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The Fort: The golden hued fort is a sentinel to the bleak
desertscape from its 80 metre high perch on the hill,housing the
entire township within its ramparts.It has an enchanting cow-web of
narrow lanes dotted with some lovely havelis,three beautifully
sculptured Jain Temples of the 12th-15th
century A.D. and five interconnected palaces.The fort is approached
through four gateways-Akhaiyal,Ganesh Pol,Suraj Pol and Hava Pol.
Patwon -ki-Haveli:
The most elaborate and magnificent of all the Jaisalmer
havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and extensive
corridors and chambers.One of the apartments of this five
storey high haveli is painted with beautiful murals.
Manak Chowk and Havelis: A main marketplace outside the fort
leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis.
Gadsisar Lake: A scenic rain water lake with numerous
beautiful shrines around and a spectacular avian variety.
The lake is an idyllic spot for outings.
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.
Havelis: Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis,all
intricately latticed are strew all over Jaisalmer-each with
a different facade.
Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: The late 19th century haveli with
intricate architecture a display of sheer craftsmanship. The
justify and right wings of the mansion which were carved by
two brothers are not identical but very similar and balanced
in design. The interior walls are ornate with splendid
miniature paintings.
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Salim Singh-ki-Haveli: This 300 year old haveli of
Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh-Salim Singh,
has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superbly carved brackets in
the form of peacocks.This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is
covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting
balcony on the top storey.The mansion is one of the most notable of
the array of havelis.
Jain
Temple: The fort has three exquisitely carved jain temples
dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars-Rishabhdev,Sambhavnath and
Paraswanath.
Gyan Bhandar or Library: Some of the oldest manuscripts of
India are found in this library established as a part of
Jain temples.
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India
Travel Guide
Rajasthan
Travel Guide
Kerala Travel Guide
Pictures
of
India
by
Cecilia dos Guimaraes
Bastos
Travel gallery |
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