Jaisalmer (1).......

Sunday, 7th March 2010

Jaisalmer is also known as the 'Golden City' of Rajasthan, located almost at the border with Pakistan. The train journey from Udaipur tracked an almost 1000 km route across the desert which took almost 12 hours, most of which was done during the night. During the earlier part of the track, the train passed through villages surrounded by farms of the poppy plants from which opium is derived. Rajasthan is one country where the use of opium for medicinal purposes is legal.

poppy farms....

At the Jaisalmer train station, we were welcomed again by a local traditional band and girls who garlanded us. First stop was to the Godi Sagar, a large man-made lake which was a water reservoir of the city. The reservoir was partially filled due to the recent spell of dry weather. The lake was surrounded by small temples and shrines built from beautiful yellow sandstone. An interesting attraction to this lake was the main entrance gate, the Tilon-ki-Pol, which was reputedly built by a popular and successful prostitute, called Tilon. To avoid the King from demolishing the gate, she had cleverly constructed and put up a Krishna Temple on the central arch of the gate making it impossible for the Maharajah to order the gate to be destroyed. From the vicinity of the gate and lake, one gets a panoramic view of the Jaisalmer Fort.

the Tilon-ki-Pol, the main gate with a central arch

where the Krishna Temple was put up....

the banks of the lake reservoir...

another view of the banks of the lake....

with the many little shrines and temples..

a local little boy posed for this picture

while his father played music with his instrument

and sold the CD recording of his music....

a local meditation music..

the Jaisalmer Fort perched on top of the hill

with the cemetery in the foreground

outside the lake-reservoir area...

Next visit was to the Jaisalmer Fort. The Jaisalmer Fort reminded pakdokter of the city of Fez in Morocco. Like Fez, Jaisalmer is a living ancient city - meaning that within the enclosure of the fort, there are dwellings and shops inhabited by local residents of the city. this is unlike the rest of the forts in Rajashtan where there are no more residents living within the enclosures of the old fort. The whole morning was spent on a walking tour of the inner streets of Jaisalmer.

The Jaisalmer Fort - known as the Sonar Quila - (rising from the sand) - is a mega structure which merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience. The Fort envelopes a whole township consisting of palace complexes, havelis of rich merchants and ministers, temples and residences of traders and armies. The Fort is located along the trade route of the ancient caravanserai. Many buildings have profusely decorated walls and ceilings and intricately carved outdoors and indoors. The craftsmen were mostly Muslims who were induced on their journey to exhibit their skills and craftmanship.

the Jaisalmer Fort from the entrance...

another view of the fort with a little trapeze girl

performing for a little money...

the main entrance gate into the fort..

a panoramic view of the city from the top of the fort...

another panoramic view of the city outside the fort...