Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer has many interesting sites of architectural importance. One of them is Bada Bagh that is on the outskirts of the city just 6 kms away.

It contains a set of royal cenotaphs built in memory of Kings and Queens of Jaisalmer. The first one to be built is for Maharaja Jai Singh II of Bhatti Dynasty in 18th century.

There are two distinct rows of cenotaphs, that look distinctly similar. They have been carved beautifully and some of them have interesting carvings on them.

Later on, many more cenotaphs were constructed here for other Bhattis. The last one built was for Maharaja Jawahar Singh sometime in 20th century.

Tazia Tower, Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer always been a place that delight tourists who visit it. Like everyone else we were also very much impressed by the architecture. One of the prominent attractions in the city is Tazia Tower.

It was builtin 1866 AD by Muslim craftsmen in the shape of a Tazia and gifted to their royal patron. It is a delicate pagoda that rises from Badal Mahal. It is a five-tiered architectural marvel with each story graced by a delicately carved balcony.

The exquisite design and fine carvings on the walls of each floor of the Tower reflects the rich artistic creativity and imaginative skills of the local craftsmen of the bygone era. 

Poetry in Stone - 30

This is thirtieth in the series on the rich cultural heritage of ancient temples in India. The ancient temples showcase  sculptural work that is unmatched anywhere in the world.

A beautiful Shivalinga at Parasurameswara Temple in Bhubaneshwar, the unique feature is that there are several miniature Shivalinga carved on it. It is said t there are all together 1000 on them.

The external wall of the Jain Temples inside the Golden Fort at Jaisalmer has several beautiful sculptures carved on them.

One of the many carvings on the ceiling of Thousand Pillar Basadi at Moodabidri.

At A.S.I Museum in Shimoga there are several sculptures excavated from various locations in India. They are on display in the lawn of the museum.

Images of India - 147

A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.

View of Golden Fort at Jaisalmer

Images of India - 61

A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.

Gadisagar Lake at Jaisalmer

Images of India - 54

A glimpse of India in black and white. 

View of the city from Golden Fort at Jaisalmer

Images of India - 38

A glimpse of structures of India in black and white. They may not be ancient, yet artistic.

A window of one of the house in Jaisalmer

Images of India - 14

A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Other posts will give you more details about this monument.

Jain Temple inside Golden Fort at Jaisalmer

Jain Temples, Jaisalmer

Within the Golden Fort walls in Jaisalmer, there are seven beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries. The cluster of temples is connected by a series of corridors and walkways. 

The first temple you come around is the one dedicated to Chandraprabhu, the eighth tirthankar (Jain Teacher), whose symbol is the moon. It was built in 1509 and features fine sandstone sculpture in sandstone in Mandapa.

To the right of the Chandraprabhu Temple is Rikhabdev Temple. There are some fine sculptures around the walls protected by glass cabinets, and the pillars are beautifully sculpted with apsaras and gods. This temple has a lovely and tranquil atmosphere.

There is a temple dedicated to Parasnath, a few steps behind Chandraprabhu. Entry is via an enormous and beautifully carved torana (Gateway) that culminates the image of the Jain tirthankara its apex. 

A door to the south side of the temple leads to the small Shitalnath Temple, dedicated to the 10th tinrthankar. The image of Shitalnath enshrined here is composed of eight precious metals. A door in the north wall leads to the beautiful Sambhavnath Temple.

Steps lead from the courtyard before the Sambhavnath temple to the Shantinath Temple, which was built in 1536. The enclosed gallery around the temple is flanked by hundreds of images of saints, some of marble and some of Jaisalmer sandstone. Steps lead below the temple to Kunthunath Temple, which was also built in 1536.

The sculptures here around the temple are carved out with great finesse. Each sculpture outdoes the other in every possible way.

Music to the Soul

Traveling has been and still continues to be an integral part of my life and the urge to visit new places keeps me moving. My family is always a part in all my quests and ever supportive of it. We have traveled the length and breadth of India by air, road and rail.



What makes a trip memorable is not only the moments we cherish along but also the people we meet at various stops of our journey. These people are strangers to start with, but some of them etches an everlasting impression in your memory for the rest of your life.Of the many such trips that I undertook, one which is always dear to me is the 10 days journey thorough the Royal Land of Rajasthan. We camped in Jaisalmer for nearly two days and our guide took us to cenotaphs just on the out-skirts of Jaisalmer. That was the last destination of the day after covering the Golden Fort earlier in the day. Our body and soul were already tired and ready to retire for the day.




