The golden city was founded by Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of the Yadav, a Bhati Rajput in 1156 A.D. It was on the advice of a hermit Eesul, that he also shifted his capital from Lodurva. A legend goes that once when Lord Krishna had visited this place, had predicted that a Yadav would build his capital over here which would be formidable for centuries. Jaisalmer was well protected due to the hostile landscape and Bhati Rajputs, who are known for their valor and chivalry. They levied taxes on the caravans that traveled the ancient spice route on their way to Delhi and went on rampage over the nearby fortress acquiring huge wealth for the city. Thus not only the royalties but also the merchants benefited and they displayed their wealth in their havelis. The glory of Jaisalmer got affected with the advent of the sea trade. Today this desert city is famous for its intricately carved havelis and old Jain temples. The sand dunes make it one of the most important tourist destinations in the country.
The perfect time to visit is during the desert festival in January / February, when the city dances to the melodious rhythms.
Location: Jaisalmer a beautiful city with harsh climatic conditions is located in the heart of the Thar Desert. Rightly called the museum city Jaisalmer involves vivid visions of valor, chivalry and love.
Languages Spoken:Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Long Distance Code +91-2991
Importance: Famous for the Golden fort
Area :5.1 sq.kms.
Best Time To Visit: September To March
Jaisalmer Attractions:
Havelis
Intricately carved beautiful havelis are strewn all over Jaisalmer. Each has its own characteristics. Some of the important are:
NATHMALJI KI HAVELI: Carved by two brothers in the 19th century, the intricate architecture in stone is the epitome of beauty. The interior walls are adorned by the paintings in miniature style.
PATWON KI HAVELI: One of the most exquisite buildings in the walled city, which truly exemplifies the architectural style typical of erstwhile Rajputana. It is five storeyed and the extensive corridors and chambers are supported by intricately carved pillars.
SALIM SINGH KI HAVELI: Distinctive for its blue cupola roof, this extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered entirely with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top floor
Gadsisar Lake
This rain water lake was once upon a time a major supplier of water to the city. Today it has become favorite picnic spots. Sacred shrines and gardens flank the lake and a varied collection of birds can be spotted. Boating facility is also available.
Tazia Tower
From the Badal Vilas rises the delicate pagoda like structure of the Tazia tower. It is a gift to the city from the Muslim craftsmen, 'silvats' of Jaisalmer before they permanently migrated to Pakistan in 1947. This beautiful Tazia is ornately decorated and carried in a procession during Moharram.
Jaisalmer Fort
Housing in the entire township in its ramparts this huge golden fort gives a scenic view of the desertscape from its 80 meters high perch on the hill. It has a cobweb of narrow lanes with havelis, five interconnected palaces and three beautiful Jain temples dating back to the 12th to the 15th centuries.The golden fort built of sandstone on the Trikuta hill, seems like a majestic structure standing out of the sea of sand. The fort is protected by the rugged high walls and approachable only through four gates, namely the Akhaiy pol, the Ganesh pol, the Suraj pol and the Hava pol. The palaces built atop the main entrance form an imposing edifice crowned by a huge umbrella of metal mounted on a stone shaft.The fort also houses many old Hindu and Jain temples, beautifully carved havelis and the entire living area is well protected within the ramparts of the fort.
Desert National Park
The park set in the backdrop of rugged terrain with shifting sand dunes and scrub covered hills, it is an excellent example of desert eco system. Sand dunes constitute about 20% of the total park area, while the rocks and the salt lake form an appropriate dwelling for the Black buck and the Chinkara. The other animals found in this area are the desert fox, the Bengal fox and the desert cat.Sudhashri forest post is ideal place for watching the wildlife in the park. Birds like the Sand grouse, partridges, bee-eaters, larks and shrikes are also fund here. Demosille cranes also visit the park in winters, but the most important occupant is the great Indian Bustard, a tall and heavy bird with confidence and grace!
Total Rooms : 40
Star Category : 3
Hotel Deoki Niwas Palace is designed like castle and is built from Jurassic yellow sand-stone . It offers world class facilities and services, in order to make your holiday even more adventurous and luxurious.Deoki Niwas Palace is one of the finest Luxury Boutique hotel of Jaisalmer. With its well appointed guest rooms Deoki Niwas is the perfect setting for a memorable vacation in the Desert city of Jaisalmer. Here next to the walled city entry point, you will quickly discover the allure of the only " LIVING FORT" of Jaisalmer. Our location places us just minutes away from the host of attractions that continue to make Jaisalmer one of the nation's popular tourist destination.
Total Rooms : 91
Star Category : 3
Located in 6 acres of land, this princely home has an interior decor created by the genius of renowned opera designer Ms. Stephanie Engeln. Located in peaceful countryside just out side the golden city is this oasis of serenity & comfort.
Total Rooms : 31
Star Category : 4
Overlooking the town of Jaisalmer, Hotel Rawal-Kot is the perfect combination of modern comfort and fairytale medieval charm. Perched above the town and seemingly rising out of the rocks, the hotel offers postcard-perfect views of the 12th century Jaisalmer Fort as well as the setting sun. Inspired by the havelis of yore, the hotel's design offers a palette of local colors, materials, and fabrics.
Total Rooms : 83
Star Category : 3
The very name of this hotel is inspired by the influence of the desert. Gorbandh is a harness, which the desert women decorate for their husband's camel with any material they can find: cowry shells, beads, sequins, couloured threads and even buttons. The architecture of this Royal Retreat has been inspired by traditional Indian homes. The hotel organises desert camps with Rajasthan's celebrated folk music and dance around a campfire on starlit evenings at the sand dunes.
Total Rooms : 59
Star Category : 3
A modern hotel with a ethnic touch - a resort redefined, away from the clamous of the city - yet only ten minutes away from it all - Heritage Inn helps relax and get the maximum out of your vacation - while you are here enjoy sunbathing by the pool or live in rustic luxury of our air conditioned cottages, all of which opens up in the garden - a multi cuisine restaurant, bar and rajasthani folk music & dance by the camp fire under the clear desert sky at night completes a dream vacation.
