Explore Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan
Jaisalmer Fort, the most beautiful, golden hued living fort of Rajasthan; no trip to Jaisalmer city is complete without a visit to this fort. Know the different names of this fort as it will be helpful to converse and hire a local tuktuk, car or bus to reach it: Sonar Quila Jaisalmer, Sonar Garh ka Kila, Sonargarh Fort, Golden Fort, or simply Sona Garh.
Bengalis fondly call it as Shonar Kella after the movie, Sonar Kella, based on 1971 mystery novel by Bengali writer and filmmaker Satyajit Ray was shot here.
Rajasthan has more than 100 forts scattered over the hills and mountain ranges of the state. 6 among these, clustered into a group called Hill Forts of Rajasthan, have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage site. Jaisalmer Fort features in the list along with 5 others: Chittor Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranthambore Fort, Gagron Fort and Amer Fort.
I could visit 3 of these six forts. This post is a short photo essay on Jaisalmer Fort, its history and interesting facts.
Jaisalmer Fort History
Jaisalmer Fort History
Mighty Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 AD by Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. The fort was named after this ruler – Jaisalmer!
Legend of the Jaisalmer Fort site
I read up about the local legend about the fort. It is widely believed by locals around that a local hermit advised King Rao Jaisal to build a fort in that spot as it will be invisible to enemies. On the face of it the claim seemed a little unbelievable to me. And the reason attributed by the hermit was that: In the Indian epic poem the Mahabharata, Hindu deity Lord Krishna had praised the spot.
As we drove along the road to Jaisalmer Fort, true to the hermit’s words, the distinct form of the fort wasn’t visible. It seemed like a little golden hill. Jaisalmer Fort, the yellow sandstone fort, is atop Trikuta, a triangular peaked hill.
About the Golden Fort of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort is one of the living forts of India, yet another one is the Devanahalli Fort near Bangalore. It has been several centuries now since any Rajput kings ruled here, but the fort houses some ‘2000 residents’ that is 25% of the old city’s population.
And the residents inside have opened all kinds of services for tourists. Once you enter you will find the place teeming with hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, roof cafe and more.
It still houses the palaces of Maharawals, Jain and Hindu temples and some havelis. The houses of the people residing in the fort have intricate work, stunning filgree and carvings of yellow sandstone on their walls and balconies. They almost look like yellow fabric rising skywards.
At dawn and sunset, as the sun casts its glowing rays on the fort walls it rises up like a golden flame in the vast expanse of Thar Desert.
Jaisalmer Fort Interesting Facts
- The fort got the name Sonar Kella after Satyajit Ray wrote a detective novel based on the fort and made a film titled Sonar Kella.
- It is a 250 foot tall fort, which is protected by 30 feet long walls.
- The fort consists of 3 layers. Outermost layer made completely of golden colored sandstone.
- There are 99 bastions and 4 entrances to the fort.
- Alauddin Khalji captured and ruled over the fort for a brief span of 9 years.
- Drainage system is unique here. It is called Ghut Nali. Off late several measures are being taken to improve the drainage to save it from the danger of collapsing.
- There is model of Jaisalmer Fort map which gives a good representation of the details of the place, lanes and paths inside the fort. It must have been helpful for the Kings’ army.
- A sundial from 12th century amazed us. It was once used to determine the time of the day, the guide told us.
Jaisalmer Fort Map
Sun dial in Jaisalmer Fort
Walking Tour of Sonar Kella Fort
Hire a tourist guide here. They are proud of their fort and are waiting to share their knowledge about all places worth seeing within the fort.
Temples inside Jaisalmer Fort
There are several Jain temples inside the fort highly revered by the locals and residents. The Rajputs are devout Hindus, yet for centuries they have permitted and promoted Jainism to be practiced. The 12th to 15th century temples within the complex are dedicated to various Tirthankaras.
Prominent among them are: Chandraprabhu Jain Temple, Rishabhdev Jain Temple, Parsvanatha Jain Temple, Shitalnath Jain Temple, Shantinath Jain Temple, Kunthanath Temple.
If you have time to visit only one temple inside the fort let it be the Parsavath Temple. It is the largest and most attractive among all the temples there. Profusely carved with statues and intricate designs in golden colored sandstone, be warned that you will lose track of time here.
Temples inside Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort temple architecture details
Havelis inside Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Havelis (mansions) are a must visit, I am sure all guides include a visit to at least one of these havelis during the walking tour of Jaisalmer Fort. These havelis were once status symbols of the rich well to do merchants of Jaisalmer.
In their heydays they are believed to have financed more than 50 kingdoms scattered over north of India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Many of them are still in use by the descendants and extended family members; some are open to tourists as museums.
Read more: Patwon ki Haveli, Jaisalmer: Unparalleled Architectural Wonder
Haveli of Patwa family is a long haveli , which actually is 5 havelis in series, one for each of the 5 sons of Ghuman Chand Bafna. First among the five havelis is presently owned by Kothari family who converted it into a museum. Next 2 are owned by Patwa family members and last two are under Archaeological Society of India.
Festivals in Jaisalmer Fort
The Dussehra Chowk reverberates with life during festivals. Kings once sat on the marble seat and watched the various entertainment programs held here. The stone paved lanes from here lead to various parts of the fort. Plenty of restaurants and hotels have opened up within the fort.
Jaisalmer fort by nightfall is a sight to behold. It is one of the marvels of Rajasthani architecture and stone carver’s art.
Places to Stay in Jaisalmer
There are umpteen number of hotels suited to every kind of budget both inside and outside Jaisalmer Fort. If you are looking for luxury hotel and resort – Suryagarh Resort is highly recommended.
