Some history (I) - a flourishing trade outpost
by josephescu
Jaisalmer is one of the India's most precious jewels. Fortified in golden stone, it rises like a mirage from the barren Thar desert of Rajasthan, its 99 bastions silhouetted against the sky, this remote settlement was renowned for the valour of its rulers, the ferocity of its warriors - during British rule it was the last to sign a treaty with the British - and for the aesthetic sense represented by the architecture of the palaces and havelis of its successful merchants.
Founded in 1156 A.D. by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal a Bhatti Rajput, and located on the western edge of the barren Thar Desert, Jaisalmer was India's gateway to the silk and spice routes and a flourishing trading outpost for 700 years. Camel caravans heading towards Arabia, Persia, and Central Asia, laden with silks and spices, would have seen Jaisalmer, shimmering in the desert haze much as it appears today.
Jaisalmer grew in strength (with territories annexed from the bordering districts of Bikaner and Jodhpur) and riches (by levying taxes on caravans passing through Jaisalmer to Delhi). Its location on the main trade route linking India to Egypt, Arabia, Persia, Africa and the West assured its prosperity, reflected in the magnificent havelis the townspeople built. Wood and sandstone mansions with intricate carvings can be seen elsewhere in Rajasthan, but nowhere are they quite as breathtaking.
Camel Faces
by atufft
I love camels. They are the strangest creatures with the funniest faces. They are also very intelligent, more so than horses, I believe. I had been amused by camels in Jaisalmer that had birds on their backs. I also go lucky with this funny photo of a camel face.
Kuldhara
by Carino
Kuldhara is a ghost town outside of Jaisalmer. The people of Kuldhara left this town overnight and it is said that they left a curse. Even today some locals would not enter this town. Don't expect to much from this town, as most of the buildings have been destroyed.
Entrance is 50 Rp per Vehicle and 10 Rp per person.
Watch out when you enter the house with all descriptions. There are hundreds of bats in one of the rooms.
A flavour of Tibet, at Jaisalmer
by satchmo1963
Once you are done with your walkaround inside Jaisalmer Fort, return to the main courtyard where you commenced. Sprinkled around the edges of this square are a host of eateries. Some of them offer open air seats for you to watch the world go by as you munch your edibles.
One such joint, at this square, proclaims its sympathies for the `Free Tibet' cause, which you will find written on the wall just outside its entrance. Work your way up the narrow, steep, stoned stairs, and plonk yourself at a vantage to watch the crowd. This eatery serves piping hot steamed momos (vegetarian and chicken). Ten pieces of such momos, served with an appropriately red hot dip, set me back by INR 70. Wash it down with a bottle of Coke. A satisfying experience awaits......
Sunset point
by vebea
Try to go to the Sunset Point early enough, before the tourists start to arrive, it is so tranwquil there and the sight of Jaisalmer fort is simply fantastic.
There is an entrance ticket but I do not remember the price. Not expensive.
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Ramesh in blue shirt with Karagirs.and his Father
Jain temple inside the Fort
Camel Oments
The intricate workmanship on the outside
