Know The City
Located in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan, the golden town of
Jaisalmer could remind you of the tales from the Arabian Nights, right at
first sight. Imposing havelis and forts that are a huge draw for tourists
dot the town's landscape all over. The city was founded by Rawal Jaiswal, a
Rajput ruler of the Bhatti clan, in the year 1156. A prosperous town in the
Medieval times, it came into the limelight owing to the reason that it lay
on the chief trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and
the West. The city is world renowned for its grand and imposing Jaisalmer
Fort. The citadel that was once completely surrounded by ramparts is strewn
with elegant palaces, havelis and temples. Add to it an abundant number of
craftsmen and artisans that make the town all the more desirable. Come the
fascinating event of the Desert Festival and the whole town springs to life
reverberating with folk dances, markets, acrobats, contenders and a friendly
lot of people who are a mirror to the culture of the region.
Go
There For
The desert town of Jaisalmer provides an abundant supply of tourist
attractions. The town is certainly not about only the
Jaisalmer
Fort but the cultures and traditions that have long been a part of
people's life here and that the town itself is impregnated with. The most
interesting part of a trip to Jaisalmer is however a
Camel
Safari that captures that gets you closer to the essential
elements of the desert town. Reach the
sand dunes near
the
Khuri village and enjoy a bonfire night under the
desert sky to be served with palate pleasing dishes a la royalty.
Gadi Sagar Tank, the only source of water for Jaisalmer
in the earlier days is also a popular tourist attraction. And if you could
plan your trip during February, you have the opportunity to partake in the
Desert Festival which is a huge draw for tourists. While
you are on the hunt, a visit to the splendid
havelis of
Jaisalmer is a must do for you. Besides, the
Desert Culture
Centra Museum is also a big lure for tourists who wish to glance at the
various aspects and cultures of the state of Rajasthan. Before you leave the
town, you shouldn't miss its local markets that sell some of the most
exquisite and ethnic souvenirs and curios that are a brainchild of the
village artisans who have inherited the trait generation after generation.
You can pick items like rugs, blankets, embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work
and antiques.
People & Culture
Culture and tradition are the things that you can notice and experience
almost throughout the state of Rajasthan. The warmth and the friendliness of
the people make them one of their kind. Being a guest to the town, you will
surely appreciate the courteous approach that the residents have adopted
here. To be exact, it's not something they have adopted, but it's a matter
of inheritance and it's in their blood. Elderly men can be seen outside
their huts with hookahs (an oriental tobacco pipe with a long flexible
tube). In the villages, you can observe mud houses with straw roofs. Men
wear dhoti, kurta and a turban over the head. Women can be seen in ghagra
and choli, the traditional Rajasthani costume.
Feasting & Celebration
Fairs and festivals are a way of life here. People's deep rooted beliefs
and ancient traditions have given rise to a number of festivals that are a
perfect window to the rich culture of the state. The Desert Festival alone
presents to you myriad aspects of the majestic land. Cultural performances,
competitions and acrobatic shows mark the festival. Religious festivals like
Deepawali, Holi, Dussehra, Basant Panchami, Teej are celebrated with equal
enthusiasm and show. Whatever occasion it may be, you will notice a zeal and
spirit that is the essence of the whole of Rajasthan.
