Deep in the heart of the Thar Desert is Jaisalmer, one of the last princely bastions in the region. 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 colorful 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 it's walls, defended by 99 turrets, lies the old city, nearly a quarter of modern Jaisalmer. 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. 

The fort stands almost 30 mt over the city and houses an entire living area within huge ramparts. Walking through the narrow lanes is an experience worth savouring. It can be approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoota Pol and Hawa Pol. Also within it are many beautiful havelies and a group of Jain temples dating from the 12-15 th centuries.