Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer nicknamed “The Golden city”, is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, located 575 kilometres (357 mi) west of the state capital Jaipur. The town stands on a ridge of yellowish sandstone and is crowned by the ancient Jaisalmer Fort. This fort contains a royal palace and several ornate Jain temples. Many of the houses and temples of both the fort and of the town below are built of finely sculptured sandstone. The town lies in the heart of the Thar Desert (the Great Indian Desert) and has a population, including the residents of the fort, of about 78,000. It is the administrative headquarters of Jaisalmer District. Jaisalmer was once the capital of Jaisalmer State.
Jaisalmer Fort ( Golden Fort )
Built in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Jaisal, Jaisalmer Fort, situated on Meru Hill and named as Trikoot Garh has been the scene of many battles. Its massive sandstone walls are a tiny lion colour during the day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the sun sets. The famous Indian film director Satyajit Ray wrote a detective novel and later turned it into a film − Sonar Kella (The Golden Fortress) which was based on this fort. About a quarter of city’s population still live inside the fort. The main attractions inside the fort are: Raj Mahal (Royal palace), Jain temples and the Laxminath temple.
Bada Bagh
Chhatri are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indo-Islamic architecture and Indian architecture. Originating as a canopy above tombs, they serve as decorative elements. The earliest example of chhatri being used in the Indian Subcontinent were found in the Shrine of Ibrahim in Bhadreswar, constructed between 1159 and 1175 AD.
Chhatri are found particularly within Mughal architecture. The most notable surviving examples today are to be found at Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra. The Berar Sultanate in the Deccan added chhatris on buildings in its various capitals. Chhatri have also been used in Rajasthan and other parts of the Indian Subcontinent by both Muslim and Hindu rulers. Its origins are, however, Indo-Islamic. While chhatri in Shekhawati may consist of a simple structure of one dome raised by four pillars to a building containing many domes and a basement with several rooms. In some places, the interior of the chhatri is painted in the same manner as the haveli (mansions) of the region.
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake also called Gadaria Lake is located in the Jaisalmer district of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built by the founder of Jaisalmer, King Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD and later rebuilt by Gadsi Singh in the year around 1367 AD. This lake is an artificial lake. The lake is located about 1.5 km from Jaisalmer Fort. It is said that this lake once provided water to the entire city. Presently, the water comes in the Gadisar Lake from Indira Gandhi Canal, so it never dries.
Nathmal Ki Haveli
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli is located at the heart of the Jaisalmer city. It is famous for its architectural style which is a fusion of Rajput and Mughal designs. This haveli was built as a residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal by Maharawal Berisal. The attractive façades of the building were designed in the shape of birds, elephants, flowers, bicycles, steam engines and soldiers. Tourists can see many engraved pictures of cattle, horses and flowers on the walls of the building. They can reach this monument on foot or by a rickshaw from Jaisalmer
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Salim Singh Ki Haveli is situated close to the railway station of Jaisalmer. This beautiful building was constructed by Salim Singh in the year 1815. It is also called Jahaz Mahal as its front façade looks like a ship stern. The roof of the building is arched and capped with blue cupolas. Tourists can see carved brackets decorating the roof which resembles a peacock. Salim Singh Ki Haveli was occupied by the Mehta family soon after its completion. This building comprises 38 balconies which were designed completely different from each other. The gateway of the building is protected by various tuskers. Tourists can avail rickshaws from the city of Jaisalmer to reach this haveli.