Would you like to take a walk in a fort, where people still live, shop, and pray, and in a fort built with walls of gleaming golden sandstone? We are now in the midst of the heart and the pride of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer Fort. This fort is not any mere monument; it is a world by itself.
Strolling along its narrow streets, you can see the colourful houses, age-old temples, small rooftop cafes, and markets, filled with handicrafts, which narrate about its royal past. The golden glow of the fort at sunset makes it look like it is made of pure gold, which is why Jaisalmer is called the Golden City of India, and you can witness its beauty through our specially curated Rajasthan tour package.
A history enthusiast, a culture digger or a mere lover of magical locations, Jaisalmer Fort will make you fall in love with the royal charm of Rajasthan. Be prepared to visit one of the most beautiful and unique forts in the world with the help of this guide!
Jaisalmer Fort History
The Jaisalmer Fort, built by Rao Jiaswal, who established Jaisalmer city, was constructed in 1156 AD, making it one of the ancient architectures in Jaisalmer. He constructed the fort on Trikuta Hill because it would guard trade routes connecting India and Central Asia as well as the Middle East. Gradually, it turned into an object of pride and power of the Rajput, and it experienced numerous battles, invasions, and heroic tales.
Merchants sold silk and spices at the fort, which had previously been a bustling trade hub. It was made of golden-yellow sandstone, which made it look really pretty, as well as it also helped blend in with the desert during times of war. Even nowadays, the fort lives life on its own; families, temples, and shops are in operation within the walls of the fort, and it is one of the best tourist places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Built by: Rawal Jaisal
Year of Construction: 1156 AD
Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Inside Jaisalmer Fort: Architecture and Design
As you enter Jaisalmer Fort, it looks like you have entered a royal city of the past. The building is an architectural marvel, constructed of all yellow sandstone in its entirety, and shimmering like gold under the desert sun. The walls are immense, 250 feet high, and defended by 99 bastions which are placed on the perimeter of the fort. There are four large gates called Akhai Pol, Suraj Pol, Ganesh Pol and Hawa Pol through which visitors enter.
Highlight: Raj Mahal, Havelis, Jain temple.
Style of Architecture: Rajputana.
The fort is full of its world inside, including:
Raj Mahal (Royal Palace): It is a large palace with lovely carvings, mirror work and balconies which front the desert.
Jain Temples: Seven Jain Tirthankara temples are highly carved in marble and have a calm atmosphere.
Laxminath Temple: This is a religious temple of the Hindus that is devoted to lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.
Merchant Havelis: The houses of the rich traders, which are adorned with detailed windows and sandstone decor.
Jaisalmer Fort Ticket Price and Timings
It is best to familiarise yourself with Jaisalmer fort timings and the cost of a ticket before visiting.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee, but it can be charged for visiting museums and other places, and it is ₹50 for Indians and ₹250 for foreign visitors.
Camera Fee: about ₹50 rupees
The fort is open daily and can be visited with ease in half a day. It is good to come in the early morning when one can avoid the crowd and have a pleasant day.
Best Time To Visit Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer fort is better to visit during wintertime (in the months of October to February) when the temperature of the desert is low and it is comfortable to explore it. This is the perfect place to visit to sightsee, taking photographs and touring the deserts.
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is also held here during this period, which has made the city full of music, dance, and camel parades. The weather during the summer (April to July) is usually hot and hence should be avoided.
Best Months: November to February.
Temperature: 10°C- 25 °C
How to Reach Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is in the centre of the Golden City, which may be accessed by air, rail or road.
By Air
The closest airport is Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), which is approximately 12 km away from the city. The journey between the cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer is one of the most breathtaking deserts with small Rajasthani villages on the way.
By Train
The Jaisalmer Railway Station is interconnected with several major cities, and thus, travelling by train is one of the cheapest and convenient methods to get to the fort. The fort is within a short distance, only 2 km in distance, you can walk or take a brief rickshaw ride to get to the entrance.
