jaisalmer visit area

Jaisalmer Travel Guide: 10 Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer for an Unforgettable Trip

One of the best places to visit from Jaipur (and something on my bucket list for a couple of years) has been Jaisalmer. This is because, until 2019, I hadn’t been to a single desert in the world.

And while I did visit desert areas in both Kazakhstan and Vietnam, visiting Jaisalmer’s sand dunes was definitely a unique experience and a quite cherished one as well, especially since I knew there are so many awesome places to visit in Jaisalmer.

Honestly, the desert sand dunes stretch for miles and miles around here and you could easily get lost if not careful.

Apart from the amazing sand dunes, the Jaisalmer city itself is quite enchanting. It felt like I am in some Arabian story as the narrow streets are filled with colorful shops and vendors.

And the ‘Golden City’ is quite apt as you are surrounded by golden-colored buildings and historical monuments everywhere.

In this Jaisalmer travel guide, I will be listing down everything that you need to know to plan a trip to this wonderful Indian city.

Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

The Golden City is full of exuberance and culture and trust me, it has so much for you to explore. The heart of Thar desert, this city has a wonderful past and heritage which will make you look in awe at every nook and cranny here.

Did you know Jaisalmer was a gateway for trading with the Persian countries? Or that the Golden fort is one of the few living forts in India? There is a lot to Jaisalmer than just the Thar Desert and you only realize it once you visit this gorgeous city.

A few things which make Jaisalmer really special is that it happens to be one of the largest wind farms in India. And it is filled with gorgeous Havelis and bungalows which were constructed during the time when Jaisalmer acted as a trading center.

Later, the trading center was shifted to Mumbai by the Britishers but there are still numerous Havelis and mansions that you can explore around here.

Jaisalmer is also known for its Merasi music community which is an important part of their cultural and religious experience.

So, make sure that you check them out when visiting this golden city. All in all, there is a lot to learn about Jaisalmer and the best way to do that is to explore the streets and Havelis of Jaisalmer.

How to Reach Jaisalmer

Now, there are different transportation modes available to reach Jaisalmer, depending on your origin point. If you are starting from Delhi, then you can reach using a flight, bus, or even a train. You can also try to reach Jaipur or Jodhpur first if you are traveling from far away.

Here is detailed information on how to reach Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer is well-connected with many cities, both inside the state and outside. So, you will find public and private buses from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mount Abu, Bikaner, etc. to Jaisalmer. You will also find private buses to Jaisalmer from cities like Ahmedabad, Delhi, and so on.

In case there is no direct bus from your city, you can try to reach one of these major cities first and then get a bus to Jaisalmer. But if you are planning to visit here as a short weekend getaway from Delhi-NCR , getting your own private vehicle is cost-effective and fun.

Jaisalmer also has a railway station which has direct trains from cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur, Ajmer, etc.

You can check out the trains from your respective city to Jaisalmer on the IRCTC website. In case there isn’t any direct train, then you can search for a train to cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur, etc. and then change the train for Jaisalmer from there.

From the railway station, you will find autorickshaws, taxis, etc. to take you to your accommodation in the city.

Another option is to take a flight to the Jaisalmer Airport which is situated on the outskirts of the city, around 10-15 km away. But the frequency of flights is less here so it might be better to reach Jaipur by flight and then take a train/bus to reach here.

How to Travel in Jaisalmer

Since this is a small city, you won’t find local buses available in the city or to the Sand Dunes. However, there are other modes of transportation available that you can check out.

Auto Rickshaws

You will find a lot of Auto-Rickshaws around here which charge reasonably. So, you can take an Auto to reach the railway station, airport, etc. An autorickshaw will charge you around 50 INR from the Gadisar Lake roundabout.

Honestly, my favorite way to explore this city was by walking. In the city, the fort and the Havelis are quite close by so you can easily cover it on foot. You can start by covering Moti Mahal, Nathmal ki Havel, Patwon ki Haveli, and then make your way to the Jaisalmer Fort.

Also, make sure that you choose accommodation near these streets as it will make it easier for you to explore on foot.

Two-Wheeler

Another great way to make the most of your short time in this city is by renting a two-wheeler. From bikes to Active, you will find rental shops for almost all two-wheeler brands. This will make it easier for you to explore the nearby sights like Bada Bagh, Vyas Chhatri, Kuldhara Village, and so on.

The cost of an Active is around 250 – 300 INR and of a bike is around 1200 INR for a day. You can also use the scooty to travel to the Sam Sand Dunes or Khuri Dunes and save money on expensive taxis.

Finally, if you don’t know how to ride a two-wheeler then your only option for reaching the Thar desert is using a cab/taxi. The cost of a private taxi is 2500 INR for a one-sided journey to the Sam Sand Dunes.

However, if you are traveling alone and have opted a group package for the Sand Dunes, then you can share the cost with other travelers.

Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer

Since Jaisalmer stays hot throughout the year, with the minimum daily temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, it is important to plan your trip during the right month.

Winter Season

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is in the winter months when the sun is comparatively bearable. This also happens to be the peak season for Jaisalmer as people from all over the world travel here to enjoy the desert camping experience.

So, if you don’t mind a little crowd and wish to enjoy the weather in Jaisalmer then winter is the best time to visit Jaisalmer. You can plan a trip here anytime between October to March to have a lovely experience.

Summer Season

Summer season is the absolute worst time to visit the Golden City. And this is not just because it is scorching heat here at that time but also most of the activities and camps shut down during this period.

As a result, you won’t find many options for a desert jeep safari or camel safari to explore the sand dunes.

Monsoon Season

The Golden City experiences very little rainfall so there is no monsoon season really. The summer season ends around July end and the locals start getting for the winter season from August.

So, you can plan a visit in the August – October period but you will not find many activity options to choose from.

Also Read: Which are the Best Places to Visit in Bharatpur

Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

Are you looking for a few places to visit in Jaisalmer to make the most of your trip?

Please find below a few of the top places to visit in Jaisalmer, a few of which are my personal favorites.

Vyas Chhatri

One of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer, Vyas Chhatri is an exemplary example of Rajasthani architecture. This is a cremation ground where you will find cenotaphs dedicated to the sage Ved Vyasa, author of Mahabharata.

This cremation ground for Brahmins has gorgeous yellow sandstone cenotaphs that are placed on a raised platform. And each of the cenotaphs has a beautiful, intricately-designed chhatri on the top of the neatly-carved pillars.

Another great thing about this place is that it is built on a hill and offers an amazing view of the Golden Fort and some mesmerizing sunsets. It is located around 4 km from the city center and is mostly a secluded point so you can enjoy watching the sunset in peace here.

Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Entry Ticket: 100 INR per person

Another popular site to visit in the Golden City is Bada Bagh that features a huge collection of cenotaphs of Jaisalmer Maharajas. Built in the 16th century, the first cenotaph in this region was of Jai Singh II who was best-known for making the city green. So, to honor him, his son Lunkaran built his cenotaph here and created a park around it.

After that, more cenotaphs got added in this region and now it has numerous cenotaphs, more than in Vyas Chhatri as well. As a result, this location makes for a good backdrop for landscape photography as well. It is located around 10 km from the city and takes barely 15 minutes to reach.

Timing: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Jaisalmer Fort

One of the most interesting things about Jaisalmer city is that it has one of the largest forts in Rajasthan and even India that is still used as a residential area.

So, you will find locals living inside the fort as well as outside the fort. Also known as Sonar Quila, this fort was built in 1156 AD under the reign of the Bhati ruler Rawal Jaiswal.

Another interesting fact about this fort is that it has survived attacks from different rulers over the years including Humayun, Ala-Uddin-Khilji, and so on.

So, if you have always wondered how a real-life fort looks like then spend some time in this Golden Fort. You will find several temples, museums, restaurants, markets, etc. also inside to explore.

Timings: Any time

Entry Ticket : Free

Gadisar Lake

One of my favorite places to visit in Jaisalmer, Gadisar Lake is another popular spot which was built under the rule of Raja Rawal Jaiswal.

According to the locals, this rainwater lake was used to provide water to the entire city but now it is mostly used for boating and there are several temples and shrines on the embankment of this lake.

Personally, I loved visiting this place during the evening and just enjoy the evening breeze while watching people boating around the lake.

Timings: Any Time

Entry Ticket: Free

Boat Tickets: 10 INR for a rowboat, 50 INR for a paddleboat, and 100 INR for a shikhara

Salim Singh ki Haveli (Moti Mahal)

If you are interested in architecture then Salim Singh ki Haveli is one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer. Constructed in 1815, this haveli was built by Salim Singh and is particularly famous for its unique peacock-shaped roof along with an exquisitely designed pavilion.

This haveli is barely 500 meters from the Golden Fort and gives great insight into the Mughal-style architecture. This haveli has around 38 balconies while the walls here were covered with imperial Mughal-style paintings and there was also a Moti Mahal inside the haveli as well.

Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Entry Ticket: 50 INR per person

Kuldhara Village

Popularly known as the Haunted village of Jaisalmer, Kuldhara Village is situated around 20 km from the city. This village was built in the 13th century and was a prosperous village where the Paliwal Brahmans lived.

However, the village and the neighborhood were abandoned in the 19th century and there are several reasons cited for it.

Some say it was because of the shortage of water while a 2017 study says that the area was deserted because of an earthquake. One popular theory is that because of the persecution of Jaisalmer’s minister, Salim Singh, the area was abandoned.

Whatever be the reason, this village has become a popular tourist spot now so if you love historical places, then one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer would be to stop here on the way to the sand dunes.

Sam Sand Dunes

Of course, one of the top places to visit in Jaisalmer is the famous Sam Sand Dunes. This is one of the most authentic desert sand dune sites in India where you can observe 30-60 meter tall sand dunes.

Here, you can enjoy Desert Safari on a camel or in a jeep, both are equally amazing and unique experiences.

You can also stay in one of the camps here to enjoy a sunrise or sunset in the desert along with some local cultural performances and some time away from the city.

Khuri Dunes

Although Sam Sand Dunes is the popular desert spot in Jaisalmer, there is another equally amazing sand dune located in the Khuri village which is comparatively secluded.

So, if you wish to experience the Rajasthan desert at a less popular spot then Khuri Sand Dunes is the perfect place to visit in Jaisalmer. It is located around 40 km from the city and offers the same experiences as the Sam Sand Dunes.

You will find a few camping sites here as well where you can reserve a booking to enjoy a night in the desert.

Nathmal ki Haveli

Another popular haveli to visit in Jaisalmer is the Nathmal ki Haveli which was built around 500 years ago.

This haveli has a gorgeously carved exterior while the interior is covered with miniature paintings. You will find two elephants outside made up of yellow sandstone and are placed as the guards of the haveli.

Apart from that, there are paintings carved in the walls and pillars of horses, cattle, flora, and so on. It is said to have the most unique architecture in Jaisalmer which is why it is such a popular spot to visit.

