Jaisalmer is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, located in the heart of the Thar Desert. It is known for its golden-hued sandstone architecture, its ancient fort, and its rich cultural heritage.
Jaisalmer is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a chance to experience the best of Rajasthan’s desert culture.
History of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer was founded in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput ruler. The city quickly became an important trading center on the ancient Silk Road.
Jaisalmer’s strategic location made it a target for invaders, and the city was besieged several times over the centuries. However, its massive fort always managed to repel the attackers.
In the 19th century, Jaisalmer became part of the British Raj. After India’s independence in 1947, Jaisalmer became part of the newly formed state of Rajasthan.
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Places To See in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest forts in India. It is a sprawling hilltop citadel with massive walls, 99 bastions, and several palaces and temples.
The fort was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, the founder of the city of Jaisalmer. It was strategically located on an ancient trade route between India and Central Asia. The fort was also an important center of Jainism and Buddhism.
Jaisalmer Fort is home to several Jain temples, which are known for their beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
Some of the most popular Jain temples in the fort include the Chandraprabhu Jain Temple, the Shantinath Jain Temple, and the Rishabhdev Jain Temple.
Visitors can also climb to the top of the fort’s ramparts for stunning views of the city and the surrounding desert.
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is a man-made lake located just outside of the city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and picnicking. Visitors can also visit the Gadisar Lake Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of bird species.
The lake was built in the 12th century by Rawal Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer. It was built to provide water for the city and to protect it from invaders. The lake is fed by several springs and streams.
Gadisar Lake is a popular spot for swimming and boating. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic on the lakeshore. The lake is also a popular spot for bird watching. The Gadisar Lake Bird Sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and ducks.
Patwon ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli is a complex of five havelis, or traditional Indian mansions, located in the city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.
The havelis were built in the 19th century by Guman Chand Patwa, a wealthy merchant. Patwa was a successful businessman and was able to afford to build the five havelis for himself and his family.
Each haveli is unique in its own way, but all of them share the same architectural style. The havelis are made of yellow sandstone and have intricate carvings on the walls, windows, and balconies.
The carvings depict a variety of scenes, including animals, plants, and religious figures.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaisalmer, and is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
Kuldhara
Kuldhara is a ghost village in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India. It was established around the 13th century by the Paliwal Brahmins, and it was once a prosperous village with a population of over 10,000 people. However, in 1825, the entire village suddenly abandoned their homes and disappeared overnight.
There are several theories about why the village was abandoned. One theory is that the village was abandoned due to a drought.
Another theory is that the village was abandoned due to an earthquake. However, the most popular theory is that the village was abandoned due to the tyranny of Salim Singh, the minister of Jaisalmer.
According to the legend, Salim Singh was a cruel and oppressive ruler. He had his eyes on the daughter of the village head, and he demanded that she marry him. The village head refused, and Salim Singh threatened to destroy the village if he did not comply.
In order to save their daughter from Salim Singh, the villagers abandoned their homes and left the village overnight. They left behind their belongings and their livestock, and they never returned.
Kuldhara is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the ruins of the village, which include houses, temples, and other structures. The village is also said to be haunted by the ghosts of the villagers who abandoned it.
Jaisalmer War Museum
The Jaisalmer War Museum, popularly known as JWM, is located 10 km short of Jaisalmer on the Jaisalmer – Jodhpur Highway. It was inaugurated in 2015 to showcase the Indian Army’s bravery and sacrifices during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
The museum has a vast collection of war memorabilia, including tanks, guns, and other weapons. It also has two display rooms – Longewala Hall and Indian Army Hall.
- Longewala Hall is dedicated to the Battle of Longewala, which took place during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The hall displays a recreated model of the battlefield, as well as weapons and equipment used by both sides during the battle.
- Indian Army Hall showcases the history and achievements of the Indian Army. It displays a variety of exhibits, including uniforms, weapons, and medals.
How To Reach Jaisalmer?
BY AIR
The fastest way to reach Jaisalmer from Delhi is by flight. There are several airlines that offer direct flights, including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Helitrans.
The flight time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
BY TRAIN
Indian Railways operates several trains from Delhi to Jaisalmer. The journey takes approximately 17-18 hours.
Some of the popular trains on this route include the Delhi-Jaisalmer Express, the Howrah-Jaisalmer Express, and the Mandore Express.
BY ROAD
The distance between Delhi and Jaisalmer is approximately 800 kilometers. The journey takes approximately 15 hours by car or bus.
There are several state-run and private buses that ply between the two cities.
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