Jaisalmer city transformed itself into a major tourist attraction in India. It is located amid picturesque Thar Desert in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.
Founded by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput ruler, in approximately 1156 AD, just some cities boast the magnificence and charm that encircles Jaisalmer. The Arabian Night stories will evocated by its romantic sand dunes.
The legend goes that the conquered found a Jaisalmer as a more secure place to build castle, on the behest of a local hermit named Eesaaal, because his previous abode at Luderwa (16km from present Jaisalmer) was vulnerable towards possible enemy assault. This castle was built on the Trikuta Hill.
The Lord Krishna had prophesized that a distant Yadav member would rule here. In addition to the legend it goes on to say that Lord Krishna put water on the hill so that Arjuna could drink it when thristy. The hilltop offered the safest fort location, dominating and surveying the desert for miles.
During medieval times Jaisalmer continued to be on the focus of the masses due to its location. It falls in the way of one of the two routes, which connected India from Persia, Egypt, Africa and the west.
In the mid thirteenth century, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Turk-Afghan ruler of Delhi laid the siege over the city for around nine years. Emperor Shah Jahan gave the right of governance to Sabala Simha, who had the royal patronage and had shown remarkable valor to win the Battle of Peshawar.
In modern era, Jaisalmer was still a tough nut to crack and was the last among the Rajputana royals to sign the 'Instrument of Agreement' with the British establishment. In the year 1947, royals signed the agreement to remain in just independent India. Since then Jaisalmer became into a major tourist destination as well as a cultural hub of the western India.
Jaisalmer has extreme climatic conditions and typically has a desert climate. The summers are hot and dry, while winters are windy and chilly.
Jaisalmer city was once a sleepy desert city, but now it commands premiere position among the tourist attractions of India. Like other cities of Rajasthan, visitors will discover different facets of Jaisalmer.
There are historical monuments scattered all over the city but the Jaisalmer Fort also known as Sonar Quila made of sand stones is the most imponent and dominating structure amidst sands. But the city is also known for its old mansions or Havelis like Salim-Sing-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji-ki-Haveli.
Other but not least important tourist attractions are the Camel Safari; the Jain Temples with its best example, the Parswanath Temple which is the oldest and the most beautiful with walls carved with animal and human figures.
The Gadsisar Lake is one of the best hangouts in Jaisalmer; Lodurva an important center of Jain pilgrimage, exhibit fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on yellow stone and sand dunes where Camel rides are an unforgettable experience as is the sunset. Non doubt, the amalgamation of ancient and the medieval era architecture will catch your fancy too.
Jaisalmer is connected to the nearest airport Jodhpur by a regular train service. The roads connect it to major cities of Rajasthan. The local auto-rickshaws and bicycles are the best way of transportation to move within the Jaisalmer.
So the city is easily accesible and people are warm and welcoming. The language is Rajasthani or Hindu but some people are also fluent in English and Urdu. So come to Jaisalmer and enjoy all about it.