By Road
A visit to Jaisalmer Fort by road is an adventure for a Rajasthani. The streets are paved, and there are golden dunes and rustic villages around. Some buses and taxis serve large cities such as Jaipur (560km), Jodhpur (280km) and Bikaner (330km). You might also drive or hire a car easily and at your convenience.
Local Transport
Upon reaching Jaisalmer city, it is very easy to visit the fort. There are auto-rickshaws, cabs and even camel carts which can be taken on short rides. The location of the fort is also the central point of the town; therefore, it is always a good idea to walk through the small streets of the city and visit the markets as well as cafes.
Things To Do In The Jaisalmer Fort
When one goes to visit Jaisalmer Fort, it is not just a pure sightseeing, but it is an experience of living in close contact with history, engineering, and culture. Each of the lanes has a story, and each of the corners carries a mystery of the golden times of Rajasthan. The following are the best experiences that you cannot overlook when you are in this grand fort:
1. Visit the Ancient Jain Temples
Within the Jaisalmer Fort, there are the Jain Temples, which are the most beautiful pieces of ancient crafts in Rajasthan. These seven interlinked temples were built in the 12th-16th century and are entirely carved of yellow sandstone and marble.
2. Shop in the Bazaar
Within the fort, there are small streets that direct one to the colourful bazaars with the Rajasthani culture. Local crafts are available through local shops that offer handmade crafts, embroidered fabrics, silver, puppets, as well as leather goods, all created by the local artisans.
3. Visit The Majestic Raj Mahal (Royal Palace)
The Raj Mahal, which was the residence of the Jaisalmer rulers, is a Rajputana grandeur. The palace contains elaborated carvings, latticed balconies, courtyards and painted walls that narrate about the royal life. The terrace has great views of the golden city and the expansive Thar Desert.
4. A Taste of Authentic Rajasthani Food
The fort cannot be fully experienced without the savoury Rajasthani food that is offered by the traditional cafes and rooftop restaurants located within the fort. Dal baati churma, ker sangri, gatte ki sabzi, mirchi bada, and each of the dishes is a blend of flavours.
5. Looking at the Sunset through the Fort Walls
The most magical things to experience are watching the sun set in the Jaisalmer Fort. When the sun sets behind the sands, the fort walls can be seen blazing with gold. The ramparts also offer a panoramic view of the fort and the desert and the surroundings, making it a photography haven and a forever memory.
Jaisalmer Fort at Night
Jaisalmer Fort at night appears to be magic. When the sun goes down over the Thar Desert, the fort turns into a radiating golden crown by the light of stars. The whole fort has been glowing with warm lights, and it seems like a dreamy view that you can see from anywhere in the city. The local markets are alive, local musicians are performing soulful songs of the Rajasthani culture, and the air is full of the smell of local cuisines. It is something to view the fort in moonlight in the real Rajasthan, royal, romantic, and eternal. Rooftop meals are also available to the visitors, which provide them with splendid night sightseeing of the fort.
Most Incredible Sights: Gadisar Lake, Patwon Ki Haveli and Sunset Point.
Photography Tip: It is best to go immediately after the sun sets, just after the golden hour.
Essential Travel Tips
To enjoy your visit to the Jaisalmer Fort, the following are some tips to consider:
Bring water and have a good pair of shoes, as one will be walking on uneven stone walks in the fort.
Find a guide to get to know some stories and the architecture of the fort.
Go in the morning, early afternoon, as it is better than going in the evening, later in the day when there are fewer crowds.
Do not litter the fort. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and should be taken care of.
When you go in the summer, you need to carry a hat, sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Conclusion
Jaisalmer fort is not merely a monument, but it is like a golden world in a frozen state. The tale of royalty and of defiance, every single place in it narrates a story about grand structures and the vibrant life within them. The sight of the Golden Fort gleaming in the desert sunlight or the glow in the dark leaves a long-lasting impression on the visitors, even after they have taken their leave. With its history, architecture, or ambience, it is always enchanting to see this legendary fort, and it is one of the most fascinating places that any traveller cannot skip seeing while visiting Rajasthan.
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