Introduction
Raising from shimmering desert, Jaisalmer Fort is truly a mirage, miracle of red sand stone and testimony of the warier spirit and bravery of Rajput rulers. This mighty fort on on Trikuta Hill is considered among the grandest and largest forts of the world. It was built by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. This fort has been always a subject of strategic importance. In Medieval period, the fort was a station on trade routes and today, it is the location of Indo-Pak border in Thar Desert. The fort has witness several wars including the attack by Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Muslim ruler of Delhi Sultanate.


Quick Facts
Location : in the western most part of Rajasthan
State : Rajasthan
Altitude : 225 m
Built by : Rawal Jaisal
Time : 1156 AD
Climate : 41.6-25D o C (summer) (23.6-7.9 o C (winter)
Best time to Visit : January/ February

Attraction within the Fort
Raj Mahal (Royal palace)
Former residence of the royal family, Raj Mahal is a marvelous palace standing as specimen of Rajasthani architecture. Decoration of murals and paintings on the walls, corridors and balconies is absolutely amazing. Now, it houses a museum and heritage centre.

Jain temples
The fort houses seven Jain Temples which are dedicated to the revered Jain Tirthankaras. The walls, pillars and columns of these temple are stunningly adorned with sculptures and marble.

Laxminath temple
Laxminath temple is simple and magnificent in construction. It is located in the center of Jaisalmer fort. The exquisite feature of the temple is it has a beautiful dome exhibiting the fine paintings and carvings.

Havelis of Jaisalmer Fort
Havelis inside the fort are one of the biggest attraction among the tourists. These havelis are adorned with excellent murals and paintings in miniature style. Some famous havelis include Patwon Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki-Haveli, Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli Gadi Sagar Tank etc.

Four Massive Gateways
Akshaya Pole, Suraj Pole, Hawa Pole and Ganesh Pole are four massive gates. Akshaya Pole is the entrance gate. Suraj Pole and Ganesh Pole are known for their beautiful images of Sun and Lord Ganesh. Visit each of them because every gate has its distinctive features.

Reaching Jaisalmer

Airport :	Jodhpur Airport is located 300 km away from the Jaisalmer fort. It offers domestic air services all important cities of India including Delhi and Jaipur.
Railway Station :	Jaisalmer has a railway station located in the down town. It offers direct train Jaisalmer to Jodhpur and Delhi via Jodhpur-Jaipur-Alwar.
Bus Station :	Bus Stand is located 1 km from the main city and operate plenty of deluxe and ordinary buses from Jaisalmer to the cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, Barmer, Mount Abu, Jalore and Ahamadabad.
Local :	Taxi and camel are the two primary medium to roam around the city. Walking on foot through the streets is an special experience.

Hotels in Jaisalmer
The Heritage hotels of Jaisalmer are world wide known for their royal hospitality. You will find here plenty of hotels from deluxe to budget hotels. Havelis in side the fort also offers royal accommodation. Some famous hotels at Jaisalmer are :

Some Other Attraction Near the Jaisalmer Fort
Tazi Tower
A symbol of friendship between Hindu and Muslim, this pyramidal tower is shaped on Muslim's Tazia on the occasion of Muharram . Gifted by Muslim craftsmen to Hindu Rajsputs, this tower reflects a delicate work of carving on the balcony.

Desert National Park
Desert National Park near the Jaisalmer is world wide known for its rare and distinct desert eco-system. The park has a rugged terrain of sand dunes and shelters wildlife like black buck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox, hare and desert cat.

Village Safari
Roaming through the rural areas outside of Jaisalmer riding over the back of camel is an activity which gives a complete feel about the harshness and romance in the life of village people. Village safari is a direct access to the true color of desert Rajasthan.