Location
Located in the midst of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, Pakistan being the
neighbouring state.
Sonar Killa
The Golden City of Jaisalmer one of the last princely bastions in the
region. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the
amber-hued Jaisalmer Fort. The imposing fort of Jaisalmer etched in yellow
sandstone stands with all its awesome splendor, dominating the Golden City.
The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns
the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old
city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer Fort stands almost
30 metres over the city and houses an entire living and shopping area within
huge ramparts. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and
Hawa Pol. Also, within it are magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of
course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels and a group of Jain temples
dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries.
Jaisalmer was established on the cross - road of lucrative trade routes of
the late bygone era. But the advent of commercial shipping reduced the town
to relative obscurity.The place remained untouched for long period of
time.The remote settlement of Jaisalmer came to be celebrated for the valour
of its rulers, and for the architectural sense represented by their forts
and havelis. Veritable art - museums in the fort inhabits some of the most
unusual piece of art, once crafted by stone-craftsmen, who were engaged by
the rich merchant of the city.
Legend
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which,
lord Krishna- the head of Yadav clan foretold Arjuna that a remote
descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill,
His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156AD. When Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput
abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched
on the Trikuta Hill Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chief who lived
off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices
that crossed the territory en-route Delhi-or Sind. These seems to be
straight out of the "Tales of the Arabian Night ' still enchants.
Perfect Time to Visit
The colourful celebrations and festivals have placed Jaisalmer Fort firmly
on the world tourism map.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival
held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city echoes to the sound of melodious
Rajasthani tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and
contest, especially the turban raying contest - surely a not-to-be-missed
events.
Reaching Jaisalmer Fort
By Air : The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is Jodhpur. Indian
Airlines has regular flight service which connects Jodhpur with Delhi,
Jaipur, Udaipur & Mumbai.
By Rail : Jaisalmer is connected to Jodhpur by a regular train
service. Jodhpur has direct train connections with Agra, Ahmedabad, Delhi,
Jaipur,Jaisalmer and Udaipur. The city is also covered by the "Palace
on Wheels."
By Road : Regular bus services link Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Ramdeora
and Bikaner.
