Fort/Living Heritage
Jaisalmer Fort
Also known as Sonar Quila, Golden Fort
A living golden sandstone fortress rising from the desert, where homes, temples, shops and narrow lanes still function within the historic walls.
Gallery
About Jaisalmer Fort
Rawal Jaisal founded Jaisalmer Fort in 1156 on Trikuta hill, making it one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. Its yellow sandstone walls and 99 bastions turn deep honey-gold in the late sun, which is how the town earned its name, the Golden City.
It's also one of the few forts in the world that people still live in: a few thousand residents, along with guesthouses, shops and temples, fill the lanes inside its walls. The main sights are the Raj Mahal palace museum and a group of finely carved Jain temples built between the 12th and 16th centuries.
Jaisalmer Fort At A Glance
- Location
- Jaisalmer
- Type
- Fort/Living Heritage
- Heritage Status
- UNESCO component; living fort
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site
- Entry
- ₹250 foreign nationals · ₹50 Indian citizens
Know Before You Go
Timings
Fort precinct: all day · Palace Museum: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekly closed: Open all days
Online Booking
Yes — Rajasthan Tourism OBMS portal
Restrictions
It's a living fort with residents — be respectful; camera fee at Palace Museum
Washrooms
Available near main gate/market area
Living fort — UNESCO World Heritage Site
Good To Know
Visiting Jaisalmer Fort
Can I stay inside the fort?
- You can, in one of its small guesthouses, but the fort's foundations are fragile and suffer from water seepage, so many travellers choose to stay outside and visit by day.
How long do I need?
- Half a day with a guide to see the palace museum, the Jain temples and the lanes.
Is Jaisalmer Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- Yes — Jaisalmer Fort is part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing.
What is the Jaisalmer Fort entry fee?
- ₹250 foreign nationals, ₹50 Indian citizens. Tickets for the sites on your route can be included in your trip estimate.
What are the Jaisalmer Fort timings?
- Fort precinct: all day · Palace Museum: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Open every day of the week.
Can I book Jaisalmer Fort tickets online?
- Yes — Rajasthan Tourism OBMS portal.
On The Same Site
Within Jaisalmer Fort
Nearby
More To See In Jaisalmer
Tours
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