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The golden city emerging out of the great Indian desert. Jaisalmer is hailed as the last outpost in one of the remotest parts of India and has retained its ancient character till date. This dreamy air about Jaisalmer has attracted visitors from far and near to this fort city with its barrel ballied towers still commanding attention. For over 8 centuries the fort called Sonar Kila or the golden fort thrived on trade and commerce. Kaisalmer became a confluence of cultures and religions. Today there are Jain temples, hindu shrines, sufi and muslim places of worship in the city a virtual mosaic of Indian spirituality.
Jaisalmer
In the modern age heritage tourism has further galvanised Jaisalmer. Its distinctive traditions in the creations of handicrafts, handlooms, gems and jewellery have been kept alive for tourists who marvel at the finesse of products and uniquness of design and texture. The warmth of Rajasthani hospitality is evident in quaint bazaars where camel carts unhurriedly weave their way through noisy roads. Camels are the pride of the simple desert folk who love their land and its soulful music. They decorate their camels with strings of beads, cowries and shells. Its their way of adding colour to the golden desertscape.
Destinations in Rajasthan
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Places around Jaisalmer
Bhattiani Rani temple (2kms)
This secluded Hindu shrine was built in honour of a 19th century Jaisalmer princess who suprisingly committed Sati on her brother in law's funeral pyre. A clan of muslim musicians are the caretakers of the temple.
Bada bagh (7kms)
The royal cenotaps with elaborately carved celings and fine equetrain statues of the rulersare seen in a green oasis. Next to it is the Bhaironji temple where childless women come with prayers.
Lodurva (15kms)
The capital of the Bhatti Rajputs before they built the fort of Jaisalmer, Lorduva was abandones after it was sacked by Muslim invadersin the 11th century. A group of Jain temples are found here but the remains of many buildings lie beneath the sands. The temple has a Kalpavriksha tree which is said to have fulfilling powers.
Khuri (40kms)
Set among the sand dunesthis village is functional as well as beautiful with village houses having thick mud walls that provide protection from the fierce desert heat and winds and beautiful paintings decorate the exteriors.
Desert National Park (43kms)
The park of scrub and sandy wasteland close to the border of Pakistan. Here the great Indian bustard can be spotted which is almost extinct and nearly 1000 are left. But here its easy to spot one. Sandgrouse, falcons, vultures, chinkara desert fox etc can also be seen.
