Jaisalmer The Golden City. Review on Jaisalmer

Just an hour before I posted this review, I saw the title Golden City By Soniya. I was a bt disappointed but then when I read her review, I found that it was about Dubai. So it made me feel good.

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The Golden City of India that was the name given to Jaisalmer in almost the western border of India adjoining Pakistan. It is very critical area at the times of war with Pakistan. That is bcoz the sand dunes out here which in a distance of about a 2 hr ride by jeep are just 50 kms away from the border. I cud know all this coz when I visited Jaisalmer from Jodhpur where I was on official duty was the time the Kargil war had just got over & things were subsiding but the deployment of forces in the border was still on. We found that when in the train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer , me & 2 of my other collegues were the only civilians in the compartment.

Having left Jodhpur at 2130 hrs the train reached Jaisalmer at 0530 hrs next day that’s an eight hour journey. Jodhpur is centrally situated in Rajasthan so most places of tourist interest are about 6/10 hrs from here. We were too early to that place. But still thought of venturing a bit. But in vain one cant do anything without hiring a rick from the station.

A bit of History that I know:

Founded Jiasal Rawal, was very prosperous due to its location & being the main route for trade between the countries like Persia, Africa etc to the West. It was center point for the trade of Opium. The Maharaja used to collect taxes on these trades for passage. It is famous for the art work in the fort, temples both Hindu & Jain & the various havelis. Jaisalmer is a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climatic conditions, together amounting to a memorable experience. The rich merchants engaged stone-craftsmen who did work of great delicacy on the sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. Years have gone by and these monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the desert winds of the desert all through. The other industry which is very prominent in Rajasthan is handicraft in Wood & Textiles eg. Bandhini from Bandej & also more recently block printing work on sarees & bed sheets etc. The females who go to shop here will really have a ball of a time & guys which them beware! Don’t carry much cash they will be empty within no time because the stuff available there is very tempting & cheap. One just needs to know the art of bargaining.

The Places worth seeing are:

ØGadisar Sagar Tank

Gadisar Sagar Tank which was built by the then maharaja for him to sit & watch his dancers with a drink. Total aish for him man!!!The place is at the banks of a the Gadisar Lake(mostly dry now) where we saw the sunrise. A beautiful place but wud have been better had ther been some water there.

ØJaisalmer Fort:

A case of amazing art. This fort made out of sandstone. The best part about the building the fort is that no water was used to build it. Since there was a scarcity of water & lack of employment the Maharaja decide to build it so that he could employ his villagers. Also due to the paucity of water he got the stones carved in such a way that the front of one stone fits exactly into the back side of the other stone. The stones used were sandstones which appear from the deserts & it was a golden colour to it. Most erections in this place are made out of the sandstone so it gives Jaisalmer the golden look & so the name—Golden City. Unfortunately the fort is notin good shape now. Many repairs are being conducted to save it. There are about 5000 residents inside the fort in about 800-1000 houses. 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 havelis are to be found.

ØThe Various Havelis:

Out of the various havelis that one gets to see here most of which were built 300 years ago, there are three which need specific mention for their art work.

Patwa Haveli which is one of the most exquisite with a beautiful latticed facade, the Salim Singh haveli arched roof is held up by well excluded brackets in the form of peacocks. Nathmalji Haveli was built by two architect brothers, each concentrating on opposite sides. Yellow sandstone tuskers guard the haveli. Most of the havelis have inhabitants in them. These havelis were the residences of the various ministers in the court of the King.

ØThe Sand Dunes:

These are located about 60 Kms from the market. One will need to take a jeep to go to the sand dunes. It is either a full jeep ride or a camel ride cutting across the desert. That’s the best part of it all. Sitting on the back of the camel with its thumak & enjoying the great Thar Desert is real fun. One has to experience this.

ØOther Aspects

The best time to go to any place is between October to February. The offseasons will see a steep fall in room rent. During the season, there is this desert festival in Rajasthan for which tourists flock. There are caravan rides, campfires with the performances of local artists in the deserts etc. The world famous Palace on Wheels also covers Jaisalmer. && to add a filmi touch to the review I d like to mention that this is a spot where many a film shootings take place.eg. Lamhe, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam etc. Infact during the shooting of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam where the love of the most envied couple bloomed, we were told that Salman just to meet Aishwarya Rai had to ride a cycle.

The most amazing experience I ve had here & a must go place for all travel freaks.