CITIES IN INDIA >> jaiselmer
About Jaisalmer

Unlike any other city, this desert fortress is one of Rajasthan's most exotic and unusual towns. Jaisalmer, an important ancient trading centre because of its strategic location on the camel trade routes, is often described as the 'golden city'. The havelis, built by merchants of the 19th century, are exquisitely carved from golden-yellow sandstone and are still in a beautiful condition. The fort built by Rawal Jaisal in the 12th century, stands on the 80 metre high Trikuta hill, with beautifully carved Jain temples. The annual desert festival take place in January and February each year and is a riot of colour and activity. Jaisalmer is also famous for its embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antique, stonework and camel safaris into the barren sand-duned desert.


Places to See :

The Jaisalmer Fort

The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desert escape from its 80 meter high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has an enchanting cow-web of narrow lanes dotted lanes doted with some lovely havelis, three beautiful sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century A.D. and five interconnected palaces.

The fort is approached through four gateways-Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol Suraj pol and hava Pol. Manak Chowk and Havelis : A main market place outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes doted with famous havelis.


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 processing during Moharram by the Muslims.


Nathmal ji ki Haveli
Patwa ki Haveli
The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right wings of the mansions, which were carved by two brothers, are not identical but very similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.

The most elaborate and magnificient of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers.
One of the apartments of this five story 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 Salim Singh, has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superby 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 notables of the array of havelis.


Jain Temples
Gyan Bhandar of Library
The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain temples dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara-Rishabdev, Sambhavnath and Parswanath.

Some of the oldest manuscripts of India are found in this library established as a part of jain temples.


Fairs & Festivals of Udaipur :

The Mewar festival
Gangaur Festival

March-April is the ceremonial welcome to spring and is dedicated to goddess parvati.
A procession of colourfully attired women women, carrying images of the goddess to the Gangaur Ghat of the Lake Pichhola is the major highlight songs dances and firework displayas mark the festivals.

March-April is popular among women who pray to the goddess Parvati. A procession caparisoned horses and elephants accompanying the image of Lord Shiva is the major attraction. Teej in july-Agust is the festival celebrating th advent of monsoon.