At this point an old man from nowhere appeared and sat just in front of us with his musical instrument. We did not give much attention to him as we were in a hurry to reach the hotel. He began to sing folklore to the accompaniment of his instrument. His music was so soothing to the ears and we had no option other than staying back listening to him. We were rooted to the spot. He played the music so beautifully that we cannot forget this moment forever. In no time all the tiredness vanished and we were revitalized. He really showed light to us for rest of the trip.

All things said and done, this fragile old man with his age old instrument has stood with me in all my wanderings. He has re freshened me whenever I felt tired, he has cheered me to continue my journey and he has boosted my morale endlessly. His music lingers in my ears throughout my travelings.

Patwon ki Haveli, Jaisalmer

When in Jaisalmer, our guide took us through the several narrow lanes. We were not sure where he was taking us and when we reached the destination what was in front of us was stunning. We had heard a lot about Havelis of Jaisalmer but were certainly not prepared for this architectural extravaganza.

We were in front of magnificent Patwon ki Haveli. This was built by Guman Chand Patwathe well-renowned dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery during those times. Built between 1800 and 1860 this five-storey mansion has five suites for the five sons of the merchant.

This beautiful sandstone mansion is carved and pieced together with in different patterns. This difference is undone by the perfect harmony in architecture.

The lavish haveli showcases their beauty of craftsmanship in the stone carving. It surely hypnotizes one and all with its charm. No two windows are same.

Every window has something different to offer. It reflects the unique architecture of traditional Jaisalmer. The splendid monument adds to the old glory and grandeur of the place.

It is not possible to capture every detail of this marvel in camera. One has to be there in person to really enjoy it.

Raj Mahal, Jaisalmer

The grand palace Raj Mahal of Jaisalmer constructed around 1500 AD. It is located on the Trikura hill inside the Golden Fort.

It was built with marvelous beauty by the most famous architects and craftsmen during the Royal period.

It is one of the oldest palaces in Rajasthan. This imposing seven-storied palace is highly popular for the lattice work.

Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer

Gadisar Lake is a man-made reservoir in Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan) built in 1367 by Maharaja Gadsi Singh Ji. This is a scenic place where one can go for boating.

This tank outside the city walls, and in the olden days it was the main source of town's water supply. The lake is surrounded by small temples and shrines. A wide variety of waterfowl flock here in winter.

This lake located at the South of city is a natural low-land was dammed to catch every drop of rain water.

The beautiful arched gateway through which one can reach this lake is known as Teelon-ki Gate as it was constructed in 19th century by a very famous courtesan named Teelon. This is constructed with yellow sandstone and at the top of the gate is a small temple.

Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum

The magnificent Golden Fort of Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan) is constructed by the renowned Rajput ruler Jaisal in 1156 on the Trikuta hills. The fort contains both ancient and modern structures. There are majestic palaces and Jain temples inside the fort.

Royal Palace of 19the century, also known as Raj Mahal inside the fort is a grand structure. Constructed in lime stone, this is a imposing seven-storied palace. It is also used as museum as well as heritage center. The lattice work on the windows show cases the excellent craftsmanship of the people.

One can enjoy the marvelous beauty of the Royal Palace from all angles from the big courtyard enclosed in the fort. This place might have been used for the ceremonies and celebrations of the Dussehra festivals in those days.

Golden Fort, Jaisalmer

Golden Fort in Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan) is the most magnificent site. 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 lower wall is of solid stone blocks which reinforce the loose rubble of which Trikuta hill is composed. The second wall snakes around the fort. Above is the view of the fort from one of the havelis located outside the fort at a quite good distance.

The fort is entered from first Fort Gate and a series of massive gates via an enormous stone paved ramp, leads one to a large courtyard. In the courtyard one can see the former Maharaja's seven story Palace, Rajmahal. This square was formerly used to review troops, hear petitions and present extravagant entertainment for important visitors.

Within the fort walls, there are seven beautifully carved Jain Temples built between the 12th and 15th centuries.

The fort looks especially magical when it is lit up at night.

