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About Rajasthan >> Rajasthan Destinations >> Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Tourism
Regarded as the western sentinel of India, Jaisalmer is one of the most favoured tourist destinations in Rajasthan, India. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage, Jaisalmer was founded by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in the year 1156. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with all its awesome splendor, dominates the amber-hued city.
Holidays in Jaisalmer offer tourists an enchanting world of fable, colour and history. The golden rays of the setting sun, the colourfully adorned locals, the massive forts and mansions, the extremely fascinating craftsmanship, Rajput havelis, all these make Jaisalmer a must visit destination during vacations in Rajasthan.
Moreover, the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer, during the months of January and February, is a good enough reason to travel to Jaisalmer. This is the time when the golden city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities. Colorful craft bazaars and the sound and light spectacle organized with folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous sand dunes on the full moon night surely is not-to-be missed.
Attraction in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort: The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis, three beautifully sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways - Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.
Manak Chowk: The main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis (palaces).
Gadsisar Lake: A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.
Tazia Tower: A pagoda like structure looming up from the 'Badal Mahal' with beautiful 'Taazias'- ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier, carried out in procession during Moharram by the Muslims.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture display sheer craftsmanship. The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.
Patwon -ki-Haveli: The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli: This 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer's Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh, the haveli has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notable of the array of havelis.
Jain Temple: The Jaisalmer Fort has three exquisitely carved Jain Temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars - Rishabhdev, Sambhavnath and Paraswanath.
Gyan Bhandar or Library: Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of Jain Temples.
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