In the heart of Rajasthan state's Thar Desert, the historic city of Jaisalmer (pop. 78,000) is known as India's "Golden City" because the yellow sandstone of which its old quarter was built (mostly in the 12th century) imbuing it with a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets. And it's notable for its beautiful temples of the Jain religion, one of the world's oldest. But Jaisalmer's main claim to fame is Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Sonar Quila (Golden Fort) because it's build of that same tawny sandstone. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Hill Forts of Rajasthan," it's located on a 250-foot-high hill just 1.5 kilometers from the main railway station, and is one of the largest forts in the world, at 1,500 feet long and 750 feet wide.
Jaisalmer Fort was built atop the Trikuta Hill in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput clan ruler Maharawal Jaisal Singh, who also founded the city, which is named after him. Originally the city's entire population lived within its walls, and it also served as a refuge and way-station for caravans and travelers along the Silk Road.
Read more in Tripatini contributor Garh Rahputana Camps´ post The Glorious ´Golden Fort´of Rajasthan, India.
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