North India Tourist Destinations
Jaisalmer - Land of Fort & Palaces |
  
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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