NathmaljI Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer

This late 19th century haveli (mansion) is located in Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan). The carvings on the interior as well as exterior of this haveli is magnificent. The designers exhibited high level of quality and skill in executing the massive haveli. (Click on images for bigger view)

Even though it is built with a single building plan, the architectural brilliance is such that the two wings were built differently. However, the two wings seem to have faultless harmony.

The carvings on the window are carved out with great precision. The walls are ornamented with stone figurines of horses, flowers, birds, elephants and interesting patterns that resemble extravagant pieces of art.

Travel Photo Challenge

BlogAdda has organized a ‘Travel Photos Contest’. After a long time I am seeing a contest in my area of interest - travel and photography. So I am glad to participate in this, where I have to post 5 of my best travel photographs as I see it.

The above image is of Jaisalmer Golden Fort taken during the Rajasthan tour. Built in 1156 on the Trikura Hill it is one of the oldest forts that has 99 bastions around its circumference and is protected by three walls. Why the fort is called so, is very much evident when Sun rays fall on the fort. I wanted to capture the fort shining like gold in the night when focused by light and went around the fort to get the best possible view. The shot which was taken with film SLR camera without the support of tripod when developed was truly satisfying.

The above image is of Brhihadeeshwrar Temple in Tanjore taken during the Tamil Nadu tour. This Big Temple was built during the period 985 -1012 A.D. Because of its unique architectural excellence the UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Monument. It was a pleasure to capture the gigantic temple and the big Nandi Mantappa in one frame. The size of the people around the temple gives us an idea of how huge the temple really is.

The above image is of Jog Falls taken during the Karnataka tour. The sight of river Sharavathi taking a leap from a height of 900 feet is spectacular. It is the highest waterfall in India. When we had visited the place it was the beginning of the rainy season and on the day it rained heavily with low flying clouds. It was a challenge to capture the beautiful waterfall in image because of low flying clouds blocking the view.

The above image is of Qutub Minar taken during the Delhi tour. Measuring 72.5 meters is the world's tallest brick minaret. Construction of this started in 1193 and the topmost story of the minaret was completed in 1386. It is surrounded by various medieval and ancient structures. People will love to capture this monument in various angles along with other ruins surrounding it. This image is one such attempt.

Finally the above is image of Glass House at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens in Bangalore. This beautiful garden of 40 acres is home for various rare plants. It is regarded as one of the best gardens in Eastern part of the World. The glass house when lighted in the night looks more beautiful than during the day time. The shot which was taken with film SLR camera without the support of tripod when developed was truly satisfying.

India is such a wonderful treasure of architecture, nature, and wildlife it is very difficult to choose only 5 images. Each image have their own story to tell. Truly a Picture is worth a thousand words.

Sunset at Sam

After covering all the areas in Jaisalmer we moved out to outskirts of Jaisalmer. Sam village is on the edge of the Desert National Park. One of the most popular excursions is to the sand dunes on the edge of the park, 42 km from Jaisalmer along a very good sealed road.

It is best to be here at sunrise or sunset, and many camel safaris spend a night at the dunes. Just before the sunset jeep carrying loads of day-trippers arrive from Jaisalmer to be chased across the sands by tenacious camel owners. Despite of the tourist hype, it is still quite a magical place, and it is possible to frame pictures of solitary camels against lonely dunes. The desert dung beetles are fascinating to watch.
From Jaisalmer we traveled to Jodhpur, blue city.

Distance: Jaisalmer ---> Jodhpur 285 kms

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.

Jaisalmer, Golden City and more

After completing the tour of the Havelis in Jaisalmer we moved ahead to see other attractions that this city has to offer. The city has lot beautiful lake and cenotaphs that are a must watch.

Tazia Tower

The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendour.

Gadisar Lake

Gadisar is a man made reservoir in Jaisalmer built in the 1700s. This tank outside the city walls, once held the town's water supply, and, befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this arid city.

The tank was built by Maharaja Gadsi Singh, taking the advantage of a natural declivity that already retained some water.


The main gate that leads to the lake was unknowingly built by prostitutes, and so, noble people never pass under it, but rather use a rather humble step path to the right, under the tree.

Royal Cenotaphs

These monuments are located on Ramgarh Road 6 kms from Jaisalmer. These cenotaphs also known as chattris and were constructed by the various Bhatti rulers.

We next move ahead to desert area to explore Sam Sand Dunes .

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.