Jaisalmer

Locally known as Sonar Quila, the fort was built in 1156 by the same king who established the city of Jaisalmer. It is composed of 99 bastions. According to some legend, the fort was built where it stands because it was advice by a wise hermit to King Jaisal to place it there. It was said that Lord Krishna, an important figure in Hinduism, praised that particular place. Thus, a fort that would be built there would be unseen by the enemies of the king which is somehow true in reality. A golden cliff is the only visible sign from afar. The fort stands majestically with its 60 ft. tall gate made using Indian rosewood. There is a fissure found on the gate which is believed to have appeared when a Hindu saint passed by the area. Three walls of sandstones served as the shelter and palaces of the Rajput kings.

These walls were adorned by carvings of chariot wheels, fruits, flowers, etc. Stunning archways watch the corridors between buildings. The fort is considered as another architectural wonder with its size and very elaborate detail. Today, about 2,000 residents are still living there. This is why Jaisalmer fort is also considered as India’s only “living fort”. This fort projects a very striking and unforgettable character in the middle of the desert.

Inside the fort, stands a sandstone palace, the well-known breathtaking Raj Mahal. The palace is also known as Jaisalmer King Palace. This marvelous structure was built in the 1500s by the most skilled and honoured architects and craftsmen during that time. The palace is very different from the usual palace that we imagine. It has its own definitive character. The design is very meticulous especially the windows and the balconies. Almost every inch of it is adorned with wonderful detailed sculpted patterns which altogether make the palace extremely imposing.

Raj Mahal is also one of the oldest palaces in India. It is composed of seven stories with stunning paintings hanging all over the place. Back then, it served as the residence of the royal families of Jaisalmer. No wonder it still carries the elegance and authority of its previous residents.

Jaisalmer is a town located inside the Golden Fort. It is situated in the impressive Thar Desert. Here tourists could also try riding some camels to complete the desert experience in Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri Sand Dunes. It was actually started by Maharawak Jaisal back in the 12th century around 1156. He did this to provide a safer place for his capital which used to reside in Ludharva. The town only became an official district of Rajasthan in 1949.

For people who love to know more about traditional art and culture of the place, they could visit the communities of Manganiars and Langas. It is also very popular for the historical fort which stands there as well as for the other remains found there like Kudhara. The most popular attractions are Raj Mahal, Jain temples, Laxminath temple, Desert Culture Centre and Museum, Jaisalmer Folklore Museum, Government Museum, Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum, and Gadsisar Lake. The town was named after a Rajput King, Maharawak Jaisal Singh who is the one responsible for the establishment of the town. The town is characterized by its yellow sandstone and yellow sand. This feature gave it its name, the “Golden City of India”. Jaisalmer stands in the state of Rajasthan near the border between India and Pakistan. It is just a small town but is one of the most interesting places in India. Many tourists and Indian history enthusiasts flock in the town to witness its beauty and the very rich history that it carries.

The architectural style exhibited in the town is also exceptional with the intricate designs and unique patterns. There are still a few thousands of people who live in this town inside the fort. There is a market available inside where people from nearby villages visit. The town is actually a World Heritage Site.

There are many interesting and historical temples located inside the great fort. Jain temples are some of them. These temples are very worthy of your time. The architectural design of the place is very one of a kind. There are seven Jain temples all in all.

They were built way back in the 15th century which means that the temples have witnessed a lot of from the past. All those temples are associated to the Jain prophets. More than six thousand statues stand inside those temples. The Jain people were given permission by the king to build their temples there because they finance the king’s activities and they also agreed to build the protection wall of the fortress. Aside from the Jain Temples, the fort also houses the breathtaking Laxminath Temple. The temple was dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi and her husband, Vishnu, thus, the name.

The temple was built in 1494 during Rao Lunkaran’s reign. In its front, a grandiose entrance with a framework made of silver welcomes visitor who were attracted by the surreal beauty of the temple and its spiritual ambiance. Lakshmi’s statue frequently receives garlands from devotees which makes the goddess appear more spectacular.

The town outside the fort also carries the same architectural style of yellow sandstones and intricate designs. The beautiful houses called havelis which bear the unique carvings which are typical in Jaisalmer also line up in the town outside the fort. These were supposed to be the home of rich merchants.

Most of the havelis were built back in the 1800s. One of the most famous ones is Patwon Ki Haveli. Many local shops also parade in the narrow streets outside the fort. Most of the shops sell textiles and traditional clothing like the ones used by traditional dancers. From here, the majestic display of the Jaisalmer Fort would surely catch anyone’s attention.

Jaisalmer is a town located inside the Golden Fort. It is situated in the impressive Thar Desert. Here tourists could also try riding some camels to complete the desert experience in Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri Sand Dunes. It was actually started by Maharawak Jaisal back in the 12th century around 1156. He did this to provide a safer place for his capital which used to reside in Ludharva. The town only became an official district of Rajasthan in 1949.

For people who love to know more about traditional art and culture of the place, they could visit the communities of Manganiars and Langas. It is also very popular for the historical fort which stands there as well as for the other remains found there like Kudhara. The most popular attractions are Raj Mahal, Jain temples, Laxminath temple, Desert Culture Centre and Museum, Jaisalmer Folklore Museum, Government Museum, Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum, and Gadsisar Lake.

The town was named after a Rajput King, Maharawak Jaisal Singh who is the one responsible for the establishment of the town. The town is characterized by its yellow sandstone and yellow sand. This feature gave it its name, the “Golden City of India”. Jaisalmer stands in the state of Rajasthan near the border between India and Pakistan. It is just a small town but is one of the most interesting places in India. Many tourists and Indian history enthusiasts flock in the town to witness its beauty and the very rich history that it carries.

The architectural style exhibited in the town is also exceptional with the intricate designs and unique patterns. There are still a few thousands of people who live in this town inside the fort. There is a market available inside where people from nearby villages visit. The town is actually a World Heritage Site.