Patwon ki Haveli

One of the top Havelis to visit in the Golden City, Patwon ki Haveli is actually a cluster of 5 small Havelis and was the first haveli to be constructed in the Jaisalmer city.

The first haveli in this cluster was built in 1805 for Guman Chand Patwa, a renowned trader, who got the 5 separate Havelis built for his 5 sons.

Another interesting thing about this haveli is that it is the largest Haveli in Jaisalmer and located in a narrow lane.

There are jewelry and craft vendors in the lane, just outside the haveli where you can purchase Rajasthani craft and accessories.

The arches and the gateways of this Haveli have different mirror-style work and paintings which make them different from each other.

So, if you are interested in shopping Rajasthani jewelry and designs, then one of the rest things to do in Jaisalmer is to take a stroll in this area and shop to your heart’s content.

Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where to Stay in Jaisalmer

In Jaisalmer city and the Desert area, you will find many options for staying. In the city, you have hostels, guest houses, and luxury hotels as well where you can book a bed or a room.

And you will find a place to stay from 100 INR to 50,000 INR. So, it depends on what kind of facilities you are looking for and what is your budget.

If you are traveling solo or with a couple of friends then choosing a hostel would be a good idea. There are many hostels in Jaisalmer to choose from including Zostel , LaVie Hostel , Blue Eye Hostel , and so on.

There are a few other hostels as well so you can use the Booking.com Search Engine below to find the right hostel for you.

Guest Houses and Home Stays

Apart from hostels, there are several guesthouses and homestays available in Jaisalmer as well.

These properties are usually perfect if you are on a tight budget and don’t need a lot of fancy facilities or services. Also, it is a great way to interact with the locals and learn about their routines and culture.

Here are a few options for you to check out: Bob Cafe and Guest House , Bob Marley Guest House , Mud Mirror Guest House , and so on.

Most of the guesthouses charge between 200 – 2000 INR and offer free breakfast to the customers as well.

Hotels and Resorts

I stayed at the Mystic Jaisalmer Hotel which was outside the Jaisalmer fort. There are many other hotels as well, both inside the fort and outside the fort that you can consider. Ideally, a room in Jaisalmer in a good hotel will cost you around 2500 – 3000 INR including breakfast.

And you have a few resorts like Suryagarh , Jaisalmer Mariott, and so on. Yes, these resorts will be extremely expensive but if it is luxury you want, then these will be the best choices for you.

For the desert camping, you will easily find budget and luxury desert camps in both Sam Sand Dunes and Khuri Dunes. A few worth mentioning are Le Royal Camps , Dream Royal Desert Camp , Golden Desert Camp , Rajputana Desert Camp, and so on.

These desert camps usually offer a 1-night 2-day package inclusive of a few activities, stay, and meals. And usually, these desert camps start at 2000 – 3000 INR per person with basic facilities.

Also Read: Which are the Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

Where and What to Eat in Jaisalmer

One of the best things to do in Jaisalmer is to try the Rajasthani cuisine which is extremely delicious. This gives you a chance to experience the authentic Rajasthani dishes in Jaisalmer quite easily.

In this section, I have mentioned a few top dishes that you have to try when in the city along with a few restaurants that I personally liked here.

Food to Try in Jaisalmer

Your trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete if you don’t try these street food and local dishes in the city.

Malai Ghevar

One of the most popular Rajasthani deserts to try is a Ghevar which is available in different forms. In the golden city, you will find that Malai Ghevar is the most in-demand and rightly so. The dessert melts in your mouth and leaves a nice aftertaste as well.

Trust me, I fell in love with Malai Ghevar here the first time I tried it. It was soft yet firm and melted in my mouth and they make it fresh so you won’t be disappointed.

Cost: 400 – 450 INR per kg

Ghotua Laddoo

Another top Rajasthani dessert to try here is the Ghotua Laddoo. Made up of condensed milk, gram flour, ghee, and sugar, this delightful laddoo is quite different from your normal besan and atta ka laddoo. This one melts in your mouth too and leaves you wanting more every time.

Gatte ki Sabji

With appropriate spices, this Rajasthani dish consisting of besan or gram flour sausages is cooked in a yogurt-based curry. You can have it with roti or rice, it tastes delicious either way.

Ker Sangri is a local Jaisalmer dish which is made using local desert beans and capers, found in the desert region. This vegetable dish is slowly cooked using the local spices and chili and tastes amazing with bajra roti.

Pyaaz ki Kachori

Another common Rajasthani dish that you will find in almost all households is the Pyaaz ki Kachori. You will find it almost at street shops and is best-eaten for breakfast usually. You can have it with a chutney or kadi, both taste delicious with it.

Dal Baati Choorma

Obviously, a trip to Rajasthan without eating Dal Baati Choorma is a trip incomplete.

The dish is made up of wheat-bread balls, called baati, which is cooked in a tandoor or firewood with the help of ghee. Apart from this, there is a dal made up of soaked lentils and churma that is made up of bean, wheat, sooji, sugar, and ghee.

Chhaas or Buttermilk is one of the most popular drinks in Rajasthan so, you have to give it a try when in Jaisalmer. You will find it at almost all the street shops and restaurants in the city and it is a great way to keep yourself cool and refreshed under the scorching heat of this region.

Apart from chhaas, bhaang drink and sweets are also quite famous in the city. In fact, there is a government authorized bhaang shop here which serves authentic bhaang in the form of drinks, cookies, cakes, and so on.

This shop is outside the Jaisalmer Fort wall, near the Jaisal Italy restaurant.

Restaurants in Jaisalmer

I couldn’t try a lot of restaurants here as we stayed for 3 nights in the Desert Camp itself. However, there are a couple of places in the city which I tried. Here are the ones whose food I truly enjoyed.

Chandan Shree Restaurant (Opposite Jaisal Italy Restaurant) 

Situated just outside the Jaisalmer Fort, this small restaurant offers the most delicious meals at a reasonable cost. Although the ambiance is pretty basic, the food served here is hygienic and delicious. And you can easily enjoy a meal of 250 INR for two people.

I tried here the Shahi Paneer and Tawa Roti and it was pretty good, in my experience.

Thar Cafe Restaurant 

Another amazing restaurant where I dined a couple of times is the Thar Cafe Restaurant. It is situated just outside the Jaisalmer Fort, near the parking area and it overlooks the Jaisalmer Fort wall and towers. The ambiance is also decent here and you can enjoy the clear sky while feasting on your delish food.

I particularly liked the Kadhi and the Chaas here and would definitely recommend it to others as well. You can expect to spend around 300 – 400 INR on a meal for two here.

Jambheshwar Bhojnalay (Behind Hotel Neeraj)

When you visit any city in Rajasthan, feasting on the Rajasthani thali is a must. However, most of the restaurants serving Thalis in the city area were either disgustingly expensive and not authentic. So, a local suggested me to try out the local dhaba near the HP Petrol Pump on the Gadisar Lake Main Road.

And honestly, it was the most authentic Rajasthani food ever. Plus, the entire meal cost me 100 INR for a plate including a glass of Chaas.

Visting Jaisalmer was a dream come true and I am so glad I could tick it off my bucket list this year. Experiencing the exciting Desert Jeep Safari, watching gorgeous sunsets, eating delicious food, and sweets, Jaisalmer was a true haven for me.

And I am not going to forget how this gorgeous place made me feel. Trust me, with so many awesome places to visit in Jaisalmer, two days are just not enough to cover this city.

But there are still a lot of other places to cover in Rajasthan and I am so excited to plan how to visit other destinations in this state for now.

Have you also been to Jaisalmer till now? If yes, then do let us know in the comments what did you love the most about this place?

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10 comments

Nice blog post…..

Thank you so much. 🙂

Very beautiful and amazing blog on camping in Jaisalmer. You have given good suggestion during a family trip…

Awesome blogs I love it while reading it is very informative for me well Jaisalmer is very beautiful City So you Can’t travel it in one day so you have to stay for 3 to 4 days

Yes, exactly. One should spend around 3-4 days at least in this city. 🙂

nice article on jaisalmer all places are best.

Thank you so much! 🙂

Your blog is too informative. I like your blog so much. you give full information to people, which is easy for people to find the best place in Jaisalmer for their tour.

Thank you so much. Glad you liked it

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34 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer For The Best Trip To Golden City

The history of Jaisalmer dates back to the 12th century when Rawal Jaisal – the eldest of the Deoraj Rawals was passed over for Lodurva’s throne. He was succeeded by his younger half-brother, who was crowned as the king.

Rawal was looking for a new place to build his capital when he met sage Eesul, who told him about Krishna’s prediction that a Yaduvanshi descendant of his would find a new kingdom at the same spot. In 1156, Rawal built a mud fort and called it Jaisalmer (which means “The Hill Fort of Jaisal”), claiming it as his capital.

Explore the mesmerizing beauty of this Golden City with our curated guide to the top places to visit in Jaisalmer. From the golden dunes of the Thar Desert to the intricate architecture of the Jaisalmer Fort, this article is your answer to why Jaisalmer is amongst the top places to visit in Rajasthan .

Known for its magnificent architecture, vibrant culture, and expansive sand dunes, the tourist places in Jaisalmer attract travelers seeking a unique blend of history and natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the must visit places in Jaisalmer for a memorable trip.

34 Best Places To Visit In Jaisalmer In 2024

1. jaisalmer fort.

• Things To Do: Explore the interiors, walk through the royal corridors, understand the lifestyle of people living inside the fort, and stay inside the fort.
• Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fees: ₹50 per person for Indians, ₹250 per person for Foreigners, ₹50 for the Camera Fee, ₹100 for Video Camera

2. Gadisar Lake

• Things To Do: Boating in the Lake, Watch a Sunset from the Ghats, Bird watching in Winters
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Entry Fees: NA

3. Patwon Ki Haveli

• Things To Do: Marvel at the interiors, Get an insight into the royal lifestyle
• Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Entry Fees: ₹20 per person for Indians, ₹100 per person for Foreigners, ₹50 for the Camera Fee, ₹100 for Video Camera

4. Bada Bagh

• Things To Do: Stroll through the complex, Click some Insta-Worthy photographs
• Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fees: ₹100 per person, ₹150 for Camera Fee

5. Sam Sand Dunes

• Things To Do: Camping, Glamping, Cultural performances, Dune bashing, Sandboarding, Stargazing

6. Kuldhara Village

• Things To Do: Take a walk through the village, admire the restored houses and temples
• Entry Fees: ₹10 per person for Indians, ₹100 per person for Foreign nationals, ₹50 per person for Car

7. Desert National Park

• Things To Do: Take a Safari, Wildlife spotting, Photography
• Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
• Entry Fees: ₹100 per person for Indians, ₹300 per person for Foreign tourists, ₹100 for Jeep Safari (per person), ₹200 for Guide

8. Tanot Mata Temple

• Things To Do: Listen to fascinating stories of the 1965 war, seek blessings of the goddess, marvel at the unexploded bombs in the temple complex
• Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM

