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Introduction
Jaisalmer, exotic, remote,
and beautiful, is a bit of a paradox. Set so deep in the heart
of the desert that one would expect barren near-desolation,
this frontier town is today one of Rajasthan's best-loved
tourist destinations. Local colour and warmth prevail over the
inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town
with a special magic.
Jaisalmer was founded in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, a descendent
of the Yadav clan and a Bhati Rajput, on a hill called Trikuta
as the new capital of his territory. In medieval times, its
prosperity was due to its location on the main trade route
linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West.
The narrow streets in the old walled city still preserve a
traditional way of life with craftsmen still working at the
ancient crafts of weaving and stone carving, the making of
silver jewellery and embroidery. And the stately, nonchalant
camel is everywhere. Walking through Jaisalmer one ends up
savouring the medieval glory of old Rajasthan, a marvellously
rewarding travel experience.Winter is the perfect
time to visit for it is then that Jaisalmer's.
Jaisalmer is a combination of
culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a
memorable experience for the visitor.
Climate: Jaisalmer is given to extremities in weather.
With temperatures in summer ranging from a minimum of 20°C to
a maximum of 49°C, summers are not the preferred months for
travel. The winters though, with temperatures hovering between
maximum temperatures within mid twenties to 5-6°C at the
lowest are a great time to visit.
Best time to visit: An extensive green cover ensures a
pleasant season during spring and early winter. The best
season to visit the city though remains between October and
March.
Places of interest
Salem Singh Haveli
It is at an unhurried pace that the havelis (houses of rich
merchants) should be seen and admired. These havelis are the
pride of Jaisalmer architecture, a part of the national
heritage. Salem Singh haveli, at the eastern end of the city,
is an Arabian Nights structure, which, like a wild flower,
blossoms at the top. Salem Singh Haveli It is at an unhurried
pace that the havelis (houses of rich merchants) should be
seen and admired. These havelis are the pride of Jaisalmer
architecture, a part of the national heritage. Salem Singh
haveli, at the eastern end of the city, is an Arabian Nights
structure, which, like a wild flower, blossoms at the top.
Patwon ki Haveli
Near the city center is the Patwon ki Haveli, built by Guman
Chand Patwa and his five sons, dealers in brocade, gold and
silver embroidery with business stretching between Afghanistan
and China. The five suites built between 1800 and 1860 are
virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural
wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work
on brocade and gold. The balconies are so delicately chiseled
you would stand mesmerized by the splendor of it all,
particularly when viewed early in the morning or in late
afternoon. Oblique sunrays create enchanting and dramatic
shadows, highlighting the carving and infusing a new life of
its own. It is the grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, a veritable
museum piece in the open.
Nathmal Haveli
The third haveli belongs to Nathmal, a later day prime
minister who gifted it to the Rawal and was allowed to retain
it. Built by two brothers in 1885, this haveli has two
identical looking portions, which are in fact two different
parts united by a common façade. Look for the projected
balconies wh9ch seem to emerge from books of poetry. So
ethereal, so charming. The carving never looked better. A
perfect example of jeweler's art applied to stone carving. The
Muslim silavats (artisans) did a wonderful job here and left a
marvelous legacy of craftsmanship excellent in detail and
flawless in conception. If only for viewing these havelis a
trip to Jaisalmer is more than amply rewarded.
Special Festivals
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival -
Desert Festival, celebrated
in January/ February. The desert seems to bloom in a thousand
colours with the colourful costumes of the locals and the
decorations on the camels. There are camel races and folk
dances, craft bazaars and traditional ballad singing, a sound
and light spectacle on the sand-dunes of Sam on the full moon
night of Purnima; and all the colour and excitement of the
best in Rajasthan - folk dances, exciting competitions and
contests, especially the turban-tying contest , the
light-hearted Mr. Desert contest and camel races enhance the
festivities. |
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