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Jaisalmer Fort

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 Tour Packages) 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.


Interesting Facts about Jaisalmer Fort:

  • There are many attractions including Raj Palace, Jain temples, Laxminath Temple and the four gateways – Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and the Hawa Pol located within the fort
  • Jaisalmer Fort is located in the Thar Desert, which is the world’s ninth largest tropical desert
  • Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest fortifications in the world and is made up of three layers
  • There are two important public places called the Gopa Chowk and Dussera Chowk, which attracts tourists, musicians, and shopkeepers
  • The narrow lanes inside the Jaisalmer Fort are worth exploring and they lead to various parts of the fort

History of Jaisalmer Fort

The Golden fort is said to be established by Raja Rawal Jaisal, who was a Bhatti Rajput ruler, in approximately 1156 A D. He selected the Trikuta hills located at the great Thar Desert for his fort to stand and symbolize the dominance and power of the royal Rajput’s.

Sonar Quila is known as the second oldest fort in Rajasthan and has seen and been part of many legendary battles but even today it holds the same charm and positive vibes which will leave you aw-struck when you will witness this great structure. So, one can notice the fusion of Islamic and Rajput architecture. It has also been part of the silk trade route from the 16th to the 18th century.

Sonar Quila is a legendary structure and holds a great significance in the grand history. Jaisalmer Tourism The fort has four grand entrance Ganesh Pol, Akshaya Pol, Suraj Pol, and Hawa Pol which have their own significance like Suraj pol named was given to one because the first sun rays over the city used to hit this very gate similarly other gates also have interesting stories related to them and are very beautifully carved and designed in a way that it is a combination of power and beauty.


The Architecture of Jaisalmer Fort

The Jaisalmer Fort is also famous for its architectural beauty. With the amazing measurement of 1,500 ft (460 m) long and 750 ft (230 m) wide it is built on a hill that rises above a height of 250 ft (76 m). You will be delighted to witness the essence of Rajasthani architectural touch with beautiful designs and patterns. Built with the gorgeous yellow sandstone the entire fort has an amazing look and shines like gold when the sun-rays fall on the walls.

With the glorious sunrise and majestic sunset, this structure changes color from tawny lion yellow to honey- gold. You will be amused to see the four entrances to the fort which are named Hawa Pole, Akshay Pole, Suraj Pole, and Ganesha Pole. There are many other places that add their importance to histories such as Akhai Vilas, the Rang Mahal, Sarvottam Vilas, Gaj Mahal, and the Moti Mahal Jaisalmer Monuments.

The Moti Mahal is also known as Salam Singh Ki Haweli and is extremely beautiful with the amazing architecture, built-in 1815 with a peacock-shaped roof & numerous balconies this place will give a jaw-dropping view. These places too have been formed by keeping the designs, patterns, and texture at the priority and has been taken utmost care that they stand to showcase the royalty and energy of Rajput’s and taking Rajasthani style on another level.


Best time to visit the Jaisalmer Fort:

The best time to visit the Jaisalmer Fort is from November to March. It is the best time to enjoy sightseeing, camel ride, desert safari and exploring Jaisalmer.


Timings and Entry Fees:

The timings to visit Jaisalmer Fort is 6 AM – 5 PM. The entry fees for Indians is 50 INR and 250 INR for foreigners.


How To Reach

By Air: As Jaisalmer does not have any airport within the city so, the nearest airport to this place is Jodhpur airport which is connected with domestic and international flights to and from major places and is around 275 kilometers from Jaisalmer.

By Train: You can also choose to visit with the help of the train as Jaisalmer has good connectivity from the trains to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, etc.

By Road: Jaisalmer is well connected to the major cities via roadways also so you can choose any public transport like buses or private transport like cars etc. to reach the Jaisalmer fort.


Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer

Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer, the ‘Golden City’, is known for its sandstone architecture, ancient Jain temples, and massive walls that conjure up images of fables from the Arabian Nights. It is an ideal destination for a family vacation. The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between September and March.