9. Jaisalmer War Museum

• Things To Do: Look at the exhibits, pay homage to the War Heroes
• Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
• Entry Fees: ₹55 per person

10. Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

• Things To Do: Admire the intricate carving and colorful paintings in the interiors
• Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM
• Entry Fees: No Entry Fees

11. Longewala Border

• Things To Do: Take a walk along the border, pay homage to the war heroes

12. Akal Wood Fossil Park

• Things To Do: Understand the flora and fauna that inhabited Earth several years ago
• Entry Fees: ₹5 per person for Indians, ₹20 per person for Foreigners, ₹10 for Car Parking

13. Desert Culture Centre and Museum

• Things To Do: Understand the royal lifestyle by looking at the exhibits
• Entry Fees: ₹50 per person, ₹50 per person for Puppet Show, ₹20 for Camera Fee, ₹50 for Video Camera Fee

14. Sadar Bazaar

• Things To Do: Shop Rajasthani Puppets, take some colorful home decor things, savour local street food
• Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM

15. Vyas Chhatri

• Things To Do: Watch a sunset, Photography
• Timings: 8 AM to 7:30 PM
• Entry Fees: ₹100 per person, ₹100 for Camera Fee

16. Jaisalmer Government Museum

• Things To Do: Understand the lifestyle of the former royalties and rulers
• Timings: 10 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Friday)
• Entry Fees: ₹20 per person for Indians, ₹10 per person for Indians Students, ₹100 per person for Foreign Tourists, ₹50 per person for Foreign Student

Note : The Government Museum Jaisalmer Entry is Free On Monday

17. Amar Sagar Lake

• Things To Do: Take a stroll, boating, watch a sunset

18. Salim Singh Ki Haveli

• Things To Do: Photography, Marvel at the intricate architecture
• Entry Fees: ₹20 per person for Indians, ₹100 per person for Foreigners, ₹50 for Camera Fee, ₹100 for Video Camera

19. Mandir Palace

• Things To Do: Experience the luxurious lifestyle of the royal rulers
• Entry Fees: ₹100 per person for Foreigners

20. Khuri Sand Dunes

• Things To Do: Camel Safari, Star gazing, camping, Watch a sunset

21. Jaisalmer Jain Temples

• Things To Do: Meditation, Marvel at the intricately carved sculptures
• Timings: 8 AM to 12 PM
• Entry Fees:  Free for Indians, ₹10 per person for Foreigner, ₹50 for Camera Fee, ₹100 for Video Camera

22. Pokhran Fort

• Things To Do: Walk through the corridors and listen to the stories of bravery of the former rulers
• Entry Fees: ₹50 per person for Indians, ₹200 per person for Foreigners Aman

23. Folklore Museum

• Things To Do: Experience the luxurious lifestyle of the royal rulers, Look at the exhibits
• Entry Fees: ₹10 per person

24. Pansari Bazaar

• Things To Do: Shopping, Trying Street Food, experiencing local life

25. Jaisalmer Wind Park

• Things To Do: Photography, Spending some peaceful time
• Timings: NA

26. Jaisal Italy

• Things To Do: Marvel at the views of Sonar Qilla, savor local dishes
• Timings: 8 AM to 11 PM
• Entry Fees: ₹1500 cost for two

27. Gaji’s Restaurant

• Things To Do: Try Rajasthani Thali and enjoy the rooftop views of the fort and surrounding area
• Timings: 7 AM to 11 PM
• Entry Fees: ₹1000 for two

28. Thar Heritage Museum

• Things To Do: Understand the lifestyle of the people living in the harsh conditions of the Thar Desert
• Entry Fees: ₹30 per person for Indians, ₹70 per person for Foreigners

29. Dusshera Chowk

• Things To Do: Watch over the city, Marvel at the marble throne
• Entry Fees: ₹20 per person for Indians, ₹70 per person for Foreigners

30. Ramdevra Temple

• Timings: 4 AM to 9 PM

31. Khaba Fort

• Things To Do: Stroll along the ruins to experience the old-world charm
• Entry Fees: ₹50 per person for Indians, ₹100 per person for Foreign Nationals

32. Lodhurva

• Things To Do: Explore the ancient ruins, Visit the artistic temples
• Things To Do: Explore Barmer Fort, Visit the local artisans

34. Silk Route Art Gallery

• Things To Do: Shop some colorful carpets, belts, antiques, accessories
• Timings: 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM

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Best Time To Visit The Top Tourist Places In Jaisalmer

Avoiding the extreme temperatures of summer, which can soar above 40 degrees Celsius, ensures a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. Additionally, the winter months coincide with the festive season, offering a chance to witness vibrant celebrations and cultural events. Whether you’re captivated by the golden architecture or eager to explore the Thar Desert, planning your visit to Jaisalmer during the winter ensures a delightful and memorable experience.

How To Reach Jaisalmer?

• By Air: The closest airport to Jaisalmer is Jodhpur Airport, which is 286 km from Jaisalmer (4 4-hour drive from here). You can take a taxi from the airport to reach Jaisalmer, or you can take a bus (Rajasthan tourism buses or private AC buses run on this route).
• By Rail: The railway station of Jaisalmer is connected with all the major cities of India such as Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai by a wide network of trains. You can also take a taxi from the railway station to Jaisalmer, or you can get tuk-tuks from the railway station.
• By Road: You can travel to Jaisalmer by private air-conditioned buses, take a ride on the state-operated Rajasthan Tourism bus on this route, or drive to the golden city through the picturesque Aravalli ranges. Jaisalmer connects to all the major cities of India through a well-maintained network of roads, particularly to Jodhpur, Jaipur.

Jaisalmer, with its rich history and captivating landscapes, offers a travel experience like no other. From the ancient charm of Jaisalmer Fort to the tranquility of Gadisar Lake and the adrenaline-pumping desert safaris, every corner of this city has a story to tell. Plan your visit to these enchanting places, and let the magic of Jaisalmer leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

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Places To Visit In Jaisalmer

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1. Jaisalmer Fort

1 km from city center 1 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort is a hill fort with houses, temples, shops, and restaurants. More than three thousand people live within the fort walls. It offers a stunning and panoramic view of Jaisalmer city draped in golden yellow. Also known as Sonar Quila, it is the most popular place to visit in Jaisalmer.

2. Desert Safari in Jaisalmer

37 km from city center 2 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is frequented by tourists for its large stretches of desert sand. Popular Desert Safaris in Jaisalmer takes place in Sam Sand Dunes. A Jeep takes you to a point near Sam Sand Dunes (around 45km from the city) from where the camel ride starts and lasts for around 90 minutes.

3. Gadisar Lake

2 km from city center 3 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Built in the 14th century, it was once the source of drinking water for the entire town of Bikaner. Now it has developed as a tourist spot with many temples and shrines surrounding the lake. Gadisar Lake offers scenic and picturesque views of the lake and the adjacent fort.

4. Patwon ki Haveli

1 km from city center 4 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Dipped in an enchanting shade of yellow, Patwon ki Haveli grabs the attention of every visitor. It is a cluster of 5 Haveli which was believed to be built by Patwa, a wealthy trader who constructed the stories for each of his 5 sons. Locals also refer to the haveli as Kothari’s Patwa Haveli.

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5. Sam Sand Dunes

37 km from city center 5 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

One of the most popular attractions in Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes are among the best and most authentic in India. The best time to visit these dunes is either sunset (around 4-7 pm) or sunrise (4-6 am). There are many other activities which one may enjoy as camel safari and jeep safari.

6. Jain Temples in Jaisalmer

1 km from city center 6 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

This group of beautiful temples within the Jaisalmer Fort walls have carved structures which depict pictures of sages, hermits, animals, etc. Built in the Dilwara style that is famous all over the world for its architecture, these temples are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdev Ji, the famous Jain hermits known as 'Tirthankaras'.

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7. Nathmal Ki Haveli

0 km from city center 7 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Nathmal ki Haveli is an ornate architecture in the heart of Jaisalmer. It was commissioned to serve as the residence of the then prime minister Diwan Mohata Nathmal. The haveli is built of yellow sandstone. Thus when the sun rays fall on these structures, they radiate like gold.

8. Kuldhara Village

13 km from city center 8 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Kuldhara is an abandoned village, located around 20 kilometres from Jaisalmer. The village was abandoned overnight by its residents to save their honour and lives from the hands of the tyrannical minister. There is nothing to do as such, but to see the ruins of the village make up for a popular attraction.

9. Vyas Chhatri

1 km from city center 9 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Vyas Chhatri is the assemblage of golden sandstone, an edifice of Rajasthani architecture. It was dedicated to sage Vyaas, the writer of epic Mahabharata whose cenotaph is situated on the north of the fort.

10. Desert National Park

40 km from city center 10 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Desert National park is one of the largest national parks, covering an area of 3162 km. It is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar Desert and houses wildlife such as camels, desert fox, Bengal fox, chinkara, wolves, desert cat, and the Blackbuck.

11. Tanot Mata Temple

1 km from city center 11 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Situated 122 km from the city of Jaisalmer, Tanot Mahal is a historical temple at the Longewala border in Rajasthan. The temple is enveloped with numerous legends that instil curiosity in every visitor. Although it is located very close to the India-Pakistan border, it remained untouched during the war in 1971.

12. Jaisalmer War Museum

12 km from city center 12 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer War Museum, also known as Laungewala War Memorial, is established in the military station designed with the view of honouring the war heroes. It embraces the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Army. The museum popularly known as JWM, houses two information display halls, an audio-visual room and a souvenir shop.

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Places to Visit Near Jaisalmer

13. Tazia Tower and Badal Palace

1 km from city center 13 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Situated at the beautiful Badal Palace complex, the five-storey Tazia Tower is a replica of the mausoleum of various Muslim imams with intricate carvings on the walls. The Badal Palace has a cloud like appearance and has the Tazia Tower emerging from it. This tower is quite different from the usual Rajputana architecture of Rajasthan.

14. Indo-Pak Border

14 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Visiting the Indo-Pak Border is one of the most exotic things to do in Jaisalmer. The area is situated near the Tanot Mata temple and can be visited by prior permission and permits from the Indian Military Forces.

15. Camping and Cultural Evening

29 km from city center 15 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

The golden fort, sand dunes, and the enchanting palaces make Jaisalmer an ideal destination for Camping and Cultural evening. A camping tour is a must on the bucket list of anyone who wishes to dig deeper the real essence of Rajasthan.

16. Bada Bagh

5 km from city center 16 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Bada Bagh is primarily a cenotaph adjoining a garden, located about 6 kms north of Jaisalmer, on the way to Ramgarh. The set of royal cenotaphs are basically chhatris of the Maharajas which once ruled the Jaisalmer state. The gardens are now largely neglected, but the hill with the cenotaphs is still quite an interesting sight in the middle of the sand dunes.

137 km from city center 17 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Filled with vibrant colours, rich heritage and warm hospitality, Barmer is a small town representing the true reflection of Rajasthan all summed up in it. The sandy grounds of the town are lively and a must visit.

