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Introduction |
The
name Jaisalmer stirs up a vivid picture of absolute
magic and sparkle of the desert. Established sometime
in the 12th century the far-flung place of Jaisalmer
is almost intact and untouched by any outside persuadions,
even during the days of the colonial rule.
Very few cities can match the magnificence that
surrounds Jaisalmer. There is a fort that stands
tall in the desert fog, its yellow sandstone walls
and strongholds taking on a golden hue in the afternoon
sun, which is why it is aptly called Sonar Kila
or the Golden Fort. |
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Hotels
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Rawal Kot:
Overlooking the town of Jaisalmer,
Hotel Rawal-Kot is the perfect blend of contemporary
comfort and enchanted medieval allure. Floating
above the town and apparently rising out of the
rocks, the hotel offers near-perfect views of the
Jaisalmer Fort as well as the setting sun. Inspired
by the grand 'havelis' , the hotel's design offers
a surplus of local colors, materials, and fabrics. |
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Shopping
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Traditional
carpets, silver jewellery, handwoven blankets and
shawls in typical Rajasthani color and plait are
a joy for enthusiastic shoppers. The shopping places
are within the fort and comprise the Sadar Bazar,
Sonaron ka Bass, Manak Chowk, Pansari bazar, Gandhi
Darshan etc. Jaisalmer is well-known for embroidery,
mirror work, carpet, blankets and old stone work.
Jaisalmer offers a matchless shopping experience
to its visitors. The narrow bazaar lanes put forward
a wide range of items including beautiful handicraft
items. The good quality wooden items like wooden
boxes, ornaments and souvenirs find a lot of buyers
in Jaisalmers. |
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Eating out
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In Jaisalmer,
the minimum of water is used for cooking and, instead,
more milk is favored. Dried lentils, beans from
native plants like sarigri are liberally used. It's
a major ingredient and is used to make dishes like
khata, pakodi.
Gokhra restaurant is a popular hang-out which serves
Indian, Chinese and local Rajasthani cuisine. One
can have a scrumptious meal watching the folk musicians
perform. The place is flamboyantly done up to go
with the delicious predilection. Pagra Bar, is ultimate
to enjoy some cool drinks, where evenings call for
celebrations and cheerfulness. |
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Nightlife
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In the evening,
a place to eat that has a sight of the fortress
which is lit with lights making a gorgeous background
could just be captivating. Trio is considered the
finest restaurant in town. The food is first-rate.
The view of the fort is incredible. One can climb
up the Terrace of Cozy Guest house to enjoy a somewhat
pleasant sunset. The view from the rooftop allows
a simmering view of the fort shine bright red. One
can then have a nice relaxing dinner and chat at
the hostel restaurant.
Then there's the Sunset Point in Jaisalmer which
also makes for a pleasant hang-out during a calm
evening. |
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Arts and Entertainemnt
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Low-priced
souvenirs is what people like to take along as mementos
that can serve as memories of a visit to Jaisalmer.
Miniature paintings, portrait, cloth and domestic
painting and mandana are some of the painting finesse
that can be found here. Antiques are available in
small shops throughout Jaisalmer.
Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer is renowned throughout
the world. Folk music is an integral part of Rajasthan's
traditions. Songs are used to narrate the celebrated
battles of Rajputs. Folk songs are commonly ballads
which recount heroic deeds, love stories, and devotional
songs known as bhajans and often accompanied by
dholak, sitar, sarangi etc. |
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The Desert Festival
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The ideal time
to visit Jaisalmer is during the Desert Festival,
when the city resounds to the strains pf some melodious
music. Mr. Desert competition and camel races cheer
up the celebrations. Colorful craft bazaars are
set up for the occasion and a sound and light scene
is organized with folk artists performing against
the marvelous background of the vast desert stretch.
The festivals also aspires to conserve historical
monuments and local customs of Rajasthan. Extremely
popular with foreign tourists, the desert festival
has been described as a masterpiece in the Golden
city. |
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Places to visit
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The Jaisalmer
Fort:
The fort accommodates the entire town within its
fortifications. It has an enchanting display of
exquisite havelis, meticulously sculptured Jain
temples and five unified palaces.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli:
The finest of all the Jaisalmer havelis has delicately
carved pillars and far-reaching corridors and chambers
Gadsisar Lake:
This is a scenic rain water lake that is an idyllic
spot for a day out.
Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli:
This astonishing manor in yellow stone is one of
the most attractive of the cluster of havelis.
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Wildlife
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Jaisalmer wildlife
reserves offer you a glimpse into the most captivating
and astounding world of animal life.
Wild animals like the desert fox, monitor lizard,
caracal, great Indian bustard, porcupines, wild
boars and gavials could be spotted in these wildlife
reserves. One is also likely to spot uncommon birds.
The most popular wildlife reserves in Jaisalmer
are the Desert National Park and the Akal Wood Fossil
Park.
Desert National Park:
The Desert National Park envelopes a rich flora
and fauna. The Sudashri forest post is the most
model spot for observing wildlife in this reserve.
The inhabitants are the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf,
Indian fox and desert cat. One also spot the grey
partridge.
Akal Wood Fossil Park:
Not faraway from Jaisalmer and a few yards away
from the Barmer Road are fossilised remains of millions
of years old forests which are beautiful forest
vistas. |
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