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Desert National Park
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| The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and its rich fauna. The Sudashri forest post is the most ideal place for observing wildlife in the Desert National Park. Sand dunes form less than 20 percent of the Park, which consists of craggy rocks, pavements and compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes.
Its inhabitants include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox, hare and desert cat. Flights of sandfrouse start coming to waterholes from sunrise onwards. One also hear the morning call of the grey partridge. Blue tailed and green bee-eaters, drongos, common and bush quail and Indian rollers are birds, which are commonly found around waterholes |
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Gadsisar Lake
- Artificial Lake
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| Gadsisar is an artificial lake built by Maharawal Gadsi in 14th century. This rainwater lake served as the main source of water for entire town at that time. The embankments of the lake house numerous small temple & shrines. The road to the lake has a beautiful gateway arching across it. It was built by a royal courtesan Tillon in the latter half of 19th century |
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Jaisalmer Fort
- Second oldest Fort of Rajasthan
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| Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in the state of Rajasthan. It hovers on a 250 feet high hilltop, providing an amazing view of the vast desert below. The fort has five palaces namely, Sarvottam Vilas, Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal, Rang Mahal and Moti Mahal. Exquisitely carved jail screens were put up to protect the interiors of the palaces from the desert storms and sweltering heat. The arches and spandrels of the palaces have been painted with mesmerizing murals. The fort has four namely, Akhai Pole (Ganesh Pole), Suraj Pole, Bhuta Pole and Hawa Pole. There is also an umbrella, Meghadamber, perched on the highest point of the place that represents Lord Krishna.
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Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
- Epitome of side-by-side symmetry
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| Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.
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Patwon Ji Ki Haveli
- one of the largest havelis in Jaisalmer
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| This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.
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Salim Singh Ki Haveli
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| This haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and it is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down.
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Tazia Tower
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| Some Muslim craftsmen constructed the Tazia tower to give as a gift to their royal benefactor. Rising from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace), the five-tiered tower looks splendid. A skillfully carved balcony beautifies each story of the tower |
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