Jaisalmer : The Golden City
AppId is over the quota
Tucked away in the Great Indian Desert (Thar), near the Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan, lies the Golden City of Jaisalmer. A major tourist destination known for its cultural extravaganza, Jaisalmer is located in the middle of the desert - full of smooth, golden sand. Jaisalmer was one of the most famous royal cities of Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer is named after its founder - Rao Jaisal. Jaisalmer means 'The Hill Fort of Jaisal'. A part of Gujarat in the olden days, Jaisalmer never became a direct part of any of the Islamic Sultanate because of its geographical positioning. But Jaisalmer paid annual tributes to the Sultan of Delhi, and one of its Princesses was married to Mughal Emperor Akbar, thereby ensuring good relations with Mughals.
Today, Jaisalmer thrives on tourism industry. The major tourist attraction is the Jaisalmer Fort, built in the year 1156 by Bhati Rajput ruler Jaisal. Situated on the Trikuta Hill, Jaisalmer Fort has witnessed many a battles. A city famous for its havelis, Jaisalmer is home to havelis like Patwon-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji-ki-Haveli which are known for their different architectural styles.
Other attractions in Jaisalmer are the temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankars like Shambhavdevji Temple, Rikhabdevji Temple and Astapadhi Temple among others. The artificial lake Gadsisar in the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is home to many migratory birds and the pride of Jaisalmer. Desert National Park, in Jaisalmer, is home to Indian Bustard - an endangered bird species.
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from October to February. The Desert Festival of Jaisalmer, a yearly extravaganza, held over three days in January, provides an insight into the folk culture of Jaisalmer. Its sand dunes, Jain temples, magnificent palaces and colourful art and craft attract people from far and wide to Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer is well-connected to other parts of Rajasthan and the country by road and rail. Air travel is also possible, but there are only limited flights. The nearest domestic airports to Jaisalmer are Jaisalmer (300 km) and Jaipur (558km), while Delhi (864 km) is the nearest International Airport. Buses and Taxis are available in plenty to reach Jaisalmer from the airport and station. The entire city can be traveled on foot from one end to the other. Bus, auto rickshaws and Camels (tickets to be booked in advance) are other options to travel within the city. Camel safaris are also available from Bikaner to Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer offers excellent accommodation facilities for all. Jaisalmer has a wide variety of hotels ranging from Budget Hotels to Mid-range to Luxury Hotels and Resorts that offer world-class facilities to its customers.
With its golden sand, magnificent havelis, lakes, temples, art and rich folk heritage, Jaisalmer exudes a magical touch that leaves one spell-bound.
Category Article Golden, Jaisalmer
