Jaisalmer Fort: A Timeless Marvel in the Thar Desert

Discovering the Secrets of Jaisalmer Fort: A Traveler's Tale

About Jaisalmer Fort:

 
Jaisalmer is known as a golden city in the state of Rajasthan, it is connected to the desert area of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, So Its named Jaisalmer related to name of King Jaisal. Jaisalmer Fort is largest living fort in India. Due to the beauty and grandeur of Jaisalmer Fort, it is still located here maintaining its own identity from other forts.

This fort is the pride of the Thar Desert, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a symbol of its power. Jaisalmer Fort is also known as Sonar Fort or Golden Fort. Sonar Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan State. It was also designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2013.

 

History of Jaisalmer Fort:

 
Jaisalmer Fort or Golden Fort was established in 1156 AD by King Rawal Jaisal. Raja Jaisal himself was a Bhatti ruling Rajput king. Raja Jaisal had chosen a place like Trikuta hills which is in the Thar desert to establish his fort and this fort is still famous for its impressive history. Many wars have also taken place at this place with the Mughals, Tughluks, Khilji and Rathor kings. A fortified defence structure called a Rang Burj is believed to have been built in 1276 AD by Rawal Jaisal Raja after two invasions by Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi and this strong defence structure was added to this fort.

After repeated attempts by some enemy rulers to capture it for many years, the Sultan captured the Jaisalmer Fort in 1294 by winning a battle with the Bhati Rajput. Alauddin Khilji himself laid siege to this fort with his army for many years to take possession of it. This was followed by another terror on the fort at the end of the 14th century, when the Sultan of Delhi, Firoz Shah Tughlaqs, attacked Jaisalmer.

In the same way, many attacks on Jaisalmer Fort kept happening one by one. In this Fort only stood as the centre of trade business but today it is the only surviving one in India which is Jaisalmer Fort. Even today, many forums of Rajput and Brahmin families remain the abode of the world. Even today many people o Brahmin and Rajput descendants are living here with old customs. Although this fort has remained a major tourist attraction centre of Jaisalmer today and not a centre of trade. People still come here in large numbers to visit this fort and local guides are also found here on rent.

People feel very happy to see the beautiful architecture of Jaisalmer Fort, apart from this a Fort Palace Museum and havelis, Jain Temple and Other such attractive objects are also established in Jaisalmer Fort which are still present maintaining the beauty of the Fort.

 

Jaisalmer Fort Images and Nearby Attractions:

 

Nearby Visiting Places at Jaisalmer Fort:

1. Light & Sound Show at Gadisar Lake
2. Jaisalmer Government Museum
3. Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
4. Tanot Mata Temple
5. Ramdevara Temple

1. Light & Sound Show at Gadisar Lake – The Laser Water Show in Gadisar Lake is one of the first and largest Laser Water Shows with water screen projection mapping. The show depicts the story of the founders of Jaisalmer city, the Jaisalmer fort, the attacks of invaders on the fort and the sacrifice of brave Rajput to save their land, as well as glimpses of other tourist locations in the Jaisalmer region, such as Tanot Mata Temple, Lodruva Temple, Laxminarayan Temple, Longewala war scenes, and so on.

 
2. Jaisalmer Government Museum – It was established by the Department of Archaeology and Museums and is a popular tourist destination in Jaisalmer.

 
3. Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli – Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli was developed in the 19th century by two architect brothers. They worked on the haveli from both sides, and the result is a stunning blend of symmetrical architecture. For adornment, little paintings and huge tuskers cut from yellow sandstone are used.

 
4. Tanot Mata Temple – The Tanot Mata Temple is about 120 kilometres from Jaisalmer. Tanot Mata is thought to be a reincarnation of Goddess Hinglaj. Tanot was heavily attacked and shelled during the 1965 India-Pakistan conflict, according to several accounts. However, none of the shells or bombs thrown at the shrine exploded. This reaffirmed people's confidence in Goddess the temple. After the conflict, the Border Security Force (BSF) reconstructed the shrine, which is now overseen by a BSF Trust.

 
5. Ramdevara Temple – Ramdevara Temple is 12 kilometres from Pokhran on the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer highway. While most people believe it is a temple devoted to Lord Ram, it is dedicated to renowned saint Baba Ramdevji. People of different faiths attend the temple, which marks Baba Ramdevji's everlasting resting place. Between August and September, a big fair known as Ramdevara Fair is held here, attracting a great number of devotees who sing devotional songs all night long.

 
Other Places to Visit near Jaisalmer Fort are –

1. Jaisalmer War Museum
2. Akal Wood Fossil Park
3. Laungewala War Memorial
4. Vyas Chhatri
5. Amar Sagar Lake
6. Kuldhara
7. Bada Bagh
8. Desert National Park
9. Jain Temples of Jaisalmer
10. Mandir Palace
11. Salim Singh Ki Haveli
12. Patwon Ki Haveli

How To Reach Jaisalmer Fort:

 
 By Road - Jaisalmer city is very well connected to the big cities via road also you can choose any public transport such as government and private transport to reach the Jaisalmer Fort.

 By Air - Jaisalmer Fort is about 13 Km away from Airport. There is a civil airport in Jaisalmer, and direct flight connections are available from Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Surat.

 By Train - Jaisalmer has a railway junction also good have connectivity from the big cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Delhi.

 

Jaisalmer Fort Visiting Timing and Fees:

 
 Visiting Timing: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

 Cost of Entry for Indians: INR 50 per head; INR 25 for students and senior citizens

 Cost of Entry for Foreigner: INR 250 per head

 

Place to Stay or Hotels near Jaisalmer Fort:

 
Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa - This luxury Resort is just 2.5 Km driving distance from Jaisalmer Fort.

Hotel Rawal Palace - Just a half km driving distance from Jaisalmer Fort.

Hotel Yash Palace, Jaisalmer - This hotel is situated 1.5 Km away from Jaisalmer Fort.

Hotel Apollo Jaisalmer - Situated at 1 Km driving distance from the Sonar Fort.

Gaji Hotel Jaisalmer - Gaji Hotel is just 2 km away from the Golden Fort of Jaisalmer.

Hostel Jaisalmer - This place is just a half km away from Jaisalmer fort.

Hostel Fort Side Jaisalmer - This Hotel is 1 km away from the Golden Fort.

You Can Also Check Out Our Other Blog in the Rajasthan Fort Series -