Tourist Attraction of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort is a magnificent monument in Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. Jaisalmer fort is also known as the "Sonar Quila" or the Golden fort. This fort was built by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD, on the highest point of the Tricuta hill.The architecture of the Jaisalmer fort is exquisite. The ramparts, bastions and the long stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at the sunset.
The fort is two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall which is 30 feet high. The fort has 99 bastion, out of which 92 bastions were built between 1633 and 1647. The fort stands almost 30 metres over the city and about one fourth of the population of Jaisalmer lives within the huge ramparts of the fort. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol.
Patwon ki haveli
Patwon ki Haveli is the largest and most elaborate haveli in Jaisalmer which stands in a narrow lane. This five-storeyed building is extensively carved and is known for its jharokhas (balconies). In the early 19th century, the family of Ghuman Chand Patwa, an extremely rich patwa (trader of brocades and expensive embroidery) began construction of this haveli. The construction of this haveli was undertaken by two architect brothers.
Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli. The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to be brothers. There is a very interesting story regarding its construction. It is said that the two brothers started building different facets of haveli simultaneously. In those days there were no such instruments, which could keep a track on continuity and thus when this building came up finally it had irregular shape. Barring that, this haveli is still considered the best in Jaisalmer in terms of grandeur.
Gadsisar Lake
Excavated in 1367 by Rawal Gadsi Singh, it is a scenic rainwater lake surrounded by small temples and shrines. Earlier, this lake was used to be the main water source of Jaisalmer.A manmade reservoir, the Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan was constructed by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer. In the later years Maharaja Garisisar Singh rebuilt and revamped the lake. Artistically carved Chattris, Temples, Shrines and Ghats surround the banks of Gadisar Lake Jaisalmer. Located towards the south of Jaisalmer city the entrance to the Gadisar Lake or Garsisar Tank is through a magnificent and artistically carved yellow sandstone archway that is known as the Tilon-Ki-Pol.
Jain Temples situated in the Jaisalmer Fort are a must visit site in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. You will find these temples to be very old and high pilgrimage as well as archeological value attached to them. These are a group of Jain temples dating back 12th and 15th centuries and are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankars (Hermits). On the walls of the temples, you can find animal & human figures, carved in famous Dilwara style.These temples are built in the Dilwara style that is famous all over the world for its architecture.
Sam Sand dunes is the most popular place to see the total sandy bush less desert. Sam dunes have a truly glorious stretch of sweeping sand dunes. The dunes touched by the wind, and therefore becoming as it were wrinkled, create a mystical picture. The best time to visit these sand dunes is during sunrise or sunset. By visiting the Sam Sand Dunes one can get an insight into real desert life.
Bada Bagh also called Barabagh (literally Big Garden) is a garden complex about 6 kms north of Jaisalmer on way to Ramgarh, and halfway between Jaisalmer and Lodhruva in the state of Rajasthan in India. It contains a set of royal cenotaphs, or chhatris of Maharajas of Jaisalmer state, starting with Jai Singh II.A descendant of Maharawal Jaisal Singh, the founder of the state and Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Jai Singh II (1688 – 1743), commissioned a dam to create a water tank during his reign in the 16th century. This made the desert green in this area.After his death on September 21, 1743, his son Lunkaran built a beautiful garden next to the lake and a chhatri (Hindi for cenotaph) for his father on a hill next to the lake. Later on, many more cenotaphs were constructed here for Lunkaran and other Bhattis. The last chhatri, meant for maharaja Jawahar Singh, dates from the 20th century and remains unfinished after Indian independence.
Wood Fossil Park
Wood Fossil Park is the place that takes you beyond History. It takes you back to the prehistoric Jurassic era, which is, hold your breath, 180 million years back! It is a fossil park where stood a forest 180 millions years ago. Then the area submersed in to the sea and the tree trunks got preserved in the form of fossils.The fossil trunks lie scattered in this park. Fossilized tree trunks are of various sizes with the largest being 13 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width. Covering about 10 sq. Km of bare hillside, the Fossil Park contains 25 petrified trunks, in total.
