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Jaisalmer’s Fort Are Must To Visit Once

Niharika (CK Book Critic)

December 20, 2018

Jaisalmer is also known as the Golden City as it is Perched atop a crest of yellow sandstones, lies the City of Gold – Jaisalmer. Home to many historic sites, forts, archaic havelis and magnificent temples, Jaisalmer is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rajasthan. Named after a Bhatti Tribe ruler – Rawal Jaisal, who founded the city in 1156 AD, this place is the largest district of Rajasthan. Prone to extreme temperatures, the climate of this place is mostly dry. Jaisalmer is ideally visited during the months of November to February.

While there are many astounding things to experience in Jaisalmer, one of the best things about this place is that the town glistens with the golden sand of the Thar desert when the sun is at its brightest. Also, do not forget to check out the cultural programs that are held every night at various hotels and tourist accommodations here. There are lots of places in Jaisalmer to visit such as Jaisalmer fort, Gadisar Lake, Patwon ki haveli, Salam Singh ki haveli (Moti Mahal), The Thar Heritage Museum, Nathmal ki haveli, Desert Cultural Centre, Jaisalmer City and many more.

Jaisalmer is also famous for the ‘sand dunes of Sam’. Here, one can enjoy a hearty fill of adventure activities like camping, luxury camping, parasailing, dune bashing, quad biking tour, camel safari and jeep safari.

You can book your tickets through MakeMyTrip Domestic Flights, by availing huge discounts on your flights booking as Makemytrip coupon code.

Why Go There? Golden Sand Dunes | Cultural programs | Majestic Forts & Heritage Sites
Ideal For: Families | Friends | Official Tours
Trivia:  The Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden Fortress, is a major landmark of the city. It is often referred to as a ‘living Fort’ because people still occupy some part of the fortress for residence and commercial use.
Things To Bring Back: Intricate Rajasthani jewelry, Rajasthani handicrafts, antiques, textiles and leather items.

Forts In Jaisalmer: List Of 10 Amazing Forts In & Around Jaisalmer 

Complete Guide To The Best Forts In & Around Jaisalmer

1. Jaisalmer Fort – Famous Fort in Jaisalmer

One of the most famous places to visit in Jaisalmer, this fort attracts a lot of tourists throughout the winter season. Popularly known as the Sonar Quila, this fort is reachable via four massive gateways that lead to the citadel. Made from yellow sandstone carved into a royal structure, the fort stands as a witness to many battles between the Bhattis, Mughals and the Rathores.

Entry Fee: Rs.30/person | Camera: Rs.50; Video: Rs.100

Distance From City Centre: 950 m

Best Way to Get There:

Road: Book a cab or ply via local transport.

Things To Do In Jaisalmer Fort:

• Get an exotic bird’s eye view of the city
• Photography
• Adore the Architecture
• Visit the temples and monuments in the fort’s premises

2. Khaba Fort – Spooky Fort in Jaisalmer

A slightly-spooky place to visit, the Khaba Fort is located near the Dedha village of Jaisalmer. This fascinating structure has minimal human activity and an eerie feel to it. The fort harbours the ruins and crumbling houses of the families that used to live in its premises over two centuries ago. Having a rustic appearance, this magnificent fort also houses many ancient artifacts that add to the beauty of this place.

Distance From City Centre: 32.4 km

Best Way to Get There:

Road: To reach this place you book a cab or drive your own car via Aman Sagar, Moolsagar and Dedha.

Things To Do In Khaba Fort:

• View of the green fields below
• Photography
• Admire the Architecture
• Explore the ruins and the ancient artefacts
• Watch the peacocks

3. Pokhran Fort – Royal Fort in Jaisalmer

Know how it is to live in a royal fort. Pokhran Fort also known as Balagarh fort was built in the fourteenth century and harbours a temple dedicated to goddess Durga. An architectural blend of the Mughal and Rajput designing, this fort is now open to tourists as a tourist site as well as a heritage hotel with 19 rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant and a swimming pool.

Entry Fee: Rs.50/visitor

Distance From City Centre: 112 km

Best Way to Get There:

Road: You can reach Pokhran Fort by road. Book a cab or drive your own car via Thaiyat, Chandan, Lathi and Khetolai.

Things To Do In Pokhran Fort:

• Have a night’s stay at Pokhran Fort
• Photography
• Visit the Pokhran Museum
• Explore the fort premises

4. Mehrangarh Fort – Beautiful Fort in Jaisalmer

A prominent tourist attraction at Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort houses many palaces, a museum, a temple and a terrace inside its walls. With impressive wall carvings and beautiful courtyards, this royal structure is also famous for the Rajasthan International Folk Festival and the World Sacred Spirit Festival that take place in October and February respectively.

Entry Fee: Rs.60/Indian visitors | Rs.400/Foreign visitors | Free on May 12 (Jodhpur Foundation Day)

Distance From City Centre: 279km

Best Way To Get There:
Road: You can reach Mehrangarh Fort by road. Book a cab or drive your own car via Khetolai, Pokhran, Dechu, Keru to Jodhpur.
Train: Book your tickets for Jaisalmer – Bandra Terminus SF Express and commute easily from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur.

