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 aisalmer, a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the
desert, is one of the last princely
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bastions in the region. Local colour and warmth prevail over the
inhospitable and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a
special magic.
Located on the lucrative trade route, that carried spices and silks in
medieval times from Arabia, Persia and Central Asia to India, this
fairy tale town came to be celebrated for the valour of its
rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and
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havelis. Jaisalmer is also known as Golden City, as all the
palaces, havelis,
houses including the enchanting fort are made of golden sand stone. This
amber-hued city, surrounded by golden sand dunes, dazzles gloriously in
the early morning. And in the evening, when sky goes up in flames inviting
the starlit night to descend, the glory of the town reaches to its peak.
Certainly, A sight to behold!
One of the main attractions of Jaisalmer is the imposing 12th century
Jaisalmer Fort. This architectural feat rises like a mirage from the
barren Thar Desert of Rajasthan, with its 99 bastions silhouetted against
the sky. Within its monumental walls stand intricately carved sandstone
palaces, temples and havelis (merchant houses), alongside traditional
adobe homes. |
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living Fort with some 2000 inhabitants is perhaps the world's only fort
where medieval patterns |
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of life
still prevail.
The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer
are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city. The skilled
stone-craftsmen built these sandstone mansions with great delicacy,
filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate
pavilions and beautiful balconies. Today, these veritable art museums are
still inhabited, and their colourful celebrations |
and
festivals have placed Jaisalmer
firmly on the world tourism map.
And, of course, the romantic sand dunes of Sam village, 42 km from
Jaisalmer, is the most popular excursion. It's best to
be here at sunrise or sunset. Many camel safaris spend a night at the
dunes. Just before sunset jeep loads of trippers arrive from Jaisalmer to
be chased across the sands by tenacious camel
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owners offering short
rides and young boys selling soft drinks.
Yes, this place has become a great tourist attraction. So don't set your
mind for a solitary desert sunset experience. Despite the tourist frenzy
however, this place offers a bewitching
sight of setting sun over the golden sand dunes.
The life of Jaisalmer
comes to its full swing with the full moon in January/February every year.
This is the time of spectacular
Desert festival, full of music and
festivity. This three days festival |
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attract thousands of
tourists from all over the world. The Desert City rejoices along with the
rhythmic dances
- Ghoomar, Gangaur, Gair, Dhap, Moria, Chari and Terahtal and famous fire
dance. Interestingcontests including a turban-tying competition and a Mr. Desert
contest further enhance the fun of the occasion. A trip to the Sam sand
dunes marks the grand finale, where one can enjoy camel rides and
brilliant performances by the folk artistes under the full moon against
the backdrop of picturesque dunes. Surely a not-to-be missed event. |
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USEFUL INFORMATION |
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Getting there &
away |
Nearest airport is Jodhpur, which is connected by air with Delhi,
Jaipur, Udaipur and Mumbai. By
train, it is well linked with Jodhpur and other major cities.
A Good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with Jodhpur and many other
destinations in and around Rajasthan. |
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Further Connections |
Manvar, Jodhpur, Luni, Rohetgarh, Khimsar, Bikaner |
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Temperature
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Summer:
(Max.) 46 degree C, (Min.) 25 degree C
Winter: (Max.) 26 degree C, (Min.) 9 degree C
Best time to visit From October till February. |
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Cloths
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Summer-
Cottons
Winter- Woolens |
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Places to visit
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Jaisalmer Fort,
Jain Temples, Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli, Nathmal ki
Haveli, Gadisar lake, Bada Bagh & Cenotaphs, Sam Sand Dunes, Lodhruva.
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Things to buy
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Rajasthani mirror
work, Tie-dye and other fabrics, rugs, blankets, old stonework, silver
items, and antiques
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TOURS TO JAISALMER |
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