The fort of Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is a real desert town. From far away, the fort can be seen hovering above the desert. The fort was found in 1155 by king Jaisal.

In contrast to the other Radjastan forts, the one of Jaisalmer is actually inhabited. There are a big number of guesthouses and stores. However, in ancient times, water in this dry area was very well conserved and reused up to five times. Nowadays, much more water is used and runs away through an insufficient sewage system.

The high amount of water running away causes the foundations of the castle to collapse like a sand castle on the beach on a rainy day. Two of the bastions have already collapsed. Lonely planet even recommends to not stay in the fort until the sewage system is repaired.

Inside the castle is the palace of the maharadja of Jaisalmer. He does not live there any more, but in another palace in town, which is also a luxury hotel. However, he owns the whole fort and apparently he wants to get the inhabitants out of the fort area to use and exploit it for touristic purposes all by himself

The palace museum also contains a gallery of portraits of all the Maharadjas. Here two who reigned from 1557-1630 and 1650-1659.