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Rajasthan
( Jaisalmer )
INTRODUCTION
Don't make the mistake, of thinking
that if you've visited one desert city you've
seen them all. Desert cities are not all alike.
A visit to Jaisalmer will make you
realise just how different each desert city can
be. No matter what you may have heard about
this golden city, nothing can quite prepare you
for the sheer magic and poetry of this
brilliant city. Very few cities can boast of
the magnificence that surrounds Jaisalmer.
The fort seems to rise out of the
desert haze, its yellow sandstone walls and
bastions taking on a golden hue in the
afternoon sun. In fact, at whatever time of the
day you look at the sonarkila, or golden fort,
it looks like a fairy tale creation. The fort
dominates the small city that spreads around
it.
History records the fact that the
Bhati Rajputs of Jaisalmer lived off the forced
levis on the great caravans that crossed their
precious cargoes of spices and silk brought
great wealth to this town. The princes
prospered in the exquisitely carved and
ornamented havelies that lined the narrow
cobbled streets.
In the past, getting to
Jaisalmer was not easy. Its remote location
kept it safe from external influences, very few
invading armies had the courage to cross the
harsh desert to attack Jaisalmer. Even during
the British 'Raj', Jaisler was the last to sign
the Instrument of Agreement with the British.
This remote citadel is today famous for its
carved havelies, its narrow cobbled streets and its well preserved
Jain Temples. The small market located juste outside the fort is
the main hub of activity, you can pick up a large variety of local
crafts here and explore the streets on foot.
In fact, the streets do seem like a walker's dream - no traffic,
no crowds and clean lanes. Just follow your instincts and you'll
have covered the entire town on foot. If you can pull yourself
away from the charm of the carved havelies then the other places
that you can see are Gadsisar lake, Ludrava, Aakal and the
royal cenotaphs at Bada Bagh. For a closer look at the sand
dunes, get somebody to take you to sam. Ride a camel on the dunes
and gear yourself up for an unforgettable experience of watching
the sunset over the desert. This lonely area comes alive at the
time of the desert festival every spring.
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