Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort is a magnificient monument in Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. Jaisalmer fort is also known as the "Sonar Quila" or the Golden fort. This fort was built by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD.

The five storey fort adorns itself with balconies and windows that displays some of the finest masonry work, while the interior is painted and tiled in typical Rajput style. The bastions envelops a whole township that consist of palace complex, the havelis of rich merchants, several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and merchants. These merchants served and acquire a great deal of power and noble status in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th century and proceeded further. But the rich merchants inspired by the classic style of the royals, constructed huge mansions or havelis. These merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who worked delicately on the sandstone mansions. They filled up facades with sculptural figures, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. The main attractions within the fort are a group of beautifully carved Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th century.

Make sure you take care of sunstroke and sunburn, as these are common ailments here, especially for those who come from more temperate climates. The weather is either extremely hot or pretty cold. Inspite of these hazards, Jaisalmer fort makes this place a hot destination. The most attractive aspect of Jaisalmer fort is its veritable art - museums and colorful celebrations of various festivals. If it is possible, make it to this town in the month of February, when camel safaris are popular as is the annual desert festival. The fort has the appearance of a giant sandcastle shimmering in the desert heat like a mirage that will soon disappear. The intricate carvings of the fort are splendid, and one can easily envision the grandeur of the glorious era long past. The steep cobble stone pathways leading to the royal palace pass through for gates called Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Hawa Pol and Bhoota Pol. The sharp twists & turns along with five interconnected palaces makes the fort invincible.

The architecture of the Jaisalmer fort is exquisite. The ramparts, bastions and the long stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at the sunset. The fort is two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall which is 30 feet high. The fort has 99 bastion, out of which 92 bastions were built between 1633 and 1647. The fort stands almost 30 metres over the city and unbelievably houses an entire living area within huge ramparts. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol.