In the first and second part of my blog, I have shared my experience of Day 1 and 2 in which we explored Amar Sagar Jain temple, Kuldhara, Sam sand dunes, War Museum, Gadisar Lake, Patwaon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ji ki Haveli. The final day of our journey was also dedicated to the exploration of the city. Due to time constraint, we were unable to see sites of Laungewala(border of India and Pakistan) and Tanot Mata temple. We had Jaisalmer Fort and Salim Singh ki Haveli kept for our last outing for the awesome journey. And as goes without saying shopping was in our itinerary for the last end of our journey.
Day 3
After having delicious local food(forgot the name) as our breakfast, we were ready to explore Jaisalmer Fort. We started our day with Jaisalmer Fort popularly known as Sonar Quila. It is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. Even still today one fourth of the old city population resides within the fort. The Fort is nestled in the center of Jaisalmer city.
It was built by Bhati Rajputs in 1156 AD, has a height of 250 feet and 99 bastions in the Fort. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles with Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Mughals and Rathore rulers. The Fort was built in 1156 AD and has been rebuilt/restored many times.
The fort displays many facets of the Jaisalmer society of those years along with the skills of the artisans of that period. The large cannon and its association with the demolition of a competing authorities (from the nobility) to the king was special. The fort is approached through four gateway- Ganesh, Akshay, Suraj and Hawa Pol.
The architecture of Fort is amazing as it has many attractions spots inside in the Fort: Raj Mahal of Fort, Laxminath temple of Fort, Jain temple of Fort, 4 Gateways of Fort and The Merchant Havelis of Fort.
We started the walking tour with the Jain temple. This place is inside the Jaisalmer fort. It comprises of 7 temples out of which visitors are seen only in 3 built during 12th and 15th centuries. Among these temples, the biggest one is the The Paraswanath Temple and is most attractive.
The architecture inside is fantastic and the carvings on the walls and pillars are too good. There is beautiful workmanship in the stonework. The Jain Temples are worthwhile visiting.
Jaisalmer has been enriched by its Jain community, which has adorned the city with beautiful temples, notably the temples dedicated to the 16th Tirthankara, Shantinath, and 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath.
After visiting the Jain temple we visited Laxminath Temple and after we proceeded towards City View Point.
City View Point of Jaisalmer Fort gives you a splendid view of Golden City.
Towering over the fort’s main square, is the former rulers’ elegant seven-storey palace. This palace consists of mirrored and painted Rang Mahal (the bedroom of the 18th-century ruler Mulraj II), the spectacular 360-degree views from the rooftop, king’s palace (Raja-ka-Mahal) and the queen’s palace (Rani-ka-Mahal). The Maharaja’s Palace is a small yet fascinating structure with plenty to see. The best part of this five-storeyed structure is the rooftop which offers the most gorgeous view of the city and the desert. You can also see the marble throne of the Maharaja , other artefacts like the silver coronation throne, the royal bed, local stamps and banknotes and sculptures.
Situated inside the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, the Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre was an erstwhile royal residence, which was later converted into a heritage centre and museum. The museum houses a great collection of artefacts depicting the rich culture and heritage of Jaisalmer. When you reach the terrace of the fort, you can view the whole golden city.
The fort also contains good shops, where you can buy Rajasthani traditional stuffs. It’s a must visit if you are in Jaisalmer.Also it has many roof top restaurants from where the whole city is visible. It takes 2-3 hours to visit the whole fort area.
After Fort we visited Salim Singh ki Haveli. Salim Singh ki Haveli was built by Salim Singh, who was the formidable prime minister of Jaisalmer when it was the capital of the princely state. Present haveli has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta family of Jaisalmer.
The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock. A part of the haveli is still occupied. Salim Singh ki Haveli is a must-visit, when in Jaisalmer. The haveli is situated beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort.
It was 1 PM and we had to return to Delhi and we had our train from Jaisalmer station around 5 PM. After having our lunch we did the shopping for ourselves.
A trip to Jaisalmer can only be completed if you shop here for the things which are the prestige of Rajasthanis. Jaisalmer is known for handicrafts, embroidery works, mirror works, antiques and old stone works. Some famous markets in Jaisalmer are Sadar Bazaar, Pansari Bazaar, Seema Gram, Gandhi Darshan, Manak Chowk and Khadi Gramodyog Emporium.Talking about Jaisalmer market, one shouldn’t be good at bargaining, the shopkeeper is very fair in their price. We bought clutches, Skirts and Sarees for our loved ones.
After shopping we proceeded to our Hotel and ready to leave for the station. We reached station at 4:30 Pm and finally at 5 Pm train left the station. Yaadein Chorkar Aayen hain hum Wahan.
The people here in Jaisalmer, along with the people on the train into Rajasthan, seem different than the majority of individuals we've met. Most people here in Jaisalmer speak good English, clean clothing, and are not beggars. They are very friendly, jovial and helpful in nature. People are hardy and have great power of tolerance.
Moving towards the bottom line, I will personally recommend each and everyone to once visit this one of a kind golden city. Its beauty will always leave you in amazement and will tag a mark in your heart.
This post was originally published on Travel With Jha.