Today, Jaisalmer is the personification
of the old order influence the new. An inherent feel for color and design
percolated ever stratum of society, and jewelry, crafts and architecture
became objects of delight equally between prince and peasant. Amongst the
major tourist attractions of Jaisalmer are the:
Havelis in Jaisalmer
Along the cobbled stone pathways of
Jaisalmer, arise the havelis, the mansions of the Jain merchants who were as
powerful in the court of the time, as they were adept in business. Their
homes are poetry of sandstone, carved and pierced incredibly into different
patterns, and though they are opulent and effusive, the result is in perfect
harmony, and never offending the eye.
Patwon ki Haveli
Near
the city centre is the Patwon ki Haveli, built by Guman Chand Patwa and his
five sons, dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery with business
stretching between Afghanistan and China. The five suites built between 1800
and 1860 are virtually the showpiece of Jaisalmer's legendary architectural
wealth. The carving on stone far surpasses in beauty the work on brocade and
gold. The balconies are so delicately chiselled you would stand mesmerized
by the splendour of it all, particularly when viewed early in the morning or
in late afternoon. Oblique sunrays create enchanting and dramatic shadows,
highlighting the carving and infusing a new life of its own. It is the
grandest mansion in Jaisalmer, a veritable museum piece in the open.
Nathmal ki Haveli
The third haveli belongs to Nathmal, a later
day prime minister who gifted it to the Rawal and was allowed to retain it.
Built by two brothers in 1885, this haveli has two identical looking
portions, which are in fact two different parts united by a common façade.
Look for the projected balconies, which seem to emerge from books of poetry.
So ethereal and charming, the carving never looked better. A perfect example
of jeweller's art applied to stone carving. The Muslim silavats (artisans)
did a wonderful job here and left a marvellous legacy of craftsmanship
excellent in detail and flawless in conception. If only for viewing these
havelis a trip to Jaisalmer is more than amply rewarded.
After a splendid visit to the Havelis in Jaisalmer, we will proceed to
Jaisalmer, a truly Shoppes Paradise.
Jaisalmer ...A Shoppers Paradise
Rajasthan, the most fabulous state in India not only offers breathtaking
tourist attraction but is also famous for its shopping activities. Popularly
called the 'Treasure trove of Indian handicrafts', the state offers perfect
shopping opportunity. Be it textile & embroidery, jewelry, leather
items, paintings, pottery, puppets, stone, textile or wooden items,
Rajasthani craftsmen adorns it with exquisite workmanship and superb
artistry.
The glittering jewelry and attractive handicrafts of Rajasthan are sure to
leave any shopper speechless. Come to Rajasthan fully prepared with good
amount of cash and credit cards, as once you start shopping, there will be
no stopping you. Whether it's the offbeat rural area or a lively urban
market, you will have something exclusive to buy everywhere in Rajasthan.
Lunch
After a exciting shopping experience in Jaisalmer - A Shoppers Paradise, We
will Proceed to Camel ride at Sam Sand Dunes, No trip to Jaisalmer is
complete without a visit to these fascinating dunes.
Camel Ride - Sam Sand Dunes
After
a lavish lunch at the Palace-on-Wheels and a short break you will be on the
sand dunes! The camel ride is the best way here to leisurely explore the
area with all camels and no vegetation. The most picturesque sand dunes are
located some 40 km from Jaisalmer. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without
a visit to these fascinating dunes. Camel safaris are indeed the new,
exciting way of casting one's footprint across the shifting sands of
Rajasthan. The camels are back traversing the sands of the desert
accompanied by bands of travellers.
Rajasthan's Thar is the only desert in world, which is rich in colour and
culture (in most other deserts, for example, the people wear only white),
and warm with the hospitality of courtly traditions. These find a reflection
in the camel safari too. And the splendour of the desert combined with the
experience of camping and riding in it, truly makes one of the most
impressive activities for travellers. It also brings alive an era when this
was the way a elements to create romantic kingdoms in the desert.
Dinner
Cultural Programmes
Ghoomar Dance
This is basically a community dance for women and performed on auspicious
occasions. Derived from the word ghoomna, pirouette, this is a very simple
dance where the ladies move gently and gracefully in circles.
Chari Dance
This involves dancing with a chari, or pot, on one's head. A lighted lamp
is then placed on the pot.
Kachhi Godhi
This is a dance performed on horses. Men in elaborate costumes ride in
equally well-decorated horses. Holding naked swords, these dancers move
rhythmically to the beating of drums and pipes.
Fire Dance
The Jasnathi community of Bikaner and Churu are renowned for their tantrik
powers and this dance is in keeping with their lifestyle. A large ground is
prepared with live wood and charcoal where the men and boys jump in the fire
to the accompaniment of drum beats. The music gradually rises in tempo to a
crescendo and the dancer seems to be in a trance-like state.
Terah Talli
The Kamad community of Pokhran and Deedwana town of Rajasthan perform this
dance in honour of their deity, Baba Ramdeo. A rather unusual performance
where the men play a four-stringed instrument called a Chau-tara and the
women sit with dozens of manjeeras, or cymbals, tied all over their bodies
and strike them with the ones they hold in their hands. Sometimes, the women
also hold a sword between their teeth or place pots with lighted lamps on
their heads.
INDIAN
RAILWAYS