Things To Do In Mehrangarh Fort:

• Try your hand at Zip-lining
• Photography
• Visit the temples located inside the premises
• Enjoy the Cultural Programs held at the fort

5. Junagarh Fort – Archaic Fort in Jaisalmer

Encircled by the city of Bikaner, Junagarh Fort was built under the supervision of the Prime Minister of Raja Rai Singh – Karan Chand. A blend of architecture influenced by different cultures, this palace houses many gardens, palaces, a museum and temples too. While the palaces and temples inside the fort complex are made up of red sandstone and marble, the intricate carvings on its walls are absolutely admirable.

Entry Fee: Rs.30/Indian visitors | Rs.150/Foreign visitors

Distance From City Centre: 332 km

Best Way To Get There:
Road: You can reach Junagarh Fort by road. Book a cab or drive your own car via Chandan, Pokhran, Phalodi, Malhar, Gajner to Bikaner.
Train: Book your tickets for Jaisalmer – Howrah SF Express and commute easily from Jaisalmer to Bikaner.

Things To Do In Junagarh Fort:

• Intricate Carvings
• Photography
• Temples and museums in its premises

6. Patwon Ki Haveli

A cluster of five havelis that were some of the foremost havelis erected in Jaisalmer, Patwon ki Haveli is now occupied by the government and is now home to the offices of Archeological Survey of India and State Art and Craft Department. Adorned with a number of beautiful paintings and mirror work walls, the building is made of yellow sandstone. The haveli was also known as ‘the mansion of Brocade Merchants’ because it was earlier occupied by the people who dealt in the gold and silver embroidered thread.

Entry Fee: Rs.30/person

Distance From City Centre: 900m

Best Way To Get There:
Road: Commute via local transport or drive up to Patwon Ki Haveli.
Walk: Walk your way along the roads of Patwa complex and reach up to Patwon ki Haveli.

Things To Do In Patwon Ki Haveli:

• Intricate Carvings
• Photography
• Architecture
• View from the balconies

7. Jain Temples

Dedicated to Chandraprabhu, Rishabhdev, Sambhavnath and Parshvanath, the structure of these temples date back to the 12^th and 15^th century. Built in the premises of the Jaisalmer Fort, these temples are carved in Rajasthani style of architecture. Featuring intricate design, these temples are built from the golden yellow stone and are sculpted with celestial figurines.

Timings: Morning – 12 noon

Distance From City Centre: 1.3 km

Best Way To Get There:
Road: Commute via local transport or drive up to Jain Temple located in the Jaisalmer Fort’s premises.
Walk: Walk your way along the roads of Jaisalmer Fort’s complex and reach up to Jain Temples.

Things To Do In Jain Temples:

• Intricate Carvings
• Photography
• Architecture
• Serene Backdrops

8. Nath Mal Ki Haveli – Majestic Fort in Jaisalmer

A great amalgam of Rajput and Islamic architecture, Nath Mal Ki Haveli features the life-size replicas of two elephants who appear to guard the Haveli. With its majestic appearance, the Haveli is also adorned with certain depictions of horses, cattle and flora. Being the residence of the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer – Diwan Mohata Nathmal, this haveli, after its construction, came to be known as Nathmal Ki Haveli.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Entry Fee: Rs. 40/person

Distance From City Centre: 500 m

Best Way To Get There:
Road: Commute via local transport.
Walk: Walk your way along the Gandhi Chowk road and reach up to Nathmal ki Haveli.

Things To Do In Nath Mal Ki Haveli:

• Intricate Carvings
• Photography
• Architecture

9. Vyas Chhatri – Popular Fort in Jaisalmer

A cremation ground with historic significance, Vyas Chhatri is one of the most fabulous creations of Rajasthani architecture. A place dedicated to Sage Vyas – the poet of Mahabharata, Vyas Chhatri is home to numerous cenotaphs and memorials. From the delicately carved pillars to the intricately chiseled chhatris, this place has a grandeur of its own. Also, do not forget to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets from this place.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM

Entry Fee: Rs.100/- per person | Rs.100/- for a camera (including mobile phones)

Distance From City Centre: 850 m

Best Way To Get There:
Road: Commute via local transport or drive your car all the way to Vyas Chhatri

Things To Do In Vyas Chhatri:

• Intricate Carvings
• Photography
• Architecture
• Cenotaphs

10. Manak Chowk & Havelis

Situated outside the Jaisalmer fort, the Havelis can be seen through the streets of Manak Chowk. While one can shop for traditional Rajasthani crafts, leather items, ethnic jewelry and souvenirs from the local shops of Manak Chowk, one can also get to see the creative skills of the local people, artisans and craftspeople.

Distance From City Centre: 1.2 km

There are lots of options available for travelling but some of the best way to travel are listed below:

Road: Commute via local transport or drive your car all the way to Vyas Chhatri
Walk: Walk in the by-lanes of Jaisalmer to reach Manak Chowk

There are many things you can do in Manak Chowk & Havelis:

• Shopping
• Intricate Carvings
• Photography
• Architecture

Similar Reads:

• Forts Near Jaipur
• Forts Near Gwalior
• Forts Near Rajasthan