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Jaisalmer
Nestled amidst miles and miles of sands, deep in the heart of Thar,
is the beautiful city of Jaisalmer-an emerald that evokes sheer magical
brilliance against the backdrop of a vast arid landscape. A city fortress
bright and imposing in yellow sandstone that takes on a golden hue
with every setting sun. Around the fort complex are the charming ‘havelis’
of wealthy Jain merchants, add to the glow of this medieval city.
It was in 1156 that Jaisalmer came into being as part of King, Rawal
Jaisal’s new city after he abandoned his old fort at Lodurva.
Founded on the crossroad of lucrative trade routes, this remote medieval
settlement is famous for the valor of its rulers and aesthetic palaces
and havelis, gorgeous sand dunes and exotic camel safaris. |
| GENERAL INFORMATION : |
Area : 5.1 Sq. Kms.
Temperature
Summer :Max 46.0 C Minimum 34 C
Winter : Max 14 0 C Minimum 14 C
Altitude : 793 Metres |
| PLACES OF INTEREST : |
| Jaisalmer is a place where one can enjoy the past in bounty.
Checked in at the City Fort that opens to an entire living area
dotted with magnificent palaces, mansions, museums and famous Jain
temples. Manak Chowk and Havelies, is the main market place outside
the Fort complex. It forms the gateway to visit the beautiful havelis
of the famous Jain merchants of medieval time like Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli,
Patwon-Ki-Haveli and Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli. The Gadsisar Lake is
another important destination ideal for boating. Around the lake
are many small shrines and is also a favorite bird watching spot.
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| EXCURSIONS : |
| Just 16 km to the west, the old city fort Ludruwa is an important
tourist site. It is also a pilgrimage center of the Jains. The high
ornate arch at the temple entrance with splendid carvings and the
divine tree ‘kalpataru’ invites a major attraction among
visitors. Wood Fossil Park (Aakal) is another attraction 17 km away
from the city, where you can discover the geologic cataclysms taken
place in Thar 180 million years ago. Again the golden hued Sam Sand
Dunes simply take you to a new delight as you pass through it on
camel back. Beside the Desert National Park, Amar Sagar, a splendid
palace by the lake, Bada Bagh, Mool Sagar and Barmer along with
Camel Safaris and colorful Desert Festivals you have a lot to explore.
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| ACCESS : |
- By Air One cannot fly to Jaisalmer. Jodhpur is the nearest
airport at a distance of 500km away and after that you need to
catch a bus or train.
- By Rail From Jodhpur there is a direct overnight train
to Jaisalmer, except on Wednesdays. The journey takes approximately
ten hours and you are advised to pack food and something to drink
for the trip as what’s on offer may not suit you. The Palace
on Wheels is the most luxurious way to travel to Jaisalmer, here
you travel in true style surrounded by the ambience of palace
comforts.
- By Road Jaisalmer is 897km from Delhi; 621km from Jaipur;
390 km from Jodhpur; 500km from Ajmer, and 330km from Bikaner.
Most of these places are connected to Jaisalmer by National Highway
No 15 and getting there is simply a case of hiring a car and driving
the distance yourself or bargaining with a taxi driver to take
you there.
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| LOCAL TRANSPORT : |
| The city of Jaisalmer is small and can be covered within a couple
of hours by local transport or bicycle. Or you can walk as nothing
is too far, here. |
| SHOPPING : |
| Jaisalmer is famous for its embroidery and other exquisite handicrafts.
Just outside the fort is Manak Chowk, the marketplace of Jaisalmer,
famous for local products and a great place to get into the Indian
way of shopping and do a spot of bargaining. Jaisalmer is also a good
place for buying exquisitely embroidered garments with inlaid mirror
work in a brilliant mosaic of colours or silver jewellery, stonework,
finely cut antiques. carpets made from camel hair, and colourful silk
and cotton cloth.
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