Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is a place worth visiting. The golden ray of the setting sun draws a blissful picture on the sands of Jaisalmer. The magnificent wood and stone carved mansions and buildings display the love of the Rajput towards the fine arts. The golden city of Jaisalmer, which lies audaciously as the western sentinel, was founded by Bhatti Rajput Rawal Jaisal in 1156. The history of Jaisalmer also discloses the courage and determination of the Rajput. The city used to be a major trade center as it was the trade route of the western countries to India. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden delusion is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort engraved in yellow sandstone stands, with its entire awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.

Jaisalmer too has its own glorious past to brag about. History of Jaisalmer draws heavily from the history of the Rajputana. Legends go by that he did it on the request of a local recluse named Eesaal. The Raja chose Trikut hill as the new site for his fort. This was because he thought that his previous abode at Luderwa (16 km from present Jaisalmer) was susceptible towards possible enemy assault.

Visiting Jaisalmer itself means a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort. This fort is the major and the most beautiful landmark of the city. The fort is occupied by shops, stalls, and a number of other business concerns. This fort accommodates a section of the city's population.

Havelis of Jaisalmer

The stunning mansions of Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis'. Their convoluted homes are engraved out in sandstone with infinite details and pains, carved and pieced together in different patterns. There is a perfect harmony that characterizes them and they are a treat for the eyes of the beholder.

There is no dearth of Havelis in Jaisalmer as the place has witnessed many wazirs and Landlords. The most famous among these is Patwon Ji ki Haveli. This Haveli was the first in Jaisalmer that is why it has greater significance. This Haveli became the pioneer of the constructions in Jaisalmer. Patwon Ji ki Haveli is actually the collection of five small Havelis.

Nathmal ki Haveli was built in the late 19th century. Its highlights are yellow sandstone elephants that stand majestically at its entrance and the intricately carved front door. It seems that the jewelers instead of the stone-carvers did the so-minute carvings of the building.

Salim Singh ki Haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of this is still being used as residence. It was owned by Salim Singh and has an arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of peacocks. It is worth a lengthy look and admiration of the tourists who go on the town to see this pride of Jaisalmer architecture, which is now a part of the national heritage. Situated at the eastern end of the city, it seems to have sprung out of Arabian Nights, with its top blossoming like a wild flower.