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 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 build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill.His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Awal Jasial,a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer,preched on the Trikuta Hill.

PRIME SITES - THE FORT

The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak desertscape from its 80 meter high perched on a hill,housing the entire ownship   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.

PRIME SITES - 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.

PRIME SITES - 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.

PRIME SITES - PATWON-KI-HAVELI

The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer havelis.It has exquisitely craved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers.

One of the apartments of this storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.

PRIME SITES - 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 noteable of the array of havelis.

PRIME SITES - SAM SAND DUNES (42 KM)

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.

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