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.
