The Golden Fort of Jaisalmer

 Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the very few "living forts" in the world (such as Carcassonne, France), as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort. For the better part of its 860-year history, the fort was the city of Jaisalmer. The first settlements outside the fort walls, to accommodate the growing population of Jaisalmer, are said to have come up in the 17th century.

Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan, built in 1156 AD by the Rawal (ruler) Jaisal from whom it derives its name, and stood at the crossroads of important trade routes (including the ancient Silk road).

The fort's massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion colour during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason it is also known as the Swarn Durg, Sonar Quila or Golden Fort.The name Sonar Kella (Bengali for Golden Fortress) was popularized by tourists after famous Bengali film of the same name, that was shot in this fort by eminent filmmaker Satyajit Ray. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert on Trikuta Hill, hence also known as Trikutgarh. It is today located along the southern edge of the city that bears its name; its dominant hilltop location making the sprawling towers of its fortifications visible for many miles around.

History of Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Tracing its history back to the 12th century, the foundation of the Jaisalmer Fort was laid by Raja Rawal Singh in the year 1156. It was strategically constructed to serve as a stronghold and protect the kingdom from invasions. Over the centuries, the fort evolved into a thriving city within its walls, housing several palaces, havelis (mansions), temples, markets, and residential quarters.

The construction of the Jaisalmer Fort involved yellow sandstone, giving it a distinct golden hue that reflects the sunlight, hence its name "Sonar Quila" or "Golden Fort." The fort's walls, which stand at a height of about 30 meters, are fortified with bastions and encompass an area of approximately 1,500 feet by 750 feet.

Jaisalmer Fort has witnessed numerous battles including clashes between the Bhati Rajputs and rival kingdoms. Despite several attempts, the fort remained unconquered throughout its history. It served as an important center for trade along the Silk Route, connecting India with Central Asia and beyond.

Today, Jaisalmer Fort remains inhabited, with a significant portion of the population residing within its walls. However, due to conservation efforts, commercial activities have been limited to preserving the historical and cultural integrity of the fort.

Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer Fort

October to February is the best time to plan a getaway to the Jaisalmer Fort. At this time, the weather remains pleasant with average temperatures ranging from 7 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for you to explore the fort and enjoy outdoor activities without being affected by the extreme heat.

Moreover, visiting Jaisalmer Fort during the winter season allows you to witness various cultural events and festivals that take place in Jaisalmer, such as the Desert Festival. However, it would be worth noting that the popularity of Jaisalmer as a tourist destination increases during the winter months, so the fort and the city might be more crowded compared to other times of the year. So, make your plan accordingly and get the reservation of your hotel done in advance.

How to Reach Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer?

To be there at Jaisalmer Fort, you need to first arrive in Jaisalmer which can be done through the following modes of transportation:

By Air: Fly to Jodhpur Airport by taking a domestic or international flight from the metro cities in India or from overseas countries. After deboarding your plane, you can hire a private cab to cover the required distance of approximately 275 km from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer.

By Train: Jaisalmer maintains great rail connectivity with the other railheads of the country. You can check the train schedules and book your tickets to Jaisalmer Railway Station. From the railway station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach Jaisalmer Fort. It is approximately a 15-minute drive from the station.

By Road: Lastly, choose to either drive to Jaisalmer or take a state-owned bus from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, or Ahmedabad to enjoy a hassle-free journey. It can be a time-consuming option but is a pocket-friendly way for all who’ve budget constraints in their mind. Once you reach Jaisalmer, you can book a taxi from top car rental companies in Jaisalmer to travel to your desired location within the city in your utmost comfort.