Indian Cities & Destinations - Comprehensive guide to
cultural heritage of India where you discover art & craft, dances,
music, costumes, and languages of India.
Golden
splendour amid the desert, 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. Jaisalmer, 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’.
Jaisalmer is an
important destination of the western state of India, Rajasthan. A desert
city, it was founded by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in the year
1156. Jaisalmer could be regarded as the western sentinel of entire
India and a place worth visiting to get an idea of the native Rajasthan.
Located at the heart of the great Thar Desert, it offers the visitor an
enchanting world of fable, colour, and history.
Moreover, the
magnificent wood-and stone-carved mansions and buildings display the love
and interest Rajputs had for the fine arts. The desert festival held here by
the end of the winter season, during the months of January and February,
attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. The golden rays of
the setting sun, the colourfully adorned locals, the massive forts and
mansions, the extremely fascinating craftsmanship, Rajput havelis, all these
make Jaisalmer a place of must visit in Rajasthan.
 Major
Attractions of Jaisalmer |
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Jaisalmer Fort : Renew yourself amid the past galore,
as you visit the commanding Jaisalmer Fort. The fort stands guard over the
desertscape 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.
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.
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