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JAISALMER
Jaisalmer was founded in
1195 A.D. by Rao Jaiswal. It is deep in the heart of thar desert, abounds in ancient
palaces, temples and quaint settlements. As the sun sets, the sandstone
buildings emit a lustrous glow, that makes jaisalmer the " Golden City". Its earlier capital was "ludurva".
A marvel of beautiful
culture and harsh climatic conditions, it is located in the heart of the arid waste
of the thar desert. Rightly called the " Museum City", it invokes vivid
visions of love, velour and chivalry.
WHAT TO SEE
JAISALMER
FORT
Like yellow sandstone fabric that seems to emerge skyward from the
golden sands, echoing the color of the desert, this 12th century fort has
proudly withstood the ravages of time. it stands almost 100 meters over
the city and also houses an entire living area within its huge ramparts. It
is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and Have Pol are
other main entrances which guards the Megh Darbar and Jawahar Mahal. Within
the fort, is a palace located on the highest point of
tricuta hill, four gateways provided protection to the fort.
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HAVELIS
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli :-
This haveli was carved by two brothers in 19th
century. Although the motif used by one is not similar to the other, they are,
nevertheless, in perfect harmony. One has to look very closely to spot any
dissimilarities. Intricate
architecture in the stone is the epitome of skill and
beauty. Painting in the miniature style adorn the interior walls. Yellow sandstone elephants guard the building, and even the front door is an amazing
piece of art.
Salim Singh ki Haveli:-
Distinctive for its blue cupola
roof, this extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered entirely with intricate
carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony adorning the top story. This, built
about 300 years ago, was the residence of the powerful Mohta
Clan- the hereditary ministers of the jaisalmer rulers.
Patwon-ki-Haveli:- Located in narrow alley and five stories
high, with extensive corridors and chambers all supported by exquisitely carved pillars, it
is one of largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer.
Gadsisar Lake :
A rain water lake, now a
picnic spot ideal for boating. all around the lake are many small shrines and
temples and a variety of birds can be seen here.
JAIN
TEMPLES :
Parswanath Temple:-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. The shikhara, is
crowned by an amalak, and a water pot containing a lotus flower.
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Lodurva Jain Temple:-
15 km from Jaisalmer, are the deserted ruins of this
town, which was the ancient capital, previous to Jaisalmer. It is an important
centre of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at Lodurva exhibit fine examples of
intricate craftsmanship on yellow stone. They have ornate carved arches at the
entrance, and a Kalputra, the Divine - Tree, within. In the temple, is a hole
from which, a snake is said to emerge every evening, to drink an offering of
milk. Only the ' blessed' can actually see it, it is said.
Desert National Park:
45 Km The Desert National
Park, with its rolling landscape of sand dunes and scrub covered hills commands
a panoramic view. An extensive variety of desert bird life, ranging from birds of
prey to sand goose, doves, shrikes, bee-eaters, warblers and desert coursers,
are to be found in the National Park. The most remarkable bird of the desert,
the Great Indian Bustard can also be sighted here.
Rawal Kot:
Click on the
image for details
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