Jaisalmer Fort
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.
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 golden - yellow sandstone of Jaisalmer Fort, over 800 years old, crowns
the Trikuta Hill. Within its walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city,
nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. Seen from outside, the sight must be almost
identical to what was seen by merchants on their overland camel caravans to
central Asia. Once this desert outpost was an important gate for the trade route,
and Jaisalmer grew wealthy on the proceeds. But the advent of commercial shipping
relegated the town to relative obscurity.
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