
The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which,
lord Krishna- the head of Yadav clan foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent
of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill, His prophecy
was fulfilled in 1156AD.When Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput abandoned his
fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta
Hill Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chief who lived off the forced
levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the
territory enroute Delhi-or Sind.
These seems to be straight out of the "Tales of the Arabian Night ' still
enchants. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty
visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, temples
and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. the setting turn Jaisalmer
into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival
held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of
melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and contest,
especially the turban raying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races
enliven the festivals colorful craft bazars are setup for the occasion and
a sound and light spectacle is organized with folk artistes performing against
the spledid backdrop of the famous sam sand dunes on the full moon night.
Surely a not-to-be-missed events.
Prime Attractions in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Known as SONAR QUILA, rising from the sand , the mega structure merges with
the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most
colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look. Its simply a magic, the bastions
envelops a whole townships that consist of palace complex various security
sources and the havelis of rich merchants carved with an incredibly light
touch, several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and traders
placed strategically on the trade route, from where the ancient caravans
passed en-route passing all the riches for the prosperity to an otherwise
non source full kingdom.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
This haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied.
Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the
princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb
carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill
and it is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt
to make it as high as the maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper
storey torn down.
Patwon-Ji-Ki-Haveli
This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands
in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It
is divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India,
two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are
remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror
work.