Where is the Jaisalmer Fort?
The Jaisalmer Fort is located at Jaisalmer in the state of Rajasthan in
northwestern India. Jaisalmer acquires a beautiful position in the heart of
the Thar Desert, forming the Desert Trio together with the cities of Jodhpur
and Bikaner.
How will you gain access?
The Jodhpur Airport is the closest airport from Jaisalmer. The Indian
Airlines operates flights between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer has good
links with the nearby towns and cities. The Jaisalmer station is well
connected to Delhi and state capital Jaipur by the Delhi Sarari
Rohilla-Jaisalmer Express. The luxury train 'Palace On Wheels' could be
one's best option. It is the most lavish way of reaching Jaisalmer.
What are the timings and the entry charges?
The Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre is open from 09-00
hours to 18-00 hours. Entry fee for Indians is Rs 30 per head while for
foreign nationals it is Rs 70 each.
What does the past say?
Built in 1156, the Jaisalmer Fort is the second oldest fort in the state of
Rajasthan. It was Rawal Jaiswal who began the construction of the fort. The
fort interestingly appears to be rising out of a desert haze. Due to its
golden hue in the afternoon sun, it is also popular as the Sonar Kila or the
Golden Fort. Within the fort complex are numerous beautiful Havelis
(Mansions) and a group of Jain temples dating between the 12th and the 15th
centuries.
What goes behind the architecture?
Reinforeced by a splendid 30-feet high wall, the fort reaches up to a
height of two hundred and fifty feet. The fort has 99 bastions, 92 of which
were built between 1633 and 1647.
There are a number of wells within the fort complex, still
providing a regular source of water. The citadel is guarded by three strong
walls. The fort also houses a group of seven Jain temples that were built in
the 15th and 16th centuries. The Parshvanath Temple is the most spectacular
of these. There are five palaces within the fort namely Sarvottam Vilas,
Akhai Vilas, Gaj Mahal and Rang Mahal. The Rang Mahal was built by Mool Raj
II. The Mahal bears exquisite murals painted on arches and spandrels. From
the balconies, one can have intoxicating views of the ramparts below.
Balconies at the Gaj Mahal are no less enchanting.
What are the nearby attractions?
» Gadisar Lake
The Gadisar Lake is not far from the town centre. Formerly, it was
Jaisalmer's chief water source. Today, the lake is a popular picnic spot,
attracting a good number of tourists and travellers from all around.
» Desert Culture Centre and Museum
The Desert Culture Centre and Museum is a fabulous attraction for tourists,
displaying an interesting collection of fossils, coins and musical
instruments.
»
Bada Bagh
6 km away from the city is the place called Bada Bagh. The cenotaphs of the
Bhattis are located here. The cenotaphs are either pyramidal or dome-shaped.
Close by, there is also an array of wind mills that are no less attraction.
» Mool Sagar
About 10 km from Jaisalmer is the place called Mool Sagar. It is a small
royal-pleasure garden facing a lake. Though the lake is dry most of the
times, the garden is truly worth a visit.
