Tazia Tower

All the while all you have been hearing about are forts, palaces, temples, lakes and gardens. But the land of Rajasthan has much more to offer. Much more to entice you, much more to captivate you and much more to rejuvenate your senses.

Tazia Tower comes as a perfect destination for you. Situated right at the heart of the city of Jaisalmer, the Tazia Tower is a five storied where each floor has its own significance. It was the home of the former royal families. The word Tazia means the replica of mausoleums of various Imams. Tazia Tower was built by Muslim artisans and hence, the name. Apart from the entire structure, even the balconies exhibit fine works of architecture, where each balcony represents a different style. The Tazia tower is definitely a fabulous addition to the magnificent attractions- unique but spectacular !

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

You may tire out during your trip to Rajasthan, but the list would never end. And even you would not want to strike off any particular destination from your list. That is the aura of Royal Rajsthan.In the series of the magnificent Havellis of Jaisalmer is yet another addition-Salim Singh Ji ki Havelli. The Havelli belonged to the most influential family of that era in Rajasthan.

It was built by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom that existed. The havelli showcases unique architectural patterns that entices anyone who pays a visit to this spectacular destination. The roof is designed giving it a peacock texture look. The havelli is close to the Jaisalmer fort, and as the typical architectural style of Rajasthan depicts, the havelli flaunts decorative arches and beautifully sculpted and constructed balconies and entances.

Patwon Ki Haveli

Jaisalmer-the land of beautiful camels, maginificent forts and the Great Indian Desert. The ambience and aura of Jaisalmer is unparalleled. The scorching heat of the desert sun may dry up the water bodies, but never the vigour and energy of the people. Jaisalmer is not just known the world over for the aforesaid attractions, but it also showcases a number of beautiful and exquisite mansions, popularly known in India, as “Havelli”.

Havellis are basically huge mansions of the merchants, who involved in trading of precious commodities, and thus the “Havellis” were a symbol of their affluence. Patwon ki Havelli is the largest havelli in Jaisalmer. It is also the largest havelli in Jaisalmer, and of particular importance to those who have deep interest in architecture. Why?? This is because Patwon Ki Havelli is not just a single mansion, but a conglomeration of five mansions. The trader who built this mansion wanted to build five separate divisions for his five sons and obviously, there was no dearth of money. The Havelli is now maintained by the Govt. of India and used for several other purposes. There are beautiful painting and carvings on the walls of the mansion and also beautiful and dainty mirror works. The fabulous architecture and the mesmerizing works of art make the Havelli a popular tourist destination.

Nathmalji Ki Haveli

Havelis are an integral part of Jaisalmer tourism and its culture as well. A large number of Havelis adorn the place and add up to its regal stature. Another one of the spectacular Havelis of Rajasthan and particularly Jaisalmer, and also one of the most intriguing Havelis is Nathmal ki Haveli. It was commissioned to be built for Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. A famous story goes regarding the construction of the Haveli.

It is said that the task of construction of the Haveli as given to two brothers, who started working on different portions of the Haveli simultaneously and the net result was that the Haveli was irregular in structure. The decorative items and the paintings and carvings on the walls are worth witnessing. Statues of elephants acting as guards have been installed at main gate, and these replicas are extremely convincing. Paintings and carvings can be found inside the Haveli walls and the intricacies and exquisiteness of these paintings may leave anyone spellbound. Architecture, paintings, carvings- Nathmal ki Haveli incorporates the best of all !

Gadsisar Lake

Another feather in the cap of the spectacular tourist destinations of Jaisalmer is the Gadsisar Lake. One of the most popular tourist destinations of the region, it sways you away from the hustle and haste of city life and glides you into a soothing environment full of tranquility and solace. Built in around 1400 A.D, the lake was speculated to be an oasis, but it is actually a conservation tank made by the then Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharwal Gadsi Singh.

The place also attracts a large number of migratory birds. Being close to Bharatpur, a variety of birds of different species can be viewed here. The lake was once used to regulate the water supply of the entire Jaisalmer city during arid conditions. A number of temples and shrines can be found in the vicinity of the lake as well, which add up to the beauty and fervor of the place.

Ramdevra Temple

Sri Ramdev Temple, also known as Ramdevra Temple, is homage to Bhagvan Ramdevji Maharaj, a Tanwar Rajput, who is held as an incarnation of God, born to benefit humanity. The miracles and meditation of this saint, and his penance, earned him spiritual vigour to enlighten the society. This temple is located in Pokharan, in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan. Secular in its views, the temple and the Ramsarovar talab (water tank) is believed to wash away the sins of thousands of devotees, granting them contentment and peace of mind. The Ramdevra Fair, which is a popular highlight of the village, attracts miscellaneous groups of people from different places of the country.

