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Photo: Gérard Janot, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila" as pronounced differently in parts of India. Colourful shades of the setting sun and golden hues of the desert ambience give a fairy tale look to this mega structured fort. The interior of this fort is amazing. It is a 'working fort' meaning that unlike every other fort in India, there are people living and working within its walls. Tourists can also visit many 'havelis' or Grand Houses of rich merchants, which are also having a touch of great classical interior and design.
Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the very few "living forts" in the world, as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort. For the better part of its 860-year history, the fort was the city of Jaisalmer. The first settlements outside the fort walls, to accommodate the growing population of Jaisalmer, are said to have come up in the 17th century.
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Desert Cultural Centre
A museum showcasing Rajasthan's folk heritage, arts and customs. There are two nightly half-hour long traditional puppet shows, starting at 6:30PM and 7:30 respectively, which is the highlight in the museum.
Gadaria Lake
This is a rainwater lake which supplies water to the city. It is surrounded by temples and tombs of saints. Boat rides are offered. Nearby is the desert cultural centre and a local museum built out of the collections of a local schoolteacher Mr N.K. Sharma. This centre conducts puppet show in the morning and evening. There are people who will try to sell you bread to feed the huge number of catfish in the lake.
A museum displaying India's modern military history. There is a hall dedicated to the noted Battle of Longewala fought near Jaisalmer during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
These sand dunes are around 50 km from Jaisalmer city but one has to go there to have this altogether different experience. This is an amazing sight and the sunset view from there is stunning. Also don't miss the camel ride or a camel cart ride over the semi desert. You can stay overnight in one of the tented lodges along the road. There are many to choose from - the lodges stretch for about 10 km.