Introduction:
Jaisalmer, also known as the "the land of sand", is famous for
its forts and sand dunes. It was founded by Rawal Jaisal and is named after
him. Thick sandstone walls surround the city. Jaisalmer is situated at a
distance of 671 kms from Jaipur and 650 kms from Bikaner. This beautiful
city stands tall in the desolate beauty of desert proudly welcoming the
visitors to an enchanting world of fable, color and history. Today Jaisalmer
is the personification of old order influence the new. The city is famous
for its camel rides. The city of scenery, Mount Abu, is 488 kms from Jaisalmer.
History: History of Jaisalmer is very interesting. The Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal founded Jaisalmer in 1156. The legend goes that the conquered found a Jaisalmer as a more secure place to build castle. This castle was built on the Trikuta Hill. Lord Krishna had prophesized that a distant Yadav member would rule here. The legend also goes on to say that Lord Krishna had put water on the hill so that Arjuna could drink it when thirsty. The hilltop offered the safest fort location, dominating and surveying the desert for miles.
The Lunar clan of Bhattis is Krishna's descendant, valiant and most feared of the dessert marauders, perennially locked in territorial skirmishes with Jodhpur and Bikaner.
Places
of interest: Jaisalmer fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Haveli and
Jaisalmer museum are the popular spots of Jaisalmer. They are the finest
example of old architectural style. Jaisala built 250-ft-high Jaisalmer
Fort, made of yellow stones, in the year 1156. It is built on the triangular-shaped
Trikuta Hills. It is the second oldest fort of Rajasthan. Inside the fort
there are seven Jain temples. Patwon Ki Haveli was constructed in 1805.
The design and the craftwork are simply amazing. It is a five-storey complex,
which took 50 years to get completed. The building has been made by using
yellow stone and is supported by well-crafted pillars. Salim Ki Haveli is
said to be a 400-year-old building and is named after its first owner The
Jain Diwan Salim Singh Mohta. The eight-storeyed building consists of 38
balconies, each with a different but unique design. It is a classic example
of architecture and design. Travel information: Jaisalmer is the border district of India located in the state of Rajsthan and touching the border of Pakistan. Rail transport is the best way to reach Jaisalmer, including the Palace on Wheel, which is the most luxurious way to tour Jaisalmer. Day between October and March are the best time to visit this cultural city. Due to recent development of this city, various plush hotels and restaurants are available for the visitors.
