Golden Fort

Jaisalmer Fort, also called the Golden Fort or Sonar Quila, is a historic fort built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, the Bhati Rajput ruler, and is located on Trikuta Hill in Rajasthan's Thar Desert. Made of golden-yellow sandstone, the fort gleams like gold especially at sunrise and sunset, which gives it its distinctive name.

It is a large fort measuring about 460 by 230 meters, with thick walls and 99 bastions forming a formidable triple-ring defense system. The fort features grand gateways such as Ganesh Pol and Suraj Pol, ornate palaces, courtyards, and intricately carved architecture blending Rajput and Mughal styles. Jaisalmer Fort served strategically to control trade routes and withstand many attacks over centuries.

It is unique as a "living fort," with thousands of people still residing inside its walls, where markets, homes, temples, and royal residences like Raja ka Mahal continue to thrive. Known for its cultural heritage and stunning desert views, it stands as a remarkable example of Rajput architecture and a symbol of Rajasthan’s rich history.