Jaisalmer
Bhatti
Rajput Rawal Jaiswal founded Jaisalmer as his new Capital
in 1156 AD. In the midst of the Thar desert, Jaisalmer
served as a gateway for the Indian silk and spices going
to Sindh and further west during the medieval period.
When other routes developed in course of time, it lost
its eminence. Today what beckons one to the place is the
ancient palaces, havelis and the temples. The desert festival
of Jan-Feb is the ideal time to pay a visit. There will
be craft bazaars, camel races and folk dances.
The Fort: The fort has four gateways.
One can see the palaces, the famous havelis and the Jain
temples around the fort. Gadsisar Lake: A rain-water lake,
it is a picnic spot Other Sites: Manak chowk, Tazia tower,
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim Singh-ki-Haveli,
Jain temples
EXCURSIONS: Lodurva (16 km), the
ancient Capital of Jaisalmer. A divine tree called Kalpataru
is an attraction; Sam sand dunes (42 km), noted for camel
safaris and attractive dunes; Wood fossil park (17 km),
the place was under the sea once upon a time and hence
is important for geological study; Desert national park
(45 km); Amar Sagar 5 km); Barmer (150 km), known for
its handicraft items
HOW TO REACH: The nearest airport
is at Jodhpur, 285 km. There are trains and buses connecting
Jaisalmer with all major towns. Local transport: Autorickshaw,
taxi, jeep.
SHOPPING: The exclusive shopping
items are embroidery works, wooden items, silver jewellery.
The main shopping centre is Manak Chowk.
FAIRS and FESTIVALS: The Desert festival,
Jan-Feb, craft bazaars, camel race, folk dance and fire
dance are the main attractions.
CLIMATE: Summer, 25 to 45 deg C;
winter, 7 to 24 deg C; Best season: Oct-Feb
CLOTHING: Light cotton in summer
and woollen in winter
LANGUAGES: Rajasthani, Hindi and
English
