About Jaisalmer Fort

Take a Tour to Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer is a medieval fortress town in the remote desert of Rajasthan. Because it was located on the caravan routes between Egypt, Arabia, Persia and India, it became an extremely prosperous town.

Unfurl the past !
The Jaisalmer fort was built by Jaisal Bhatti in 1156 AD on Trikuta hills. The citadel contains within it, one fourth of the city's population. The walls of the fort are built in dry masonry. Badal Mahal, Rana Mahal, Gaj Vilas and Moti Mahal have pillared galleries, carved balconies and long corridors. Megh Darbar, King's well, Mandi Palace and Hindu and Jain temples are the other main features of the Fort.

» The Architecture : Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high, it has 99 bastion, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. Wells within the fort still provide a regular source of water. A cross-cultural merging of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles is visible in this fort.

» The Fort echoes with the Present : Today the fort has a population of merchants and shop owners living within its walls. Small, winding lanes are packed with houses, temples, and shops. Jaisalmer fort is alive with people going about their daily routines. Many tourists make it to this exotic town where camel safaris are popular as is the annual desert festival in February. The Havelis or mansions built by the wealthy merchants in the 19th century are famed for their exquisitely carved sandstone facades. Today, many have been converted into shops or hotels. However, one has been preserved as a museum.

How to get there !

» By Air: Indian Airlines links Jaisalmer with Jaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi and Mumbai. Hotel Moomal, an RTDC hotel, houses the office of Indian Airlines.

» By Rail : The Jodhpur Express and the IIJP connect Jaisalmer with Jodhpur.

» By Road : All buses start from Hotel Neeraj, which is very conveniently located. There are frequent deluxe buses to Jodhpur and Bikaner. A 13-hour ride will take you on the only deluxe bus to Jaipur. One can book on these deluxe buses through most travel agencies in the city. You can hire a jeep from the Gandhi Chowk for Khuri or Sam, and share it with others to split the cost. Autorickshaws and rickshaws ply in the city. A bicycle on hire is a nice way to get around the city. These are available just outside the main gate of the fort.