Archive for the ‘Jaisalmer’ Category
Here are few places to see in Jaisalmer..
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer was founded in the 12th century by the Bhati Rajputs who shifted here from Lodurva.The bastions encompasses a palace complex, the havelis of rich Jain merchants carved with an incredibly light touch, & Hindu temples.Owing to flourishing trade the city soon became rich, the merchants, who also served as ministers in the royal courts, came to command more power than the rulers themselves. The large mansions of the merchants, built adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval desert cultures, are so well decorated that the palace, in comparison, appears to pale.
Desert National Park Desert National Park is located at 40 km away to the south-west of Jaisalmer.The place covers over 3000 Sq. kms.The park displays a wide number of awe-inspiring Sam sand dunes. The park is a protected bio reserve which houses Indian Gazelle, Chinkara, Eagle and many such birds and animals. Foreign tourists require permission from the District Magistrate and Desert National Park Office to enter this area. Domestic tourists require permission from the Desert National Park Office.
Nathmalji Ki Haveli
The foundation of this temple is laid down by the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer in 1855.The elephants that guard this Haveli are carved out of yellow sandstone.Two brothers, Hathu and Lallu built each side of the haveli because of which a slight difference is noticed in each side on camparision.However, the atmosphere inside the whole mansion is peaceul and perfectly harmonious.
Salim Singh ki Haveli
The foundation of this temple is dated back to 300 years.The old haveli of Jaisalmer was constructed by Prime Minister of Jaisalmer and later gifted to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh – Salim Singh.The haveli has a beautiful blue cupola roof which has been carved beautifully in brackets in the form of peacocks. The mansion is built in yellow stone.It exhibits intricate carvings and an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notable of the array of havelies.
Jain Temple
The rich and influential Jain community built many temples in and around Jaisalmer. There is a group of five temples lying within the fort.The Paraswanath temple is the oldest and the most beautiful of the Jain Temples. The walls of the sanctum are carved with animal and human figures and rising above is a tall Shikhar, which is crowned by an amalak and a waterpot containing a lotus flower.The temple was built between the 12th and 15th centuries.the tourist can visit the temple only till 12 O’ clock in the afternoon.
Introduction
Jaisalmer looks like a golden mirage rising from the heart of the Thar desert.the fort has been carved out of yellow sandstone. The city has a mythological significance. According to which, Lord Krishna the head of the Yadav Clan, forcasted Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom at the top of the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, conquered his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital – Jaisalmer on the Trikuta Hill. The Life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels.
Fooding is no problem over here
8th July Restaurant
In Fort above the main square, is a good veg (with eggs) place with a big menu. It is a very interesting place to sit and watch the world go by, as you have a great view of the square. They have mashed potato with cheese, baked beans, spaghetti, apple pie, Indian preparations, and pizza.
There is also an A/C branch of the 8th July in the town below the fort.
Surya Restaurant

In Fort, is a well-managed veg (with eggs) place with good food and atmosphere. The restaurant is located just above the wall of the fort, therefore, you can get some great views of the city and you can look out at endless desert.
Vyas Meal Service
In Fort upstairs near the Jain Temples, is a family-run veg restaurant. It has traditional Jaisalmer cuisine, which includes a good Rajasthani thali for Rs 50. The fancy thali for Rs 100 includes a rice dish with dry fruits and nuts, puris and yogurt.
Moti Mahal
opposite Salim Singh ki Haveli, has good vegetarian breakfasts. It is a good value.
Kanchan Shree Restaurant
It is down a small road which has 20 different types of lassis. The chocolate banana lassis are good.
Jawahar Niwas Palace

Address 1, Bada Bagh Road, Jaisalmer – 345001.
Rooms Total : 22, Deluxe : 15, Super Deluxe : 7. ( AC).
Facilities
Restaurants : Cuisine : Indian, Chinese, Continental.
H/C Running Water
Telephone
Horse Riding
Camel Carriage
Swimming Pool
Gym etc
Deoki Niwas Palace

Address Jetwai Road, Jaiselmer, Rajasthan
Rooms Total 12,deluxe 8,suite4
Facilities
Restaurants bar-1, cuisine-Indian, Continental, Rajasthani
Hotel Rawal-Kot

Address Jodhpur-Jaiselmer Road, Jaiselmer, Rajasthan
Rooms Total- 31 all double ( AC- 28, non AC- 3)
Facilities
Telephone with direct dialling facility
Running hot and cold water
Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine
Folk music and dances
Tents for sand dunes on request
Camel and jeep safari
Doctor on call
Sonar Kila – The Golden Fortress

A visit to Jaisalmer will make you realize just how different a desert city can be. The glorious fort of Jaisalmer 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 ‘Sonar Kila’ (golden fortress), it looks like a fairy tale creation dominating the amber tinted city.
This magnificent fort, with its 99 bastions, is probably the planet’s only living fort, with about a quarter of the old city’s population dwelling in it. It is fun to wander around in this living fort, packed with houses, temples, handicraft shops, beauty parlours, and honeycombed with slender winding lanes, in same or different incarnations of stone.
The Sand Mirages At Sam Dunes

About an hour drive to the west and towards the international border with Pakistan, is the fairly extensive shifting sand dunes of Sam. Hop on to a camel for an hour around sunset, and wander over the virgin sands of Sam. It give the holiday tours an impetus of adventure camping in Rajasthan and meet the Thar from a completely different angle. The terrain which was once rugged, have been modified into deluxe dwells; portable Swiss tents, electrified and, complete with bath and running water facilities will make one’s stay on the dunes a truly comfortable and memorable experience. Dinner with delicious barbecue is accompanied by music from the folk musicians, creating melodies with their ‘dholaks’ and ’sarangis’. The tourist reception centre near Garhisar Circle on the National Highway can help travellers to find a safari, by car or camel on request, to match respective budgets and interests. One can find travel agencies near the Akshaypol at the fort entrance. Generally these are organised from 8 am- 12 noon in summer and 9 am- 1 pm in winters.