki-Haveli,
Jaisalmer Haveli, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, and Salim singh-ki-Haveli.
Besides these places, the tourists also throng to the placed
like lakes such as the Gadsi Sagar tank and exquisitely carved
Jain temples inside the fort.
Excursions from Jaisalmer City
Excursions from Jaisalmer City are especially focussed around
Akal- 16 km away from the city known as a fossil park dating
back to about 180 million years; Lodurva - 17 km away, famous
as an ancient capital of Jaisalmer; the Bada Bagh -6 km away,
an oasis nestling on the bank of an artificial lake and the
Desert National Park -40 km away, a great wild reserve maintaining
the eco-system of the desert by housing wild treasures like-monitor
lizards to desert vegetation.
OTHER ATTRACTION OF JAISALMER
Desert Festival
Desert Festival is held every year around January-February.
The main attractions of the festival are its camel races, folk
dances, colorful bazaar and traditional singing of folk songs.
This resplendent festival showcases the distinct facets of Rajasthani
life and culture.
Camel Safaris
Jaisalmer also organizes many tours on Camel Safari conducted
on different routes in the Thar Desert, offering many options
to hunt and explore those territory which can not be tread on
foot by visitors.
Palace on Wheel
The Palace on Wheels tours are conducted by Rajasthan Tourism
covering the entire city of Jaisalmer and other major cites
of Rajasthan. The tour is a royal ride across the sand of the
vigorous desert foretelling the history of the rise and fall
of many Rajaputana Regeime.
Shopping
Shopping in Jaisalmer is a real pleasure, the main attractions
for the tourists in the market of the city are its textiles
embedded with mirror work, embroidery, and ornaments. The famous
shopping areas are Sadar Bazaar, Manak Chowk, Sonaron ka Bas,
Pansari Bazaar and the outlets run by Rajasthan Government.
Mode of Transport
Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur -285 km. The tourist
can board a flight to Jodhpur and can drive or take a train
to Jaisalmer.
Rail: Jaisalmer is connected with Jodhpur by night train
service .A meter- gauge line connects Jaisalmer with other important
cities of India.
Road: Direct bus services to Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner,
Ajmer and Jaipur are available from Jaisalmer.
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