Rajasthan
Tourism »
Rajasthan Travel Guide » Jaisalmer Travel
About Jaisalmer

Its like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces
a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile
terrain not with standing the warmth and colour of people is simply over
whelming. One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort.
The beautiful havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer
are yet another interesting aspect of the desert city. And you can let your
eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your way in a camel safari.
The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar Desert. Bhatti Rajput
ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name, founded Jaisalmer
in 1156. On advice of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the Tricut Hills as
his new abode abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa just 16 kilometres
northwest. In Medieval times, its prosperity was due to its location on
the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and
the West. The Bhatti Rajput rulers lined their coffer with gains from traditional
taxes on passing by caravans and sometimes through illicit gains by rustling
cattle.
Over the years the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched
by outside influences. In the 13th century Ala-ud-din Khilji Emperor of
Delhi besieged the fort for nine years in an effort to take back the treasure
taken by the Bhatti Rajput from his imperial caravan train. When the fall
of the fort was imminent the women of the fort committed Jauhar, an act
of mass self-immolation, while men donned saffron robes and rode to their
certain death. Duda son of Jaitasimha, a Bhatti hero also perished in the
battle. Dudas descendants continued to rule Jaisalmer. In 1541 they even
fought Mughal Emperor Himayun. Though their relations with Mugshal was not
always hostile. Sabala Simha won the patronage of Mughal Emperor Shaha Jahan
for battle distinctions in Peshawar and the right to rule Jaisalmer. In
the days of Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement
with the British.
Ages have gone by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the buffeting
winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture
and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience.
The old city was completely encircled by wall but much of it is now pulled
down sadly for want of building material in recent years. The massive golden
fort, which is the essence of Jaisalmer, is entered through First Gate.
Is a burrow of narrow streets complete with Jain Temples and old palaces.
The main market the Bhatia Market is right below the hill. The bank, offices
and several shops are also located near the Amar Sagar Gate to the west.
Jaisalmer Climate
Hot & Dry
Temperature Summer Max. 41.6 Dc. Mini 25Dc.
Winter Max. 23.6 Dc Mini 7.9 Dc.
Ave. Rain 15CM per year
How to Reach Jaisalmer
Air:
Jodhpur 285km is the convenient airport.
Rail:
A good connection with major cities of the country through Jodhpur.
Road:
A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with many destination in and around
Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer Travel Reservation Form