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India » Jaisalmer
 City Guide
 
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According to legend, Rawal Jaisal laid the foundation of this ancient city in AD 1156 as per the prophecy of the hermit Eesul on the Trikuta Hill. Aeons have gone by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting winds of time. The city, with its extreme climate and heart-wrenchingly beautiful sights, leaves a lasting impression on every mind. Home to India s only living fort , the city has a rich and varied heritage waiting to be explored.
Jaisalmer has the distinction of being situated on the ancient silk-route, where in the past rolling caravans of camels carried precious cargo of silk, spices, camphor, ivory, sandalwood, gold, silver and opium to the farthest corners of Central Asia. The rich load of goods were plundered and looted by the ancestors of the Rathore and Bhatti clans of Jaisalmer. The retribution was swift and resulted in many bloody battles and terrible jauhars, which left the city scarred and devastated. Yet it rose like a phoenix from its ashes, time and time again.
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AIR
Indian Airlines has flights between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur (Rs 1,705), Jaipur (Rs 3,275), Mumbai (Rs 5,200) and Delhi (Rs 4,195). Indian Airlines have an office in the grounds of the RTDC Hotel Moomal Palace. Additionally, at certain hotels there are Travel Desks which will book air tickets for you.
Airport
The Jaisalmer Airport is 5 km from the city centre and is managed by the Indian Air Force and is in the cantonment area. Note: The airport is operational only during the season (September-March).*However, please note there are no flights operating to Jaisalmer from anywhere at the present moment.
RAIL
Jaisalmer is accessible from Jodhpur by the IJPJ Express and the Jodhpur Express, both of which are daily trains. It is possible to connect to further destinations from Jodhpur. There is a Railway Reservation counter at the Railway Station and the timings are 0800-2000 hrs Railway station: The Jaisalmer Railway Station is a 10-minute drive from Gadi Sagar Pol.
ROAD
Jaisalmer is well-connected to Bikaner and Jodhpur by good, motorable roads. There are luxury buses plying between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaipur. The main Bus Stand is located at a short distance from the Railway Station. However, all major buses start from a Bus Depot, which is adjacent to the Hotel Neeraj, in the city centre.
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Climate
Jaisalmer is a typical desert with dry, hot summers and high chilly, windy winters. The summer temperature ranges from 41°C to 25°C and the winter highs and lows are 23.6°C and 7.9°C.
STD CODE
02992
Population
2,324,319
Languages
Hindi, Rajasthani, and English
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Jaisalmer Fort
A vision in sandstone wrought from shimmering yellow fabric, set against the backdrop of the fathomless azure sky, the Jaisalmer Fort creates an image of sheer magic. Standing impressively at a height of 100 m, with 99 bastions, the fort-complex that houses 3000 people living within its ramparts, is one of a kind.
Tazia Tower
The delicate pagoda-like tower built by the Shia Muslims before they left the city, rises searing the skyline above the Badal Mahal (cloud palace). A gracefully curved balcony on each story compliments the five-tiered structure with ornate carvings. The tower is significantly a replica of the "tazia", a bamboo, paper and tinsel bier, carried during the Moharram procession.
Havelis
Salim Singh-Ji-Ki-Haveli: Was the residence of the powerful Mohta family, who were the ministers of Jaisalmer s ruling family. The Haveli is graced with an ornamental blue cupola-roof, above an intricately carved façade with beautiful balconies.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli: One of the largest and most heavily-worked havelis that rises five storeys high and was the residence of the richest merchants of Jaisalmer
Nathmal-Ji-Ki-Haveli: Built by two brothers of the same family, the two sides exhibit different styles of carving, however meld perfectly to form an amazingly lovely haveli. The gossamer-like appearance of the carved screens showcases the talent of the carver.
Jain Temples
The Jains were the rich financiers of the Rajputs, hence they wielded immense power and clout especially with regard to religious matters. They built numerous temples in and around the city, however, the temple-complex within the fort of seven temples dating back to the 12th & 14th centuries are truly a marvel of architecture. The Parasvanath Temple holds the distinction of being the oldest as well as the most stunning of all the temples.
Gadsisar Lake
A large, placid rainwater lake, bordered by lush greenery. The clusters of small temples and the quaint museum on the periphery of the lake are well worth a visit and have tales rich in folklore.
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Lodhurva
Situated 15 km north-west of the city, stands the deserted ruins of the ancient capital-city of Jaisalmer. The city was founded by the Lodra Rajputs and handed down to the Bhatti Devaraja in the 10th century. Worth visiting are the exquisite Jain Temples which were rebuilt in the late 1970 s.
Sam Sand Dunes
Situated 42 km from Jaisalmer at the periphery of the Desert National Park are the rolling dunes of Sam. Usually suggested is a short jeep safari (1 hr approximately) till a point where you mount your camel for an hour-long safari into the desert. The camel stops at Sam and you watch the sun saying farewell to the desert in a burst of colour set to the melodious strains of the local musicians.
Bada Bagh & Chattris
Situated 7 km north of Jaisalmer, the Bagh is an oasis with a huge dam. Raja Jai Singh II built this dam and after his death his son gave it the finishing touches. Above and around the dam are gardens with chattris of former rulers. Though the statues/cenotaphs have fallen into ruin their ethereal beauty cannot be denied.
Mool Sagar
Situated 9 km west of Jaisalmer is this quaint but rather neglected garden and tank. This is the private property of the royal family and was their summer retreat. The lemon groves house a Shiv Temple, which is much revered.
Kuldhara
It is a 400-year old village, which was deserted by the villagers and later re-inhabited. This rural shelter is situated 25 km north of Jaisalmer and is a popular stop for the regular camel treks.
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Jaisalmer is famous for its tie and dye fabric, embroidery, mirror-work, old stonework, blankets, leather goods etc. Some of the famous shopping areas are ? Khadi Gramudyog Bhavan at Dibba Para; Rajasthani Handicraft Emporium at Amar Sagar Gate & Gandhi Chowk; Light of the East at Jain Temple Lane.
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