The traders and rulers of Jaisalmer were rich and prosperous and constructed for themselves beautiful and grand “Havelis” & Palaces. Carved and built by master stone smiths and sculptors from the locally abundant gold hued Jaisalmer sand stone. With the discovery of sea routes and popularity of the seaports at Bombay & Surat the Popularity of the land route & Jaisalmer diminished.
Attractions:
Jaisalmer Fort: The splendid architectural edifice of Jaisalmer Fort was erected by Raja Jaisal in the year of 1156. Amidst the picturesque landscape of the high hills of Trikuta, Jaisalmer Fort stands tall with its over imposing architectural structure with a height of 250 feet. Built with yellow colored sandstone, the Jaisalmer Fort adds to the old glory and grandeur of Rajasthan.An architectural wonder of the bygone era, Jaisalmer Fort has several palaces within its premises. The beautiful palaces of the Maharawals are highly ornamented with exquisite designs and wooden carvings that enhance the beauty of the historical monument. The metal tower or the Tazia reflects the rich artistic caliber and architectural skills of the local craftsmen of the ancient times.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: was constructed by the two brothers, Hathi and Lulu who were famous for their unique architectural creativity. One of the notable Jaisalmer attractions, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli primarily served as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal who was the Prime Minister of the place during that period. Nathmalji-ki-Haveli of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan bears relics to the rich architectural splendor of the ancient times. A unique feature of the marvelous architectural monument of Nathmalji-ki-Haveli is the giant structure of two elephants of yellow sand stone at the main entrance of the beautiful edifice. The walls and ceilings of the splendid monument are decorated with exquisite paintings and fine carvings that adds to the beauty of the historical structure.
Gadi Sagar lake: situated to the south of the city of Jaisalmer. Gadi Sagar a rain-water lake of Jaisalmer, is located amidst calm and cool surroundings. This sylvan lake is surrounded by innumerable temples and holy shrines. The waters of this lake is crystal clear. Water sports such as boating can be done in the waters of Gadi Sagar Lake. It holds the water supply of the entire city. Numerous migratory birds can be seen flocking around the lake. There is also a famous Krishna temple built on top of the yellow sandstone gate.
The Patwon-ki- Haveli: was constructed during the period between the year of 1800 and 1860 by five brothers of Jain religion. One of the prominent Jaisalmer attractions, Patwon-ki-Haveli is famous for its exquisite work of mirrors on the walls and ceilings and exclusive paintings of the traditional times.
An architectural marvel of the bygone era, the Patwon-ki-Haveli comprises of five distinct units. One of the havelis of the Patwon-ki- Haveli has been turned into a museum and a shop that has a vast reserve of antique furniture and decorative goods. The government is responsible for the upkeep of the sprawling second and fifth havelis. The interested tourists can visit the ground floor of the second haveli.
The Tazia Tower: bears relics to the rich architectural splendor of the ancient times. The five storeyed Tazia Tower was constructed by the Muslim artisans for their imperial rulers of Jaisalmer. Tazia Tower is an integral part of the architectural monument of the Badal Mahal that draws several tourists from far and wide.Each floor of the brilliantly constructed Tazia Tower is accompanied with beautifully decorated balconies that add to the grace of the architectural monument. Tazia Tower was erected in the year of 1886 AD. The beautiful Tower bears relics to the Muslim architectural style of the ancient period.
Manak Chowk:The vibrant market place of Manak Chowk and Havelis is situated just outside the splendid architectural monument of the Jaisalmer Fort. A prominent market place of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, the Manak Chowk and Havelis offers the tourists and the local indigenous inhabitants with a wonderful opportunity to explore the rich art and craft work of the place. The Manak Chowk and Havelis is always full of life and vigor. The market is flooded with ethnic silver jewelries, highly decorative leather works, embroidered goods and antiques pieces of traditional craft works of the region. Any tourist who visits the Jaisalmer Fort makes it a point to visit the local market of Manak Chowk.
Fort Rajwada: is one of the luxurious hotels that provide spacious and comfortable accommodation in Jaisalmer. With its unique architecture, Fort Rajwada has created a niche for itself in the business of hospitality and management in the Golden City of Jaisalmer.
Fort Rajwada in Jaisalmer was designed by the eminent architect, Ms. Stephanie Engeln. The princely abode was revived as a luxurious hotel by Shri Jitendra Singh Rathore and Shri Dileep Singh Rathore. The fort hotel is a blend of the tradition of Jaisalmer coupled with the modern amenities required by the international and the national tourists
