Sunday 22 April 2012

Dharti Dhora Ri Padharo mhare des

Rajasthan Tourism 

           
                                                
                                               
                                           

                                                                                 
 
                           
                          JAISALMER
Jaisalmer is the true mirror of Rajasthani culture       
               Jaisalmer is the proud of our Indians.
Jaislamer shows us the old but beautiful culture  of the history of ancient India
Jaisalmer also called 'the golden city'. It is 575 kilometers west from the Jaipur. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone, crowned by a fort, which contains the palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples are finely sculptured. It lies in the heart of the Thar Desert 
and has a population of about 78,000. It is the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District.Jaisalmer is named after its founder Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king in 1156 AD. "Jaisalmer" means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal". Jaisalmer is sometimes called the "Golden City of India" because the yellow sand and the yellow sandstone used in every architecture of the city gives a yellowish-golden tinge to the city and its surrounding area.It is the largest district of Rajasthan and one of the largest in the country. The breadth (East-West) of the district is 270 km and the length (North-South) is 186 km. On the present map, district Jaisalmer is bounded on the north by Bikaner, on the west & south-west by the Pakistani border, on the south by Barmer and Jodhpur, and on the east by Jodhpur and Bikaner Districts.
                                 Contents
Desert Festival Jaisalmer
 History of Jaisalmer City
 Photo Gallery of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Travel Tips
Jaisalmer at a Glance
 Clothes to Wear in Jaisalmer
 Communication in Jaisalmer
 Jaisalmer Cuisines
 Entertainment in Jaisalmer
 How to Reach Jaisalmer
 Ideal Time to Visit Jaisalmer
 Local Transportation in Jaisalmer
 Location of Jaisalmer
 Major Holidays in Jaisalmer
 Money Exchangers in Jaisalmer
 Nightlife in Jaisalmer
 Shopping in Jaisalmer
 Jaisalmer Weather
 Where to Eat in Jaisalmer
Excursions Around Jaisalmer
Amar Sagar Lake
 Bada Bagh Jaisalmer
 Desert National Park Jaisalmer
 Wood Fossil Park Jaisalmer
 Khuri Sand Dunes
 Lodurva Jaisalmer
 Mool Sagar
 Phalodi Travel
 Sam Sand Dunes
Safari in Jaisalmer
Camel Safari in Jaisalmer
 Jeep Safari in Jaisalmer
Attractions of Jaisalmer
Desert Cultural Center Jaisalmer
 Gadsisar Lake
 Jain Temples of Jaisalmer
 Jaisalmer Fort
 Tazia Tower Jaisalmer
Havelis of Jaisalmer
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
 Patwon Ki Haveli
 Salim Ji Ki Haveli Jaisalamer
           

Jaisalmer Travel Tips

Like any other city in the world, it is essential to know a few bits of information about Jaisalmer before you plan your journey to the city. These small things are very important and in fact these traveling tips can help you avoid getting to the wrong side of the situation. These traveling tips are a must read and can prove handy for your Jaisalmer trip.

Jaisalmer has a hot and arid climate and is very hot in daytime during the summers but as the night falls, typical of the deserts, the temperature cools down dramatically. Therefore the clothes must comply by the weather condition prevailing at the time of the visit.

The city is easily accessible by both Railways as well as Roadways and is full of moderate as well as high-end accommodation facilities.
            
                                        History   
The History of Jaisalmer has a charm of its own. Like all other cities of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer too has its own glorious past to boast about. History of Jaisalmer draws heavily from the history of the Rajputana. The city is said to be founded by one Raja Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput ruler, in approximately 1156 A D. Legends go by that he did it on the behest of a local hermit named Eesaal. The raja choose Trikut hill as the new site for his fort. This was because he thought that his previous abode at Luderwa (16 km from present Jaisalmer) was vulnerable towards possible enemy assault.

In medieval times, Jaisalmer continued to be on the focus of the masses because of its location. It falls in the way of one of the two routes, which connected India from Persia, Egypt, Africa and the west. The Bhatti Rajput rulers were still in line. They were the sole guardian of the city and thus mustered enough wealth through taxes levied on the passing caravans, of which there was no scarcity.

For many years Jaisalmer remained out of bound from the foreign rulers partly because of its location and partly because of its relief. In the mid Thirteenth century, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Turk-Afghan ruler of Delhi laid the siege over the city. He was apparently upset with the Bhatti Rajput rulers because they stopped and looted one of his caravans containing royal coffer which was on its way to Sind. The siege lasted for around 9 long years and when the fall seemed eminent the Rajput womenfolk of the city committed Jauhar (self Immolation to avoid disgrace).

It is said that Duda, the son of Raja Jaisimha, fought vehemently in the battle but was overpowered after the fierce hand to hand combat. He died fighting. His descendants continued to rule the city. Though they had a cordial relation with the Mughal rulers in Delhi, they fought unsuccessfully with Emperor Humayun. Emperor Shah Jahan gave the right of governance to Sabala Simha, who had the royal patronage and had shown remarkable valor to win the Battle of Peshawar.

