Jaisalmer Fort
‘Jaisalmer fort’ or the ‘Sonar Khila’ is situated in Jaisalmer City, Rajasthan state, India. It is believed to be one of the very few living forts in India.
History of Jaisalmer Fort
It was built by the Rajput Rajwal (king) Jaisal in 1156 AD, after whom this fort is named. It is called ‘Sonar Khila’ or ‘Golden Fort’ because it is built with stone sandstone. During the day, it looks like a tawny lion colour and at sunset honey gold colour camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. The fort stands amidts the sandy expanse of the great ‘Thar Desert’ on ‘Trikuta Hills’.
Architecture of Jaisalmer Fort
The fort is 1500 feet long and 750 feet wide built on Hill that raises 250 feet high above the surrounding area. The base of the Fort has a 15 feet tall wall forming a double line of defense. The Fort has four fortified entrances or gates. There is only one entrance to the Fort for going in and out but there are four gates –
- Akhai Pol – First gate
- Suraj Pol – Facing the sun
- Ganesh Pol
- Hawa Pur.
The Fort is 800 years old. It took 500 years for the construction. It is constructed in the interlock system of arranging the stones. 80% of the fort occupants are Brahmins and 20% Rajputs. The families of the Brahmins who were working for the King are living here since generations. It is a living fort now with market, restaurants, etc. There are around 150 hotels and 80 restaurants inside the Fort. There is a Jain temple buit with yellow sandstone. There is a government school at the entrance which was once a Jail. There is a 500 feet deep well which was filled with salt, the prisoners would be thrown into this went to die.
The entrance door ways of all the Mahals are short. The reason behind is that anyone (including other rulers) entering through this door had to bow down with respect in front of the Raja. As we enter, we see the display of photos of the then Maharaja and the present Raja of Jaisalmer.
There is a display of weapons used during those days, different kinds of swords (Surya talwar, Bijali talwar), long guns used by guards sitting on the camel (Bharaboar).
Deewan khana
The Raja’s and Rani’s throne are kept here with respect. The Kings were addressed according to the hierarchy as ‘Maha Rawal’ (highest order), ‘Maha Raja’ (second-order) and ‘Maha Rana’ (third order).
Celebrations
Two festivals celebrated here are Dussehra and Gour Matha . Here we see two palaces, one for the King which has big windows and other for the Queen with small decorated windows (as they followed purdah system). There is a ‘Chamunda Mata’ mandir in between the two buildings. In this temple, they practiced animal sacrifice, which is now banned by the government. During the festival the Raja would feed all people in the Fort.
Jaisalmer Fort Entry Fees
₹100
Jaisalmer Fort Timings
Monday to Sunday – 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Best time to visit Jaisalmer Fort
October to March
Summers are very hot
Visit Duration
1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes
Guide charges
₹100 – ₹200
Jaisalmer Fort Website
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort Email
namaste@rajasthan.gov.in
touriststat@gmail.com
rajeshsharma-dot@rajasthan.gov.in
Jaisalmer Fort Phone Number
+91 141-2822863
+91 141-2822864
Jaisalmer Fort Address
Near Gopa CHOCK, Khejer Para,
Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol,
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001
Jaisalmer Fort Accommodation
There is accommodation inside the fort, tourist Guide generally does not suggest you to stay at the fort as it not well maintained, however there are a few Boarding & Lodging options near the fort.
However if you are looking for Royal Accomodation (Heritage Properties) you can check – Heritage , hotel garh jaisal or hotel killa bhawan
Jaisalmer Fort Distance
From Mount Abu- 444 kilometres
From Jaipur – 563 kilometres
From Jodhpur- 280 kilometres
From Udaipur – 489 kilometres
From Sirohi – 361 kilometres
Places to Visit Near Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer War Museum
Jaisalmer Desert Camp
Gadisar Lake
Tanot Mata Temple
Jaisalmer Government Museum
Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
Salam Singh Ki Haweli (Moti Mahal)
Patwon ki Haveli/ Patwa Haveli (Kothari’s Patwa Haveli)
Mandir Palace
Bada Bagh
Desert National Park
Kuldhara
How to reach Jaisalmer Fort
JCTSL (Bus)
Direct buses to Jaisalmer are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Sirohi.
From Jaisalmer Bus Terminal you can walk it is about 700 Mts
There are direct buses available from Jaisalmer Bus Terminal to the temple.
ISRTC(Train)
The city is well connected from all sides, you can take a taxi from Jaisalmer railway station or walk towards the fort which is approximately 2 kilometres.
Air
Nearest Jaisalmer Airport ( Domestic Airport) is 14 kilometres from the fort. Drive-time approximately 30 Min.
Flights from Jaisalmer Airport go to only three destinations – Jodhpur, Jaipur and New Delhi
Bike / Car
Rajasthan Parivahan Nigam Bus Stand – Fort Road – Jaisalmer Fort
NOTE – Information mentioned above is completely based the information that i received from the tourist guide