GENERAL INFORMATIONAltitude :
236.53 mtrs.
Best Season : July to March
Rainfall
: 31.87 cm
Clothing : Summer light tropical or cotton
Winter Woollen.
Season : October to March
The
city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord
Krishna, the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna, one of the Pandava
brothers of the Mahabharata that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would
build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156
AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput,
abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched
on the Trikuta Hill. Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who
lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and
spices that crossed the territory en route to Delhi or Sindh. These caravans
earned the town great wealth. Chivalric rivalry and ferocity between various
Rajput clans was the order of the day and the Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer
were regarded as a formidable force throughout the region. While Jaisalmer
largely escaped direct conquest by the Muslim rulers of Delhi, it did
experience its share of sieges and sacking with the inevitable jauhar
(collective sacrifice) being declared in the face of certain defeat. For
years Jaisalmer remained untouched by outside influences and there is
perhaps no other city in which one can conjure up the spirit osf those time
Places to see The Jaisalmer Fort :
Jaisalmer Fort is the most alive of any museum, fort or palace that you
are likely to visit in India. It was built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler
Jaisala. About a quarter of the old city's population resides within the
fort walls. The fort is entered through a forbidding series of massive gates
leading to a large courtyard.
Gadisar Lake : Gadisar Lake
is a man-made lake constructed by Maharaja Gadsi Singh Ji in 1367. It is
very scenic, with numerous temples around the lake and one in its centre. An
ideal place for boating. It used to be main source of drinking water. There
are many small shrines & temples festooned all around the lake attracts
gateways
The Havelis of Jaisalmer : AJaisalmer has some of
the most exotic mansions or havelis in India. Intricately latticed and with
conspicuous facades, these are quite unique. Tradition determined that prior
to a Hindu wedding, the front wall of the bride's house was painted with an
image of Lord Ganesh. The paintings have considerably expanded in theme.
Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli : One very interesting fact about this
late 19th century haveli is that two brothers carved its two sides. Although
the motif used by one is not similar to the other, they are in harmony. One
has to look very closely to spot dissimilarities. The interior walls are
ornate with splendid miniature paintings.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli
: This is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. It
is five storeys high and extensively carved.
Excursions
from JaisalmerBada Bagh : A fertile oasis on the bank of an
vegetable are grown here. Surrounded by dense trees are the royal cenotaph
with beautifully carved ceiling and equestrian statues of the former rulers.
Sam Sand Dunes : Located at a distance of 42 kilometres
from Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is the closest point to witness the total
sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the
shifting sands and air. Moreover, Sam Sand Dunes also provide you with an
unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset
Desert
National Park : It preserves the eco-system of the desert within its
confines. The Monitor lizards, desert foxes, porcupines, occasional wolves
and black bucks, and the Great Indian Bustard (a protected bird ) are found
here, forming an ecological chain revolving around cactii and other hardy
desert plants.
Camel SafarisAn
intriguing way of exploring the vast desert around Jaisalmer, is the Camel
Safari - a prime attraction for visitors. Most safaris last 3 to 4 days, and
thread their way through Amar Sagar, Ludharva, Mool Sagar, Bada Bagh and
Sam, as well as several abandoned villages on the way. The best time for a
safari is October to February.
How to Get There
Air:Jodhpur (285 km) is the nearest airport.
Road:
Regular bus services link Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Ramdeora and Bikaner.
House
Boat