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 One
of Rajasthan's most alluring cities, Jaisalmer, deep in the
heart of Thar Desert, abounds in ancient palaces, temples
and quaint settlements. As the sun sets, the sandstone
buildings emit a lustrous glow, that make Jaisalmer the
"Golden City". Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 A.D., the
remote location of Jaisalmer, kept it almost untouched by
outside influences, even during the days of the British Raj.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is the most alive of any museum, fort or
palace that you are likely to visit in India. It was built
in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala. About a quarter of the
old city's population resides within the fort walls. The
fort is entered through a forbidding
Lodurva Jain Temple
15 km from Jaisalmer, are the deserted ruins of this town,
which was the ancient capital, previous to Jaisalmer. It is
an important centre of Jain pilgrimage. The temples at
Lodurva exhibit fine examples of intricate craftsmanship on
yellow stone. They have ornate carved arches at the
entrance, and a Kalputra, the Divine - Tree, within. In the
temple, is a hole from which, a snake is said to emerge
every evening, to drink an offering of milk. Only the '
blessed' can actually see it, it is said.
Gadsisar Lake
Built by a courtesan, it used to be the main source of
drinking water in the olden times. Today, an arched gateway
leads to a small tank flanked by shrines and well laid out
gardens and flower beds. A scenic rain water lake with
numerous beautiful shrines around. The lake is an idyllic
spot for outings.
Desert National Park
An extensive variety of desert birdlife, ranging from birds
of prey to sandgrouse, doves, shrikes, bee-eaters, warblers
and desert coursers, are to be found in the National Park.
The most remarkable bird of the desert, the Great Indian
Bustard can also be sighted here. Among the animals to be
seen, are the desert fox, wolf, blackbuck, chinkara, nilgai,
and the crusted porcupine.
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