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Jaisalmer- A Tour

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The western most citadel
of the desert, Jaisalmer has an ancient history linked with its
development as a trading centre. Parts of its 'golden' fort continue
to be inhabited and its cobbled streets lead through a journey of
medieval enchantment. Jaisalmer is celebrated for the exquisite stone
carved havelis or mansions of the merchants who held the reins of its
destiny.
Languages :
Hindi, English, Rajasthani, Marwari
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Sights to
see
Salim
Singh Ki Haveli
:This haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still
occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the
capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully
arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. The
mansion is just below the hill and it is said that once it had two
additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the
maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down.
Nathmal Ji Ki
Haveli :Two
architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly,
while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the
left and the result is a symphony epitomising the side by side
symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style
monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of
yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.
Patwon-Ji-Ki-Haveli
:This is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in
Jaisalmer and stands in a narrowlane. It is five storey high and
is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two
owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who
operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of
paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some
mirrorwork.
Jaisalmer Fort :
Jaisalmer Fort is the most alive of any museum, fort or palace
that you are likely to visit in India. It was built in 1156 by the
Rajput ruler Jaisala. About a quarter of the old city's population
resides within the fort walls. The fort is entered through a
forbiddingseries of massive gates leading to a large courtyard.
Desert National
Park :The
Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem
oftheThar desert and its rich fauna. The Sudashri forest post is
the most ideal place for observing wildlife in the the Desert
National Park. Sand dunes form less than 20 percent of the Park
which consists of craggy rocks, pavements and compact salt lake
bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes. Its inhabitants
include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox,
hare and desert cat. Flights of sandfrouse start coming to
waterholes from sunrise onwards. One also hear the morning call
of the grey partridge. Blue tailed and green bee eaters,
drongos, common and bush quail and Indian rollers are birds
which are commonly found around waterholes.
Haveli
Museums :
Several owners of private havelis and the Department of
Archaeology have taken over the task of preserving the work,
murals, wall paintings and art treasures in most of the noted
havelis. Of special significance are the painted murals in
'Patwari ki Haveli' and its specially polished pillars
supporting a 5-storey high ceiling. 'Salim Singh Ki Haveli' has
an arched blue roof and a surfiet of peacock shaped brackets.
Gadsisar Lake :Built
by a courtesan, it used to be the main source of drinking
water in the olden times. Today, an arched gateway leads to a
small tank flanked by shrines and well laid out gardens and
flower beds. A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful
shrines around. The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.
Jain
Temples:
Being the financers of Rajputs, the rich and influential Jain
community was given full religious liberty; and they built many
temples in and around Jaisalmer. With in the fort walls are a
group of beautifully carved Jain Temples dedicated to Rikhabdev
and Sambhavanth.This group of fine Jain temples were built in
the 12th to 15th century within the Jaisalmer Fort. They are
beautifully carved . The Gyan Bhandar, a library containing some
extremely old manuscripts, is within the temple complex. The
temples are open till 12 noon. There are also Shiva and Ganesh
temples within the fort, which also close at 12 noon.
Lodurva
-:
Northwest of Jaisalmer, Lodurva is an important centre of
Jain Pilgrimage. It was the Lodurva Fort that Rawal Jaisal
abandoned and shifted to his new capital. Ruins of the
ancient township can be seen here.
Tazia
Tower:
The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal
Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five tiered splendour,
with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony,
the tower is of historical significace. Muslim craftsmen
built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted it to their
royal patron.
Shri
Ramdev Temple:,
Ramdevra A wonderful pilgrim centre which symbolises
national unity and communal harmony as devotees of all
religions come here to pay homage.The majestic Shri Ramdev
temple at Ramdevra, Runicha, 13 kms from Pokram in
Jaisalmer district, houses the shrine of Ramdev. He is
believed to have been incarnated on earth for the benefit
of humanity and was born in the houses of Ajmalji in the
Tomar Rajput family. Since childhood, he performed many
miracles ans won the hearts of the people. He also
performed a miracle before him. He is also believed to
have killed a domon called Bhairav. Ramdevji chose
Ramadevra as the place where he attained a Samadhj and
went into a divine state of meditation. Nevertheless many
people claim to have seem him on horse-back. Fairs are
held here twice a year when people flock to the temple and
chant the glory of Ramsa Pir, so that their prayers may be
answered. Many cultural events are also organised during
this fair.
Khuri
Village Tours
:The
thar desert second biggest desert in the world is spread
from Sriganganagar to Barmer belt of about 1000 Kms and
Jaisalmer lies in between.
Khuri
Village of Rajasthan:
came into picture about 5 years ago and lies approximately
40 Kms South West of Jaisalmer. It is surrounded by Desert
Hills. It is becoming a popular destination to those who
are in search of traditional village life and wish to
spend a night in thatched Huts. We invite you to
experience the real Romance under the starlit night at
Khuri. We take you to the huge sandunes on a camel back to
witness the spectacular Sunset behind the Golden desert
followed by bar-be-que dinner around the camp and folk
dances - An experience to Remember
Sam Sand
Dunes(42 km):
No
trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most
picturesque dunes of Sam. The ripples on the wind
-caressed dunes, that create an enchanting mirage, are
surely a delight for a trigger -happy photographer.