18. Amar Sagar Lake

4 km from city center 18 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

The Amar Sagar lake is an oasis near the palace of Amar Singh. The 17th-century citadel was constructed by Maharawal Akhai Singh is located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer city. The palace complex comprises of number wells and ponds along with chhatris and an ancient Shiva temple made of marble in the 18th century.

19. Quad Biking in Jaisalmer

19 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Quad Biking is another one of the very exciting and thrilling things to do in Jaisalmer. The adrenaline rushing sport offers a surreal ride on what are called the ATV Bikes. The activity is performed under strict guidance and supervision of a professional. You can live your 'heroic' moment trying to capture the vast desert on your high speed bikes.

20. Windmill Park

6 km from city center 20 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

India's largest operational onshore wind mill farm, Jaisalmer Wind Mill Park is located in Rajasthan near the Yamuna River between the Vindyha Mountains and the Himalayas.

21. Akal Wood Fossil Park

17 km from city center 21 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

The Akal Wood Fossil park is the destination of the prehistoric era. It is located on the Barmer road 17 km away from Jaisalmer city. Akal Wood Fossil Park is the pride of Jaisalmer city; it is the National Geological Monument of India.

38 km from city center 22 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Khuri, also known as Tilo Ki Dhani, is a natural hamlet in Thar Desert close to Jaisalmer. Renowned for sand dunes and vast stretch of sandbank, Khuri is an ideal place for camel safari.

23. Dune Bashing

23 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Dune Bashing is one of the most exclusive and unique things to do in Jaisalmer. If you have an adventure streak, this is one activity you should definitely try. You will literally feel your adrenaline rush up when you are rafting through the pits and falls of the majestic golden desert even when you are safely seated in the car with seat belts fastened to you.

24. Desert Festival Jaisalmer

0 km from city center 24 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

The desert festival is the most awaited colourful event in the land of sand dunes and camels. It was initiated with an intention to give a glance of the imperial Rajasthani culture to the tourists. The festival organises various activities like camel races, turban tying competitions and also Mr Desert contest.

25. Desert Culture Centre and Museum

1 km from city center 25 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Knowledge bank of rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship and artistic talents of Jaisalmer, the museum displays varied collections of traditional instruments, rich collections of ancient and medieval coins, any kinds of utensils and other artifacts and admirable textiles.

26. Parasailing in Jaisalmer

26 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Parasailing is one of the most exciting things to do in Jaisalmer. Mostly the desert camps and resorts organize this activity on prior request. The activity offers a breathtaking view of the golden sandy city below and you should definitely try it when in Jaisalmer.

27. Jaisalmer Government Museum

1 km from city center 27 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Established by the Department of Archeology in the year 1984, the Government Museum is a prime tourist attraction of Jaisalmer. It was built to highlight the multifaceted traditional and cultural heritage of the Great Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is the charming city of Rajasthan nestled amidst the mighty Thar Desert.

28. Salim Singh ki Haveli

1 km from city center 28 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Salim Singh ki Haveli is a beautiful edifice at the heart of the city Jaisalmer. It is one of the major tourists' attractions built in the 1815 CE and commissioned by Salim Singh, the then prime minister of the Kingdom. It also holds another beautiful name - Jahaz Mahal as the front facet of the Haveli resembles a ship stern.

29. Mandir Palace

0 km from city center 29 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

The Mandir Palace a two-century-old architecture is the finest heritage hotels in the city of Jaisalmer. The hotel offers an ambiance of medieval charm with a glimpse of modern amenities. It is adorned with exquisite stone carvings, ornate balconies, canopies that represent the craftsmanship in its purest form.

30. Ramdevra Temple

101 km from city center 30 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Ramdevra Temple is a sacred temple to the folk deity of Rajasthan - Baba Ramdevji. It is situated 12 kms from Pokhran on Jodhpur to Jaisalmer road. It is believed that Baba Ramdevji took samadhi (conscious exit from the mortal body) at Ramdevra in 1459 AD. After this, the Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner constructed the temple around his Samadhi.

31. Khaba Fort

26 km from city center 31 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

A ruined citadel situated amidst the scorching Thar Desert is the Khaba Fort. Its history dates back to the 13th century. The architecture once belonged to the Paliwal Brahmins of the Kuldhara village who fled the town in the 19th century leaving behind a ghost town.

32. Lodhruva

0 km from city center 32 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

16 km north-west of Jaisalmer is Lodhruva the ancient capital city of Bhatti dynasty of the 12th century. The old capital of Bhatti Rajput was once a flourishing city. Although the town was ransacked by Muslim invaders, the prominent attraction of the city is its architectural ruins.

33. Thar Heritage Museum

0 km from city center 33 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Founded by L Narayan Khatri, the Thar Heritage Museum is a historical reservoir. L Narayan was an eminent scholar of the Jaisalmer folklore. The museum showcases the rich culture, heritage, folk art and architectural style of Rajasthan.

34. Surya Gate

70 km from city center 34 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

The Surya Gate is one of the four entry gates to the 12th century, Jaisalmer Fort. The fort on the Trikuta hill has four successive gates Akai, Surya, Ganesh and Hawa through which the visitors need to pass through.

35. Shantinath Temple

1 km from city center 35 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

The Shantinath Temple is one among the cluster of seven Jain Temples built in the Jaisalmer fort. It is made in the Dilwara Style with exquisite carvings. The 16th-century temple holds the beautiful idol of the Jain Saint Shri Shanthinath. The grandeur style reflects its spectacular architecture of the medieval period.

36. Tazia Tower

0 km from city center 36 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Tazia Tower is a unique Rajputana architecture of Rajasthan. Situated in the Badal Complex, the building has five storeys each of which tells a different story. Tazia in Urdu means float that's taken during the procession of Muharram.

37. Chandraprabhu Temple

1 km from city center 37 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Chandraprabhu Temple is an exemplary Jain temple built in the 16th century. It is one among the seven temples that were constructed for the 8th Tirthankara Jain Prophet Chandraprabhu Ji.

38. Pokhran Fort

100 km from city center 38 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Balagarh fort was built by the Marwar Thakur, Rao Maldeo in the 14th Century, it is otherwise known as the Pokhran Fort. Pokhran means the place of five mirages enclosed by sandy, rocky, salt ranges. Although a small temple made of red sandstone, the fort is dedicated to Goddess Durga.

39. Pachpadra Salt Lake

39 out of 39 Places To Visit in Jaisalmer

Situated in the Barmer district of Rajasthan near Jaisalmer, Pachpadra Lake is a salt water lake with a sodium chloride level of 98%. Besides the usual extraction of high quality salt from the water, the lake is also a popular tourist spot.

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Jaisalmer: The Ultimate Guide (Including 11 Best Things To Do)

This post may contain affiliate links. When you click an affiliate link, we may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Also, please check for opening times, restrictions, weather, etc., on the days of your trip. We do our best to keep the post updated, but these things can change quickly.

Jaisalmer, the Golden city of India, is in the far western part of the country in the state of Rajasthan, which means the land of Kings (huh, sounds much like King’s Landing). This region is filled with rich folklore, traditions, and architectural beauty, and they have the most delicious food.

How would you like to stay in one of the royal palaces or forts and be treated like a royal? Yes, this is absolutely possible in Rajasthan, as most of the stays are like small palaces, and some are even actual palaces and forts.

The golden city awaits you with a lot of experiences to offer. Let’s learn about Jaisalmer and the best things to do.

Oh, wait! Are you new to India and unsure how to plan a successful trip? I have added a lot of extra tips to help you plan your trip without breaking a sweat. Or maybe you will literally, while you are in Jaisalmer – because it’s a desert (pardon me for my bad jokes!).

Table of Contents

When is the Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer has dry, mild winters and sweltering hot, humid, and windy summers. During summer where the temperature could soar as high as 48 degrees Celsius as it is a part of the Great Indian Thar desert.

So it makes it very obvious to visit only during the winter months, from late November till the end of February. This is the ideal time when the days are mild and comfortable (maximum of 26 degrees Celsius). Still, the nights are cold (mainly averages around 10 degrees Celsius). It remains clear throughout the year; hence, the chances of a cloudy day ruining your plan are very slim.

How to Reach Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer has a domestic airport, but there aren’t many options to fly to Jaisalmer. Here, I have added a few options to reach Jaisalmer from  Jodhpur, Jaipur, and New Delhi . You’ll probably land in New Delhi if you fly in from abroad.

From Jodhpur

You could drive/ take a taxi  (preferred)  to Jaisalmer, which is around 300 km and should take about 5 hours by road.

You could also take a bus, tickets for which could be pre-booked through websites like Redbus. It should cost you around ₹400 , which should be around €5 .

Tip!   If you are unfamiliar with driving on the left side of the road, I highly recommend taking a taxi. You could hire a taxi to help you cover your entire journey.

From Jaipur

The distance from Jaipur to Jaisalmer is around 550 km which would take about 10 to 12 hours by road. So, driving or taxi would not be a comfortable option.

You could take a  train from Jaipur . Make sure to pre-book your tickets.

You could also fly to Jaisalmer for Jaipur, which would cost you around €55 one way.

The best and easiest option will be to travel by  bus . You could take one of the AC sleeper buses, which will cost around ₹600 (around €8 ).

From New Delhi

The best way to reach Jaisalmer is to fly from Delhi, which has flights to both Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

By Train or Bus

You could also take a train from New Delhi to Jaisalmer or a sleeper bus. The journey by train or bus could take 15 hours or more so I would not advise taking this option.

Good to know!   Tourist scams are quite possible, so please book your taxi from a reputed travel agency. Or you could take the help of holiday planners like we did. More on that later in the post.

Now that we know when and how to reach the Golden city, let me describe some memorable things to do once you are in Jaisalmer.

What to Do in and Around Jaisalmer?

1. explore the massive jaisalmer fort.

Let’s begin our journey with  the Living Fort .

Yes, you heard me right! The Living Fort.  Most of the forts around the world are either being converted into luxury hotels or just abandoned. But the Jaisalmer Fort is the only fort in the world that houses thousands of people, most of whom earn their living through tourism.

A Short History of Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort was built by king Rawal Jaisal in 1156. This incredible fort has thousands of people still living in it. When I first visited the fort, I wondered how is that even possible? Could anyone buy a house (a part of the fort) and just live there?

The answer is a big NO. (A huge disappointment, right?)

The tale behind the fort!  They say that the last ruler who was in charge of the fort around 800 years back or more decided to give a significant part of the fort to be inhabited by the subjects. Now, so many centuries and generations later, around 4000 people live in their ancestral home, the fort itself. But they cannot sell any part of it. (Our guide who also lives in the fort told me this.)

The fort, also called Sonar   Quila  (Golden Fort),  due to the color of the sandstone, which shines in the desert sun, is so massive that you could get lost in all the tiny narrow streets.

The main part of it is mostly commercialized and is filled with many shops selling their famous handicrafts.