There are numerous fun things to do while holidaying with family in Jaisalmer. The town draws visitors from all over the world and is especially renowned for its camel safaris.

In the middle of the Thar Desert, being an arid area means Jaisalmer’s weather can be severe. Temperatures can range from high to cold, whether it’s the hot months of summer or the freezing winters. The Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer is considered to be winter; it is best during the hot summer months to escape the desert.


Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer

The best time to go to Jaislamer is between October and March. This is largely because the environmental conditions in the summer months are very hot and humid. If as a tourist you are visiting Jaisalmer, then the winter season is the perfect time. This is the perfect time to enjoy sightseeing and take part in enjoyable events such as desert safari and camel rides outdoors. During the daytime, the temperature stays comfortable and cool at night.

Summer in Jaisalmer

In April, summer begins and lasts until the end of August. During the day, these months can be extremely hot. Owing to the severe climate, during the summer months, visitors stop visiting Jaisalmer, so it is not the Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer. However, if you are searching for budget holiday options, it may be a perfect time for a break. During the summer, Jaisalmer hotels offer hefty discounts.

Bear in mind that during the day, the temperature could rise well above 40 °C. Make sure that you pack light cotton clothes and wear plenty of sunscreen lotion if you are travelling to Jaisalmer at this time.

Monsoon in Jaisalmer

In Jaisalmer, the monsoon season is from September to October. With sparse rainfall, it is a very short season; it may not even rain on some days. The first few showers just add to the humidity and, because of this, the heat always gets worse.

In October, things begin to cool down, which signals the start of the tourist season. Tourists often take a risk with the weather and are fortunate without crowds to experience friendly conditions, making this era the Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer

From November to March, the winter months last and this is the best time to visit Jaisalmer. Some enjoyable activities in the desert can be enjoyed in very pleasant weather. The minimum temperature could decrease to as low as 5 °C and 24 °C could be the maximum.

Winter in Jaisalmer

The weather is enjoyable in January, but at times it can get a little too cold. For couples on their honeymoon, the perfect time to visit is winter. Many romantic activities, such as camping under the night sky or in a secluded tent, are on offer.

There is much more to do in the Golden City, besides the desert safari and visits to the magnificent forts. Here are some more reasons why visiting Jaisalmer is a perfect time for you during the winter months.


Must Visit Places in Jaisalmer

As most individuals get in India, Jaisalmer is about as far west. It is amazingly dry, hot, isolated. So what is it that takes people to a town just a stone’s throw away from the border with Pakistan? The ‘Golden City’ is a beautiful place as it has come to be known. In the centre of the city, overlooking the sun-kissed buildings, sits a massive fort atop a hill. A tourist hotspot for camel safaris and jeep tours is the sand dunes not far from the city. In Jaisalmer, the ‘Golden City’ of India, there are so many cool little places I have found and amazing Things to do Jaisalmer.


Jaisalmer Fort

Founded in 1156, the Jaisalmer Fort is a proud chattel of the Bhati clan. Rawal Jaiswal was the founder of the town of Jaisalmer, and during his reign, Jaisalmer Fort was built. It is a 250-foot tall fort that is covered by walls that are 30 feet high. The fort is made up of 99 strongholds, of which 92 were built between 1633 and 1647.

One can see the convergence of the architecture of Islam and Rajput. On Trikuta Hill, Jaisalmer Fort is located and has been the scene of many wars. Raj Mahal (Royal Palace), Jain temples and Laxminath Temple are the main attractions within the fort. The fort is built according to the existing Rajasthan norms and features a town with a red-and-yellow backdrop.

The Fort of Jaisalmer is one of the world’s few living monuments and is home to a fourth of the population of the city. For all travellers, and particularly photographers, the view of the sunset from this fort is a treat to the eyes. As it is built of yellow sandstone, Jaisalmer Fort is generally known as the “Sonar Kila”. In the early morning, the fort looks golden as the first rays of the sun hit the horizon. In the fairy tales, Jaisalmer Fort looks like a castle and occupies the tinted little town of Jaisalmer.