Tickets and Timings
Tickets charges are: Rs 50 per person for Indians and Rs. 250 per person for foreigners, Camera charges – Rs 50, Video camera charges – Rs 100.
Open every day: 9am to 6pm
Conclusion
We traveled Rajasthan by road for 15 days, not even once did we feel insecure. It is unfortunate that the terrorists are creating terror and fear in the minds of tourists. All I can say is in case you are traveling not only in Rajasthan but any part of India, may be any part of world be cautious and be prepared for all kinds of situations.
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(The post was first written on Dec 1st, 2008.)
Was Spell-bound. Your lens has captured well the magnificient fort. Thank you for the virtual tour.
Thank you, Indrani.
What a wondrous place!
Thanks for the tour.
Jaw dropping sights. Such sharp contrast in the architecture between strength and delicacy with minute detail. Looks like it’s carved in stone. Excellent tour to promote future tourism.
Let peace be with you and yours.
yr photography is getting better. instead of trying to get as much in a photo as u did occasionally in the past, u seem to b able to focus n highlight better now. lovely place this fort. 🙂
I always learn so much from your posts.
awesome pixs of The Jaisalmer fort..wonderful presentation makes one get the feel of a virtual tour..congrats..
i have been to jaipur, udaipur and mount abu but jaisalmer is still to be seen !! thanks for this wonderful tour 🙂
Unbelievably beautiful. The craftsmanship that went into every detail is incredible. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful photos.
Indrani.. thank you for your virtual tours.. we need a break..
I love the way you put it..when you said..”like yellow fabric rising skywards.” Perfect! The pictures tell of the attention to the smallest of details…beautiful.
It is sad that now…no matter where you go…you have to be prepared..for terrorism. We need to keep stepping out there…holding our heads high and showing them…”We will not be defeated!” There will come a time when they WILL be held accountable!!
Incredible architecture and beauty with such a sense of history. Stunning.
Thanks for that virtual tour. The pics are wonderful!
what beautiful intricate stone work. it is amazing. I am glad that you are not near the terrorist attack and hope that none happens again… I know hard to believe that none will anywhere in the world at this time.
Again beautiful!
What a marvellous place!
I’m just stunned at the beauty, each photo more gorgeous than the last! I know it is a very difficult time in India right now, and I would never place things above people, but I also hope that terrorists never to do India’s historic treasures what was done to the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afganistan. (I know much damage was done to the old hotel in Mumbai). I pray for peace and recovery for you all, as wekk as a return of tourism and prosperity.
What an impressive structure.
Beautiful post. The intricacy of the carvings is amazing to me. I have read novels set in India, so this is intriguing anyway, but to see how exquisite things are is just incredible.
yes, tourism and travel will be hit this year ..but am sure tourists will slowly start trickling in..lovely pics..hope they are maintained well.
The artwork is amazing, the carvings in particular. Thank you for the tour. And I had never heard of Jainism before.
Hi Indrani!
Your love for architecture is amazing and shows through your posts, I love that!
How is the surrounding nature in your area?
Greetings from West Africa!
Esther
Sadly I only know your country from its films, though I hope to change that someday. Such great beauty. Reminds me of the photos I’ve seen of Ajanta. Exquisite stone carving!
these artefacts are simply impressing!
These buildings are very well preserved and it’s to be hoped that no terrorists’attack will ever destroy them.. The work that is spent on these buildings must have been enormous. They are works of art! Thanks for showing.
Wow…what a wonderful place! I’m glad you showed this. Such detail and craftsmanship…it’s amazing. I’m sorry for the unrest in your country right now and the hardships it causes.
What amazing beauty!
15 days in Rajasthan!! That sounds awesome. I like the last picture a lot.
Those jain temples are they delwara or ranakpur?? or something i dont know???
Jodhpur fort is superb!!
These are fabulous and when enlarging the photos they show all the beautiful details in the photo. Thanks for sharing
This place is simply superb….full of rich heritage…..thanks for sharing these photos……
Thanks for the trip around the fort. The amount of fine details is almost too much for me! Sorry about how it´s going.
You have given us a wonderful tour through a most beautiful place with such exquisite carvings. Thank you s much and I hope the troubles sbside again soon.
you’re right – the pictures have made my vitual tour a great experience – I think you could be a tourism ambassador for Maharashtra, now rajasthan! 🙂
i so enjoyed your tour of Jaisalmer Fort..and hopefully some day i will be able to visit your lovely country.
thank you for sharing.
This was a wonderful tour. Such beautiful buildings. I am so saddened by the terrorist attacks. I know that hurts both directly and indirectly.
WOnderful post of a place of stunning beauty I have always wanted to visit. I just want to say I am so sorry for all your country’s troubles this week.
I am in awe. What cracking photos of a most fantastic place. The carvings are just out of this world. Thank you aslo for the narrative very enlightning.Thank you for sharing.
superb pictorial!
Very amazing photo of the beautiful architectural designs. They are magnificient.
Great tour. The details are intricate and awesome. They don’t make them this way anymore. I hope these structures stand the test of time.
What a marvel. Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit Jaisalmer last time I visited Rajasthan (my trip ended in Jodhpur – the closest I came to Rajastan)- there was just not enough time – but it’s still on my wish list, and one day, one day…. (when my own recession ends)… I will go!
wow! those photos are so awespiring!!! very beautiful places to see and to be seen!
MWT#3: Water Park
I don’t think I have ever seen such extreme beauty. Yet it looks so natural in a way.