Jaisalmer Fort travel guide

Founded

1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal

Best time

October to February

Also known as

Sonar Qila (Golden Fort)

Ideal time needed

Half a day

Status

UNESCO World Heritage Site (Hill Forts of Rajasthan)

History

The fort grew rich on the caravan routes that crossed the Thar, carrying goods between India, Persia and Central Asia. Its thick ramparts and bastions protected the Bhati rulers and the merchant families who built their havelis nearby. Along with five other hill forts of the state, it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. The fort is also one of the few in the world where the old town still functions inside its walls.

What to see inside

Narrow, twisting lanes lead between houses with carved balconies and small temples, a layout designed for shade and defence in a dry climate.

• Raj Mahal, the royal palace
• Jain temples carved between the 12th and 16th centuries
• Lakshminath Temple
• Ganesh Temple
• Merchant havelis
• Viewpoints over the town and the desert

Best time to visit

October to February is the best season, with warm days and cool nights. Summer temperatures are extreme. Try to see the fort from outside at sunset, when the walls glow, and walk through it in the morning while it is still cool. Desert nights can be surprisingly cold in December and January, so pack a warm layer.

Tips for your visit

Wear comfortable shoes, as the lanes are steep and paved with stone. Give yourself at least half a day, since every turn reveals something new. Remember that people live here, so be respectful when taking photographs of homes and residents. Many rooftop cafes inside the walls serve simple Rajasthani meals with a view, a good place to rest in the afternoon. Jaisalmer has a railway station with trains from Jodhpur and Delhi, and the town is also reachable by road across the desert. We can combine the fort with Patwon ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake and a camel ride on the Sam dunes.

Also nearby