Jaisalmer Fort, Rajasthan: A Travel Guide
Jaisalmer Fort, constructed in the 12th century, is one of the lively monuments providing shelter for the population of the city.
The use of yellow sandstone in the construction of the Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan provides an amazing look of a ship. Visitors from far could relate the fort as a ship sailing on sea of golden sand.
The fort in Jaisalmer is also popular as Ship Fort. We have previously features Jaisalmer Fort as one of the top 10 forts in India.
Jaisalmer fort amazes the visitors with its magnificent look. Apart from this, the characteristic of change in the color of the walls and pavements of the fort according to the daylight has also attracted tourists to spend quality time exploring the fort.
Jaisalmer fort is lively throughout the day as one could find women walking with pots of milk and children running down the streets.
Dussehra Chowk is the main courtyard of the Jaisalmer fort. One could find small shops, hotels, eateries, and people in colorful traditional dresses.
As you explore the architectural brilliance of the fort, it is easy to get lost in this sprawling fort complex. To ensure the best of the exploration experience, you could hire travel guides at the entrance Gopa Chowk of the Jaisalmer Fort.
Insider tip: Do not settle for more than INR 400 as guide fee.
The Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort, standing 250 feet off the ground is popular amidst the travelers from all round the globe due to its architectural brilliance and historic significance.
Jaisalmer fort is different from other historic forts in Rajasthan as this fort provides shelter to the population of Jaisalmer. Along with residences, you could spot restaurants, guesthouses, shops, etc. One could also spot large, round stones around the streets. These were once hurled down narrow paths against the invaders coming from Jodhpur.
History
Jaisalmer City played a very crucial role in trade with Arabia, Africa, Persia, and Egypt, during the medieval era. The fort consists of wall of three layers. The lower or say the outer layer of the fort is made up of solid stone blocks.
The middle or the second layer of the fort wall snakes all over the fort, and the third or innermost layer of the wall was were the Rajput Warriors used to throw boiling water or oil on the enemies.
The warriors also used to throw massive rocks to block their way. The fort included 99 bastions in total. Out of these, 92 bastions were built between 1633-47 A.D.
In the 13th century, the fort was attacked and captured by Ala-ud-din Khilji. He managed to hold his rule on the fort for almost 9 years. In 1541, the second battle was fought and Mughal emperor Humayun attacked the Jaisalmer fort city.
Some Interesting Facts:
The use of yellow sandstone in the construction of the Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan provides an amazing look of a ship. Visitors from far could relate the fort as a ship sailing on sea of golden sand.
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| Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan is renowned for its distinct golden appearance and also referred to as Sonar Qila |
Jaisalmer fort amazes the visitors with its magnificent look. Apart from this, the characteristic of change in the color of the walls and pavements of the fort according to the daylight has also attracted tourists to spend quality time exploring the fort.
Jaisalmer fort is lively throughout the day as one could find women walking with pots of milk and children running down the streets.
Dussehra Chowk is the main courtyard of the Jaisalmer fort. One could find small shops, hotels, eateries, and people in colorful traditional dresses.
As you explore the architectural brilliance of the fort, it is easy to get lost in this sprawling fort complex. To ensure the best of the exploration experience, you could hire travel guides at the entrance Gopa Chowk of the Jaisalmer Fort.
Insider tip: Do not settle for more than INR 400 as guide fee.
- Location: Jaisalmer (Rajasthan, India)
- Area: 5.1 sq km
- Altitude: 255 meters
- Built By: Bhati Rajput Ruler Rao Jaisal
- Built In: 1156 AD
- Highlights: Raj Mahal (Royal Palace), Laxminath Temple, Jain Temples, Merchant Havelis, 4 Massive Gateways, etc.
- How to Reach: Through a rickshaw or an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from the Jaisalmer Airport/Railway Station.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Entry Fee: Indians - INR 30; Foreigners - INR 70.
The Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer Fort, standing 250 feet off the ground is popular amidst the travelers from all round the globe due to its architectural brilliance and historic significance.
Jaisalmer fort is different from other historic forts in Rajasthan as this fort provides shelter to the population of Jaisalmer. Along with residences, you could spot restaurants, guesthouses, shops, etc. One could also spot large, round stones around the streets. These were once hurled down narrow paths against the invaders coming from Jodhpur.
History
Jaisalmer City played a very crucial role in trade with Arabia, Africa, Persia, and Egypt, during the medieval era. The fort consists of wall of three layers. The lower or say the outer layer of the fort is made up of solid stone blocks.
The middle or the second layer of the fort wall snakes all over the fort, and the third or innermost layer of the wall was were the Rajput Warriors used to throw boiling water or oil on the enemies.
The warriors also used to throw massive rocks to block their way. The fort included 99 bastions in total. Out of these, 92 bastions were built between 1633-47 A.D.
In the 13th century, the fort was attacked and captured by Ala-ud-din Khilji. He managed to hold his rule on the fort for almost 9 years. In 1541, the second battle was fought and Mughal emperor Humayun attacked the Jaisalmer fort city.
Some Interesting Facts:
- Sonar Kila is an alternate name of Jaisalmer Fort. The fort is adorned with golden hues during the dusk and dawn.
- The Jaisalmer fort is built on an 80 feet sandstone hillock and is 250 feet high.
- The fort provides shelter to almost 4,000 people.
- The Jaisalmer Fort is the 2nd oldest fort of Rajasthan.
- There are 3-layer protective fort walls that helped in keeping the enemies at bay.
- The 93 of the 99 bastions were constructed during 1633-47 A.D.
- The fort has 99 bastions as of today and a 93 of them were built between 1633-47 A.D.
- The Rajput women committed jauhar when the fort was attacked by Ala-ud-din Khilji.
- The depiction of the fort has been made in the detective novel written by Satyajit Ray. Later, a movie was made and titled as �Sonar Kella�.
- The fort also played a crucial role during the medieval times in the trade route. The introduction of sea trade route of the British led to the downfall of the fort as a trade route.
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