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Pokaran
(Pokhran) is a city and a municipality which is situated in Jaisalmer
district in Rajasthan. Pokaran means “the place of five mirages”, it
is enclosed by sandy, rocky and five salt ranges. It is on the way
both from Bikaner to Jaisalmer and Jodhpur to Jaislamer. It is a
remote location in the Thar Desert region and served as the test site
for India's first underground nuclear weapon explosion. Pokaran has a
temperate climate. Temperature is around 38.1º Celsius in summers and
it is around 5.5º Celsius in winters. Common languages which are
spoken here are Rajasthani, Marwari, English and Hindi. |
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Important
tourist attractions in Pokaran is Fort Pokaran. Fort Pokaran is a 14th
century citadel also known as “Balagarh” which stands as a model
amidst the Thar Desert. The fort attracts tourists from all over to
experience the history where each stone of the fort speaks out volumes
of the past. Imperial gates of Pokaran fort were opened for the
tourists which offer a feel of royalty. The building of the fort
offers a view of the red sandstone Mahals, the grand towers,
traditional Jharokas and walls which depicts Mughal and Rajput
architecture. Guests are served with traditional cuisines by the
family Chef in the Mangal Mahal which is a prominent hall inside the
fort. There is a museum of the family collection inside the fort
which has local artistry, miniature paintings, garments, armoury, and
handicrafts.
Other
attractions in Pokaran include the following:
Gurdwara Damdama Sahib: It is a historical Sikh Gurdwara in
Pokaran. First Guru of Sikhs Guru Nanak Dev during his travels visit
this Gurdwara.
Jain Temple: Pokharan is a pilgrimage spot in Jainism. A Jain
temple which is devoted to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshva, is located
here.
Shrine of Ramdeoji: Ramdeoji is believed to be the embodiment of
Lord Krishna. Ramdeora Fair is named after him, the fair takes place
for 10 days in September. This fair is a very colourful occasion.
People from all over come to visit this fair and offer their prayers.
Pokaran is
home of hundreds of Great Indian Bustard, Houbara Bustard, Damsel
Cranes, and the Imperial Sand Grouse which takes flight from Siberia
to the desert for water, food and to sun bathe. It is a buzz to watch
and photograph the the “Chinkara” (deer); Indian Gazelle. There is a
Grand Library inside the fort which contains typical books which are
devoted to the great Rao Bhadur Rajshree Thakur Chain Singhji Pokaran.
He is the learned Rajput noble of those times and holds a prominent
place in the book known as "Who’s Who Of India" 1946-47 edition.
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By Rail:
Jodhpur is the important railway station for Pokaran on the Western
Railway broad-gauge network. Jodhpur is well connected to various
cities like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Agra and Delhi by
rail.
By Road:
Pokaran is linked by road from various destinations like Bikaner,
Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.
By Air:
From Pokaran the nearest airport is Jodhpur which is linked by regular
flights from Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai. |
