Built in 1156 A.D., the Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh. It was founded by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal. The fort is made in soft The ramparts, bastions and the long-stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at sunset. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high, it has 99 bastion, out of which 92 were built between 1633 and 1647.

Architecture

The five story edifice adorns itself with balconies and windows that displays some of the finest masonry work, while the interior is painted and tiled in typical Rajput style. The main attractions within the fort are a group of beautifully carved Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th century.

The fort stands almost 30 meters over the city and unbelivebly houses an entire living area within huge ramparts. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol.There are several entrances, called 'pols' that guard the Megh Durbar and the Jawahar Mahal, which bear the imperial symbols of the Bhatti clan's lunar lineage. Outside the fort, is the main market place called Manek Chowk.

These days the fort is crowded by a population of merchants and shop owners living within its walls. The small lanes are surrounded with number of houses, temples, and shops. Jaisalmer fort essentially boosts life with the people who goes about their daily routines. Many tourists make it to this exotic town where camel safaris are popular as is the annual desert festival in February.