Excursions of Jaisalmer
Khuri Village & Sand Dunes
Khuri is a village 45 km South west of Jaisalmer .It is a delight fully
peaceful place with mud and straw decorated houses.1Km. Away from village,
patches of sand dunes is additional attractions for the tourists. Some resorts
in village offer came ride, music-dance and dinner package to the tourists.
There are regular Vilages buses run from jaisalmer to khuri villages. People
& village life can be seen on the way to khuri in various villages
Pokran
It is located on the junction of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner Road. It
is on route to Jaisalmer and is also a fort town though the fort is not
of the dimensions of Jaisalmer or Jodhpur. Pokran also came into limelight,
as it was the site for India nuclear detonation. Pokran is also renowned
for its furniture and interior crafts. The Fort locate about 1.5 kms from
the bus stand has an assortment of weaponry, brocade clothes and various
games of dice and dominoes on display. Fort Pokran also offers hotel accommodation
with some washed out appeal.
Barmer
Barmer is a desert town just 153 kms from Jaisalmer and has fortresses to
boast off. This place is primarily famous for its woodcarving, furniture
and interiors, carpets, block printing and embroideries. The centre for
embroidery is the Sadar Bazaar and woodcarvings are around the Station Road.
It has an RTDC Hotel and private Hotels too. Just 35 kms form Barmer is
a group of five temples in architectural style known as Solanki. These temples
feature some very fine sculpture and the Someshwara Temple with a multi
tier spire is the most impressive. Since it is very close to the sensitive
Pakistan border, foreigners visiting it must obtain prior permission form
the District Collector.
Bada Bag
Situated 6 kms. north of Jaisalmer on way to Ramgarh. Royal cenotaphs with
carved images of past Maharawals & their families. Each chhatris preserve
inscribed tablet recording the death of Maharawals in which the memorials
are raised. The chhatris have been built on a set-pattern but in different
sizes. The beautiful spot jait bundh (Dame) & Lake after Maharawal Jait
Singh was constructed in 1513 AD. Attached to bundh (Dame), on other side
is garden of mangoes and other fruits.
Baisakhi
Only 16kms. from Jaisalmer, a Tirth (religious palace) for Hindus, attracting
a number of devotees on full Monday of Baisakh every year for holy dip.
A temple dedicated to Lord shiva is originally of early pratihar period
and seems to be restored in 16th Century.
Ram-Kunda
A temple, 11 kms and 1 Km. off the ramgarh route, Shrine dedicated to God
Rama & Krishna, constructed during the reign of Maharawal Amar Singh
in 17th Century.
Luderwa
16 kms. Northwest from Jaisalmer, Luderwa is the ancient capital of Jaisalmer
now a silent city, the only witness to its former splendour are the jain
temple, toran (ornate arche) & artificial divine tree (Kalptaroo) are
the main attraction here. Ruins of the deserted capital still remind the
famous love legend of Moomal-Mahendra.
Amar-Sagar
6 kms. on way to Luderwa the natural spot developed by Maharawal Amar Singh
is a water reservoir in 1688 AD. The dams were constructed to hold rainwater.
Several terraces are formed where summer palaces, temples are constructed
& Garden developed. On the south of the lake stands the exquisitely
carved Jain temple constructed by Himmat Ram Bafna, the descendant of famous
patwas.
Mool-Sagar
8 kms. on way to Sam Sand Dunes, is an another natural point. Lake, Garden,
summer palaces constructed by Maharawal Mool Raj in 18th Century.
Kuldhara & Khabha
(Medieval Deserted village of Paliwal Brahmins)
The total number of 84 villages were abandoned by Paliwal Brahmins overnight,
out of that two most prominent villages are Kuldhara & Khabha located
about 18 to 30 kms. South West of Jaisalmer and Kuldhara 5 kms. of the
same road. The ruins of Kuldhara & Khabha exhibit the architectural,
excellence of those times, which was buried under dunes till recently.