The name JAISALMER evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences, even during the days of the Raj. Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British.

Very few cities can boast of the magnificence that surrounds Jaisalmer. There is a fort that seems to rise out of a desert haze, its yellow sandstone walls and bastions taking on a golden hue in the afternoon sun, which is why it is aptly called Sonar Kila or the Golden Fort.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Best seasson- October to March
Altitude - 242 meters
Climate- Extremely hot
summers - max: 47C (!)
Winters - min: 15C
Distances by Road Jodhpur - 285 kms. Bikaner - 350 kms.

PLACES OF INTEREST

JAISALMER FORT
The fort stands about 100 meters over the city and in fact houses a citadel within its huge ramparts. Walking down the narrow cobbled stone lanes, one can feel the sheer magic of Jaisalmer. Several entrances called Pols , including the Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and the Hava Pol guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal which were occupied by the royal family. Outside the fort is the main market place called Manek Chowk. From Manek Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelis are to be found.

Jaisalmer is famous for its intricately latticed havelis with conspicuous facades.

SALIM SINGH KI-HAVELI
This haveli was the residence of the powerful Mohta clan - the hereditary ministers of the Jaisalmer rulers. The blue cupola roof is distinctive and an exquisite projecting balcony adorns the top storey.

PATWON-KI-HAVELI
This is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. It is five storeys high and extensively carved.

NATHMALJI-KI-HAVELI
One very interesting fact about this haveli is that its two sides were carved by two brothers. Although the motif used by one is not similar to the other, they are in harmony. One has to look very closely to spot dissimilarities. The excellent craftsmanship of the stone carver is illustrated in the gossamer quality of the screened windows.

TAZIA TOWER
The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a beautifully carved balcony.

The Parswanath Temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures. There is a small dome which is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower.

GADSISAR LAKE
A rainwater lake, now a picnic spot - ideal for boating.

Once the capital of Rawal Jaisal, Lodurva now has ruins of the ancient townhip. It is an important center of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at Lodurva exhibit some more fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow stone.