This occasion is gaily celebrated in the months of August and September. Baba Ramdevji has attained the stature of folk-deity in this place and folklore connected with him sits on the tongue tip of the local community. His followers hail him as an Avatar of Vishnu and irrespective of religion and caste differences; worship him and his ideologies devoutly. There are many temples in his name, both in Rajasthan and elsewhere in India, which is a constant reminder of the God-like figure Baba Ramdevji and his contributions to social development and moral growth. It is here, in Rajasthan, where, luxurious paradigm connects with religion, belief, humanity, and austerity, blending into a way of living!

Desert National Park

A visit to Rajasthan can never be complete without experiencing the magic of the desert. And when you can have the pleasure of desert as well as animal reserve at the same place, the joy simply proliferates. Situated near the town of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, the Desert National Park is spread around a massive area of 3162 sq.kms. The park presents a panoramic view of the desert ecosystem and plays host to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is one of the largest in India and flaunts one of the most spectacular characteristics of the Desert Region- sand dunes.

Despite the climatic conditions, the park witnesses a multifariousness of avifauna. It serves as an abode of migratory birds and resident birds of the desert. Eagles, Harriers, Falcons, Buzzards are some of the bird species. The park also houses some fossil records, almost 180 million years old and dinosaur fossil records which date back their origin to a timeframe six million years ago.

Among the animal species, the Blackbuck, desert fox, wild cat, wolf etc are the common types. A particular attraction of the Desert National Park is a bird called the Great Indian Bustard, an endangered species found only in India. Hence, it plays its part well to attract birdwatchers and ornithologists from all over the globe.

The Desert National Park is definitely a treat to the eyes and it is absolutely not unnatural if you are gung-ho about visiting this magnificent epitome of desert ecosystem just after knowing about it.

Jaisalmer Fort

Sometimes I wonder, what do people actually try to convey when they quote, “Live life, king size”. Though it is prudent that the lives of kings were adorned with magnanimity, and a gargantuan way of living in grandeur, yet I found it hard it believe that how could they possibly exhibit such a bravura of valor and regality. The light of cognizance dawned upon me on my visit to the Jaisalmer Fort.

Displaying a plethora of enticing architecture, the Jaisalmer Fort attires itself in a habiliment of deceptive camouflage, presenting a honey gold look just after sunset, that blends itself perfectly in the golden desert sand of Rajasthan. Built in 1156 A.D by Rao Jaisal, from whom the fort derives its name, Jaisalmer fort, which has bolstered the city from many invasions, still stands strong on the Trikuta hill.

The fort, popular among the local inhabitants as the ‘Sonar Quila’, has been a hub for trading activities as well as mighty warfare. Ala-ud-din Khilji launched a massive attack on the fort as early as in the 13th century, and the fort was under the regime of the Khiljis for more than nine long years. This was a period when whole of India and the world were blessed to witness the valor of the Rajput queens, when they sacrificed their lives for the pride of their dynasty and kingdom, rather than falling a prey to the Khiljis.

Jaisalmer witnessed yet another breach in its territory when the Mughal emperor Humayun invaded the fort somewhere in the year 1541. Jaisalmer fort was a flourishing trading centre, until the British established Bombay( now Mumbai) as their premier hub for trading. We can assess the enormity of the Jaisalmer fort from this fascinating revelation that at some point of time in history, the entire population of Jaisalmer lived inside the fort.

The fort treasures some of the most ingenious engineering in its domain, specially the Ghut Nali , a unique drainage system that expels the rain water from the fort through tunnels in all directions.

Seldom it is possible that those who visit the Jaisalmer Fort don’t ornate its vibrant beauty in the craft of their creativity. One of India’s( and even one of the world’s) greatest directors ever, Satyajit Ray was awestruck at the magnificence of the Jaisalmer Fort, which he dexterously carved down in his detective novel, ‘Sonar Kella’, and later produced an iconic movie based on the same.

Even a brevity in the description of Jaisalmer fort would cross the length of many articles penned down with a detailed account, still not sufficient enough to paint the true picture of its vivacious enchantment.

We believe that the aura and divinity that is embodied in the form of Jaisalmer fort, will definitely entice you upon visiting this epitome of strength, grandeur and magnanimity.