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JAISALMER
The
golden beauty, etched in yellow sandstone. Perched atop the Trikuta Hill, it
stands tall against miles of gleaming sand. Epitomising the desolate, awesome
charm of the desert. The
city of the golden fort is a fantasy in yellow sandstone in the heart of the
Thar Desert. The city was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput King.
Jaisalmer is
famous for cobbled streets, strewn with palaces, forts, temples and havelis.
Every house, here, is exquisitely carved, having filigreed work all over. These
houses date back to 12th – 15th century. And hence Jaisalmer is called ’the
Museum city’.
| Area
: |
5.1
sq. km. |
|
| Altitude
: |
225
metres |
|
| Climate
: |
Summer
41.6°C
(MAX) - 25.0°C
(MIN) |
Winter
23.6°C
(MAX) - 7.9°C (MIN) |
| Rainfall
: |
15
centimeters |
|
| Best
Season : |
August
- March |
|
| Clothing
: |
Summer
- Light tropical |
Winter
- Woollen Woollen |
| Language
: |
Rajasthani,
Hindi, English |
|
| |
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Nearest
airport is Jodhpur. Alliance Air has linked Jaisalmer to Delhi, Udaipur
and Jaipur through thrice-a-week connections. These are seasonable flights
which are operated only during the season (October to March).
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 |
Jaisalmer
is connected to Jodhpur by a broad gauge line via Phalodi on two-train
services, one a passenger and the other an express. It is an overnight
journey through some of the remotest, most desolate part of Rajasthan with
stations far and few in between.
|
 |
Jaisalmer
is connected by good roads to Udaipur, Mount Abu, Jaipur, Ahmedabad,
Jodhpur, Bikaner via Pokran and Barmer via Devikot.
|
Some
important road distances from Jaisalmer
|
JODHPUR |
285
km |
BIKANER |
330
km |
| DELHI |
880
km |
JAIPUR |
640
km |
The Jaisalmer Fort stands guard over the
deserscape from its 250 feet high
perch on the
hill with
its wall following the contours of the hills. The steep cobblestone
pathways leading to the royal palace pass through four gates. The sharp twists
and turns make the fort invincible. The fort has five interconnected palaces
with ’jaali’ screens and dainty ’jharokhas’ – all showpieces of
Jaisalmer artisans’ talent. (TIMINGS 8 AM to 6 PM)
ENTRANCE
FEE Rs. 50/- PER PERSON (CAMERA FEE Rs.50/- & VIDEO CAMERA Rs.100/-)
Gadsisar Lake, a rain water lake, adorned with an arched gateway. Many small shrines and
temples are festooned a11 around the lake. Today, it is an ideal picnic spot,
famous for boating.
Salim
Singh-Ki-Haveli,
Witness the legendary architectural wealth of Jaisalmer at Salim Singh’s
haveli, truly unsurpassed in splendour. Of particular note are the blue roof and
rows of peacocks below the arched balconies. The haveli was once the residence
of the Mohta family, ministers of Jaisalmer rulers.
ENTRANCE
FEE Rs. 40/- PER PERSON (CAMERA FEE N/A)
Patwon-Ki-Haveli, It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, not to be missed at all. This five
haveli wonder has its ceiling supported by exquisitely carved pillars and its
delicately chiselled balconies surely leave you mesmerised.
ENTRANCE
FEE Rs. 40/- PER PERSON (CAMERA FEE Rs.20/- & VIDEO CAMERA Rs.50/-)
Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli,
This haveli was carved by two brothers. One worked on right side and the other
on left, but the harmony in design exists still. Screened windows, projected
balconies and intricate carvings illustrate superb craftsmanship.
ENTRANCE
FEE Rs. 40/- PER PERSON (CAMERA FEE N/A)
Jain Temples, Within the citadel are the splendorous Jain temples, dedicated to
Rishabdevji, Sambhavnathji and Parshvanathji.
The Parshvanathji Temple is the
oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain temples. Human and animal figures are
carved on the walls of its sanctum and the rising dome or ’shikhar’ is
crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower. (TIMING 7 AM to
12 PM)
ENTRANCE
FEE Rs. 10/- PER PERSON (CAMERA FEE Rs.50/- & VIDEO CAMERA Rs.100/-)
Gyan Bhandar
(Library) part of the Jain temples, the library contains some of the oldest manuscripts
of India.
Lodurva, (18 kms) A trip to this important pilgrimage centre for
Jains, once the ancient capital
of Jaisalmer rulers, is a rewarding experience. A masterpiece of architectural
grandeur is ’Toran’ or the ornate arch at the main entrance with its
exquisite carvings. ’Kalpatru’ or the divine tree is another attraction.
ENTRANCE
FEE Rs. 10/- PER PERSON (CAMERA FEE Rs.50/- & VIDEO CAMERA Rs.100/-)
Sam Sand Dunes, (45 km)
No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a visit to the most picturesque dunes.
The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes create enchanting mirages – a
photographer’s delight. Various cultural programmes are organised against the
backdrop of these fascinating dunes. Adventure freaks can go out on a camel
safari - getting the real feel of the desert on the camel-back.
ENTRANCE
FEE Rs. 10/- PER PERSON (CAMERA FEE Rs.50/- & VIDEO CAMERA Rs.100/-)
The Wood Fossil Park, lying on the Barmer Road, takes you back to the jurassic period with
180 million year old fossils, which are the geological landmarks for the study
of the Thar Desert.
ENTRANCE FEE Rs. 20/- PER PERSON (JEEP, CAR TAX Rs.100/- COACH Rs.200/-
Desert National Park,
Come and see the rolling landscape of the Sam sand dunes. Head on for a wild
experience, as you may encounter the Indian Gazelle, Chinkara Eagle and exotic
avian variety in this 3000 sq. km. vast protected Biosphere Reserve. The park
lies to the south-west of Jaisalmer.
ENTRANCE FEE Rs. 100/- PER PERSON (JEEP, CAR TAX Rs.100/- COACH Rs.200/-)
Desert Festival,
(February) During the three
day long festival, Jaisalmer reverberates with music, colour and joy, displaying
its glorious past and rich culture. Under the full moon, the vigorous folk
dancers sway to the enchanting music. The turban tying contest and Mr. Desert
contest add to the enthusiasm. A trip to Sam sand dunes, where one can view folk
musicians performing and even enjoy a camel safari, marks the finale of this
colourful extravaganza.
Dates
14 - 16 February 2003
04 - 06 February 2004
21 - 23 February 2005
10 - 12 February 2006
Shop
for exquisitely carved wooden boxes in tiny curio shops
Traditional rugs, hand-woven blankets and shawls in typical
Rajasthani colours and weave are also available. Mirror work,
embroidered articles, silver jewellery, trinkets and curios are
other buys of Jaisalmer.
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HERITAGE
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DELUXE
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STANDARD
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Jawahar
Niwas Palace |
Fort
Rajwada |
Gorbandh
Palace |
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Heritage
Inn |
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Dholamaru |
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Himmatgarh
Palace |
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Rawalkot |
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Rajwansh
Resorts |
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For
further information and reservation please contact
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