About Jaisalmer :
Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely
bastions in the region. Founded on what was the cross-roads of lucrative
trade routes, this remote settlement came to be celebrated for the valor of
its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented by their palaces and
havelis.
The
rich merchants engaged stone-craftsmen who did work of great delicacy on the
sandstone mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree,
screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. Today, these
veritable art-museums are still inhabited, and their colorful celebrations
and festivals have placed Jaisalmer firmly on the world tourism map.
Jaisalmer is famous for its wooden artifacts. The local tradition of
carving is best seen in little wooden boxes that are intricately pierced in
exciting patterns and motifs. Also woolen and cotton rugs and blankets ,
embroidered fabrics, silver jewelery and trinkets, available in shops that
open off the cobbled streets.
How To Get There?
» By Air - Indian Airlines operates flights to
Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi from Jaisalmer.
» By Bus - There are many deluxe buses operating
daily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner.
» By Train - There are two trains IJPJ and Jodhpur
express which operates daily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.
Location :
Jaisalmer is located in the westernmost part of the state of Rajasthan, the
heart of the great Thar Desert. It is neighbored by Pakistan on its western
side.
Introduction
:
Jodhpur is one the most distinctive princely state of Rajasthan. The
beautiful Indian city is the major center of export of handicrafts. The city
consists of people in bright colours with ethnic jewelery and colorful
markets which specialize in antiques. Jodhpur is famous for its tie-dye
fabrics and leather goods. The best season to visit Jodhpur is between Nov
to March.
Jodhpur
is situated at the edge of the Thar Desert with Jaisalmer on its west,
Barmar, Jalor and Pali on its south, Bikaner on its north, and Nagaur on the
eastern side. It has a typical desert climate, dry and hot. The city is like
an oasis in the vast desert, with a variety of thorny shrubs all over the
area. It also has some of the animal species that can survive in an arid and
dry environment.
Attractions :
» Mehrangarh Fort - 'Mehrangarh', meaning the
Majestic Fort is one of the largest forts in India. Located at the center of
the city the fort spreads over 5km atop a 125m high hill. The magnificent
fort was originally started by Rao Jodha in 1459, but most of the fort which
stands today dates from the period of Jaswant Singh (1638 to 1678). Moti
Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are some of
the important palaces and apartments within the complex.
» Jaswant Thada - A collection of royal crematorium
including that of Maharajah Jaswant Singh II, in white marble, is situated
near to Mehrangarh fort. Built in 1899, the cenotaph also houses the
portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur. There is some beautiful marble lattice
work.
» Umaid Bhavan Palace & Museum - Built by
Maharajah Umaid Singh in 1929 and completed in 1943, this exquisite palace
also known as Chhittar Palace is a splendid example of Indo-Colonial art
deco style
Fairs & Festivals :
Jodhpur celebrates the Marwar festival with great fun and joy. It is a
two-day program of fun, folk music, folk dance and folklore. Nagpanchami,
the worship of the king of the serpents, is also celebrated with enthusiasm.
How To Reach Jodhpur?
» By Air - The airport is 5km from town center. The
Indian Airlines Office is south of the Center on Airport Road and is open
daily from 10 am to 1pm and 2 pm to 4.30 pm. It has flights from Delhi,
Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.
» By Rail - The city is well connected by the
railway lines and trains are available from all major cities in the country
for here. The booking office is on Station Road, between the railway station
and Sojati Gate. The office is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to s pm and
only until 1.45 pm on Sunday.
» By Road - RSTC buses and private luxury buses
connect Jodhpur with a bunch of places around Rajasthan.
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