Rajasthan Holidays - Rajasthan Fort & Palaces - Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort

Covered in this Section : Fast Facts, Brief history, Jaisalmer Fort Overview, Speciality, Accommodation and Accessibility.

Fast Facts

District : Jaisalmer, West Rajasthan
Distance : 563 kms from Jaipur city
Best Time To Visit : October to March

Brief History

Jaisalmer Fort is considered as the second oldest fort in the state of Rajasthan, the oldest being the Chittaurgarh Fort. The fort was built in the twelfth century, 1156 A.D., to be precise. Jaisalmer town, as it stands amidst the desert lands of Rajasthan, owed an immense importance in the past. The place, back then constituted as one of the bases that formed the trade link between Egypt, Arab, Persia and India. The traders and merchants, who were in business then, employed stone craftsmen to build for them great places and mansions, which still stand as great attractions. Despite the intense heat and regular sandstorms, the fort has survived and survived to tell its tale.

Jaisalmer Fort - Overview

Jaisalmer Fort stands perched on the popular Trikuta Hills in the Jaisalmer town of Rajasthan. Rising to an imposing height of 250 feet from the ground, the fort in no way escapes the visitors attention. The fort lanes can be seen as inhabited by a small population of merchants and shop owners. The wells built within the fort can be seen as providing the source till date. The region is also marked by a number of mansions and havelis that were built by the prosperous traders and merchants in the later centuries. The golden yellow sandstone that has been employed in the construction of this fort gives it a unique outlook. It is because of this fact that the fort is sometimes called as Sonar Qila (meaning golden fort). This fort looks quite fascinating at night.

What's So Special

The location of Jaisalmer Fort is considered as one of the factors responsible for its mysterious impression. In the middle of the desert, on top of a hill and with vast stretches of desolate lands provides a perfect backdrop. Jaisalmer Fort, as a massive structure, features bastions - at least 99, sky pointing turrets, strong walls of encampment and the golden yellow sandstone that looks beautiful from a distance. The fort complex also homes a small population, shops, mansions and more. The whole place gives an insight of the medieval culture, of which the place boasts about most. The by lanes, colorful mansions, population with their livestock gives impressions of the bygone days. Also located within the complex premises are some ancient Jain Temples.

Transportation

Airport :There is a domestic airport provided in the Jodhpur city that avails the means of reaching the city in a plane. Flights operate from cities like Delhi and Mumbai. However, the airport is about 285 kms far from the city.

Railways : Trains coming from different destinations regularly reach the place. There is a regular service from the city of Jodhpur. The city (Jodhpur) also lies en route the circuit on which luxury train Palace on Wheels runs.

Bus Services : Short and long distance buses from different parts of city are available. Buses frequently come from Jodhpur and Delhi.

Places Where You Can Stay

Some nearby place where you can stay are given below :

Hotel Simla, Ishar Palace, Hotel Chandra Niwas, Hotel Laxmi Niwas, Hotel Jaisal Castle, Hotel Paradise, Hotel Shree Palace.