The stunning Jaisalmer Fort made of golden yellow sandstone set is like an amber jewel in the Rajasthan desert. Situated on Trikuta Hill in Jaisalmer, this magnificent fort was built by Raja Jaisal, a chieftain of the Bhatti tribe in 1156 A.D. It is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. The imposing walls of the fort, which enclose a mini-township consisting of houses of merchants and their shops, has a 30 ft high sandstone barrier, which includes 99 bastions.

The four imposing gates of the fort are called the Ganesh Pol, the Bhoot Pol, the Suraj Pol and the Hawa Pol. There are beautiful havelis or mansion with intricately carved sandstone screens over the windows and balconies. Deep wells within the fort provide the inhabitants with water throughout the year. The fort is a thriving township with artisans, craftsmen and merchants busily going about their daily lives, in the midst of tourists wandering through the narrow lanes and winding alleys within the Jaisalmer Fort.

Located on the camel caravan route for traders during medieval times, Jaisalmer is the site of an annual Desert Festival. The main attractions are various camel related events held with the majestic Jaisalmer Fort as a backdrop. As the sun sets over Jaisalmer, the sandstone walls of this grand fort reflect the sunlight and glow with the color of molten gold. Inspired by this sight the filmmaker Satyajit Ray made his popular detective film Sonar Kella or Golden Fortress set around the Golden Fort of Jaisalmer.