Jaisalmer Fort

One of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world, Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer Fort is a World Heritage Site. 

Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom it derives its name. The fort stands amidst the sandy expanse of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill. 

Before the days of the British Raj, the fortress city served as a refuge and way-station for caravans and travelers along the Silk Road. Its ramparts served as the backdrop for many battles in past centuries when the Silk Road still served as one of the main trade routes between East and West.

Structure of the fort is impressive. As you enter the fort complex, you can see some handloom work on sale. On the right hand side is a famous Italian food restaurant named "Little Italy". If you are looking for some continental food, don't forget this place.

A beautiful tower done captures your attention. Pigeons give it a lively look.

Design  at the entrance door to depict clan and religious belief of the king.

As you start entering the fort your attention goes to these boulders on the protections walls. These are stone balls and stone boulders for defense of the fort. If the enemy approaches near the fort walls, its easier for soldiers to roll these and throw on the climbers.

This fort is still occupied by residents, hotels, temples. A number of heritage hotels can be seen around. This is main 'Pol' - gate for entry.

Beauty is everywhere in Jaisalmer. Look at the windows.	One of the exquisitely carved balconies.
Not so convinced about the beauty...take a closer look here

Inside the fort and on the pathways is a shoppers paradise...

King's mansion in the Fort is real attraction. It was Xmas holidays when we visited the place and the queue was pretty long so we could not enter the building. Here are some snaps of the exterior.

Each panel has a different design if watched minutely.

	Have a closer look at this balcony. Look at the panels at the bottom of the frame.

Entrance for a Prince's residence

Jaisalmer City View from a vantage point.

Patwa ki Haveli area as seen from the Jaisalmer Fort. 

Another interesting place to visit while you are at Jaisalmer Fort is a Jain Temple.

Interesting and colourful people of Rajasthan....a must watch.

Statues of beautiful Sur sundari welcome you. A temple is considered as residence of God...replica of heaven. Such beauties adorn the heaven.	This is probably statue of River Yamuna, sitting on a tortoise
Sundari holding laddos...or feeding someone?	Sur sundari playing a musical instrument

This is an interesting pillar. It has three types of stones. Lowest level is a fossilized stone found in Jaisalmer areas, middle one is a regular yellow stone and the glowing one is special stone that looks like mother of pearl finish.

Rugged but beautiful....



Since Jaislmer is desert area, the construction style is developed to make minimum use of water. Interlocking of stones is the main technique here. Now in this arch that is called as 'Toran' the mid point is locked with the ceiling beam and supports the beam with use of side columns

Just out side the main sanctum. You can see a dome....and interesting figurine is carved in this dome. You can see the same in next snaps

An interesting figure carved on the ceiling. You can see four human bodies and one head. The head is adjusted in such a way that it can belong to any of the bodies....

Inside the Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum)

Apsara preparing for her dance performance. 

Gandharvas playing instruments and singing.

Godess Lakshmi (Godess of Wealth)  with her mount Owl. It is interesting to note that even though this is Jain temple, you can see Hindu figurines on outer side to respect the King's religious belief.

This is probabaly Kubera Idol with his elephant 'Sarvabhauma'
Jaisalmer Fort takes around 3-4 hours considering a visit to the King's mansion and Jain temple. A lot of artistics items to purchase....this one is a must visit World Heritage Site !!