Thursday, December 11, 2008

Jaisalmer, the Golden City

Next day we left Bikaner in the early morning and reached our next destination Jaisalmer in the evening. We stayed 2 nights in this place as there are lot of places to be seen.

There is interesting legend associated with Jaisalmer city. It is believed that, Lord Krishna, had once told Arjuna that a remote descendant of the Yadav Clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. In 1156 A.D. Rawal Jaisal, a descendant of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital - Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill.


It is also known as the Golden city of India as the yellow sand gives a yellowish-golden touch to the city & its surrounding area.


Golden Fort

Built in 1156 by the Bahtti Rajput ruler Jaisala, and reinforced by later rulers, the fort crowns the 80 m - high Trikuta Hill. This is one of the oldest living fort, where one quarter of the old city's population is still residing in it. The fort has 99 bastions around its circumference and is protected by three walls.The fort looks especially magical when it is lit up at night.

The above snap is taken using film SLR Canon camera without the assistance of tripod. Out of the 4 shots, two of them were successful.

Apart from the massive fort the city has many more attractions which are not to be missed.


P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.

22 comments:

RAJI MUTHUKRISHNAN said...

Rajesh, such lovely pictures, and a text with such interesting news and details. Thanks. Am going to Jodhpur now - on your blog that is.

Rajesh said...

Thanks for the appreciation and encouragement.

pradipwritenow said...

Many visits places of interest but few shares it with other. You are doing a great job. I am reading all your posts. Please go on with this kind of service.

Rajesh said...

Thanks for the appreciation and encouragement. This will keep me going.

lazyclick said...

Awesome fort and beautiful carvings of the temple.

Sylvia K said...

What stunning photos of such a fascinating place, Rajesh! And I always love the history and other information that you include in your posts -- gives me a chance to learn more about your country. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

Sylvia

Photo Cache said...

What an incredible place and so festive when lit up at night. The details are amazing. Just imagine the time consumed perfecting each detail. Awesome.

Erin said...

i so enjoy visiting your blog and seeing all the wonderful
destinations you share with us.
and, Jaisalmer is no exception. the golden fort is awesome.

Jim said...

Amazing carvings.
Sydney - City and Suburbs

Unknown said...

The sculptures are in such good condition, which I think is amazing!

Quilt Works said...

Thank you for sharing your trip with us, very interesting!


...see what is in front of my house!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Rajesh: Amazing history going back to the 1150's, that is prehistory in the USA.

Carver said...

Great post and photographs. The one with the fort lit up at night is magical. Wishing you a happy New Year to come!

penny said...

It is a golden city with a wonderful history. You always take us to amazing places.

Hazel said...

Kingdoms on hills always sound magical to me. The fort at night is drop dead gorgeous!

LadyFi said...

Love the magical golden kingdom atop the hill.

diane b said...

The wall looks great lit up at night. Interesting town.

Gattina said...

There is such a lot to see and read !
Must be very interesting to see it life !

Melusine said...

Nice captured from the Golden city :)

Dirkjogt said...

Interesting post and great pictures

Rajesh said...

Sylvia, fishing guy: Thanks, I am glad you enjoy the history I include in the post.

lazyclick, Erin, J Bar, Quilt Works, Carver, Pam, Hazel, Diane, LadyFi: Thanks for the appreciation.

Photo Cache: Thanks, lot of time is spent to achieve this perfection.

Gattina, Melusine, Dirkjogt: Thanks for the appreciation.

Stine: Thanks, they have been preserved well.

Hari said...

Jaisalmer is a historic and beautiful city. I enjoyed your article.