Jaisalmer Fort, nestled in the golden sands of the Thar Desert, is not just a fort but also a mini-city with houses, temples, shops, and restaurants. It is a World Heritage Site UNESCO and falls under the category of ‘Hill Forts of India’. Built-in 1156, Jaisalmer Fort owes its name to the former Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal. More than three thousand people live within the fort walls with several entrance gates on the way up, the last of which leads you to the popular public square called Dashera Chowk. The fort sits at an impressive height of 250 feet and is surrounded by 30-foot-high walls. Due to its height, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Jaisalmer shrouded in golden yellow!
One of the largest forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort is located on the southern outskirts of the city and is popularly known as ‘Sonar Qila’ or ‘Golden Fort’. It is a massive structure that stands out for its aesthetic beauty. A walk through its labyrinthine alleys is well worth the experience. The Jaisalmer Fort was originally called ‘Trikut Garh’ as it was triangular in shape and was also built over the Trikuta hills. ‘sonar Qila’ (Golden Fort), as it is called by the locals, houses almost a quarter of the population of Jaisalmer within the complex.