Jaisalmer Fort

Magic of Architecture
The Jaisalmer Fort rises above its city like a mirage from the sands. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high, it has 99 bastions. Built in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisala, it is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan.In those days of yore the enitre kingdom lay ensconced within the fort, the palace was built as an inner citadel surrounded by the city and guarded by the fortified walls. Since then this fort has weathered many battles between the Bhattis, the Mughals of Delhi and the Rathores of Jodhpur.

In the middle ages this town also became an important trade destination as it lay on the caravan route that connected India to Persia, Egypt, Africa, Arabia and the middle East. The town prospered as the merchants grew and finally it spilled outside of the fort where with their newly gained wealth the merchants and settlers built new homes and ornately carved havelis. The most amazing thing though is the fact that to this day it is a living fort where 25% of the city's population still resides. Within, its carless streets are packed with houses, handicraft shops and beauty parlours, and honeycombed with narrow, winding lanes paved in stone. The Raj Mahal or Royal Palace inside the fort complex is also a stunning sight, it shows the golden fort at its burnished best. The fort also contains seven beautiful Jain temples, the Parshvanath Temple being the most impressive of these. The oldest temple in the fort however is the Hindu Lakshminath Temple. The poky little basement called the Gyan Bhandar is another revelation, it contains hundreds of precious palm leaf manuscripts and paintings, some nearly 1,000 years old.

It's an extraordinary, resonant experience to wander around the lanes inside this animated museum. An ancient fort alive with people going about their daily routines. The views from the fort are equally enchanting, the sandy Thar desert stretches on for miles and the city nestled below glows as the sun turns its sandstone havelis into an alchemist's dream.

Weather Watch
Situated in the heart of the great Thar Desert, climate of Jaisalmer is of a typical desert character. The best time to visit this city is the winter (November to February) when gentle sunlight makes the city glow. We recommend you come between January and Feburary, while the Desert Festival is on.

Shopping Spree
The lanes inside the fort are packed with shops selling trinkets and curios, fabrics replete with embroidery and mirror work, traditional rugs, blankets and silver jewelry. This market includes Sadar Bazar, Sonaron ka Bass, Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazar, Gandhi Darshan, Seema Gram, Rajsthani Govt. Shop and Khadi Gramodyog Emporium.

Soak in the Surroundings
Jaisalmer is the most exotic of all of Rajasthan's cities. With its golden fort, desert dunes, painted houses and elaborately carved havelis. Take a walk through the town and enjoy the craftsmanship of architects who worked so diligently on the sandstone mansions that they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. The most famous of these is the Patwa Haveli. The Gadisar Lake in the midst of these golden dunes is a charming attraction and a popular picnic spot. The Jaisalmer Folklore Museum contains interesting traditional wares and also puppets. If you happen to visit during the Desert Festival that falls between January and Feburary you are in for a real treat, it's the time when the town comes alive with dance, music, crafts, camel races, turban-tying competitions and many contests and festivals. Irrespective of what time of the year it is, the one must do thing when you come to Jaisalmer, is go on a camel safari. You can choose to be as adventerous as you wish, ride around for an hour during sunset or go on a 2-day safari, make it as long or as short as you want, but miss it you shouldn't.

How to Reach :
Air : The nearest airport is 285 km that links to and other parts of India.

Rail : Jaisalmer is connected with by night train service and also to major cities in India.

Road : Well connected by road with all the major cities of India. Direct bus services to , Mount Abu, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Barmer, Ajmer, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Bhuj.

Rajasthan Monuments
Amber Fort - Jaipur	Hawa Mahal	Jaisalmer Fort
City Palace - Jaipur	Chittorgarh Fort	Mehrangarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort	City Palace - Udaipur

Jaisalmer Fort : Reservation Form

(* represents compulsory fields)
* Name :		* Tentative Date of Travel :
* Phone : (Include Country/Area Code)		* Duration of Travel in India (Approx.) :
* Your Country :		No. of People Travelling :
* E-Mail Address :		Adult :
* Validation Code :		Children :

* Any Specific Requirements :


Rajasthan Tour Packages \| Rajasthan Monuments \| Heritage Hotels in Rajasthan \| Sightseeing Safari \| Rajasthan Pilgrimages \| Rajasthan Wildlife



Home \| Profile \| Contact Us \| Hotel Reservation \| Tour Booking \| E-mail \| Sitemap

Copyright © Rajasthan Tourism, All Rights Reserved Site Developed by Web Designing Company & Online Business Directory