Jaisalmer

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ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT AND EXPLORE IN JAISALMER

If geology interests you, then Jaisalmer is where you need to journey. The Wood Fossil Park or Aakal is located about 15 kilometres away from the city. Here, one can discover and trace geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago. The city of Jaisalmer also acts as the guard to western Rajasthan (and India’s) frontier. This ‘Golden City’ is located close to the Pakistan border and in close proximity to the Thar Desert. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live.

Jaisalmer traces its inception to the 12th century. History tells us of Rawal Jaisal, the eldest heir of the Rawal of Deoraj, was passed over for the throne of Lodurva and a younger half-brother was crowned king. Rawal Jaisal went looking for a new location to set up his capital when he came across sage Eesul. The sage told him about Krishna’s prophecy which said that a descendant of his Yaduvanshi clan would found a new kingdom at this same spot. It was in 1156 that Rawal Jaisal constructed a mud fort, named it Jaisalmer after himself and declared it his capital.

Things To Do

Best of Ajmer

THE AJMER SHARIF DARGAH

This is a Sufi shrine which encloses the ‘maqbara’ (grave) of Garib Nawaz, the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Built in the 13th century, the shrine is popular among people of all faiths who flock here to have their prayers answered. The shrine has three gates – the main gate or the Nizam gate, the Shah Jahan gate erected by the Mughal Emperor and the Buland Darwaza. Another big draw at this holy shrine is the sacred and scrumptious food that is served to devotees. Cooked in giant cauldrons known as ‘degs’, devotees gather in throngs to be blessed by this prasad.

ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT AND EXPLORE IN AJMER

Best of Ajmer

ADHAI DIN KA JHONPDA

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda was first constructed as a Sanskrit college, but Sultan Ghori subsequently transformed it into a mosque in 1198 AD. The edifice, an exceptional example of Indo-Islamic architecture, was subsequently embellished by Sultan Iltutmish in 1213 AD. According to legend, the mosque was the site of a two-and-a-half-day fair held during Urs in the 18th century, which is why it is known as Adhai din ka Jhonpda (literally, The Hut of Two and a Half Days).

Best of Ajmer

ADHAI DIN KA JHONPDA

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpda was first constructed as
a Sanskrit college, but Sultan Ghori
subsequently transformed it into a mosque in
1198 AD. The edifice, an exceptional example
of Indo-Islamic architecture, was subsequently
embellished by Sultan Ilfutmish in 1213 AD.
According fo legend, the mosque was the site
of a two-and-a-half-day fair held during Urs in
the 18th century, which is why it is known as
Adhai din ka Jhonpda (literally, The Hut of Two
and a Half Days).

Best of Ajmer

SONIJI KI NASIYAN

The Soniji ki Nasiyan, popularly known as the Ajmer Jain Temple, honours Risabh or Adinath and is a superb example of elaborate building. It has a red stone entryway and a marble stairway within that is inlaid with carvings of the saintly Tirthankars, omniscient Jain masters who propagated morality. This temple, built in the late 19th century, is one of India’s wealthiest temples. Swarna Nagari, the main room, is appropriately titled the “City of Gold” since it has several wooden figurines that have been gold-plated. In his book “Jainism: A Pictorial Guide to the Religion of Non-Violence,” Kurt Titze makes reference to this renowned architectural masterpiece.

Best of Ajmer

KISHANGARH FORT

In Kishangarh, Rajasthan, there is a stunning fort called Kishangarh Fort. When one visits the fort, they will find prisons, granaries, armies, and other key structures there. The largest building there is called the Durbar Hall, and it was where the monarchs held daily formal sessions. The Phool Mahal, which is decorated with exquisite paintings and frescoes, is without a doubt the fort’s most beautiful location. It brilliantly displays the splendour of the Rathore clan’s monarchs. Several lakes, including Gundu Lav Talab and Hamir Sagar, are close to the fort and make wonderful picnic spots. if you wish to go back in time.

Best of Ajmer

KISHANGARH FORT

In Kishangarh, Rajasthan, there is a
stunning fort called Kishangarh Fort.
When one visits the fort, they will find
prisons, granaries, armies, and other key
structures there. The largest building there
is called the Durbar Hall, and it was where
the monarchs held daily formal sessions.
The Phool Mahal, which is decorated with
exquisite paintings and frescoes, is
without a doubt the fort’s most beautiful
location. It brilliantly displays the
splendour of the Rathore clan’s monarchs.
Several lakes, including Gundu Lav Talab
and Hamir Sagar, are close to the fort and
make wonderful picnic spots. if you wish
to go back in time.

Best of Ajmer

AJMER GOVERNMENT MUSEUM

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Ajmer is the government museum. The museum is located inside the opulent fortified palace of the fabled Mughal Emperor Akbar, which was constructed in 1570. The museum, also called the Bharatpur Museum, houses a substantial collection of artefacts from antiquity.

Best of Ajmer

VICTORIA CLOCK TOWER

Ajmer is a city that has seen major influence from the British in its past. The British left their legacy in many forms in Ajmer, some of which are in the form of educational institutions and architectural buildings in the city. While a couple of these buildings are located in the heart of Ajmer, one that immediately catches the eye of the visitor is the Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower. Located just opposite the railway station in Ajmer,