 The majority of the inhabitants of Jaisalmer are Bhati Rajputs, named for Bhati, who was renowned as a warrior. This area was part of Gurjar - Pratihara empire and until the 11th century was ruled by a powerful Bargujar King. Deoraj, a famous prince of the Bhati family, is esteemed the real founder of the Jaisalmer dynasty, and with him the title of rawal commenced. In 1156 Rawal Jaisal, the sixth in succession from Deoraj, founded the fort and city of Jaisalmer, and made it his capital as he moved from his former capital at Lodhruva (which is situated about 15 km to the north-west of Jaisalmer). In 1293, the Bhattis so enraged the emperor Ala-ud-din Khilji that his army captured and sacked the fort and city of Jaisalmer, so that for some time it was quite deserted. Some Bhatti's migrated to Talwandi, now Nankana Sahib in Distt. Nankana Sahib (Punjab, Pakistan) and others settled in Larkana (in Sind, Pakistan)under the name of Bhutto. In Nankana Sahib, the Bhatti Clan can be traced from the lineage of Rai Bhoe and Rai Bular Bhatti. After this there is nothing to record until the time of Rawal Sahal Singh, whose reign marks an epoch in Bhatti history in that he acknowledged the supremacy of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

 The Jaisalmer princes had now arrived at the height of their power, but from this time till the accession of Rawal Mulraj in 1762 the fortunes of the state rapidly declined, and most of its outlying provinces were lost. In 1818 Mulraj entered into political relations with the British. Maharawal Salivahan, born in 1887, succeeded to the chiefship in 1891.
Jaisalmer was one of the last states to sign a treaty with the British. During the British Raj, Jaisalmer was the seat of a princely state of the same name, ruled by the Bhati clan of Rajputs. The present descendant is Brijraj Singh. Though the city is under the governance of the Government of India, a lot of welfare work is carried out by him and his family. The Royal Family still commands a lot of respect from the people.
 
Jaisalmer has an average elevation of 229 metres (751 ft). It is situated near the border of India and Pakistan in West Rajasthan, and covers an area of 5.1 km². The maximum summer temperature is around 41.6 °C (106.9 °F) while the minimum is 25 °C (77 °F). The maximum winter temperature is usually around 23.6 °C (74.5 °F) and the minimum is 7.9 °C (46.2 °F). The average rainfall is 150 millimetres (5.9 in). Highest ever recorded temperature was 48.0 °C (118.4 °F) and the lowest ever recorded temperature being −5.9 °C (21.4 °F).
                                                  WHERE AS

Jaisalmer is almost entirely a sandy waste, forming a part of the great Indian desert. The general aspect of the area is that of an interminable sea of sand hills, of all shapes and sizes, some rising to a height of 150 feet (46 m).
                                          
 Those in the west are covered with log bushes, those in the east with tufts of long grass. Water is scarce, and generally brackish; the average depth of the wells is said to be about 250 feet (76 m). There are no perennial streams, and only one small river, the Kakni, which, after flowing a distance of 48 kilometres (30 mi), spreads over a large surface of flat ground, and forms Lake Orjhil ("The Bhuj-Jhil"). The climate is dry and healthy. Throughout Jaisalmer only raincrops, such as bajra, jawar, motif, til, etc., are grown; spring crops of wheat, barley, etc., are very rare. Owing to the scant rainfall, irrigation is almost unknown.
                                       BHUJ JHIL

Attractions of Jaisalmer

Attractions of JaisalmerSituated amid picturesque Thar Desert, the Jaisalmer city commands premiere position among the tourist attractions scattered all over Rajasthan. The Jaisalmer city is revered both by Indian as well as foreign tourists.

Who would have dreamt in such a vast sand oasis a castle worthy of an ancient throne, such an art in carven work of stone? It is like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile terrain not withstanding the warmth and color of people is simply over whelming.

Like various other cities of Rajasthan, in Jaisalmer too you will find different facets of its own glorious heritage too. Tough you can find historical monuments scattered all over the city, the Jaisalmer Fort will immediately command your attention. Made of sand stones and locally known as Sonar Quila, the Jaisalmer Fort is a dominating structure between the sands. The Jaisalmer city is also revered for its Havelis. Among many of them you will find Salim ji ki haveli and Nathmal ji ki haveli as the most striking. There are other monuments too, which are equally important because of there distinct and individual architecture. The amalgamation of ancient and the medieval era architecture will catch your fancy.

Had enough of architecture jargons, move out of it. Visit Gadsisar Lake and take a close look on the migratory birds as they indulge in amorous fight. Or else visit Desert Cultural center to take a sneak peek of Rajasthani culture. There is enough to keep you busy for days in Jaisalmer itself.


Desert Cultural Center Jaisalmer | Gadsisar Lake |
Jain Temples of Jaisalmer | Jaisalmer Fort | Tazia Tower Jaisalmer
 Havelis in Jaisalmer
Tourism is a major industry in Jaisalmer.

