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Jaisalmer
Rajasthan, popularly referred as the "golden city of India", is
one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Rajasthan,
India. Founded by a Rajput king, Rawal Jaisal,
in 1156 A.D Jaisalmer Rajasthan is also known as "the
Jewel of the Desert," as the yellow sandstone city is situated
deep in the heart of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer
is popular for its century's old wonderful forts, palaces
havelis and amber hued houses. Jaisalmer is also known
for its striking sand bank, presenting exciting and remarkable
camel safaris. Jaisalmer Rajasthan is also famous for its rich
cultural heritage and its glowing and colorful festivals are
major attractions for tourists visiting the city. Visit and
determine this charming city of Rajasthan on your Palace on
Wheels Tour and get delighted with its unique charm. Mounting
from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden
mirage is the city of Jaisalmer Rajasthan. A commanding fort
etched in yellow sandstone stands with its entire overwhelming
splendor, dominating the amber hued city.
The city has an
attractive legend associated with it, according to which, lord
Krishna the head of Yadav tribe 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 deserted 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 compulsory levy on the caravans loaded
with precious silks and spices that crossed the country
enroute Delhi or Sind. This seems to be straight out
of the "Tales of the Arabian Night" still enchants.
The wonderful
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 harmonious tunes and rhythms. Over the years the remote site
of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influences. In
the 13th century Ala-ud-din Khilji
Emperor of Delhi besieged the fort for nine years in an effort
to take back the riches taken by the Bhatti Rajput
from his majestic caravan train. When the fall of the fort was
looming the women of the fort committed Jauhar, an act of
mass self immolation, while men donned saffron robes and rode to
their assured death.
Times have gone
by and the monuments of Jaisalmer have withstood the
buffeting winds of the desert all through. Jaisalmer is a marvel
of gorgeous culture and harsh climatic conditions, together
amounting to an unforgettable experience. The old city was
completely surrounded by wall but much of it is now pulled down
sadly for want of building material in recent years. The huge
golden fort, which is the heart of Jaisalmer, is entered
through First Gate. Is a burrow of narrow streets complete with
Jain Temples and old palaces. The main market the Bhatia Market
is right below the hill. The bank, offices and numerous shops
are also situated near the Amar Sagar Gate to the
west.
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