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Tour
Description:
1) Jaisalmer Fort -
The
Jaisalmer fort, known as Sonar Quila or the Golden fort, rises from
the sand and merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience. The
setting sun in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale
appearance. It is simply magical – as the bastions envelop a whole
township that consists of the palace complex, the intricately carved
havelis of rich merchants, several temples and the residential
complexes of the armies and traders placed strategically on the
trade route. It was from this trade route that the ancient caravans
passed, distributing the riches for the prosperity to an otherwise
non resourceful kingdom. These merchants served and acquired a great
deal of power and noble status in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs
who founded the state in the 12th century AD and proceeded further.
However, the rich merchants inspired by the classic style of the
royals, constructed huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other
in the nature of medieval culture and profusely decorated the walls
and ceilings and intricately carved the outdoors and interiors. The
colourful art forms had some how relegated the royal heritage to a
position of secondary importance. The craftsmen were usually Muslims
who were induced on their journey to exhibit their skills in art
forms. The result was an architectural purity that cannot be seen
elsewhere.
2) Gadisar Lake-This
is a rain water conservation lake built by Maharawal Gadsi in 14th
century. It was once the main source of drinking water for the
entire town of Jaisalmer. Now a tourist spot, there are many small
temples and shrines around it. A wide variety of water birds can be
seen here especially in winter. This is the most popular point to
take photographs of Jaisalmer fort early in the morning when the
fort looks golden with the first rays of the Sun.
The beautiful gateway known as Tillon ki prol, which arches across
the road down to the lake was built by a royal courtesan named
Tillon at the end of 19th century. An idol of Lord Vishnu was
installed in the year 1908 AD on the gate by a courtesan and
declared Krishna Temple to save it from demolition by the then
Maharawal.
3) Patwan
Ki Haveli - A group of apartments, this is one of the largest
and most elaborate of Havelis in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow
lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. A part of
this beautiful building is owned by the Department of Archaeology
and Museum. There are remnants of some paintings on the walls inside
as well as some mirror work. This has been the star attraction of
Jaisalmer.
4)
Deewan Salim Singh Ki Haveli: This haveli is
actually worth seeing from outside only. It was built in the first
half of the 18th century and a part of it is still occupied. Salim
Singh was the prime minister of Jaisalmer a princely state in 19th
century AD. The mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb
carved brackets in the form of peacocks. It is just below the hill
near the fort. 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 demolished.
5) Deewan
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli - Two architect brothers built it in
the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the
right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a
symphony epitomizing the side-by-side symmetry during construction.
Paintings in miniature style monopolize the walls in the interior.
Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the
haveli.
It is a private property.
Location :
Jaisalmer
Duration : 1 - 4 hours
Itinerary :
Number of Pax :
Guide Service :
- Optional on Request
- English Speaking or language of your
choice subject to availability
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