Safari in Jaisalmer
 
The Government of India initiated departmental exploration for oil in 1955-56 in the Jaisalmer area. Oil India Limited discovered natural gas in 1988 in the Jaisalmer basin.
                                              
Musicians and dancers are also a major cultural export from Jaisalmer to the rest of the world. Manganyar musicians have played the world over, and Queen Harish, the dancing desert drag queen, is touring the world and has featured in national movies.
                                      
Jaisalmer is also known for its leather messenger bags, made from wild camels native to the area.
                                 .
While Jaisalmer may always have been remote, it is filled with many artistic structures and monuments of local historical importance. Jaisalmer's medieval mud fortress and walled township make it a popular tourist destination.
                          
 The surrounding desolate landscape evidences a stark, austere beauty. Camel safaris through the nearby desert dunes are popular with tourists; competition for business is fierce. A few quiet days spent wandering around the town and the surrounding desert can be a wonderful way of unwinding from the chaos of larger Indian cities

Safari in Jaisalmer

 
Lonely roads, scarce life, no vegetation; where are we? Amid deserts where the horizon meets, you and only you remain. A camp in the lap of nature: so barren yet so subtle. You have all the time in the world to spend on yourself. Precious time, which you yearned for…

A proper camel Safari in the Desert can only experience all these. The thought finding oneself between the sea of sand is itself mesmerizing. The hobbies of royalties of Rajasthan have come within the reach of the masses. A large number of travel agents and tour operators in Rajasthan organize camel safaris. Jeep safari is also worth taking in Jaisalmer if you are a fun loving and adventurous creature.

Jeep safari is usually affordable and is generally done on 4X4 open Jeeps. These are powerful machines and are fit for long excursions such as Sam Sand Dunes and Phalodi. You can opt for the same in the Desert National Park too. 
                                                     

 

Excursions Around Jaisalmer

aThe outskirts of Jaisalmer are no less than Jaisalmer when it comes to splendor. Want to loose yourself in the desert, come to Sam Sand dunes. Stay in the camp in solitude and just look at the sun setting behind the horizon. Or else you can also opt for Khuri sand dunes if you want yourself to get pampered by Rajasthani hospitality. Listen to local folk music and enjoy authentic Rajasthani cuisine. Visit Lodurva, the ancient capital of the Bhattis and appreciate the Dilwara style paintings scattered all around the ruins.

If you are a history freak then opt for Amar Sagar or Bada Sagar and live the rich cultural heritage once and forever. Want to wind the clock backward! Visit Fossil Park and let your geological part take the initiative. Are you a conservationist? You can try your hands at the Desert National park or opt for Phalodi if you prefer extreme solitude. There is so much to see and explore in Jaisalmer! Apart from Jaisalmer, you can also visit other tourist attractions of Rajasthan such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ranakpur.


Amar Sagar Lake | Bada Bagh | Desert National Park Jaisalmer | Wood Fossil Park Jaisalmer | Khuri Sand Dunes | Lodurva Jaisalmer | Mool Sagar | Phalodi Travel | Sam Sand Dunes

Havelis

 

Havelis of Jaisalmer

The city of Jaisalmer has witnessed different forms of architecture in different eras. The ancient times saw dominating Rajputana architecture where as the medieval period witnessed the fusion of Rajputana and subtle Islamic architecture. It is this era that saw the construction of most of the Havelis. Haveli is places, which served as the residence of Wazirs i.e. ministers and landlords. Usually they are very big and have lots of rooms and open space.

There is no dearth of Havelis in Jaisalmer as the place has witnessed many wazirs and Landlords. The most famous among these is Patwon Ji ki Haveli. This Haveli was the first in Jaisalmer that is why it has greater significance. This Haveli became the pioneer of the constructions in Jaisalmer. Patwon Ji ki Haveli is actually the collection of 5 small Havelis.

If you want to witness the continuity in design, you will have to visit Nathmal Ji ki Haveli. Take a close look at the subtle fusion of Rajasthani and Islamic school of architecture. It is a Haveli constructed by two brothers. There are interesting stories related to its construction. They give an insight to the then prevailing forms of Architecture.

Last but not the least among major Havelis is Salim Ji ki haveli. Built in 1815, this Haveli is famous for its unique architecture based on the Peacock. Have a view of the city from one of its numerous balconies and you will get the real picture of the bustling city.

Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli | Patwon Ki Haveli | Salim Ji Ki Haveli Jaisalamer
 Havelis in Jaisalmer

The main havelis in Jaisalmer are:
  • Patwon-ki-Haveli: Guman Chand Patwa (and later by his five sons), a wealthy merchant belonging to powerful Oswal Jain community and banker who had over three hundred trading centres from Afghanistan to China. This ornate five-storey complex took fifty years to complete. This is the largest, the most magnificent, and the most elaborate of Jaisalmer havelis.[9]
                                           
                                              
  • Salam Singh-ki-Haveli: It was built by the scheming Prime Minister Salam Singh in 1815. It has a beautifully arched roof capped with blue cupolas and carved brackets in the form of peacocks.
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  • Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: Built by a Prime Minister of princely state of Jaisalmer. Its facade is a riot of ornamentation: flowers, birds, elephants, soldiers, a bicycle and even a steam engine.
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