Jaisalmer

The sparkling yellow sand of the Thar Desert under the scorching hot rays of Sun and the yellow colored mud huts paint the city in golden hues nicknaming it as 'Golden City'. It is like the city straight out of the famed Arabian Nights.

Jaisalmer's desert landscapes and heritage sights like the imposing citadel of Jaisalmer, its ravishing havelis, captivating temples, charming palaces and the vibrant bazaars. These sandstone structures seem to echo the chivalry, romance and sacrifices of the Bhatti Rajputs that inhabited this desert land.

History:
Jaisalmer was founded by Maharaja Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput king, in 1156, on the advice of a sage. Since then it saw many empires fight for its acquisition due to its secure location as well as importance for being on a trade route to Persia, Egypt and Africa. The city has amassed ample wealth by taxing goods passing from the route. This led to many lootings in the 13th and 14th century, especially when Turk-Afghan ruler Ala-ud-Din Khilji took siege of the fort for nine years. Before accepting the defeat, the Rajput women performed Jauhar and committed mass suicide.

Later Shah Jahan bestowed the city's patronage to Sabala Simha after witnessing his strength and ability in the Battle of Peshawar. Jaisalmer lost its importance as a trade centre after losing many of the trade routes to Pakistan and the coming up of Mumbai port.

Orientation:
Jaisalmer is situated amidst the Thar Desert in the western part of Rajasthan. It is situated at a distance of around 550 km from Jaipur and 860 km from Jaipur. Its prima dona attraction, the golden fort, is located at the heart of the city. The old city used to be protected by an encircling wall which is now in ruins. The main market of Jaisalmer, the Bhatia Market, is located near the fort.

Information:
At Gadi Sgar Road is located the Tourist Reception Centre which provides answers to all the tourism queries as well as city maps and brochures. Bank of Baroda and State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur along with LKP Forex and SP Securities exchange currencies as well as traveler cheques. The main post office is located at Hanuman Circle Road.

Sights:
Jaisalmer Fort:
Situated atop the Trikuta Hill, this golden castle has long been a focus of many empires in the pages of history. The fort was built by Rajput ruler Rai Jaisala in the 12th century, after shifting his capital from Lodurva. It is a living fort as a major part of the Old City's population still resides within the fort walls. The huge castle features several palaces, royal chambers and Jain temples showcasing Islamic craftsmanship within its mighty bastions and strong barricading walls.

Havelis:
Encapsulating the passion of wealthy merchants for rich and exquisite residences, are the beautifully sculpted havelis, situated just outside the fort. The most precious and renowned gem among these havelis is the Patwon ki Haveli, which was built between 1800 and 1860 by five rich Jain brothers. Other beautiful havelis include the names of Salim Singh ki Haveli and Nathmal ki Haveli.

Gadi Sagar:
Enveloped in the picturesque surroundings is the artficial reservoir known as Gadisagar Lake. It was built by in 1367 by Maharaja Gadsi Singh, after whom the tank has been named. At the tank gate called Tilon ki Pol, a Krishna temple was built to save it from being pulled down, since the gate was built by a renowned prostitute.

Museums:
A good collection on information about the Rajasthani culture in the form of textiles, musical instruments and old coins is displayed at the Desert Culture Centre and Museum, situated near the Tourist Reception Centre. You can also enjoy a puppet show here that takes place every evening at 6.30 pm. Another interesting collection of artefacts can be observed at the Government Museum, near RTDC Hotel Moomal.

Activities:
In the sandy deserts of Jaisalmer, camel treks are a must for the tourists to experience. After tiring wobbly movements in the dry weather, your body would call for a massage. For a perfect ayurvedic massage, treatments and steam baths you can go to the Ayurveda Hub & Research Institute or the Baiju Ayurvedic Beauty Parlour.

Sleeping:
Being a favored tourist destinations, the city has many accommodation options, both in the town area as well as within the fort, but try not to stay inside the fort to contribute in the structure's preservation. Some of the top- end hotels in the town are Hotel Kila Bhavan, Fort Rajwada, Jawahar Niwas Palace and Hotel Rawal Kot.

Eating:
Trio is an upmarket food joint at Gandhi Chowk, which serves tasty Indian as well as continental food. Another good option at Gandhi Chowk itself is Saffron. Within the fort, some of the good food joints include Krishna's Boulangerie, Ristorante Italiano La Purezza and Point Roof top Restaurant. For home made Indian food, you can try out Vyas Meal Service.

Shopping:
Jaisalmer is famous for mirrorwork, stonework, embroidery, antiques, blankets, tie and die fabrics, traditional rugs and silver jewelery. You can pick some of the colorful handicrafts from Sadar Bazaar, Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazaar and Sonaron ka Bass, which are some of the shopping areas located withing the fort itself.

Getting There & Away:
Air: Since Jaisalmer Airport is seldom opened for service, you will have to catch a flight from the Jodhpur Airpot, which is 300 km from Jaisalmer.

Train: Jaisalmer is connected by the special luxury train 'Palace on Wheel'. Trains are also available for Jodhpur and Delhi from here. A reservation office is located at the train station.

Road: State run as well as private buses for various destinations like Jodhpur, Bikaner, Barmer, Jaipur and Ahmedabad are available form the Roadways Bus Stand, located ear the train station.

Getting Around:
From Gandhi Chowk Stand you can hire a jeep or bicycle to explore the nearby areas of Jodhpur. A full day sightseeing on jeep will lighten your pocket by Rs 1000. An autorickshaw ride from the fort to Gadi Sagar will cost you around Rs 20.