Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer 
Known
as SONAR QUILA or the Golden fort, rising from the sand , the mega structure merges
with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful
shades gives it a fairy tale look. Its simply a magic, the bastions envelops a
whole townships that consist of palace complex various security sources and the
havelis of rich merchants carved with an incredibly light touch, several temples
and the residential complexes of the armies and traders placed strategically on
the trade route, from where the ancient caravans passed en-route passing all the
riches for the prosperity to an otherwise non source full kingdom.
These
merchants served and acquire a great deal of power and noble status in the royal
courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th century and proceeded
further. But the rich merchant inspired by the classic style of the royals , constructed
huge mansions (havelis) adjacent to each other in the nature of medieval culture
and profusely decorated walls and ceilings and intricately carved outdoors and
interiors. The colourful art forms and some how side kind the royal heritage and
made it appear more pale in comparison . The craftsmen were usually muslims who
were induced on their journey to exhibit their skills. The results was architectural
purity that cannot be seen elsewhere.
Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert
is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. Founded on what
was the cross - road of lucrative trade routes, this remote settlement came to
be celebrated for the valour of its rulers, and for the aesthetic sense represented
by their palaces and havelis.

The
rich merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who worked delicately on the sandstone
mansions they built, filling up facades with sculptural filigree, screen windows,
delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. Today, these veritable art - museums
are still inhabited, and their colourful celebrations and festivals have placed
Jaisalmer Fort firmly on the world tourism map.
The fort stands almost
30 metres over the city and houses an entire living area within huge ramparts.
Walking through the narrow lanes is an experience worth savouring.
It
is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol. Also, within
it are many beautiful havelies and a group of Jain temples dating from the 12th
to the 15th centuries.
Being part of the Desert Triangle and the venue
of Desert Festival, the place is accessible by rail, road and air and has tourist
accommodation ranging from high budget to low budget. The city is also covered
by the "Palace on Wheels" a train-cum-road package, which needs no description.
This place too witnesses large flow of tourist traffic in winters.
" Jaisalmer
Fort - Jaisalmer, Rajasthan Forts Reservation Form "
Rajasthan Forts Mehrangarh
Fort, Jodhpur || Rohet
Fort, Near Jodhpur || Luni
Fort, Near Jodhpur || Bila
Quila Fort, Alwar || Kumbhalgarh
Fort, Udaipur || Junagarh
Fort, Bikaner || Jaisalmer
Fort, Jaisalmer || Taragarh
or The Star Fort, Bundi || Fort,
Chittorgarh || Lohagarh
Fort, Bharatpur || Nahargarh
Fort, Nahargarh || Fort
of Shahbad and Mosque, Near Kota