Do I Need a Tour Guide and Ticket?

I highly recommend hiring a guide during your visit as they know all the perfect viewpoints. And as you are basically walking around exploring someone’s house, it is inconvenient to just barge in to check the view. However, a guide could be of great help here as they know exactly where you can escape the crowd and enjoy great views of the fort. Some guides can also speak a bit of English.

Pro tip!  Watch out for scammers. The guides have an ID card, which is also their permit to serve as tourist guides, so check that. Also, talk to a few other guides and check for the price options. When we visited in early 2022, we paid around ₹800 (roughly €10 ).

Entry! Since it is a living fort, there isn’t an entry ticket or a specific opening time.

The fort is enormous, and it will take around half a day to enjoy the place in a relaxed way or a minimum of 2 to 3 hours.

Major Attractions Inside Jaisalmer Fort

This is the palace of the rulers located in the heart of the Jaisalmer Fort. It is a stunning seven-storied building known for its latticework.

Raj Mahal showcases a beautiful facade filled with delicate filigree stonework, an example of typical Rajput architecture.

The palace is just in front of the main squares of the fort. It is one of the first things that will make you turn your head once inside the fort.

Jain Temples

There are seven Jain temples located within the Jaisalmer Fort. These temples are famous among local devotees and tourists for their intricate artworks.

The temples within the fort are known to be some of the most beautiful ones in the world.

Entry!   Although entry to the fort is free, to visit a temple inside, you have to pay a small fee (around ₹10 per person). Also, to carry your electronic gadgets inside for the photographs, you must pay around ₹50 .

Random Fact!   Jain temples worldwide are known for their white appearance due to the marble used for their construction. But these temples in the Jaisalmer area are the only ones made of sandstone.

Good to know!  Carry cash, as you may need it to purchase the ticket for your electronics. Keep the ticket safe, as it could be used to enter all seven temples.

Shopping and Eateries

The fort is filled with a lot of shopping options as well as loads of food joints. Pick your choice and enjoy your food with fantastic fort views.

Consider a visit to Free Tibet (not to be confused with Little Tibet). It is a famous restaurant serving momos and thukpa noodle soup within the fort wall.

How to Reach the Fort?

The best way to explore Jaisalmer is to hire a taxi for the day or your entire trip. You could always take a tuk-tuk (called an auto in India) to the fort. But there is a hassle of negotiating the prices as they simply quote higher prices when they see a tourist.

2. Marvel at the Gadisar Lake

A lake in the desert? An actual lake would have been quite lovely for the people in Jaisalmer. But this artificial lake does the job. This is, in fact, the city’s lifeline and is now supplied by water from Indira Gandhi Canal to ensure it never dries.

The lake is filled with  chhatris , a dome-like structure also made of sandstone that gives it a golden tint when the sun shines. Actually, every other building in Jaisalmer has that tint.

Photo Alert!  This place, just a little away from the Jaisalmer Fort, makes it the perfect location to capture the golden hour. You could take stunning pictures for your Instagram feed. 

Best visited during sunset  time to give extra color to your picture.

Entry!  The lake is open throughout the day and is free of charge to visit. You could also take a boat ride in the lake which will cost anywhere from ₹10 to ₹100 based on the type of boat ride.

Uff!   I couldn’t visit this stunning place during my visit as I was too impressed by the beauty of the stay we had booked. So, we decided to spend the evening and the next morning in our hotel instead. More on that later in the post.

3. Admire All the Havelis in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer was known for its trade route, which was filled with wealthy merchants in the past. Havelis are similar to mansions or townhouses built by the wealthy merchants of the time. The detailing of the architecture in these traditional havelis is a symbol of their wealth. The more intricate the artwork is, the more prosperous the merchant who once built this was.

Let’s read about some of the famous havelis that will make your jaw drop with their facade.

Patwon Ki Haveli

This is not just a single haveli but a cluster of 5 different havelis. It is one of the area’s biggest, richest, and most well-maintained havelis. It also encloses a museum that preserves the artifacts from their rich past.

How to Get There?

It is a stone’s throw away from the fort in the middle of the main bazaar.

Nathmalji Ki Haveli

It is the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, former Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. It is known for its beautifully carved exterior with stunning paintings adorning the interior of this haveli.

Interesting fact!   This haveli was simultaneously built by two architects who were also brothers. It is said that they had built it independently, but it looks so harmoniously put together. At first glance, you cannot even tell it was built by two people.

Random Fact! Outside the homes in Jaisalmer Fort, you might see some paintings of Lord Ganesha with names written near them. These were painted when someone in the house was married. It is a tradition to welcome the newlyweds as Lord Ganesha is painted for good luck.

Fun things to do!   Stare at the facade indefinitely to figure out the differences between the two sections. Some are easy to find, but some require you to look closely into the details. (It might sound crazy to do this, but I enjoyed doing it.)

It is very close to the Patwon Ki Haveli, and you could just go there on foot within 5 minutes (only if you don’t stop to shop at every single shop on the way). Or perhaps, you could be delayed by a group of cows refusing to move (this actually happened to us).

Salim Singh Ki Haveli (Moti Mahal)

This haveli, which is around 300 years old, was built on the remains of another haveli. The haveli’s architecture is slightly different from the others. The roof of this haveli is made in the form of a peacock. It has around 38 balconies in total, with unique architecture.

A part of this haveli is still occupied by the descendants of the original owner  Salim Singh Mahto .

This is located around 500m from the Patwon ki Haveli, and you could easily walk up there.

Tip!   Some of the other havelis in Jaisalmer have been renovated and converted into luxury stays; staying in such a place could be an excellent experience.

4. Visit the Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh literally translates to a big garden. This is one of the must-see places in Jaisalmer. It is a conglomerate of a dam, a tank, and the surrounding cenotaphs.

Photo Alert!   The series of royal chhatris (cenotaphs) makes it an exciting place to visit. The architecture combined with the golden hour makes it even more attractive.

One of the cenotaphs is half-constructed, so let’s travel back in time to find out why!   Every place has a long history attached to it, but a very short version of it goes here. The first cenotaph was built to commemorate the death of Maharaja Jai Singh II. He founded the city of Jaisalmer and contributed significantly to its infrastructure and welfare. He also commissioned the dam “Jait Bandh”, the primary water source in this desert land. Do you see where I am getting at? Yes, the place’s name was Bada Bagh because of the dam, which helped cultivate the barren land.

Later, the construction of cenotaphs continued as a tradition. Each one was built to commemorate the previous king or queen. Eventually, this led to many cenotaphs until one day when Maharaja Jawahar Singh’s son passed away not long after he claimed the throne. He was having the cenotaph built for his father, Maharaja Jawahar Singh. But the construction was never completed after the son died, as it was considered bad luck. That marks the end of this story and the series of cenotaphs.

It is a little far up, around 7 km north of Jaisalmer Fort. Having a dedicated taxi for the day would be the best thing. It saves you the effort of negotiating a price every single time. But if not, you could always take a tuk-tuk or call a taxi as it is popular among tourists. It shouldn’t be hard to find one.

Best visited during sunset  time as the sunset could bring out the best background shades for your Instagram pictures in the cenotaphs. It is magical, with all the spectacular cenotaphs against the beauty of the open sky.

Entry!   Unlike other places, this one has entry restrictions and remains open from 9 am to 6 pm. There is an entry fee of ₹100 , and the rate is slightly lesser for Indian citizens. Also, you need to pay a small fee for taking your camera inside.

5. Wander Around in the Abandoned Village of Kuldhara

Kuldhara village, established around the 13th century, was inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins before it was abandoned overnight. (Yeah, overnight). Sounds fishy, isn’t it? When I heard of this, I wanted to know why the village was abandoned overnight. But, all I found was a bunch of tales, and no one actually knows why the villagers left their homes.

Tale or not!  One version of the legend claims that the lecherous minister Salim Singh was attracted to a girl from the village. The people were forced to hand over the girl to the minister one night. The villagers requested the guards to come over the following day, but the villagers fled the place overnight. No one knows what happened, but many believe the village was completely destroyed by a massive earthquake.

You could see the remains of the once prosperous village now just called a haunted ghost town.

It is quite a 45 minutes drive from Jaisalmer itself. You could plan this as one of the last things to do before parting goodbye to the city.

Entry!   It is open from 8 am to 6 pm, and there is no entrance fee. You will need about an hour or so to roam around the ruins of the village.

6. Go on a Camel Ride in the Dunes of the Thar Desert

I kind of saved it for the last! A trip to Jaisalmer wouldn’t be complete without a camel ride in the dunes. Jaisalmer, located in the heart of the Thar desert, has more than one sand dune around the city. You could spend a few hours in the dunes or even spend a night in one of the luxury camps around the desert. I highly recommend staying the night in one of those lovely camps where you could gaze at the stars at night and enjoy an early morning or a sunset camel ride.

Some popular activities you could do in the desert are:

• Desert safari
• Camel ride in the dunes
• Paragliding
• Camping in the desert with some of the best Rajasthani folk music and food

These activities can be arranged by your hotels as well. I stayed in a standard tent at Manvar Resort & Tented Camp . The place, the music, and especially the food and hospitality were so remarkable! If I get a chance, I will visit again and have their Kher Sangri (a Rajasthani special curry made from desert beans and berries).

Manvar also provides different stay options in their resort. So if you want to enjoy the desert camping experience, ensure that you choose a standard or luxury tent.

Read more about our complete desert experience in Manvar with loads of pictures .

7. Experience a Night in a Fort or a Palace

To be honest, we avoid luxurious stays as we are budget travelers. But we just couldn’t resist the chance of staying at a fort in the Golden city. Spending a night in one of those luxury forts or a palace in Rajasthan is more than just a stay. It is a complete experience, and their hospitality could make you believe that you are from a royal family.

It was such a unique experience to have stayed a night in Suryagarh Jaisalmer in one of their luxury suites. It is the best hotel I have ever stayed in, and it still feels like a dream after 1 whole year.

Imagine the perfect combination of a royal fort with all the modern amenities. To say that you will be treated like royalty would be such an understatement. Suryagarh was why I had to skip visiting a few places, as I didn’t have the time. Exploring Suryagarh and enjoying all its facilities took up most of my time. And I don’t regret it at all!

To read more about our complete experience with lots of pictures, please check out our post about Suryagarh .

Where to Stay in and Around Jaisalmer?

There are quite a few forts and palaces that have been converted into hotels. Jaisalmer also has regular hotels if you don’t wish to stay in a fort or palace.

Beyond Luxury

Suryagarh Jaisalmer

• WelcomHeritage Mohangarh Fort (An hour’s drive from Jaisalmer)
• WelcomHeritage Mandir Palace
• K D Palace Hotel
• Garh Meera – A Sensational Boutique Hotel
• Moustache Jaisalmer
• Hotel Lal Garh Fort and Palace
• Hotel Helsinki House

Desert Stays

There are a few desert stays if you want to stay a night or two in the Thar desert.

