Jaisalmer Fort

Why Jaisalmer Fort is special
The yellow sandstone gem is one of the world's largest and most visually striking forts. It's located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Top 5 Jaisalmer Fort attractions
Ringed walls
Jaisalmer Fort has three concentric walls: Outer, middle, and inner. Though plain, they are majestic and highly photogenic.

Havelis
These are large mansions built by prosperous merchants of the past. Balconies, walls, patios, and more are elaborately fashioned.

Raj Mahal
This seven-story Royal Palace was luxuriously created by consummate architects, interior designers, and craftsmen.

Jain Temples
A group of ornately designed structures and carvings dating back to the 12th century.

Cobblestone streets
They were purposely made narrow and bending to confuse invaders.

More Jaisalmer Fort tips & insights
Isolated location
The city is in the Thar Desert and is a three-hour drive from the nearest commercial airport.

History in brief
Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156. The area was selected to tap into the lucrative trade route revenues. The hilltop site was chosen for its defensive value. However, the citadel suffered through several fierce battles that would make a Hollywood-style combat version seem tame.

Today's threat
The 850-year-old foundation is beginning to crumble and shift, which could possibly lead to a disastrous collapse. Theories about the cause abound. They include: • Increase of waste water seepage from hotels, restaurants, and shops. • Unusually high recent rainfall (a global warming side effect, some say). • A recent nearby earthquake. • And, simply, the normal aging factor.

Location in India