Khuri Village
Khuri Village of Rajasthan came into picture about 5 years ago and lies approximately 40 Kms South West of Jaisalmer. It is surrounded by Desert Hills. It is becoming a popular destination to those who are in search of traditional village life and wish to spend a night in thatched Huts.
Lodurva or Lodarva is a village in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, India. Situated 15 km to the north-west of Jaisalmer, it was ancient capital of the Bhatti dynasty till 1156 AD, when Rawal Jaisal shifted it to present Jaisalmer, when he founded the of Jaisalmer state.In the 9th century, Deoraj, a famous prince of the Bhati Rajput clan, captured Lodhruva from another Rajput clan and made it his capital.
Gopa Chowk is the central market square in Jaisalmer, which is famous for its sunset views. This market square is situated on the foot of the Golden Fort of Jaisalmer. The Gopa Chowk is located in the front of the first fort gate, Akhai Pol.
Mool Sagar is a popular attraction comprises a famous garden and tank that was built for cool summer retreat.The garden belongs to the royal family of Jaisalmer and is known for its Shiva temple. This temple is believed to have been constructed using two large blocks of sandstones.The entire Mool Sagar complex was built by Maharawal Moolraj II in 1815.There are several wells and a Raj Mahal in this Mool Sagar Garden. The palace walls are decorated with different paintings and murals. This garden complex also comprises three Jain Temples that are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars.
Jaisalmer Folklore Museum was founded in 1984 on the banks of Gadi Sagar. On display are artifacts ranging from ancient to recent folk arts that reflect the transition through the ages of Jaisalmer’s culture. For better presentation, there are six broad categories of rare folklore items of photographs, jewelries, paintings, costumes and hairstyles.
Chandraprabhu temple was built in 1509 A.D in the Golden Fort of Jaisalmer. It was one of the seven temples that were constructed during the 15th-16th century and are specifically dedicated to the 8th Tirthankara, Jain Prophet Chandraprabhuji. Apart from its religious significance, the temple is also know for beautiful Rajput style architecture in red stone especially the beautiful carvings, geometrical patterns and curved facades are well known. One of three temples constructed on the banks of Mool Sagar is Rishabhadeva Temple dedicated to Adinatha or Rishabh Dev, the first Jain Tirthankara. The temple is highly revered and is also known for its beautiful architecture. It was built in the 16th century and reflects the intricate expertise of the Rajasthani style. Imposing corridors and carved facades are splendid with a serene and pious atmosphere.
Shitalnath temple
Shitalnath temple was built during the 16th century. It is dedicated to the 10th Tirthankara, Jain Prophet Shitalnath and is a holy pilgrimage for followers of Jainism. The intricate sculptures and massive pillars are awe striking. The most attractive is the idol of Shitalnath which has been molded from 8 precious metals. Apart from the religious significance, the Rajput style of architecture draws tourists to the temple.
Shantinath temple is one of seven Jain temples within the Golden Fort. It was built in 1536 A.D and was built to worship the Jain thirtankar, Shri Shantinath. The beautiful idol of the saint has been majestically carved. The temple is known for its architecture and religious significance.
Tazia Tower of Jaisalmer is a five-storey building situated near the Badal Palace complex. This tower was the former home of the royal family of Jaisalmer. The intricate designs, minarets and architectural fusion of this tower make it one of the most attractive buildings in Jaisalmer.Each floor of this tower has a separate balcony with varied designs. The complete structure which is based on the shape of Tazia was built by Muslim craftsmen for the Hindu rulers in 1886.Tazia is said to be the replica of the mausoleum of several Imams. The Muslim artisans gifted this masterpiece to the imperial king Maharawal Berisal Singh. Tazia Tower was made using wood and thermocol, and is adorned by several carvings and colourful papers.
The Desert Cultural Center and Museum symbolizes the true artistic brilliance and craftsmanship of Jaisalmer. This museum was established in 1997 and has a wide collection of traditional instruments, medieval coins and ethnic artifacts.