• Manvar Resort & Tented Camp (Located between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer)
• Kanak Jaisalmer
• Desert Heritage Camps & Resort
• Exotic Luxury Camps

Want to explore more options in and around Jaisalmer? Please search in Booking.com  here . We use Booking.com to book all our stays and have always had a good experience.

Where to Eat in Jaisalmer?

Some restaurants have good food and offer incredible views of the Jaisalmer Fort with their rooftop terraces. You could try dining at the following:

• Cafe the Kaku – A rooftop multi-cuisine restaurant with the best sunset views over the fort. Also, they have a cute pug to welcome guests.
• 1st Gate Home Fusion – A vegetarian rooftop restaurant serving Italian and Indian cuisine.
• Hotel Tokyo Palace – A hotel with a rooftop restaurant serving Indian, International, and Japanese cuisines.

Must Try Foods

• Kher Sangri – My favorite vegetarian food to date! The dish is made of a particular berry and bean available only in the desert region.
• Daal-Baati-Churma – Rajasthan’s most famous dish, made of wheat, lentils, and ghee.

Other famous delicacies you could try are:

• Bajre Ki Roti (millet bread) and Lashun Ki Chutney (hot garlic paste)
• Mawa Kachori – A Rajasthani sweet where a crunchy crust is filled with sweetened Khoya and a lot of nuts.
• Mirchi Bada – A spicy Indian snack consisting of chili (mirchi) stuffing battered and fried, served hot with mint and tamarind chutney.
• Pyaaj Kachori – A fried pastry filled with a spicy onion filling.
• Ghevar – A disc-shaped sweet made from ghee, flour, and sugar syrup.
• Alwar Ka Mawa (milk cake)
• Malpua (sweet dish)

How Did We Plan for the Trip in a Short Time?

Our entire trip was planned by  Happy Monk Holidays , and this is  not an advertisement or paid promotion . We accidentally found out about them through one of my endless Instagram strolls, and I am so glad I got to know them.

India was recovering from the pandemic. We were a little unprepared to plan the trip ourselves, so we reached out to them. They helped us plan an end-to-end trip, starting from the flights, stays, taxi, and a complete list of things to do and the best places to eat and shop. Although everything was planned, everything was curated based on our needs, and we had the ultimate flexibility to do what we wanted to do without any issues.

They were highly responsive and provided support throughout the trip. Everything was perfectly arranged, and there wasn’t any situation where we needed their help except when the airlines canceled our return flights a day before our return. Happy Monk Holidays immediately helped us pick the next feasible option based on our budget.

It was also our anniversary trip, and they gave us the perfect gift of upgrading our twin room to a luxury suite in Suryagarh. It was such a pleasant surprise for us!

If you would like to contact them, check out their Instagram and drop them a message – @happymonkholidays

Is Jaisalmer Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, yes! The Golden city is the best place to experience royalty and be one with the desert lifestyle. As an added bonus, you could enjoy the delicious Rajasthani cuisine, which serves drool-worthy vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Hey, I am Kiki! A full-time software developer and hardcore travel enthusiast who is always up for a new adventure and the author of RooKiExplorers. I love to travel the world and enjoy talking about it, helping everyone around me plan their trips, and avoiding making the mistakes I made.

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Suryagarh, jaisalmer: 9 reasons why the stay is beyond luxurious, 10 thoughts on “jaisalmer: the ultimate guide (including 11 best things to do)”.

I loved learning about Sonar Quila and the ruler who gave part of it to his subjects. That is such an interesting story!

We’re glad that you enjoyed reading it! 🙂

“…I really enjoy reading your posts where I can get such useful information.” Absolutely amazing …. Must must visit place! Wonder Haveli…interesting piece of architecture .. Exquisite carving.. “Your blog on Jaisalmer is so full of great insights. “Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info. I enjoyed reading your content. Keep doing your best work.

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed reading our post! 🙂

Visited Jaisalmer a few years ago, loved it, so this post brings back happy memories. Didn’t know about Kuldhara village, I would have been very interested to visit there.

We hope you get to visit it during your next trip to India! 🙂

The filigree stonework on the Raj Mahal is just stunning! This kind of craftsmanship is simply incredible!

Indeed they are! Unfortunately, it’s a dying art these days.

Goodness Jaisalmer is incredibly beautiful! I love the architecture and all the little stories to go along with it. It is soooo cool that 4000 people actually live in the fort, so it is alive with everyday giggles, not just a monument to the past.

Happy Monk Holidays sounds really great too!

Yes, the fort is very lively! It feels like you are in a city inside a city.

We’re glad that you enjoyed the post! 🙂

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Pete Seaward

The fort of Jaisalmer is a breathtaking sight: a massive sandcastle rising from the sandy plains like a mirage from a bygone era. No place better evokes exotic camel-train trade routes and desert mystery. Ninety-nine bastions encircle the fort’s still-inhabited twisting lanes. Inside are shops swaddled in bright embroideries, a royal palace and numerous businesses looking for your tourist rupee. Despite the rampant commercialism, it’s hard not to be enchanted by this desert citadel. Beneath the ramparts, particularly to the north, the narrow streets of the old city conceal magnificent havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences), all carved from the same golden-honey sandstone as the fort – hence Jaisalmer’s designation as the Golden City.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Jaisalmer. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer’s fort is a living urban centre, with about 3000 people residing within its walls. It is honeycombed with narrow winding lanes, lined with…

Fort Palace Museum

Towering over the fort’s main square, and partly built on top of the Hawa Pol (the fourth fort gate), is the former rulers’ elegant seven-storey palace…

Patwa-ki-Haveli

The biggest fish in the haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) pond is Patwa-ki-Haveli, which towers over a narrow lane, its intricate…

Kothari’s Patwa-ki-Haveli Museum

The first of the five sections of Patwa-ki-Haveli is opened as the privately owned Kothari’s Patwa Haveli Museum, which richly evokes 19th-century life.

Jain Temples

Within the fort walls is a maze-like, interconnecting treasure trove of seven beautiful yellow sandstone Jain temples, dating from the 15th and 16th…

Sam Sand Dunes

The silky Sam dunes, 41km west of Jaisalmer along a good sealed road, are one of the most popular excursions from the city. About 2km long, the dunes are…

Desert Cultural Centre & Museum

This interesting little museum tells the history of Rajasthan’s princely states and has exhibits on traditional Rajasthani culture. Features include…

Thar Heritage Museum

This private museum has an intriguing assortment of Jaisalmer artefacts, from turbans, musical instruments, fossils and kitchen equipment, to displays on…

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Jaisalmer Guide: Planning Your Trip

Michele Falzone/Getty Images

Remotely located in far western Rajasthan, near the border of Pakistan, Jaisalmer requires effort to reach but it's definitely worth it. Rising out of the sandy Thar Desert, this astonishing golden sandstone city will transport you to another era, back when it was a stop on the Silk Route from Central Asia to China.   Dominating the landscape is Jaisalmer's evocative 12th-century fort, which was once inhabited by royal rulers and is still home to a quarter of the city's residents.   It's one of the last living forts in India and the world, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Find out all you need to know in this Jaisalmer guide.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: Jaisalmer has an extreme desert climate with cold winter nights, scorching summer days, and very little rain. The tourist season runs from October to March during the coolest parts of the year. In January, overnight temperatures drop to around 41 degrees F (5 degrees C), but the days are pleasant, with highs usually above 68 degrees F (20 degrees C). It's not advisable to visit Jaisalmer from April through August, unless you can deal with searing daily temperatures above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). The September shoulder season will still be hot, but it can be ideal for avoiding the crowds.
• Language: Rajasthani, Hindi, and English.
• Currency: Indian rupee.
• Time Zone: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) +5.5 hours, also known as Indian Standard Time. Udaipur does not have daylight saving time.
• Getting Around: Much of the city can be covered on foot, so do bring comfortable walking shoes. Bicycles (useful for accessing narrow lanes and avoiding traffic bottlenecks) and motorcycles are also available for rent. Alternatively, auto rickshaws are convenient for short trips and can be readily flagged down. If you're venturing further afield into the desert, it's best to hire a taxi for the day. Rates start from around 3,000 rupees ($40). Taxi companies also offer half-day local sightseeing excursions from around 1,500 rupees ($20). App-based cab services such as Uber don't operate in Jaisalmer as of yet.
• Travel Tip: Try to catch the fun Jaisalmer Desert Festival, held over three days in late January or February each year.

Things to Do

Jaisalmer provides an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in a piece of living history and learn about desert culture. The city revolves around the fort and has magnificent 19th-century noble mansions, ornate Jain temples dating back to the 12th century, royal cenotaphs, and a serene 14th-century man-made lake dotted with small shrines. Sunsets over the fort are spectacular, as its structure appears to merge with the desert. You'll want to devote at least a day to exploring the surrounding desert landscape, too.

• Take a guided walking tour of the fort and surrounding vicinity. Several companies offer such tours, including this insightful Fort Heritage Walk by Jaisalmer Magic . There's a labyrinth of shops, restaurants, homes, hotels, places of worship, and a museum inside the fort. It's fascinating!
• Marvel at the architecture and intricate stone carvings of Patwaon ki Haveli , Nathmal ki Haveli, and Salim Singh ki Haveli mansions. Patwaon ki Haveli is the pick of the bunch if you're short on time or money.
• Go on a camel safari in the desert , or jeep safari if you don't have an affinity for camels.

Check out our article about the top things to do in Jaisalmer for more information.

What to Eat and Drink

Jaisalmer's distinctive regional cuisine is reflective of the ingredients available in the arid desert environment. It's typically vegetarian, and utilizes a lot of pulses and hardy grains such as millet. Ker Sangri is an unusual specialty of the region, made from pickled Indigenous berries and beans that grow wild in the Thar Desert. Try Haldi ki Sabji (turmeric yogurt curry) during winter. The city's most iconic drink is a cooling Makhania Lassi (sweet buttermilk with dry fruits). Pyaaz ki Kachori, a popular snack of deep-fried pastry discs with onion filling, is sold on streets all over the city. Local sweets include Ghotua Laddoo and Panchdhari Ladoo (balls of flour, ghee, and spices). Get them from Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia sweet shop near the fort.

You'll no doubt encounter government-authorized bhaang shops in Jaisalmer. Bhaang is a paste made from cannabis plant leafs, and it has an ancient connection with Hinduism and Lord Shiva  . It's commonly served in drinks during the Holi festival . The shops in Jaisalmer sell it in cookies, cakes, and lassi (a yogurt-based shake). Be careful to consume in moderation, though, because you won't feel the effects straight away.

Jaisalmer isn't known for its nightlife or extensive range of alcohol, so your best bet for a memorable evening is to head to a rooftop restaurant or bar with fort views at sundown. Cafe the Kaku at near Sunset Point and Helsinki House hotel near Gadi Sagar are both outstanding. The Dunes Bar at the Marriott Resort and Spa is more upmarket with cocktails and fine wines.

