Places To Visit In Jaisalmer
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar lake is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. This man-made reservoir was made during the reign of Maharawal Gadsi Singh around 1400 AD and later revamped by his successors. The lake was the only source of water for Jaisalmer for decades.
Located South of Jaisalmer city, Gadisar Lake offers breath-taking view of Jaisalmer Fort.
A magnificent and artistically carved yellow sandstone archway, ‘Teelon-ki-Pol’, welcomes visitors to the lake which springs to life during the annual Gangaur celebrations. The area around is dotted with temples, cenotaphs, shrines and carved chhatris typical of Rajputs. One can also explore the shops around for Rajasthani toys and handicrafts.
Gadisar Lake, with its tranquil surroundings, quiet boat rides and wonderful sightings of rare migratory birds, makes an ideal picnic spot.
Jaisalmer Fort
Standing tall in the midst of the Thar desert on the top of the Trikuta hill is a massive, dominating fort popularly known as ‘Jaisalmer Fort’.
A major landmark in Jaisalmer, this impressive 250Ft high structure is built with yellow sandstone and almost merges with the golden hues of the desert when the sun’s rays fall on it.. and hence is dearly called ‘Sonar Quila’ or Golden Fort.
Jaisalmer fort was built in 1156 AD by Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal and is the second oldest fort in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort. A significant proportion of the old city’s population resides within its walls and its narrow cobwebbed streets are lined with houses, temples and handicraft shops.
Home to a beautiful palace, the fort offers beautiful views of the city from the top.
Havelis of Jaisalmer
Havelis of Jaisalmer are known for their splendid architecture and attract scores of visitors throughout the year.
What are known as ’Havelis’ in India and Pakistan are actually private mansions and served as residences of the royal ministers and landlords in the medieval era. Mostly havelis are huge with many big rooms and courtyards.
Havelis of Jaisalmer exhibit beautiful fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Built with yellow sandstone, the havelis are known for their numerous jharokhas, grand archways, beautiful wall carvings and fine paintings.
Jaisalmer has a number of havelis of which the most popular are Patwon ki havei, Salim ji ki haveli and Nathmal ji ki haveli.
A trip to Jaisalmer remains incomplete if one has not visited atleast one of these magnificent medieval structures.
Patwon Ji Ki Haveli
Located in a narrow lane near Patwa complex in the heart of the city, is the oldest and the most ostentatious haveli of Jaisalmer, Patwon Ji ki Haveli.
Constructed in 1805 AD by a wealthy merchant of the time, Guman Chand Patwa, Patwon ji Ki Haveli is actually a cluster of five small havelis, one for each of his five sons.
The haveli is popularly known as ‘The mansion of the Brocade merchants’ as the family dealt in ‘zari’, threads of gold and silver used in embroidering dresses.
Constructed with yellow sandstone, Patwon Ji Ki Haveli is renowned for its intricate jharokhas, magnificent gateways and arches, ornate wall paintings and wonderful mirror work.
Part of the haveli is presently maintained and owned by the Department of Archaeology and Museum.
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli is one of the popular tourist attractions in the city of Jaisalmer.
Located in scenic surroundings, the haveli was constructed in 1885 AD and was commissioned as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of the princely state.
The architecture of the haveli was conceived by two Muslim brothers, Hathi and Lulu, who began the construction of the wings individually. This resulted in each wing having its own distinct façade and unique architecture.
The haveli, like most other havelis in Jaisalmer, displays a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. However, its uniqueness lies in the reflection of urban influences seen vividly in its motifs.
The pillars and walls of the haveli are beautifully engraved with various life forms as well as modern amenities like cars, fans, bicycles and steam engines.
Marvel lies in the fact that the two architects had never seen any of those urban facilities and drew those on the basis of the descriptions they heard from others.
Another fascination is a couple of life-sized yellow sandstone elephants which stand at the main entrance and appear to be guarding the haveli.
Salim Ji Ki Haveli
Located close to the Jaisalmer Fort on the foothills is a popular haveli, Salim ji Ki Haveli, which is one of the famous tourist attractions in Jaisalmer.
Salim Ji Ki Haveli was built on the remains of an old haveli and was commissioned by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state. The haveli was then occupied by the renowned and wealthy Mehta family of Jaisalmer.
Famous for its magnificent architecture, the haveli has a beautiful arched roof with superb brackets in the form of peacock, 38 distinctly designed balconies and beautifully carved yellow sandstone elephants at the main gateway.
The front façade of the haveli resembles ship stern, after which the haveli is locally referred to as ‘Jahazmahal’.
The walls of the haveli are adorned by a few vibrant and stylish paintings. Today, part of the haveli is still occupied and rest is open for tourists and visitors.
