Jaisalmer Fort

Location: In the very heart of Jaisalmer
How to reach: Better to take an auto-rickshaw or a rickshaw
Attraction: Architecture, miniatures and Bazaars
Timings: Early morning till 5 P.M.

Jaisalmer Fort is a monument worth visiting and worth retaining in your conscious mind. Like various other cities of Rajasthan, in Jaisalmer too you will find different facets of its own glorious heritage. Though you can find historical monuments scattered all over the city, the Jaisalmer Fort will immediately command your attention. Made of sand stones and locally known as Sonar Quila, the Jaisalmer Fort is a dominating structure amidst sands.

The city is said to be founded by one Raja Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput ruler, in approximately 1156 A D. Legends go by that he did it on the behest of a local hermit named Eesaal. The raja choose Trikuta hill as the new site for his fort as his earlier adobe at Luderwa(16 k.m from present Jaisalmer) was too vulnerable to his comfort. But it should always be kept in mind that these legends are most of the time product of conscious minds that are very vulnerable to the oriental exaggeration.

Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high; it has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. Wells within the fort still provide a regular source of water. Even today, you will find that nearly one fourth of the old city's population resides within the fort. If you are a student of cross-cultural merging, the subtle fusion of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles, visible in this fort, will catch your fancy. Ganesh Pol, Akshya Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol are a must see.

One of the world’s largest forts, the Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan is also popular as ‘Sone Ka Quila’ – a name that goes perfectly with its appearance. Amidst the golden sands of the Thar Desert, the fort is the pride of Jaisalmer City and was built by Rao Jaisal, the Bhati Rajput ruler. A 30-feet tall wall protects the magnificent 25-feet tall Jaisalmer Fort.

Also known as: Sonar Quila, Golden Fort

Key attractions:

A rustic blend of Rajputana and Islamic architecture, the gigantic Jaisalmer Fort looks stunning during the night. The fort complex has palaces, temples, wells, houses and havelis– all made of light yellow sandstone giving it a beautiful golden feel. Intricately decorated balconies, windows and arches are common features acrosshavelis. Following are a few highlights of the fort:

The entrance gates – Hawa Pol, Ganesh Pol, Rang Pol and Jawahar Pol, are all unique and exquisitely crafted.
Maharawal Palace is a popular structure in the fort known for its marble throne.
Raj Mahal (Royal Palace)
Tazia Tower is a five-storeyed tower, exclusively designed.
With its impressive designs and architectural excellence, the Jawahar Palace is also a popular attraction in Jaisalmer Fort.
The Jain Temple and Lakshmi Temple are also famous.

How to reach:

It is best to hire a rickshaw. You can also go walking from the main Jaisalmer city.

Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Visiting Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

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