Where to Stay

Visitors to Jaisalmer are often keen to stay within the fort, which is understandable as it certainly is alluring. However, it's important to be aware of the environmental challenges the fort is facing, particularly damage from drainage and water seepage.   In addition, keep in mind that accessibility can be an issue, as cars aren't permitted inside the fort and auto rickshaws can only go up to certain points. As an alternative, there are many atmospheric accommodations for all budgets in the area below the fort, and they provide a panoramic vista of the fort from their rooftops. Tourists often spend a night or two in the desert near Jaisalmer as well. The majority of desert camps are situated around the Sam Sand Dunes. This area is very commercial, though; if noise is a concern, choose a camp that's further out from the tourist hub there, or stay in the Khuri Sand Dunes.

Check out our recommendations of the best Jaisalmer hotels with fort views for all budgets, and the top Jaisalmer desert camps for glamping .

Getting There

Jaisalmer's small airport operates out of an Indian Air Force base. It receives limited direct flights from nearby major cities such as Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. By road, Jaisalmer is about five hours from Jodhpur and Bikaner. Expect to pay 4,000 to 5,000 rupees ($55 to $65) for a cab from Jodhpur (we recommend stopping at Pokhran Fort along the way). Regular, inexpensive buses also run from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer; tickets cost around 500 rupees.

Indian Railways train is another option. There are trains from major cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur. Two of the most prominent ones are the 14659 Runicha Express from Delhi (via Jaipur and Jodhpur), and the overnight 14810 Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express . You'll need to book well in advance.

Culture and Customs

Competition for tourist business is fierce in Jaisalmer, giving rise to the prevalence of touts and scams. You'll most likely be approached by someone wanting to provide their services or sell something outside the fort entrance, at the train and bus stations, and at the sand dunes. Touts can even be aboard buses from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. Fortunately, locals have launched an anti-tout campaign to curb the harassment, but you should still be prepared to be firm in dealing with such people. Don't be swayed by their cheap prices for camel safaris and hotels, and don't believe it if they tell you your hotel has closed or burnt down. Touts and camel safari operators are also known to offer free accommodations on the Couchsurfing platform as a way of luring travelers in.

Conservative dress is most appropriate in Jaisalmer. It's respectful to keep your shoulders and legs covered. A shawl is handy to throw over a sleeveless top or dress.

Tipping isn't compulsory in India, although it's expected if you're happy with the service. A 10 to 15 percent tip is sufficient at a restaurant, or simply round the bill up on smaller amounts. Flag down the waiter to get your bill. Hotels will commonly have a tip box where you can leave gratuities for the staff.

Money Saving Tips

• The fort is free to enter and never closes. Gadisar Lake is another free attraction.
• You'll get hefty discounts from April to September if you can bear the heat.
• Research thoroughly and bargain hard to avoid being ripped off, especially when doing touristy activities such as desert safaris.
• Stay at a backpacker hostel such as Zostel.
• Hire a scooter or motorbike for the day to reduce transportation costs. Backpacker hostels provide this service at a reasonable price.
• Grab an unlimited Rajasthani thali (platter) for lunch. You'll be able to eat as much as you can for only a few dollars.

Forbes India, Jaisalmer and the Silk Route: An intimate acquaintance in the desert , March 28, 2015.

Indian Government, Know India Portal, Jaisalmer Fort .

UNESCO, Hill Forts of Rajasthan and Wooden Churches of the Carpathian region inscribed on World Heritage List , 21 June 2013.

Scroll.in, A short history of bhang in India , March 6, 2015.

Deccan Herald, Jaisalmer's "living" fort crumbling , November 19, 2018.

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Jaisalmer Itinerary for 2 Days & Complete Jaisalmer Travel Guide

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from any qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

This post contains a Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days, in addition to a complete Jaisalmer travel guide.

Jaisalmer, also known as the golden city, is located in Rajasthan, India. This city has been termed as the golden city due to the houses and the famous Jaisalmer fort here which have been constructed using yellow sandstone as well as yellow sand, giving them a yellowish golden appearance. If you look at the city from a height, Jaisalmer will appear golden in color, thus crowning it with the name golden city of India. Located in the far western end of India, Jaisalmer’s proximity to the Thar desert makes it a popular tourist destination for those who wish to experience a camel safari or a jeep safari in the desert. Jaisalmer was named after the Rajput King Jaisal Singh who founded the city in 1156 AD. Besides this 2 day Jaisalmer itinerary, if you're want to see more pictures of my trip to Rajasthan, then head over to my Instagram profile ( @thespicyjourney ).

Most people who visit Rajasthan often head straight away to the popular cities such as Jaipur - the pink city and Udaipur - the city of Lakes. While both these cities are popular for good reason such as the stunning culture, architecture and the monuments, Jaisalmer is often overlooked by tourists. The golden city deserves for credit for sure and this article is sure to convince you to visit this desert city.

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Table of Contents

Jaisalmer Travel Guide & Jaisalmer Itinerary for 2 Days

This Jaisalmer travel guide + Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days focuses on the many enriching experiences that one can enjoy in the golden city of India. While the sprawling Jaisalmer fort marks the iconic landscape of Jaisalmer city, there’s a long list of things to do in Jaisalmer, which not only includes exploring the many temples and sites inside the Jaisalmer fort but a lot more than that. Despite its slightly offbeat location, Jaisalmer is among the top places to visit in Rajasthan, India.

Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer Rajasthan

• Summer (April - June): Since Jaisalmer is situated in the Thar desert, it can get unbearing hot during the summer. It’s best to avoid visiting Jaisalmer during this season.
• Monsoon (July - September): While the monsoon months from July to September bring relief from the heat but the downpours can be cumbersome and the streets may be muddy during this time of the year.
• Winter (October - March): The winter months are a good time to visit Jaisalmer, especially October-November as well as February-March when the weather is pleasant with it being neither too hot nor too cold. This is the best time to visit Jaisalmer golden city.

How to Reach Jaisalmer, the Golden City

Nearest airport to jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer doesn’t have an airport but the Jodhpur airport is the closest airport to Jaisalmer, located roughly 300 km away. You can take a cab from Jodhpur airport to Jaisalmer. Alternatively, you could even take a local train or bus from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer which is a much cheaper option.

Nearest Railway Station to Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer has a railway station called the Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM) which is well connected to nearby cities within Rajasthan as well as other major cities in India.

Delhi to Jaisalmer

The distance of 766 km between Delhi and Jaisalmer is 585 km and can be covered by road in 12-14 hours or by a direct train in 17 hours. Alternatively, there are flights available from Delhi to Jodhpur and the rest of the journey from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer can be covered by rail or road.

Must Read: The Best Instagrammable Places in Delhi, India

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer

The distance from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is roughly less than 300 km which can be covered by road or rail. There are Rajasthan state transport buses plying between the two cities. Apart from this, there are comfortable private AC buses running between the cities as well. Moreover, there are direct trains for Jodhpur to Jaisalmer and vice-versa. While one can hire private cabs, it's a faster but much more expensive option compared to taking a bus or train.

Getting Around Jaisalmer

Even though most of the sightseeing places in Jaisalmer lie within walking distance of the Jaisalmer fort, you will need to hire a cab or auto-rickshaw (tuk-tuk) to explore some of the places to visit in Jaisalmer which lie just outside the city. There are lots of tour guides and tour companies which offer good rates on half-day or full-day tours of the sightseeing places which lie just outside Jaisalmer.

Where to Stay in Jaisalmer

Zostel jaisalmer.

View from the rooftop at Zostel Jaisalmer

I cannot put into words how wonderful my stay at Zostel Jaisalmer was. Zostel Jaisalmer is located inside the Jaisalmer fort. While that in itself may sound amazing, the property is absolutely beautiful, decorated tastefully using traditional Rajasthani fabrics and decor items. The cherry on top though is the rooftop that has comfortable seating overlooking the entire city. Zostel Jaisalmer has dorms as well as private rooms, multiple common rooms, and an in-house cafe. They also organize lots of activities that include walks inside the fort, food walks, and desert safari.

Check Availability at Zostel Jaisalmer on Booking.com

Moustache Jaisalmer

Moustache Jaisalmer is yet another one of the wonderful places to stay in Jaisalmer. Even though this hostel is located just outside the Jaisalmer fort, unlike Zostel which is inside the fort, it is located within walking distance from the fort. What I loved about Moustache Jaisalmer was the open verandah right in the center, giving it a very traditional appearance. There are comfortable cushions around this verandah. That, along with the intricately carved walls and the availability of both private rooms as well as dorm rooms make Moustache Jaisalmer one of the best places to stay in Jaisalmer.

Check Availability at Moustache Jaisalmer on Booking.com

Hotels in Jaisalmer Inside Jailsamer Fort

When it comes to finding hotels in Jaisalmer, I strongly recommend getting a hotel inside the Jaisalmer fort. Even if you don’t manage to do that, there are tons of hotels near the Jaisalmer fort. Since the fort by itself contains a lot of sightseeing places and is close to all the other places to visit in Jaisalmer, it’s best to stay close to the fort. This way you can just walk to the nearby spots without having to hire a tuk-tuk.

Find hotels in Jaisalmer on Booking.com

Jaisalmer Itinerary - Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer in 2 Days

Day 1 of jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days.

Spend your first day in Jaisalmer by exploring all the sightseeing places in and around the Jaisalmer fort and by shopping for souvenirs. 

1. Patwon ki Haveli / Patwa Haveli

Patwon ki haveli or Patwa haveli is the first stop among all the places to visit in Jaisalmer in 2 days. This haveli, or traditional mansion, is one of the three major havelis in Jaisalmer and thus cannot be skipped out of your Jaisalmer itinerary. Patwon ki haveli is a cluster of 5 mansions constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa, a wealthy trader, one for each of his five sons. Today, there is a museum inside the haveli and it’s also open for visitors to walk around and take a tour of the haveli, with or without a guide. 

Open all days 8.30 am to 6.40 pm

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9vlOzjD6ni/

2. Jaisalmer Fort - Unmissable Place in any Jaisalmer Itinerary

Jaisalmer fort, named after the Maharajah Maharawal Jaisal, is made up of yellow sandstone and thus also known as the golden fort or sonar qila . This spectacular fort has a fortification wall that is 5 km in circumference and 2-3 m in thickness. Not only that, but Jaisalmer fort is also one of the very few “living” forts in the world where people actually reside inside the fort. That’s right - there’s a whole bustling community along with sightseeing places inside the fort as well as temples and lots of shops and restaurants. Entry to the fort is free but some of the sightseeing spots may charge their own visiting fee.

Must Read: A Complete Delhi Travel Guide

3. Jain Temple

The set of Jain temples is one of the must-visit places inside the Jaisalmer fort. Apart from the elaborate carvings, what’s most impressive is that this cluster of 7 Jain temples contains a combined total of 6666 statues of the 24 prophets of Jainism. Additionally, if you add 6+6+6+6 it gives you the number 24 -  which is the number of prophets in the Jain religion. Apart from this clever play with numbers, the detailed work inside these temples is very impressive. 

