Places to see in Jaisalmer

#EPISODE 5

JAISALMER

From Bikaner, we traveled about 8 hrs and reached Jaisalmer. Among the places to visit in Jaisalmer, we explored places like Gadisar Lake and Jaisalmer Fort.

JAISALMER
JAISALMER FORT

Before stepping into exploring let us have a quick history of Jaisalmer.

QUICK HISTORY OF JAISALMER

  • THE GOLDEN CITY” of India, because of the yellow sandstone used in every architecture of the city.
GOLDEN CITY
GOLDEN CITY
  • Jaisalmer is approximately 600 km from Jaipur.(west of India).
  • This city is named after Maharaja Jaisal Singh, who is the founder of the city.
  • Jaisalmer” – “Hill Fort of Jaisal
  • This city lies on the border of India and Pakistan.
  • Being a desert region, it experiences the extreme temperatures.
TEMPERATURE, WHEN WE STAYED.
TEMPERATURE, WHEN WE STAYED.

GADISAR LAKE

Gadisar Lake was constructed by King Jaisal. In those days it reminded the only water source of Jaisalmer.

GADISAR LAKE
GADISAR LAKE

Gadisar lake has the beautiful gate called “Tilon ki Pol”, which was built by the courtesan called “Tilon”.

GATEWAY OF GADISAR LAKE
GATEWAY OF GADISAR LAKE

I also heard some interesting story from the guide. He said that when the King realized that all the pride would go to the gate rather than the lake, he decided to destroy it. But as Tilon built a small temple “Krishna Mandir” and dedicated to God, none even thought about demolishing it. It is still reminded there.

CATFISHES IN THE LAKE

 

Now all the locals were allowed to feed the catfishes in the lake.

JAISALMER FORT

Jaisalmer fort was built by Maharaja Jaisal. This fort is also called “SONAR QUILA” means “the golden fort”.

JAISALMER FORT
JAISALMER FORT

It has three layers of the wall. The outer wall has the strong solid blocks of yellow stone. Through the inner walls, the soldiers drop the boiling oils to hurdle the enemies.

OUTSIDE WALL OF THE FORT
OUTSIDE WALL OF THE FORT

The interesting fact is that it is the only “Living/Working Fort” in India. Which means, there are approximately 3000 people resides there.

JAISALMER
FORT

 

The noteworthy battles, the Jaisalmer Fort had faced was Bhatis, Mughals of Delhi, Rathores of Jodhpur.

JAISALMER
WHITE CHAIR IS THE THRONE OF MAHARAJA DURING DURGA POOJA

There are many temples inside the fort. Some are the Jain temple, Lakshminath temple.

TEMPLE INSIDE THE FORT
TEMPLE INSIDE THE FORT

Like all the other forts, it also has different gates. They are Ganesh, Suraj, Akshaya, Hawa gate.

GANESH POL
GANESH POL

 

It is the second oldest Fort in India. Haveli is present both inside and outside the fort. The largest among all is the  “Patwon Ki Haveli”. The most beautiful among them is the   “Salim Ji Ki Haveli”, named after the prime minister of Jaisalmer Fort.

JAISALMER
FORT

SAND DUNES  

After exploring the main things of Jaisalmer, we headed to the Sand dunes, where we experienced the camel ride. We went to camel ride at around 5.30. The camel walked on the sand dunes slowly. We passed some distance from the hotel we stayed till the middle of the dunes by watching the sunset. While some of us chose desert safari over camel rides. I heard that it was also equally fun and adventurous.

I AM LITERALLY OVER THE CAMEL
I AM LITERALLY OVER THE CAMEL

We came back by 6.30, to the hotel, where some cultural programs started. We sat around the campfire, some people played local folk music, danced for that song on blades and sharp knives. They served some starters and hot tea (chai). Later at night we had dinner and returned to our tents.

LADY DANCING TO THE MUSIC
LADY DANCING TO THE MUSIC (P.S. SORRY FOR THE BAD QUALITY PICTURE)
MEN PLAYING THE FOLK MUSIC
MEN PLAYING THE FOLK MUSIC

The next day, after breakfast, we started to Jodhpur.

JAISALMER
HOTEL WE STAYED (TENTS AT DISTANCE). WRAPPING UP AND SET TO JODHPUR.

In case if you missed the previous episode, click Bikaner.

If you are interested in exploring Jodhpur, then click Blue city now.

Places to see in Jaisalmer

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