Honeymoon in Jaisalmer, a fairytale kingdom of long lost royalty. Celebrate
with your newly wed life-partner in the magnificent desert fort of
Jaislamer. The magnificent wood- and stone-carved mansions and buildings of
Jaisalmer tell how much the Rajputs were fond of the fine arts. Jaisalmer
would transport you to the enchanting royal world of fable, color and
history.
Havelis
It is at an unhurried pace that the havelis (mansions of rich merchants)
should be seen and admired. These havelis are the pride of Jaisalmer
architecture, a part of the national heritage. The first view of the
Jaisalmer Fort atop the Trikuta Hill is stunning. In the early morning, the
ramparts, bastions, and the long-stretching walls dazzle gloriously. In
fact, visiting Jaisalmer means a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort. The grandeur
of the jharokhas (projected balconies) and the ethereal quality of the jali
work has earned the Jaisalmer artisan an enviable reputation for
extraordinary excellence in stone workmanship.
Cultural Programmes
Camel rides, acrobatic camel races, camel decor competitions, tug-of-war,
turban tying competitions, and a prize for the most impressive
mustaches-there is something to interest everyone! The parade of the
gaily-caparisoned camels is spectacular. Excellent and well-managed safaris
through the safer routes for those adventurous souls who care to get the
real feel of the desert. It is a romantic, though trying way of exploring
the desert interiors-vast stretches of sand and deserted, haunted, and
inhabited villages. The setting sun turning Jaisalmer into a beautiful
golden brown is a spectacular sight.
What To See
For the honeymoon couple, Jaisalmer makes for the ideal romantic
destination with its romantic past. Sights of medieval regalia, still
untouched by the onslaught of external cultural influences that have swept
India, resound with the promise of a majestic experience. Jaisalmer offers
you one of the most enthralling honeymoon experiences in India.
Sonar Kila:
The Golden Fort, or the Sonar Kila is the chief highlight of Jaisalmer. The
rays of the rising sun reflect golden on the sandstone walls of the fort,
drenching the air with an aura of the regal. This fort is reminiscent of a
golden era of kings and their kingdoms.
Manak Chowk and Havelis:
the main marketplace, Manak Chowk, outside the fort leads to the narrow
lanes dotted with famous havelis. This is a great sight to see in Jaisalmer.
These intricately latticed havelis are strewn all over Jaisalmer - each with
a different façade. Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Patwon -ki-Haveli and Salim
Singh-ki-Haveli are some of the most exotic havelis of Jaisalmer.
Gadsisar Lake:
This is a scenic rain water lake with numerous beautiful shrines around and
a spectacular variety of birds frequenting it. This is a perfect place for a
romantic ride in a boat.
Tazia Tower:
A pagoda like structure looming up from the Badal Mahal with beautiful
Taazias ornately decorated bamboo, paper and tinsel replicas of a bier,
carried out in procession during Moharram by the Muslims.
Jain Temples:
The fort has three exquisitely carved Jain temples dedicated to the Jain
Tirthankars - Rishabhdev, Sambhavnath and Parshvanath.
Sam
Sand Dunes:
From Jaisalmer, it is possible to get an insight into desert life by
visiting Sam. It is great place to see patterns carved out by winds on the
sand. Camel Safari on the sand dunes are an unforgettable experience as is
the sunset.
Desert National Park:
It preserves the eco-system of the desert within its confines. The Monitor
Lizards, Desert Foxes, Porcupines, Occasional Wolves and Black Bucks, and
the Great Indian Bustard are found here, forming an ecological chain
revolving around cacti and other hardy desert plants.
Desert Festival
Most suitable time to visit Jaisalmer is during the Desert Festival,
held in Jan / Feb. every year. This is the time when the city is engrossed to
melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, thrilling competitions and
contests, especially the turban-tying contest, Mr. Desert contest and camel
races enliven the celebrations. Colorful craft bazaars are set up especially for the
occasion. A riveting sound and light spectacle is organized. Folk artists
perform with the famous sand dunes acting as splendid backdrop.
Shopping
Shop for exquisitely carved wooden boxes in tiny curio shops. Traditional
rugs, hand-woven blankets and shawls in typical Rajasthani colours and weave
are also available. Mirror work, embroidered articles, silver jewelery,
trinkets and curios are other buys of Jaisalmer. The shopping spots are
within the fort and include Sadar Bazaar, Sonaron k Bas, Manak Chowk,
Pansari Bazar, Gandhi Darshan, Seema Gram, Rajasthali Govt. shop and Khadi
Gramodyog Emporium.
How to Reach
Air
Jaisalmel Airport, located 5km from the city' operates flights for Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur. However it is operationable only for limited period (September to March). Rest of the year, it is managed by the Indian Air Force. Jodhpur Airport is 285km away.
Rail
Trains connect Jodhpur with major Indian towns like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Agra.
Road
Jaisalmer has good network of roads connecting it to major towns of Rajasthan as well as India.