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Economy
Major Crops and
their Production:Production:
1999-00, (Tonnes), Jowar 510, Guar seed 3,398, Wheat 42,766, Rapeseed
& mustard 58,186, Groundnut 382,
Gram 3,253
Minerals:Mineral Production: 1999-00, (Tonnes), Limestone
10,63,000, Gypsum 41,527, Silicious earth 6,000, Marble 8,000, Sand
stone 9,000, Felespar 233
Yellow sand 191
Infrastructure
Electricity: One
gas based power project is being implemented at Ramgarh with initial
capacity of 3MW which now has got the sanction for increasing the
capacity upto 160 MW. There are 518 village, of which 252 are
electrified upto 31 March 2000.
Water: The
water level in the district varies from 30 metres to 130 metres. Till
now, the Feeder Canal and the main canal having the length of 204 km.
and 445 km. long distributary system and the water in the main canal
has reached upto Mohangarh of Jaisalmer district.
Educational
Facilities/Institutions:(Nos) Colleges 2, Secondary and Higher
Secondary Schools 42, Middle schools 159, Primary schools 741, ITI 2
Industrial Scenario:At present there are two industrial area in
Jaislmer district located at Jaisalmer and Pokaran. Jaisalmer district
is none amongst the industrially backward districts of the State is
categorized as 'No Industry District' (NID). The economic activities
in the district are picking up steadily mainly with the development of
tourism industry. There are 1208 Small Scale & Cottage industries
registered in the district with capital investment of Rs.53.46
million.
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Transportation
and Communication
Road Transport: Being
the border district, the district possesses very good road network and
almost all the towns and most the important places are well connected
with the district Headquarter. The total length of the road network is
1574.5 km.
Rail Transport: Being
the district of strategic importance, it also has a good rail network
of 128 km. of length with 8 railway stations.
Air Transport: The
district is linked by air with Jaipur.
Communication
Facilities: (Nos), Post office 157, Telegraph offices 27,
Telephone exchanges 22, Public call offices 374
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Fairs
Camel
Fair: The
most famous of the local festivals is the camel fair that is held
during the winter season of the year. Camel dances, camel races,
folk dance, and music are some of the major attractions of this
place. It is also known as the desert festival.Gair dancers from
Jaisalmer perform at one of the several melas or fairs in the
desert. These events provide the occasion to combine commercial
activities with pilgrimages and social interaction.
Maru
Mahotsava: 14 - 16 February 2003:Kacchi
Ghori Dancers:The dancers all men, ride mock wooden horses
and brandish swords in mock battles. A singer and a musician
accompany them
LocalFestivals :Holi
(March),Gangaur (March-April)Dusherra (October-November),Baba Ramdeo
fair (1.August-September & 2. November-December).
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CLIMATE
Climate and Rainfall:The
climate of the district is dry, The mean temperature is 26.5 degree
celsius, The average normal annual rainfall is 23.3 cms
Temperatures in summer:
41.6 degree C 25.0 degree C
Rainfall: 15 Cms
Best seasons:
Augast-March
Climate :Mean
Max. Mean Min.
Summer :41.6
degree C 25.0 degree C
Winter :23.6
degree C 7.9 degree C
Clothing :Summer :Light Tropical,Winter : Woolen
Best Season :
Augast-March
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Land
Area:38,401
sq. km. (11.22 per cent of the State)
Location:Jaisalmer
is the Westen most district of Rajasthan as well as that of India. It
extends from 26.01 degrees to 28.02 degrees North latitude and from
69.3 degrees to 72.2 East longitude. The district is bound by Pakistan
on its North and West, Barmer on South, Jodhpur on East and Bikaner on
North-East.
Distance from
major Cities:Jaipur-558 Kms, Delhi-864 Kms, Ahmedabad-626 Kms,
Mumbai-1177 Kms
Area : 5.1
Sq.Km(City)
Altitude :
225Mts.
Latitude : 26.55
N
Longitude :
70.57 E
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History
JAISALMER
was founded by king Jaisal in 1156 AD. This is the ninth Capital of
Bhati Rajput. He was a king of Lunar Dynasty. A couplet runs in
favour of nine capitals as Kashi, Mathura, Prayagbad, Gazani,
Aur Bhatner, Diggam, Derawar, Ludravo, Navemo, Jaisalmer.
The history of Jaisalmer is not more than three thousand years
old. It is a history of struggle & scarcity. A
geologist survey proved that 180 millions years ago the land was
under the sea. Slowly it receded towards the Arab sea & earth
appeared, so the desert formed. It is proved by Ammonites & wood
fossils & proved by carbon datas.
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