Location

Located in the midst of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, Pakistan being the neighbouring state.

Sonar Killa

The Golden City of Jaisalmer one of the last princely bastions in the region. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the amber-hued Jaisalmer Fort. The imposing fort of Jaisalmer etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendor, dominating the Golden City.

The golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer Fort stands almost 30 metres over the city and houses an entire living and shopping area within huge ramparts. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. Also, within it are magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels and a group of Jain temples dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries.

Jaisalmer was established on the cross - road of lucrative trade routes of the late bygone era. But the advent of commercial shipping reduced the town to relative obscurity.The place remained untouched for long period of time.The remote settlement of Jaisalmer came to be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the architectural sense represented by their forts and havelis. Veritable art - museums in the fort inhabits some of the most unusual piece of art, once crafted by stone-craftsmen, who were engaged by the rich merchant of the city.

Legend

The city has an interesting legend associated with it, according to which, lord Krishna- the head of Yadav clan foretold Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill, His prophecy was fulfilled in 1156AD. When Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti Rajput abandoned his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital Jaisalmer, perched on the Trikuta Hill Bhatti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chief who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory en-route Delhi-or Sind. These seems to be straight out of the "Tales of the Arabian Night ' still enchants.

Perfect Time to Visit

The colourful celebrations and festivals have placed Jaisalmer Fort firmly on the world tourism map.
The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city echoes to the sound of melodious Rajasthani tunes and rhythms. Folk dances, exciting competitions and contest, especially the turban raying contest - surely a not-to-be-missed events.

Reaching Jaisalmer Fort
By Air: The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is Jodhpur. Indian Airlines has regular flight service which connects Jodhpur with Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur & Mumbai.
By Rail: Jaisalmer is connected to Jodhpur by a regular train service. Jodhpur has direct train connections with Agra, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur,Jaisalmer and Udaipur. The city is also covered by the "Palace on Wheels."

Regular bus services link Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Ramdeora and Bikaner.