Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer — Guide, History & Visiting Tips
Jaisalmer Fort is a golden-yellow sandstone fort in the Thar Desert, founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. It is a 'living fort', where people still live and work inside its walls.

Jaisalmer Fort at a glance
- Founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal.
- Built of golden-yellow sandstone, which is why it is also called the Golden Fort.
- People still live inside the fort, with homes, shops, temples and guest houses.
- It is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2013.
- Jaisalmer Fort is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
- A typical visit takes about 2 to 3 hours.
What a local guide shows you at Jaisalmer Fort
Book a guide by the hour or for a day. See tour guides for Jaisalmer Fort.
- The four gates and the ramparts
- The Jain temples inside the fort
- The palace and its museum
- How life inside a living fort works
- The nearby havelis
Photography at Jaisalmer Fort
Rules on tripods, professional equipment, commercial shoots and drones differ between sites and can change. Check them before a professional shoot.
- The fort glowing at sunrise and sunset
- The lanes and the sandstone doorways
- The view over the city from the ramparts
Visiting tips for Jaisalmer Fort
- Be respectful of residents; people live and work inside.
- Sunrise and sunset give the best light on the sandstone.
- Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
More about Jaisalmer Fort
Become a tour guide or photographer at Jaisalmer Fort
If you know Jaisalmer Fort and Jaisalmer well, you can post your tour on Myna24; if you shoot, you can post your photography service. Set your own hourly and per-day price and get booked. Guests pay a 10% booking fee online and the remaining 90% directly to you.
These buttons open the Tours or Photography section of the Myna24 home page, where you can post your service. More: tour guide jobs in Rajasthan · photography jobs in Rajasthan · part-time jobs in Rajasthan.
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Jaisalmer Fort — frequently asked questions
Where is Jaisalmer Fort?
Jaisalmer Fort is in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India.
What type of place is Jaisalmer Fort?
Jaisalmer Fort is a fort in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Is Jaisalmer Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Jaisalmer Fort is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
How long does a visit to Jaisalmer Fort take?
A typical visit takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much you want to see. Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
What are some quick facts about Jaisalmer Fort?
Founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Built of golden-yellow sandstone, which is why it is also called the Golden Fort. People still live inside the fort, with homes, shops, temples and guest houses. It is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2013.
Why is Jaisalmer Fort called a living fort?
Because people still live and work inside its walls, with homes, shops, temples and guest houses.
Can I book a local tour guide for Jaisalmer Fort?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a local guide by the hour or for a full day. Guides set their own prices, you pick a free date, and you pay a 10% booking fee online when you book, and the remaining 90% directly to the provider.
Can I book a photographer for Jaisalmer Fort?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a photographer by the hour or for a full day, see their portfolio first, and pay a 10% booking fee online.
Questions? Chat with Myna24 support on WhatsApp +91 81888 33003.