Why Jaisalmer Fort is Called the “Living Fort” of India

🏰 Introduction: The Golden Fort That Breathes

Perched on the Trikuta Hill, shimmering in golden hues under the desert sun, Jaisalmer Fort stands as one of the most magnificent forts in the world. But what makes it truly unique is not just its imposing architecture or historical legacy — it’s the fact that it’s alive. Yes, Jaisalmer Fort is famously known as the “Living Fort” of India, where people still live, work, worship, and thrive within its ancient walls.

This blog takes you deep into the reasons behind this rare title and why visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site is unlike any other fort experience in India.

📜 A Brief History of Jaisalmer Fort

• Founded in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, a Rajput king of the Bhati clan.

• Built from yellow sandstone, giving it the name Sonar Quila (Golden Fort).

• Over 850 years old, it has seen centuries of trade, war, and royal life.

• It served as a trading post along the ancient Silk Route.

But despite its age and changing times, Jaisalmer Fort continues to function as a city in itself — unlike most forts that are either ruins or converted into museums.

🏡 Why It’s Called the “Living Fort” of India

1. Over 3,000 People Still Live Inside the Fort

Jaisalmer Fort is home to more than 3,000 residents, many of whom are descendants of the original settlers. These include Brahmins, Rajputs, Jain traders, and artisans. It’s not just a monument — it’s a living neighborhood with daily life happening in narrow sandstone lanes.

2. Functioning Homes, Cafes, and Hotels

The fort isn’t just residential — it’s commercial too:

• You’ll find homestays, boutique hotels, and rooftop cafes inside the fort.

• Local businesses include handicraft shops, textile sellers, gemstone stores, and more.

• Properties like Open Road Boutique Hotel offer travelers a chance to live inside the fort and experience history firsthand.

3. Active Temples and Religious Life

• The fort houses 7 exquisite Jain temples (built between the 12th and 15th centuries), still in use today.

• Laxminath Temple, dedicated to Vishnu and Lakshmi, is also active and sees regular worship.

• Festivals like Diwali, Paryushan, and Navratri are celebrated within the fort, making it spiritually vibrant.

4. Daily Chores Amongst Ancient Walls

From kids going to school to elders performing morning rituals and shopkeepers starting their day — life inside Jaisalmer Fort mirrors that of a living Rajasthani village, only wrapped in golden stone walls.

🛕 What Makes Jaisalmer Fort Different from Other Forts in India?

FortStatusNotesAmber Fort, JaipurHistorical siteNo residents; mostly tourist visitsMehrangarh Fort, JodhpurMuseumRoyal family left decades agoChittorgarh FortAbandoned ruinsNo residents insideJaisalmer FortLiving fortHomes, shops, temples, hotels inside

👉 Jaisalmer Fort is one of the very few “living forts” not just in India, but in the entire world.

🌍 A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2013, Jaisalmer Fort was declared part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan under UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list. This wasn’t just because of its architecture, but also because of the unique coexistence of heritage and modern life within the fort’s walls.

💡 Things to Do Inside Jaisalmer Fort

1. Visit the Jain Temples – Admire detailed carvings and ancient stories in marble.

2. Explore Laxminath Temple – Feel the spirituality that still pulses here.

3. Shop for Local Handicrafts – Leather items, silver jewelry, mirror work, and more.

4. Stay at a Heritage Hotel – Like the Open Road Boutique Hotel, where you wake up to views of the old city and sandstone architecture.

5. Eat at Rooftop Cafes – Enjoy views of the city and Gadisar Lake with authentic Rajasthani or fusion cuisine.

6. Walk the Bastions – Catch panoramic views of the city below from the cannon points.

🚨 Conservation Challenges

With popularity and human habitation come concerns:

• Water seepage, due to modern plumbing, threatens the fort’s ancient foundation.

• Waste management inside the fort is an ongoing issue.

• UNESCO and the Archaeological Survey of India are working on sustainable tourism strategies to preserve the fort while allowing life to continue.

Responsible tourism is key. As a visitor, you can help by:

• Choosing eco-friendly accommodations.

• Supporting local artisans directly.

• Avoiding litter and respecting religious spaces.

🧭 How to Reach Jaisalmer Fort

• By Air: Nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport (seasonal flights), or Jodhpur Airport (285 km).

• By Train: Jaisalmer is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur.

• By Road: Buses and taxis operate from all major cities in Rajasthan.

Once you reach Jaisalmer, you can:

• Walk into the fort through the majestic gates.

• Take a tuk-tuk or local taxi, unless vehicle entry is restricted during festivals or high season.

🏨 Stay Inside the Living Fort

For a truly immersive experience, stay inside the fort itself.
🌟 Open Road Boutique Hotel offers:

• Spacious air-conditioned rooms

• Rooftop views over the fort and city

• Easy access to temples, cafes, and shops

• 15% discount on desert safaris for in-house guests

✨ Final Thoughts

Jaisalmer Fort is not just a place you visit — it’s a place you live, breathe, and become a part of.
Its golden walls echo with the sounds of daily life, sacred chants, market calls, and children's laughter. That’s what makes it truly alive. No wonder it’s called the “Living Fort” of India — a rare fusion of heritage, humanity, and timeless beauty.