JAISALMER VACATIONS

The Glory of the Golden Fort

Rising from the heart of the Thar desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendour, dominating the Amber- hued city. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, 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 and contests, especially the turban tying contest. Colourful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized with folk artistes performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam Sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not to be missed event.

Prime Sites

The Fort
The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak deserts cape from its 80 meter high perched on a hill,housing the entire township within its ramparts.It has an enchanting cob-web of narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis,three beautifully sculptured Jain temples of the 12th-15th century AD and five interconnected palaces. The fort is apporahed through four gateways Akhaiya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.

Sam Sand Dunes
No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam.The ripples on the wind-caressed dunes,that create an enchanting mirage, are surely a delight for a tigger-happy photographer. Various cultural programmers are organised against the backdrop of these fascinating sand dunes.Exciting camel safaris allow you to get the real feel of the desert on the camel back.

Gadsisar Lake
A scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety.The lake is an idilic spot for outings.

Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli
The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture is a display of sheer craftsmanship.The left and right wings of the mansion which were craved by two brothers are not identical but very similar and balanced in design.The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.

Patwon-Ki-Haveli
The beautiful mansions built by Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis' and several of these fine sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition. Patwon ki Haveli is the most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It stands in a narrow lane and one of its apartments is painted with beautiful murals - unfortunately, at present, the building is closed up and not lived in.

Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli
This 300 year old haveli of Jaisalmer's Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh- Salim Singh,has a beautiful bule cuopla roof with superbly craved brackets in the form of peacocks.This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most note able of the array of havelis.