Jaisalmer Travel Guide

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Jaisalmer-The Glory Of The Golden Fort

Introduction: Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer is like the golden mirage in the heart of Thar Desert .This amber-hued city, in the heart of the desert, dazzles gloriously in the early morning. The sunset has a peculiar glow here. As the night descends, the sky goes up in flames, which fade leaving a few embers, till it becomes black. A breathtaking sight indeed. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands, with all its awesome splendor, dominating the amber-hued city.

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, Lord Krishna-the head of the Yadav Clan, foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would built his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 A.D. when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput,abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital -Jaisalmer,perched on the Trikuta Hill. Bahti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were fedual chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory enroute Delhi-or-Sind. These caravans earned the town great wealth. Kids enjoying festival

For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences. The rise of shipping trade and the port of Mumbai saw the decline of Jaisalmer. But the desert fortress, that seems to be straight out of the 'Tales of the Arabian Nights' still enchants. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes stewn with magnificent palace, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels. The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a beautiful golden brown is a spectacular sight. The perfect 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 melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions an contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities. Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event Jaisalmer City Palace

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When to Visit:
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and February.
Getting to Jaisalmer:
Jaisalmer is well connected by train with Jodhpur and other major cities. It is 295 km. from Jodhpur & 325 km from Bikaner via Pokaran. A good network of roads joins Jaisalmer with Jodhpur and many other destinations in and around Rajasthan
General Information:

Area :	5.1 sq. km.
Altitude	225 metres
Climate	Summer : 41.6 degree C(Max.) 25.0 degree C(Min) Winter : 23.6 degree C(Max.) 7.9 degree C(Min)
Best Season	October- March
Clothing	Summer: light tropical Winter: light woolen
Languages	English, Hindi, Rajasthani.

Festivals:
Folk dances, exciting competitions an contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities. Colorful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event.
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