Sightseeing in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)

 

Sightseeing in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan):

> JAISALMER FORT
The fort stands about 100 meters over the city and in fact houses a citadel within its huge ramparts. Walking down the narrow cobbled stone lanes, one can feel the sheer magic of Jaisalmer. Several entrances called Pols, including the Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and the Hava Pol guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal which were occupied by the royal family. Outside the fort is the main market place called Manek Chowk. From Manek Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelis are to be found.

> JAIN TEMPLES
This group of fine Jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th century within the Jaisalmer Fort. They are beautifully carved and dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Sambhavnathji. The Gyan Bhandar, a library containing some extremely old manuscripts, is within the temple complex. The temples are open till 12 noon. There is also a Shiva and a Ganesh temple within the fort.

>HAVELIS OF JAISALMER
In earlier times, Jaisalmer's strategic position on the camel train route brought it great wealth. The merchants grew prosperous and commissioned great havelis, or mansions, to flaunt their ever growing status in society. Made of local golden-yellow sandstone and wood, some of the havelis are still in excellent condition. The most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately latticed, are stretched all over Jaisalmer, each with a different facade.
Patwon Ki Haveli - This is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer. It is five stories high and extensively carved.
Salim Singh Ki-Haveli - This haveli is just three centuries old, and is still lived in. Its arched roof is held up by well excluded brackets in the form of peacocks.
Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli - One very interesting fact about this haveli is that its two sides were carved by two brothers. Although the motif used by one is not similar to the other, they are in harmony. One has to look very closely to spot dissimilarities. The excellent craftsmanship of the stone carver is illustrated in the gossamer quality of the screened windows.

> TAZIA TOWER
The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a beautifully carved balcony.

> MANAK CHOWK
Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak Chowk which is the centre of local activity. From Manak Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelies are to be found.

> GADSISAR SAGAR TANK
This tank, south of the city walls, was once the water supply of the city and there are many small temples and shrines around the tank. In winter a wide variety of water birds flock here. The beautiful arched gateway across the road down to the tank is said to have been built by a famous prostitute. When she offered to pay to have this gateway constructed the Maharaja refused permission. He felt it would be unseemly since he would have to pass under it on going down to the tank.  While he was away she built the gate anyway and added a Krishna temple on top of it so the king could not subsequently tear it down.