RAJASTHAN4U ¤ Destinations ¤ Jaisalmer ¤ Jaisalmer fort

Jaisalmer fort

This fort is certainly one of the finest I've seen in India. Built in the 11th century of golden-yellow sandstone, above the 80m high Trikuta Hill, it has 99 turrets, and within it lies the old city, where nearly 12,000 people still reside today within its walls.

Approached through a series of 4 huge gates, the fort is a maze of small winding lanes, initially flanked by touristy shops, little child-musicians colourfully dressed and performing songs & dances. women selling imitation silver jewelry. The Fort houses a maharaja's palace, a ceremonial courtyard and beautifully carved Jain temples.

The rich merchants of yore engaged stone craftsmen who, in my mind must have been singularly obsessed about filling up all the panels, mansion walls and balconies with delicate sculptural filigree, ornamental screen windows, and elaborate lace-like detail. Today, these mansions are still inhabited, and some have been converted into hotels enabling tourists to get a feel of what living in an ancient fort would be like.

Walking through these ancient quarters is a wonderful experience . life goes on as usual, women scrubbing their vessels till they shone, preparing the day's meal, drying their long tresses in the hot desert sun, children playing in the narrow alleyways, adorable baby goats and benign cows sauntering past you, temple bells clanging, the lone voice of a desert musician emanating from some lonely corner of the fort.

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Jaisalmer Tourism
Desert Festival | Desert National Park | Barmer | Excursions | Jaisalmer Fort | Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli | Patwon-Ji-Ki-Haveli | Salim Singh Ki Haveli | Sam Sand Dunes

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