Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Qila) Tourism

Jaisalmer Fort, colloquially known as Sonar Qila or the Golden Fort, is one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. Located in the heart of the Thar Desert, in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India, it was built in 1156 AD by the Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from whom it derives its name. Perched on Trikuta Hill, the fort's yellow sandstone walls shimmer like gold, particularly at sunset, giving it the nickname 'Sonar Qila'. The fort stands as a testimony to the courage and grandeur of Rajputana's rulers, and it seamlessly blends with the golden hues of the desert landscape. Jaisalmer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the group of Hill Forts of Rajasthan. The fort complex houses several exquisite Jain Temples, residential complexes, merchant Havelis, and the Raj Mahal, the former residence of the Maharawal of Jaisalmer. A still-inhabited fort, it is a bustling ecosystem, with shops, hotels, and age-old havelis, inviting travelers to experience living history first-hand.