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Jaisalmer- A Tour

Sights to see
economy
Transportation
FAIRS
Climate
Land  
HISTORY               

     

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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