Palace On Wheels

Jaisalmer ( Day 3 )

Jaisalmer, architecturally, one of the greatest Royal Bastions of the World. Jaisalmer stands tall in the desolate beauty of the desert, proudly welcoming visitors to an enchanting world of fable, color, and history. The view of Jaisalmer Fort, first seen from a distance of 15 km is stunning. In the early morning the ramparts, bastions and the long stretching walls dazzle gloriously. The yellow sandstone fortifications look magnificent. It is one of the most exotic cities of the Orient, standing in the heart of the desert for centuries, weathering with fortitude the vicissitudes of fortune and furious onslaughts of nature. The sudden emergence of the 76-meter high rock in the flat desert country crowned by the most awe-inspiring fort makes a majestic sight.

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 splendor 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 jewelers art applied to stone carving. The Muslim silavats (artisans) did a wonderful job here and left a marvelous 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 travelers.

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 splendor of the desert combined with the experience of camping and riding in it, truly makes one of the most impressive activities for travelers. It also brings alive an era when this was the way a elements to create romantic kingdoms in the desert.

Dinner
Cultural Programs
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 dummy horses. Men in elaborate costumes ride in equally well-decorated dummy 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.

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