Transport Companies in Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer
Today a Remote Outpost in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer was founded in the 12th century by Mahawawal. Jaisal of the Bhatti Raiput clan. It was once 3 flourishing trade centre, strategically located on the busy caravan trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Its earlier rulers grew rich by looting gems, silk and opium from the caravans, but by the 16th century Jaisalmer had become a Peace" town, whose wealthy traders and rulers vied with each other to beautify their austere desert surroundings with splendid palaces and havelis. Made of the local golden-yellow sandstone, they are the most spectacular examples of the Rajasthani stonemason's art. In the 18th century, with the growth of sea ports at Surat and Bombay (Mumbai), Jaisalmer's importance dwindled. But the buildings from its golden age still stand, clustered around a magnificent fort. Transport Companies in Jaisalmer...
Sightseeing in and around Jaisalmer
Malta Chowk
Located at the entrance to the fon, this is the main market-place, where caravans used to halt in the past. The tiny shops sell camel hair blankets, silver jewellery and gorgeous embroidered textiles. Desert nomads and their camels add to the bazaar's colour.
Badal Vilas - Near Amar Sagar Gate
This late 19th-century palace is distinguished by its multi-tiered tower in the shape of a laziai - the ornately decorated tower of wood, metal and coloured paper, carried by Shia Muslims at Muharram. The Tazia Tower of Badal Vilas, built in the mid-20th century, was a parting gift to the maharawal from the town's Shia stone-carvers, many of whom moved to Pakistan after Independence. Transport Companies in Jaisalmer...
Gadisagar Lake
This rainwater reservoir, built in 1367, was once the city's sole source of water. Lined with ghats and temples, it comes alive during the Gangaur festival (March/April), when the maharawal leads a procession here. The beautiful gateway leading to the tank was built by a royal courtesan, Telia, whose audacity so enraged audacity so enraged the queens that they demanded its instant demolition. The quick-witted Telia immediately had a statue of Krishna installed on top, thereby ensuring not only that the gateway would stand, but that everyone would bow before passing through it. Transport Companies in Jaisalmer...
Salim Singh's Haveli
This haveli was built in 1815 by a powerful prime minister of Jaisalmer. Narrow at the base, its six storeys grow wider at each level, and all its 38 balconies have different designs. Peacocks dance between the arches on the topmost balcony, and blue cupolas cap the roof. The rear portion of this haveli was, sadly, damaged during the Gujarat earthquake in January 2001, but visitors are still allowed in.
Nathmalji's Haveli
Built in 1855 by another prime minister of Jaisalmer, the particular charm of this five-storeyed mansion is that the two sides of its facade were carved by two craftsman-brothers. Hathu and Lallu. Though at first glance they seem identical, the details on each side are actually quite different. Besides the usual floral, geometric and animal patterns, this haveli's motifs also reflect new influences - a European-style horse and carriage, bicycles and steam engines. Transport Companies in Jaisalmer...
Patwon ki Haveli
E of Nathmalji's Haveli. daily. This enormous and very elaborate haveli was built between 1805 and 1855 by Guinan Chand Patwa, one of jaisalmer's richest merchants and bankers, who dealt in silk, brocade and opium, and had a chain of trading stations stretching from Afghanistan to China. This six-storeyed mansion has five adjoining apartments for each of his sons, and 66 balconies. The curved eaves on the balconies suggest a fleet of sailing boats, and the numerous latticed windoWS are carved with breathtaking intricacy. Transport Companies in Jaisalmer...
Swan Tours is one of the leading transport companies promoting Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, Please contact the transport division in Swan Tours to get the best possible customised itineraries covering Jaisalmer and other nearby destinations.