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NARAYAN
BAGH RESORT
Ten kilometers from the hub of the golden city of Jaisalmer,
which in the bygone era was a natural basin used for dry
agriculture in the vicinity of Dabla Village, is now situated, the
Narayan Bagh Resort. An ancient well, which still exists and
inscriptions on the 7th century relics (Gordhan) installed by the
Parmar Rajputs, bears testimony to the prosperous past of this
area developed in 1998. This modern day wonder could well be
termed as an "enchanting Oasis" which gives its visitors
a unique insight into the formidable Thar desert.
The six aesthetically furnished rooms with all modern comforts
blend perfectly with the natural surroundings and have the rare
opportunity to live as close to nature as possible. Its lush green
lawns, fruit trees, exquisite flora natural intoxication fragrance
coupled with the dancing of peacocks and the chirping of several
other, winged species not to mention the bubbling cascade of the
continuous flow of water from the swimming pool being the ultimate
in serenity.
The excellent cuisine and candle lit pool-side bar-be-que is
accompanied by Rajasthani folklore at once in a lifetime
experience. The silver lining of camp brings the excursions, which
range from sightseeing trips to Jaisalmer, camel and jeep safaris,
desert camp for the adventurous people.
JAIN
TEMPLES
This group of fine Jain temples were built in the 12th to 15th
century within the Jaisalmer Fort. They are beautifully carved and
dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Sambhavnathji. The Gyan Bhandar, a
library containing some extremely old manuscripts, is within the
temple complex. The temples are open till 12 noon. There is also a
Shiva and a Ganesh temples within the fort which also close at 12
noon.
JAISALMER
FORT
The fort stands about 100 meters over the city and in fact houses
a citadel within its huge ramparts. Walking down the narrow
cobbled stone lanes, one can feel the sheer magic of Jaisalmer.
Several entrances called Pols , including the Ganesh
Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and the Hava Pol guard the Megh
Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal which were occupied by the royal
family. Outside the fort is the main market place called Manek
Chowk. From Manek Chowk, one can walk into the lanes where the
famous carved havelis are to be found.
HAVELIS
OF JAISALMER
PATWON
KA HAVELI
Jaisalmer is famous for its intricately latticed havelis with
conspicuous facades.
SALIM
SINGH KI-HAVELI
This haveli was the residence of the powerful Mohta clan - the
hereditary ministers of the Jaisalmer rulers. The blue cupola
roof is distinctive and an exquisite projecting balcony adorns
the top storey.
NATHMALJI-KI-HAVELI
One very interesting fact about this haveli is that its two
sides were carved by two brothers. Although the motif used by
one is not similar to the other, they are in harmony. One has to
look very closely to spot dissimilarities. The excellent
craftsmanship of the stone carver is illustrated in the gossamer
quality of the screened windows.
TAZIA
TOWER
The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal
(Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a
beautifully carved balcony.
MANAK
CHOWK
Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak
Chowk which is the centre of local activity. From Manak Chowk, one
can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelies are to be
found. Each haveli's facade differs from other. Built mainly
during the 18th and 19th centuries, the carving in the havelies of
Jaisalmer is of a very superior quality. Patwon-ki-Haveli is one
of the most exquisite havelis with a beautiful latticed facade.
Salim Singh-ki-Haveli is just three centuries old, and is still
lived in. Its arched roof is held up by well excluded brackets in
the form of peacocks. Nathmalji-ki-Haveli was built by two
architect brothers, each concentrating on opposite sides. Yellow
sandstone tuskers guard the haveli.
GADSISAR SAGAR TANK
This tank, south of the city walls, was once the water
supply of the city and there are many small temples and shrines
around the tank. In winter a wide variety of water birds flock
here. The beautiful arched gateway across the road down to the
tank is said to have been built by a famous prostitute. When she
offered to pay to have this gateway constructed the Maharaja
refused permission since he would have to pass under it on going
down to the tank and that, he felt, would be unseemly. While he
was away she built the gate anyway and added a Krishna temple on
top of it so the king could not subsequently tear it down. |