Ghadsisar Lake

Ghadsisar Lake is a lake of rainwater which supplies the city with water. Sar means a pond. It was founded by King Ghadsi of Jaisalmer 650 years ago with the assistance of the people. There are a large number of catfish in the Lake and several temples and tombs of holy saints surround it. At Ghadsisar Lake, one can also enjoy a boat ride.

The desert cultural centre and a local museum are nearby, constructed from the collections of Mr. N.K. Sharma, a local school teacher. In the morning and evening, this centre performs puppet shows Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer.


Patwon ki haveli

A ten-minute walk from the main gates of the fort is Patwon-ki-Haveli and very magnificent. It’s a series of five houses, each for the son of a wealthy merchant who made loans to the government for property. One of the Havelis has been restored (closest to the street) and converted into a government museum.

Expect to have two hours to spend there. Nice view back in the direction of the fort. Rs 500 Entry 500 (foreign tourist). Outside, guides wait around and give their services for as little as Rs 50. They give a hurried tour, however, and there is plenty of information inside about signs, Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer.


Vyas Chatri

Vyas Chhatri, one of the most beautiful examples of Rajasthani architecture, is situated in Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer. This old Brahmin cemetery is dedicated to Ved Vyaas, the sage who wrote the epic Mahabharata, and is full of local versions of cenotaphs. Cenotaphs within, this place is more generally referred to as Jaisalmer’s sunset spot.

Hordes of people visit the Vyas Chhatri each evening to get a glimpse of the beautiful desert sunset. You can see stunning golden sandstone chhatris everywhere around here, coated in intricate and delicate carvings. Vyas Chhatri, a popular destination among tourists, offers a bird’s eye view of Jaisalmer, the fort, and even the neighbouring areas. At Vyas Chhatri, tourists can also witness many locals playing Rajasthani tunes on the Algoza, a double fluted guitar, making it an experience that amazes the senses.


Bada Bagh

A private cenotaph garden at the bottom of a hill, where several dozen Chattris stand to memorialise local rulers, is about six km out of town. Here nobodies are buried: these are hollow “tombs.” In 1947, the practise of building these cenotaphs was ended. To join, there is a small fee.

The gardens are largely unmaintained, but the lovely chattris are very interesting. Practically the only thing you can hear will be screaming peacocks. No facilities are available here: no showers, no vendors, no food and no water, so plan accordingly.


Tanot Temple

Tanot Mata Temple near the Pakistan border is one of the main locations on the outskirts of Jaisalmer. The temple is maintained by the BSF. Due to the divine influence of the mother goddess in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, none of the bombs dropped by the Pakistani army in the vicinity of this temple exploded. Beside the mosque, there is a museum where the fused bomb can be displayed.


Haunted Village Kuldhara

Kuldhara is about 20 km from Jaisalmer’s central town, and it takes about 40 minutes by car to get here. It is located on a slight diversion to the deserts from the Jaisalmer-Sam-Dhanana Route. There are several guidance signboards. In short, even if you are driving on your own, you can conveniently hit Kuldhara. You will experience the restricted occurrence of human life when you take the sandy road that leads to it. The vegetation, the shy stray herd of animals that may have feasted on the remaining pieces, is insignificant.

Kuldhara was once a very prosperous and peaceful settlement of the Paliwal Brahmins, according to tradition. But now, Rajasthan is a haunted and cursed village. Salim Singh, the influential and greedy prime minister of state, according to local legends, his evil eyes fell on the daughter of the chief and wished to marry her.

He told the villagers that if they did not obey his wish, there would be heavy consequences. He provided them with a deadline. The villagers and the 84 neighbouring village chiefs met and agreed to abandon their homes, vanishing in the darkness of the night. Where they went, nobody knows. Villagers put the curse before leaving the village, that no one will ever settle in their village from the day after.


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