Located on the northwestern end of India, Rajasthan is known as India’s desert state. One would think, what’s so interesting about a place full of sand? Well, once you learn about the city of Jaisalmer, you’ll definitely want to check it out. Jaisalmer is a fascinating city that sits on the edge of India, near the border of Pakistan and in ancient times was one of the crossroads of the Silk Road. This is where the famed Jaisalmer Fort is located. Built sometime in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, Jaisalmer Fort is a magnificent structure sitting on top of a hill in the heart of the desert city. It is called a “living fort” because a quarter of the city’s population resides inside the fort and it is the oldest of its kind in the world. The locals call it Sonar Quila, which means “Golden Fort” because the structure is made of ancient yellow sandstone and gives off a golden glow especially during sunset. Often times the fort camouflages with the surrounding desert, which makes it even more fascinating. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jaisalmer Fort stands at 76 meters (250 feet) and is very popular among tourists. Be one of these fascinated guests by checking out our guide to Jaisalmer Fort below.
Things to do/Highlights
Fort architecture
One of the first things you will notice about Jaisalmer Fort is the structure itself. The fort was built using ancient sandstone and people are mesmerized by the golden glow that allows the fort to blend in with its desert landscape. Though from the outside it looks quite simple, inside you will notice different layers of walls that are meant to be strategic in times of attack. There are also four beautifully carved gates that lead into the fort, namely the Akhai Pol, Suraj Pol, Ganesh Pol, and Hawa Pol. The gates are again placed in a strategic manner to confuse incoming armies and unwanted visitors in the past.
Temples
There are two main temples inside Fort Jaisalmer. The first one is the Laxminath Temple, which is an ancient Hindu temple. It’s dedicated to enshrine the Hindu gods Vishnu and his consort goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. The second and more known one is the Jain Temple. There are actually seven of them inside the fort, with each one dedicated to different Jain Tirthankara, a spiritual teacher. The temples were built inside the fort as protection from the invading Moghuls.
Raj Mahal Palace and Fort Museum
Get to know more about the history of the fort and of the city of Jaisalmer in the Fort Museum. It houses displays of items significant to Jaisalmer’s heritage like armory, gold and silver pieces, sculptures, and other interesting artifacts. Be sure not to miss the Raj Mahal Palace or the Maharwal Palace as well. This was the former residence of the Maharaja or ruler of Jaisalmer. The palace offers some incredible views of the city.
Travelers tips
Conserve water
Over the years, Jaisalmer Fort has become a very popular tourist attraction. Nearly a million people visit the fort yearly and this contributed much to the city’s tourism. However, one must remember that Jaisalmer is a desert city, so water is a treasured entity around these parts. With the rise of tourism, officials are advising tourists and locals alike to conserve water as there has been an increase in its usage. So it’s important to remember this especially if you’re planning to spend a few nights in the fort. Feel free to bring your own bottles of water, of course. You will definitely need it in this setting.
Wear comfortable clothing
Again, since Jaisalmer Fort is in the middle of a desert, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing. The temperature will obviously be hot and humid so you wouldn’t want to ruin your trip by feeling discomfort with your clothes. Don’t forget to wear walking shoes as well, since you will be walking most of the time. It may be a little challenging for people who aren’t physically fit to reach the fort since it sits on a hill and requires a bit of a hike.
Best time to visit
Weather plays an important factor when going on a tour in a desert. In Jaisalmer, the most ideal time to visit is during the winter months and this is from October through March. While it obviously does not snow in the desert, it’s during these months when the temperature will be cooler and less harsh than during the summer months. Try to avoid coming here from April to June, the peak harsh summer months, and July to September, which are the monsoon months and can mean a more humid atmosphere.
How to get there
Jaisalmer Fort is a famous tourist attraction so it will not be difficult to reach if you’re coming from the main city of Jaisalmer. You can simply hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to get you to the foot of the hill where the fort is located. The fort is quite the sight so it’s guaranteed you won’t miss it.
If you’re coming from outside Jaisalmer, your best bet would be arriving on rail. India has an extensive railway system that runs from major cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur, so you can take one that will take you to Jaisalmer. The nearest airport is also located in Jodhpur, and from here you can also hire a taxi to take you to Jaisalmer.
How to book tickets
You can easily book your tickets online for your convenience. Tickets are priced at 50 INR or less than 1 USD for Indian nationals and 250 INR or 3.50 USD for foreigners. There is also an additional 50 INR for camera photography and 100 INR or about 1 USD for video coverage. Guides are also available for an additional fee and they offer tours in both English and Hindi.
Jaisalmer Fort information
Jaisalmer Fort
Address: Fort road, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, 345001, India
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
Cost: From 3.50 USD
Official website: Jaisalmer Fort
Department of tourism: Visit Jaisalmer
Walk and Talk By The Jaisalmer Fort
Duration: 4 hours
History
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