The Government Museum ,established in 1984, this museum has a rich collection of marine and wood fossils. It also features some of the rarest sculptures from Kiradu and Lodurva townships of the 12th century.There are common marine fossils, limestone and sandstone that have been laid down during the prehistoric times in the sea. This fossil record represents various hard-shelled invertebrates and vertebrate animals. Further, the fossils of soft-bodied animals like worms and anemones can also be seen in the Government Museum.
Amar Sagar Lake
Amar Sagar Lake is a lake cum oasis, which lies adjacent to the Amar Singh Palace. This palace was constructed during the 17th century by Maharawal Akhai Singh in honour of his predecessor Amar Singh.There are pavilions with stairs near the palace that lead down towards the Amar Sagar Lake. The whole construction of this palace resembles pattern of apartments. It is a 5 storey building which is famous for its murals.This complex of Amar Sagar Lake and Palace includes various ponds and wells, along with an old Shiva Temple. Amar Singh, who was a great follower of Lord Shiva, built this temple in this complex. Surrounding this lake are varied figureheads of animals that have been carved in stone. As per legends, the carved figureheads are said to be the protectors of the royal family.
Pokaran, meaning ‘the place of five mirages’, is on the way from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer and can be reached within a couple of hours from Jaisalmer, by road. A remote place in the Thar Desert, it is most famous as the site for India’s first underground nuclear testing.
Khabha
Khabha is a small village almost 35 km from Jaisalmer. The main attraction here is the Khabha Fort which also has a Geological Museum. More than 50% of the village is uninhabited with ruins of houses more than 250 years old scattered around. The rural lifestyle of the native people can be seen here as farmers take out their herds for grazing and women milk the cows and prepare food on an earthen oven.
Around 25 km west of Jaisalmer, has an interesting historical background. It is a deserted village now and has remained that way for almost 200 years now. The houses, or the remains of them, depict a Hindu architectural style with an inner and outer courtyard, kitchen and stables as well as a ‘tulsi manch’.
The Laxminath Temple is situated inside the Jaisalmer Fort. It is dedicated to the goddess of wealth Laxmi and her husband Vishnu. Built in 1494, during the reign of Rao Lunkaran, it is one of the oldest temples in Jaisalmer. The idols inside the temple are believed to have been installed by Sen Pal Shakdvipi, a Brahmin.
The Maharaja’s Palace
The Maharaja’s Palace is situated within the premises of the Jaisalmer Fort, in the main square or ‘chowk’. Officially known as the Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre, it is popularly called the palace. The five storied building is known for its intricate details and architectural splendour. Handrails with latticed tops, intricately carved window screens and balconies are some of the things to look out for.
The rooftop provides 360⁰ views of Jaisalmer and the Thar Desert on a clear day. Inside the palace, to the left of the entrance is the marble throne of the maharaja from where he’d have addressed his subjects. Also on display are artefacts and objects like silver coronation throne, bed, dish, local stamps and banknotes, sculptures etc.
Ram Kund
Ram Kund is located 11 km away from Jaisalmer on the banks of the Kak River. There is a temple here which was built during the reign of Maharaja Amar Singh (1659-1701) by his wife Mansukhi Devi. The principal deity of the temple is Rama but there are idols of Ganesh, Mahishasur and Bhairu as well. There are some inscriptions on the walls and the Govardhan Pillar outside the temple which date back to the 18th century.
Trikuta Hill
Trikuta Hill is the place on which is perched the Jaisalmer Fort. It is believed that Krishna had forecasted to Arjuna that one of his progeny down the line would set up a kingdom on the hill. The prophecy came true when Rawal Jaiswal, who belonged to the Yadava clan of Krishna, shifted his kingdom from Lodurva to Jaisalmer in 1196 due to repeated attacks by foreign invaders. Jaisalmer flourished due to its strategic location on the trade route connecting Central Asia and the Far East. The legacy of the rich merchants and their havelis with intricately carved details can still be seen today inside the fort complex.