Jaisalmer Fort: A Not-to-Miss Historical Monument

Jaisalmer Fort, one of the largest forts in the world, stands proudly as a popular landmark in the city of Jaisalmer. Built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, the fort derives its name from two words – Meru and Jaisal. Meru represents the mythical mountain of the Gods situated in the Himalayas, while Jaisal signifies the name of the king. With a height of 250 feet and a sandstone wall that stands 30 feet high, the fort is an architectural marvel. It is also known as Sonar Qila or Golden Fort, as its yellow color glows like gold during the evening and morning when the sun’s rays bestow their warmth upon it.

The architecture of Jaisalmer Fort is a captivating blend of Rajput and Islamic styles, which gives it a stunning appearance, especially at night. Unlike other forts in the city, Jaisalmer Fort houses shops, museums, hotels, residential accommodations, and temples. Made entirely of yellow sandstone, the fort’s complex is so vast that it provides shelter to one-fourth of the town’s population. To enter the fort, one must pass through one of its four intricately designed main gateways – Akshya Pol, Ganesh Pol, Hawa Pol, and Suraj Pol. Perched on Trikuta Hill, the fort has witnessed fierce battles fought by Muslim rulers like Humayun and Ala-uddin-Khilji, and fortunately, it has survived them all. Inside the fort, visitors must explore Raj Mahal, Laxminath Temples, and the Jain temples, as they never fail to captivate attention.

One of the most talked-about structures within Jaisalmer Fort is Maharawal’s marble throne. Jawahar Palace, a royal residence, and the five-storied Tazia tower are also eye-catching attractions. The Tazia tower, built with decorative Bengali-styled roofs by Muslim craftsmen, is a sight to behold. The Havelis within the fort are another focal point for tourists, as they are carved from yellow sandstone and boast several floors, countless rooms, and adorned windows, doors, and balconies.

Reaching Jaisalmer Fort is convenient, as it is well-connected by rail, road, and air from most parts of India. Visitors will have no trouble traveling from one place to another, as local transportation is readily available. Auto rickshaws are the cheapest form of transportation and can easily accommodate 2-3 people at a time.

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