I was travelling on “The Rajasthan Tour” through India Historical Tours. “Jaisalmer—the Golden City” of India. I took service from Akash, and he was very humble, and instead of suggesting what is popular, he asked me, “What do you want to do?” I wanted to see the unforgettable views of Jaisalmer, and he gave me an itinerary and allotted me a Best Guide. It should be luxury for me, like five-star hotels only, and my private chauffeur and I went to Jaisalmer. My trip to Jaisalmer was one of the greatest sojourns of my life. It was a little too hot even during this time for outside travel. The Jaisalmer Fort, or Shonar Kella (The Golden Fortress), as it is popularly referred to, is the major tourist attraction in the city, and the first day in Jaisalmer has to start with a visit to this iconic landmark and the cannon point, which offers a panoramic view of the glimmering city. Next, we visit Patwon Ki Haveli, a cluster of five distinct havelis (mansions). The historical and cultural significance of Patwon Ki Haveli is due to its unique architecture and design. In the evening, as we heard about sand dunes from our guide, we went to see the dunes. The Sam and Khuri Sand Dunes are the most famous sand dunes in Jaisalmer, but you can still enjoy the camel ride and a beautiful night right under the sky full of stars far from the city. It was still cool in the night, and I felt hungry, so we ate local Jaisalmer dinner (mutton saag), which I personally liked the most. The next day we depart to Jaipur for our flight.
Famous places of Jaisalmer:
Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila)
It was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal. The fort is one of the largest and oldest living forts around the world. It is situated atop Trikuta Hill and hence has earned the name “Golden Fort” because of the radiating glow it gets in the sun. The fort stood like a sentinel against countless attacks and was a pivotal military base and trading place. Inside its walls, there lies a bustling township of temples, palaces, and havelis encapsulating centuries of history and culture. The architecture of the fort reflects a blend of Rajput and Islamic styles, characterised by intricate carvings and latticework.
Patwon Ki Haveli
This cluster of five havelis, built by Guman Chand Patwa, a very rich Jain trader, and his sons in the 19th century, is a masterpiece of architecture. Elaborate facades and ornate interiors make it a quintessence of the opulence of the mercantile era in Jaisalmer. Patwon Ki Haveli also projects the excellence of the skill of local artisans in stone carving and design that prevailed during Jaisalmer’s golden period as a very crucial stop on the Silk Road.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
This haveli was built in the 18th century by Salim Singh, the powerful prime minister of Jaisalmer. This haveli is known for its unique architecture. The arched roof of the structure resembles a peacock, and the facade features intricately carved brackets and balconies. The grandeur of this haveli depicts the flourishing trade and the artistic ingenuity of the peak time of Jaisalmer.
Nathmal Ki Haveli
This haveli, built in the late 19th century, was commissioned by Maharawal Berisal for his prime minister. Designed by two brothers, the structure is unique because the two sides of the haveli are slightly different, reflecting the individual styles of the architects. The interiors are adorned with miniature paintings and carvings, showcasing the richness of local craftsmanship.
Gadsisar Lake
Gadsisar Lake was originally built by Maharawal Gadsi Singh in the 14th century. It was a very important water conservation structure in the arid region of Jaisalmer. The lake was surrounded by temples, shrines, and ghats, and it was the lifeline for the people of the city. It also became a spiritual centre with its tranquil surroundings attracting pilgrims and travellers alike.
Jain Temples
The Jain temples inside Jaisalmer Fort are a prime heritage of the city. The temples were constructed from the 12th to the 15th century and are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras, with the most prominent being the Parsvanatha Temple. The temples are famous for their intricate marble carvings, celestial motifs, and detailed architecture, signifying the Jain philosophy of simplicity and elegance.
Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh, meaning “Big Garden,” is a complex of cenotaphs, or chhatris, of Jaisalmer’s royal family. Built in the 16th century by Maharawal Jait Singh II, it offers a poignant glimpse into the royal lineage of Jaisalmer. The cenotaphs are carved from golden sandstone and stand amidst a stark desert landscape, creating a serene and melancholic aura.
Kuldhara Village
Kuldhara is an abandoned village with a haunting but very interesting history. Situated approximately 18 km from Jaisalmer, this village was once a thriving settlement of the Paliwal Brahmins, which was deserted overnight in the early 19th century due to oppressive taxation and threats from the local ruler. The remains of homes, streets, and temples found at the ruins of Kuldhara give a glimpse of its prosperous past.
Amar Sagar
This small lake complex is named after Maharawal Amar Singh. This includes a beautiful palace named Amar Sagar Palace along with several pavilions. The lake area is punctuated by temples and a Jain shrine, which speaks of the intimate bonding between water bodies and spiritual practices in the history of Jaisalmer.
Desert National Park
Although it is mainly a place of natural beauty, the Desert National Park has great historical and archaeological value. Here, fossils of dinosaurs and other extinct creatures have been found, and it has, therefore, become an important place to learn about the ancient history of this region.
