Visit Jaisalmer - The Golden City Of India

By Author: Robert Parker
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JAISALMER TRAVEL AND TOURISM OVERVIEW:
Jaisalmer is also known as the Golden City because of the honey color imparted to its stone ramparts by the setting sun. Founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer lies near the extreme western edge of Rajasthan. Its array of sandstone buildings are surrounded by the stark Thai Desert and illuminated in a gold hue by the penetrating sun. Jaisalmer is different from all the other cities of Rajasthan and is worth a visit if you want to see a different side of India and take a camel safari. Jaisalmer is defined by its carved spires and palaces, and the massive sand-castle-like fort that towers over the imposing wall that encircles the town.

LOCATION:
In the north Indian state of Rajasthan. 663 km (412 mi) northeast of Udaipur, 285 km (160 mi) northeast of Jodhpur, 570 (353 mi) west of Jaipur.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND SIGHTSEEING IN JAISALMER:
Jaisalmer, being a popular tourist attraction, each year, a large number of tourists come here from all around the world. Some of the most popular tourist attritions of Jaisalmer are:-

Jaisalmer Fort:
What's ...
... extraordinary about this fort is that even today, 5ooo people live here, just as they did centuries ago. It is 100 meters over the city and is protected by a 30 feet high wall and contains 99 bastions. The Jaisalmer Fort walls have a magnetic charm that speak to you in an indefinable language and acquaint you with royal intrigues as you walk past the rooms, hallways, halls and other interesting places within the fort.
Jain Temples:
Within the Jaisalmer fort are the Jain Temples built in the 12th to 16th centuries, which house thousands of carved deities and dancing figures in mythological settings. Constructed in the style of the Dilwara temples, the Jaisalmer Jain temples are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Sambhavnathji. The Ashtapadhi Jain temple is also worth visiting.

Patwon-ki-Haveli:
The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.

Nathmalji-ki-Haveli:
This Haveli was carved in the late 19th century by two brothers, each working independently on his own half, the design is remarkably harmonious, though you can spot small differences.

Salim Singh-ki-Haveli:
This haveli was built in 1815 and has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notable of the array of havelis.

Tazia Tower Jaisalmer:
Tazia Tower is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaisalmer. It is situated in the Badal Palace complex near Amar Sagar Gate. These were the homes of the former royal family. The Tazia tower is a 5-storied structure where each story has significance in its own. On each floor there is a balcony that is famous for their individual designs. They are made of wood, thermocol and colored papers. The architects gifted it to the then royal patrons.

Gadsisar Lake:
This freshwater lake built in the 12th century, is surrounded by numerous golden-hue shrines. It is now a picnic spot, ideal for boating. Jaisalmer is a remarkable travel and tourism destination.

EXCURSIONS:
Ludarva Temples (16 km), Wood fossil park (17 km), Amar Sagar Lake (7 km), Bada Bagh (6 km), Desert National Park Jaisalmer (4o km), Khuri sand dunes (40 km), Mool Sagar(8 km) and San Sand Dunes (42 km).