Jaisalmer Landmarks, Temples and Monuments

(Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India)

Out of all of the city's many interesting landmarks, nothing quite compares to its extremely famous Jaisalmer Fort. This yellow-sandstone fort dates as far back as the middle of the 12th century and was built by the famous Rajput leader, Jaisala, being further enhanced over the years by following rulers.

Jaisalmer Fort contains a number of notable landmarks itself, include seven Jain temples, and is hard to miss, standing atop the Trikura Hill and towering some 80 metres / 262 feet above the city itself. On the northern side of the fort, don't miss out on the sunsets at the Vyas Chhatri, which are quite simply awesome and hard to ever possibly better, anywhere in the world.

Jaisalmer Fort (Golden Fort / Sonar Kila / Sonar Quila)

One of the most magnificent landmarks in the whole of Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Fort comprises a true labyrinth of narrow alleys and streets, along with a palace, a number of beautiful Jain temples (see below), a selection of hotels and restaurants, and some very grand private residences (havelis). Around one quarter of the total population currently living within the Old City actually resides within the walls of this huge fortress. Sadly, the steady influx of visitors has sadly started to cause structural problems and the foundations of the Jaisalmer Fort are literally beginning to crumble. The entrance gates are especially grand, and is the courtyard and the palace of the maharaja, which boasts seven storeys and extravagant architecture.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Jain Temples

The stunning Jain temples (relating to the Indian religion of Jainism / Jain Dharma) are actually housed within the Jaisalmer Fort itself and these important local landmarks provide much character when you step inside the fortress walls. In total, there are actually seven of these Jain temples, all of which interconnect and each offer their very own set of attractions:

• Chandraprabhu Temple - the first temple that you will encounter within the Jaisalmer Fort, with an upper gallery contains over 100 different images of Parasnath
• Kunthunath Temple - known for its sensual carving and early 16th century facade
• Parasnath Temple - home to an exceptionally beautiful gateway (torana) entrance and an impressive painted ceiling
• Rikhabdev Temple - dedicated to the Lord Rikhabdev, who was actually the very first of all the Jain 'tirthankaras' (teachers of spiritual enlightenment)
• Sambhavanth Temple - located in the main courtyard and used by Jain priests, who came here to grind sandalwood
• Shantinath Temple - close to the Gyan Bhandar library and dating back to 1536
• Shitalnath Temple - dedicated to the tenth Jain 'tirthankar' and featuring a large metal image

Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00, hours may vary per temple
Admission: charge

Vyas Chhatri (Sunset Point)

The Vyas Chhatri is one landmark worth looking out for and is to be found extremely close to the Jaisalmer Fort. Actually the imposing cenotaph of Sage Vyas, a very well-known Hindi writer, responsible for producing the world's longest scripture (Mahabharata), the Vyas Chhatri is dedicated to the Indian god Ganesh and enjoys spectacular city views, which are quite unmissable at the end of the day, earning this location is alternative name of 'Sunset Point'. Close by and on the northern side of the city, the decorated royal tombs (chhatris) are also worth finding and exploring, being often best reached by simply hiring a bicycle for the afternoon.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free