Heritage Jaisalmer - The City Of Golden Dunes

Jaisalmer, one of the last princely citadels in the state of Rajasthan is located in the heart of Thar desert, was once illustrated for heroism of Rajput rulers. Jaisalmer was spotted by huge palaces and havelis, made up of sandstone, delicately and intricate ornamented façades and balconies usually made up of gold or silver or other fine twisted wire. Jaisalmer fort in the midst of numerous forts and palaces stand tall and speaks gallantry of erstwhile rulers.

Jaisalmer fort is about 800 years old, exquisitely made up of golden sandstone and mounted top on the Trikuta Hills with its huge turrets pointing skywards seems rather lacking in harmony in the midst of gloomy desert. Jaisalmer fort is second oldest fort after famous Chittorgarh fort. The fort, on a hill that overlooks the city, houses the royal palace, several ancient Jain temples, and a library called the Gyana Bhandar (A Store of Knowledge), which contains old Sanskrit and Prakrit manuscripts. The surrounding region, once a princely state, consists almost entirely of sandy waste, forming part of the Great Indian (Thar) Desert. The Kakni, the only river, spreads over a large area, forming Bhij Lake. Bajra (pearl millet) and jowar (sorghum) are the chief crops. The breeding of goats, camels, sheep, and cattle is widespread; and limestone, fuller's earth, and gypsum deposits are worked. The fort was the only one that had a meteorological gadget mounted on top of its ramparts. In the month of April, a flag was hoisted in its center and based on the direction in which it blew, weather was predicted. There was a strange equation of forecast, if the flag blew northwards it augured famine and if it blew westwards a fortunate monsoon was on offering. Though the calculation was dim-witted still hold much water for its accuracy.

Not To Forget

• Jaisalmer fort is worth visiting during nightfall as huge fort seems to wake from the erstwhile Rajput’s period. The grandeur you witness in the night is much more attractive than in daytime.
• Do not forget to visit the palaces of Maharawals and witness a fine ornate architecture. Constructed by Muslim craftsmen, the palace is worth a see.
• Though Jaisalmer fort is mounted on the top of a hill but due to tourists rush there are scoops of shops mushrooming up. It is a good place for buying exquisitely, traditional rugs, blankets and shawls, silver jewellery, stonework embroidered garments with mirror work in a brilliant mosaic of colours, carpets made from camel hair, and colourful silk and cotton cloth. So don’t forget to buy some nice memento.

Climate of Jaisalmer

Climate is typical of desert. Summer temperature varies from 46 to 36 degree Celsius and winter is hovering 12 to 2 degree Celsius.

Excursion From Jaisalmer

Lodurva – It is 16 km from Jaisalmer. It is a ruined city famous for ancient Jain temples and Kalpataru, a mythical tree of achieve your desire. The place is famous for peacock and an artificial water reservoir, a great place for picnic.
Akal Wood Fossil Park – it is a 21 acre preserved area reel you back to the Jurassic era when the whole Thar desert was under water. The park is famous for fossilised log.