The new year 2023 is about to begin. Everyone welcomes the New Year with celebration and for this, they like to go to some special place. Nowadays, Jaisalmer of Rajasthan is also very much liked for the New Year celebration. In such a situation, whoever goes to Jaisalmer to celebrate New Year visits the fort here. This fort of Jaisalmer situated on Trikuta hill is the most popular tourist destination of Jaisalmer city which has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jaisalmer Fort is locally known as Sonar Fort or Golden Fort, which is one of the largest forts in the world. Today in this episode we are going to tell you about the history, architecture, and other important information of Jaisalmer Fort.

History of Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort was built in the year 1156 AD by a Bhati Rajput ruler named Rawal Jaisal who conspired with the Sultan of Gaur to depose his nephew Bhojdev. The fort has served as the backdrop to many battles and wars. Rang Burj was added to the fort as a defense structure by Maharawal Jetasi in 1276 AD after two Muslim invasions by the Sultan of Delhi. The fort was again attacked in the thirteenth century by Ala-ud-din-Khilji, who forced the Rajput women into self-immolation. Rawal's defiance against the Mughals finally broke after Humayun's attack in 1541 and he married his daughter to Akbar who was Humayun's successor. Jaisalmer Fort became an important trade and business stop along the Silk Road during the medieval period.

Architecture of Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is 1,500 feet (460 m) long and 750 feet (230 m) wide and is built on a hill that rises 250 feet (76 m) above the surrounding countryside. The basement of the fort has a 15 feet (4.6 m) tall wall forming a double line of defense. The bastions of the fort form a range of 30 feet (9.1 m). There are four entrances on the downstream side of the fort, one of which was protected by a cannon.

An individual device is hoisted on the summit of the fort's walls and is used to control the weather. The delicate blend of Islamic and Rajput architectural styles will catch the eyeballs of fans, looking stunning during the night. Jaisalmer Fort survived several attacks from Muslim rulers such as Ala-ud-din-Khilji and the Mughal emperor Humayun. Inside the fort complex tourists can see many architectural buildings, including palaces, houses, and temples made of soft yellow sandstone. Its beauty increases with the sunset. Jaisalmer Fort has narrow winding passageways that weave through many parts of the fort. The complex of Jaisalmer Fort is so vast that almost one-fourth of the population of the city is located in this fort.

Beauty of Jaisalmer Fort
The walls of the Jaisalmer Fort get pierced by the sun's rays in the morning, making this huge palace invisible in the yellow desert scene. It was used by the kings to protect the fort from their enemies. Jaisalmer Fort is the only fort in India in which people live within the fort premises and shops have been established for commercial purposes. There is also a hotel and an old mansion within the fort premises. The fort has three main layers of walls – the first wall consisted of solid stone blocks to strengthen the foundation, the second wall runs around the entirety of the fort acting as a defensive barrier and the third wall was used by soldiers. This was done extensively by throwing stones and pouring boiling oil or water on enemies. Who often got stuck between the second and third walls.

Another beauty section in the palace is the Jawahar Palace which is one of the other tourist attractions of Jaisalmer Fort. Which was the residence of a royal family. This place is famous for its beautiful construction and ornate design which attracts the attention of tourists while visiting this palace. Ganesh Pol, Rang Pol, Bhoot Pol, and Hawa Pol are the gateways of this fort which are known for sculptural beauty and beautiful design. Some havelis are several hundreds of years old. In Jaisalmer, there are many elaborate havelis carved out of yellow sandstone. Some of these have several floors and countless rooms, with decorated windows, arches, doors, and balconies.

The best time to visit Jaisalmer Fort
Due to its location near the Jaisalmer Desert, November to January is considered to be the most ideal time to visit Jaisalmer Fort, when you can enjoy the bright rays of the sun and the chill of winter. Which will make your journey more exciting. Therefore you can plan a trip to Jaisalmer Fort for your winter holidays.

How to reach Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer is well connected to major cities of India by rail, road, and air. Local transport in Jaisalmer is quite good. Auto rickshaw transport is also available cheaply in Jaisalmer city. It is within walking distance of the main Jaisalmer city. You can hire a rickshaw from your hotel. Distance from Jaisalmer to important cities: New Delhi (921 km), Jaipur (620 km), Mumbai (1177 km), Ahmedabad (626 km).

(PC: Lifeberrys)