The Incredible Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer is one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in India. Rising from the heart of the Thar Desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer which is also known as the Golden City. Situated in the royal state of Rajasthan in India and standing on a crest of yellow sandstone with the Jaisalmer Fort as its focal point, the town has retained its mystical allure to the present day.
Jaisalmer is located around 375 miles away from the capital city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Set on the fringes of the Great Thar Desert, the city is home to beautiful palaces, Jain temples and buildings with intricate architecture. Much of the things that are special about the town are of historic and architectural value. One of the most outstanding facets of this city is the fort which is known as the Golden Fort.
The history of the city goes back to ancient times, with most of its inhabitants identifying themselves as Bhatti Rajputs. Initially this tribe was native to Punjab, deriving its name from a warrior ancestor called Bhatti. The tribe was eventually driven southwards by its enemies and found a home in the Indian desert where it has remained ever since. The ruler Deoraj a renowned Bhatti prince is given the distinction of founding the dynasty of Jaisalmer.
The Golden Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city. The fort derives its name from Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal who built it in 1156 AD. Situated on the Trikuta Hill in the panoramic settings of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Fort has witnessed many a battle fought between the chivalrous warriors of the past. Jaisalmer Fort is built of sandstone which bears a tawny look during the day and turns into a golden yellow during the sunset thus it gained the title Golden Fort or Sonar Quila.
This fort is two hundred and fifty feet tall and is reinforced by 30 feet high sandstone wall. The fort has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. This is one unique fort in India which is still home to more than 4000 people who live within the fort complex. There are many wells within the complex of the fort which are still regular sources of water.
Inside the fort complex there are various palatial structures which are real visual treat. The most famous structure is the Maharawals located in front of the Chauhata Square. The foremost attraction of this place is Maharawals marble throne which is placed over a flight of marble steps. Another famous attraction of this place is a five-storied Tazia tower located adjacent to the Maharawals palace. This tower was constructed by Muslim craftsmen and is decorated with ornate Bengali styled roofs.
The royal people live in the Jawahar fortress. The marketplace in the fort is identified as the Manek Chowk. Atop the fortifications lie build a structure that was used to predict the weather. A flag placed centrally on it would indicate the wind ways which show the weather through the year.
Jaisalmer fort holds many temples dedicated to different deities such as Surya, Lakshmi, Ganesh, Vishnu and Shiva. The Jain temples, however, are the most impressive among them. The temple complex is built using the Jurassic sandstone with yellow and white marble shrines. The walls and ceilings are covered with exquisite motifs.
Being one of the most distinguished tourist places across the country, the city has the perfect hospitality structure to serve the visitors. The hotels here provide matchless services in terms of food, room service, accommodation luxuries or even d©cor. All of these hotels are well-furnished with beautiful and eclectic ambience and are all set to welcome you with utmost comfort and concern.
Jaisalmer is located around 375 miles away from the capital city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Set on the fringes of the Great Thar Desert, the city is home to beautiful palaces, Jain temples and buildings with intricate architecture. Much of the things that are special about the town are of historic and architectural value. One of the most outstanding facets of this city is the fort which is known as the Golden Fort.
The history of the city goes back to ancient times, with most of its inhabitants identifying themselves as Bhatti Rajputs. Initially this tribe was native to Punjab, deriving its name from a warrior ancestor called Bhatti. The tribe was eventually driven southwards by its enemies and found a home in the Indian desert where it has remained ever since. The ruler Deoraj a renowned Bhatti prince is given the distinction of founding the dynasty of Jaisalmer.
The Golden Fort is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city. The fort derives its name from Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal who built it in 1156 AD. Situated on the Trikuta Hill in the panoramic settings of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Fort has witnessed many a battle fought between the chivalrous warriors of the past. Jaisalmer Fort is built of sandstone which bears a tawny look during the day and turns into a golden yellow during the sunset thus it gained the title Golden Fort or Sonar Quila.
This fort is two hundred and fifty feet tall and is reinforced by 30 feet high sandstone wall. The fort has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. This is one unique fort in India which is still home to more than 4000 people who live within the fort complex. There are many wells within the complex of the fort which are still regular sources of water.
Inside the fort complex there are various palatial structures which are real visual treat. The most famous structure is the Maharawals located in front of the Chauhata Square. The foremost attraction of this place is Maharawals marble throne which is placed over a flight of marble steps. Another famous attraction of this place is a five-storied Tazia tower located adjacent to the Maharawals palace. This tower was constructed by Muslim craftsmen and is decorated with ornate Bengali styled roofs.
The royal people live in the Jawahar fortress. The marketplace in the fort is identified as the Manek Chowk. Atop the fortifications lie build a structure that was used to predict the weather. A flag placed centrally on it would indicate the wind ways which show the weather through the year.
Jaisalmer fort holds many temples dedicated to different deities such as Surya, Lakshmi, Ganesh, Vishnu and Shiva. The Jain temples, however, are the most impressive among them. The temple complex is built using the Jurassic sandstone with yellow and white marble shrines. The walls and ceilings are covered with exquisite motifs.
Being one of the most distinguished tourist places across the country, the city has the perfect hospitality structure to serve the visitors. The hotels here provide matchless services in terms of food, room service, accommodation luxuries or even d©cor. All of these hotels are well-furnished with beautiful and eclectic ambience and are all set to welcome you with utmost comfort and concern.
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