Open all days 8 to 12 pm

4. Canon Point

Canon point is one of the open-air areas inside the Jaisalmer fort from where you can get an epic city view. Since the fort itself is at a height and the canon point is further high up inside the fort, you can get a nice panoramic view of Jaisalmer city from here. While canon point is also known as sunset point, I found that the sunset view from inside the Zostel Jaisalmer rooftop, where I stayed at, was much better since there was no crowd and there was comfortable seating to enjoy the sunset. Canon point can often get a little crowded.

5. Eat at One of the Many Restaurants Inside the Jaisalmer Fort

While this may seem very trivial and unimportant to some, I cannot stress how important it is that you include a meal inside the Jaisalmer fort in your Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days. I visited a restaurant right inside the main entrance of the fort for lunch. While I felt that the food was a tad bit overpriced for the taste and quantity that was provided, the view from there was worth every single rupee! Jaisal Italy was the only restaurant inside the Jaisalmer fort that I visited for both lunch and dinner because I fell in love with the view from here, although I found the taste of the food to be quite average for the price.

6. Shopping in Jaisalmer Fort

Finish off day one of your Jaisalmer itinerary by shopping for clothing, jewelry, home decor items, and souvenirs. As you step inside the Jaisalmer, you’ll see countless lanes lines with small and big shops on both sides. I would avoid the bigger shops, as I felt the prices there were higher compared to other shops for the exact same items. I would suggest walking right inside the fort, near the museum and the Jain temple area and checking out the many shops there.

DAY 2 OF JAISALMER ITINERARY FOR 2 DAYS

You will start your second day in Jaisalmer, golden city, by watching an epic sunrise and going for a desert safari in the sam sand dunes of the Thar desert.

1. Gadisar Lake

Start the second day of your Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days by catching the sunrise at Gadisar lake. The lake is located less than a kilometer from the fort so I walked from the fort, where I was staying, to Gadisar or Gadisagar lake. Apart from a couple of elderly people, who were taking a morning stroll around the perimeter of the lake, the place was completely deserted. And so, not only did I get to watch a spectacular sunrise, but I also got fantastic pictures here with no one in sight. There are boats here for visitors to take a boating tour around the lake but it wasn’t open that early in the morning

Must Read: Best Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days

2. Kuldhara - The Abandoned Village

Kuldhara, also known as the abandoned village or cursed village, is located at a distance of 21 km from Jaisalmer. Once inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, it is believed that the village was abandoned overnight in the early 19th century due to plague, drought, and prosecution by a cruel minister. Now visitors can visit Kuldhara village during the daytime hours. There is no entrance fee for visiting Kuldhara. You can stop by the village before heading to the sam sand dunes for a desert safari.

3. Desert Oasis

I had visited both Kuldhara village and a desert oasis on a desert safari tour. Our guide took my tour group to both these places on the way to the desert. The oasis inside the desert was located off of the main road between Kuldhara and the sam sand dunes. It was such a peaceful and beautiful place to just sit and mingle with the rest of the people on the safari tour with me.

4. Desert Safari

A desert safari is by far one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer. You just cannot miss this experience among all the things to do in your Jaisalmer itinerary for 2 days. I booked a desert safari costing INR 1900 via Zostel Jaisalmer, where I was staying. The safari included a jeep ride to Kuldhara village, going via the desert oasis to the sam sand dunes in the Thar desert. A camel ride, evening snacks, evening tea, a local vegetarian dinner, overnight stay inside a tent (or under the open sky on a cot), breakfast the next morning and a ride back were also included. While most people choose to stay in the desert overnight, in case you need to head back to your hotel on the same night, you can even ask to be dropped back right after dinner.

Food to Try in Jaisalmer

You must try the two famous local specialties - the Jaisalmer or Rajasthani thali as well as daal baati churma while you’re in Jaisalmer. Ask your hotel or hostel for recommendations for the best places where you can try them.

Must Read: Jodhpur Itinerary: 13 Best Places to Visit in Jodhpur in 2 Days

Where to Eat in Jaisalmer - Best Restaurants and Cafes in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

As mentioned earlier, I highly recommend eating at least one meal at a restaurant inside the Jaisalmer fort. I had lunch and dinner at Jaisal Italy, which is right at the main entrance of the fort. Additionally, I also liked the view of the Jain temple from the Jaisalmer Oasis Restaurant, which is also inside the fort, right next to Zostel Jaisalmer.

Planning a Trip to Rajasthan?

In case you're planning a trip to Rajasthan, you may find these articles helpful:

• The Perfect Jodhpur Itinerary for 2 Days
• Rajasthan Fashion Guide: What to Wear in Rajasthan
• Udaipur Travel Guide + Places to Visit in Udaipur in 2 Days

Did You Enjoy this Jaisalmer Travel Guide and Jaisalmer Itinerary for the Places to Visit in Jaisalmer in 2 Days?

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I was planning to go to Jaisalmer in March but had to cancel ..thanks for sharing this.will visit in winters now

We loved Zostel too! The views were great and it felt very homey. We mostly took it easy during our time in Jaisalmer and only did half the things you mentioned, but we loved this historic fort city

How beautiful! I hoping to visit here later in the year- especially because of how close is it from Jaipur.

Amazing blog you have. Perfect Itinerary for Jaisalmer. Reading this was cool, I also did an overnight safari in Jaisalmer near last summer and loved it! sleeping under the stars was amazing. It was nice to reminisce by reading your post!

Jaisalmer is a very nice place. I am reading your blog and i get the right information about week travel trip to Rajasthan. Such a useful blog. Thanks for sharing helpful information.

appreciate your content how nicely you ghave described jaisalmer tour.by reading your blog i ahve also wished to do jaisalmer sightsseing.

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Jaisalmer Travel Guide – Places to Visit and Things to Do

My holidays in Rajasthan started with this Jaisalmer Trip. With a Jaisalmer travel itinerary for 3 days I could explore several offbeat places in Jaisalmer. You can modify this Jaisalmer travel guide to suit 2 days Jaisalmer travel itinerary too.

Jaisalmer is the westernmost full fledged city of Rajasthan, close to international border with Pakistan. Jaisalmer is located 124 km from Longewala, a border town where the famous Battle of Longewala took place during Indo-Pakistani War 1971. Most of the road network around Jaisalmer city is maintained by Indian Army so the road conditions are good and ideal for road trips around the city.

Jaisalmer Travel Guide for 3 days

Jaisalmer is a lively interesting city with lot of places to see, umpteen things to do and experience. The first part of this blog consists of 10 best places to see in Jaisalmer and the second part deals with top 10 experiences in Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer Travel guide – This is exit path from Gadsisar Lake

10 Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

This list of top 10 attractions of Jaisalmer city has a good mix of history, temples, architecture, science and natural sites like lakes and sand dunes.

Jaisalmer Fort to Visit in Jaisalmer [in 2 days]

This is largest living fort of India, continuously inhabited fort ever since it was made in 12 th century. Even half a day would be insufficient to tour the beautiful golden fort of Jaisalmer . Include the Jain temples and popular haveli (mansions) of medieval times in your tour itinerary within the fort. There are plenty of small hotels to stay and restaurants serving different cuisines within the fort.

Jaisalmer Fort is listed in UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2013. See below Jaisalmer Fort information

Tickets : 50INR for Indians and 250INR for foreigners. Open timings : 6am to 5pm Tour duration : 3 to 4 hours

Jaisalmer Travel Guide – the Jaisalmer Fort

Lodurva Temple to Visit in Jaisalmer

Even if you are not religiously or spiritually inclined this temple is a must visit for its beautiful architectural details. The delicate and detailed craftsmanship on yellow stone leaves one spell bound! Lodurva was the first capital of Bhatti dynasty before they shifted to Jaisalmer, 16 km away. Ask a temple priest and he will tell you the stories related to the temple and the place Lodurva.

Tour duration: Half an hour

See more at: Lodurva Jain Temples

Amar Sagar Jain Temple [Place to Visit Jaisalmer in 1 day]

Yet another ridiculously bewitchingly beautiful Jain temple, close to Lodurva Temple is the Amar Sagar Jain Temple. I almost swooned seeing the intricate stunning details. The arches, the ceilings, the jharonkha (windows), pillars are infused with designs. You are here in the westernmost city of Rajasthan, don’t give this architectural gem a miss, a must visit if you love Rajput architecture.

No tickets are required. Tour time is half an hour.

Lodurva Temple – Jaisalmer Places to Visit and Things to Do

Amar Sagar Jain Temple – Jaisalmer Places to Visit and Things to Do

Jaisalmer Travel Guide for Khaba Fort

This is the smallest fort of Rajasthan.

Khaba Fort was the Sarai Fort (fort at the frontier). The traders who entered Rajasthan from neighbouring countries via the Silk Route trade stayed inside this fort for a night. Only after they paid taxes to the ruling king they were given the permission to go ahead for trade.

It was never cared for really well as it was never used during wars. Today major renovation work is on. There is a museum with information on fossils found here. Suryagarh Resort arranges experiential dining destination to this place, you can have breakfasts with peacocks of Rajasthan here.

No tickets are required. Closes before sunset.

Read more: Khaba Fort in Jaisalmer Rajasthan

Kuldhara Haunted Village to See in Jaisalmer [in 2 days]

In for little scary adventure? Make a night visit to Kuldhara village which is believed to be a haunted place in Jaisalmer. You can make a day trip too to see how a village lays abandoned, all houses vacant with no roofs. It gives an eerie feeling to be roaming within the walls of the ruins.

Jaisalmer Travel Guide to Akal Wood Fossil Park

This Fossil park has a very well preserved collection of wood fossils. It surprised me to see the fossil trees are caged, an indication how precious they are. There are no animal fossils on display only wood fossils, nothing to second this anywhere else in India! But it is believed once this area was under ocean. The park keeper guides the visitors. The park has a few emus which roam around the park, making it more interesting for the kids.

Akal Wood Fossil Park is located about 15-20 minutes drive from Jaisalmer. This a good place of interest for students and all those who are interested in archaeology, fossil study, science and history.

Tickets cost: 20INR

Gadsisar Lake to Visit in Jaisalmer [in 1 day]

It was so enchanting to see Gadsisar Lake with its beautiful heritage monuments. Lakes are always pleasant but one that is in a desert makes it extra special and beautiful. The ethnic structure placed so elegantly in the middle of the lake makes it like a scene from fairy tale. Ideal place for sunset photography and bird watching.

There are boating facilities and small souvenir shops have mushroomed around the place. During peak hours it is hard to find boats free, so time yourself to avoid disappointment.

Jaisalmer City Guide – Gadsisar Lake

Sam Sand dunes to Visit in Jaisalmer [in 3 days]

Sam Sand dunes is the most ideal destination near Jaisalmer for authentic experience of sand dunes, sunset and sunrise photography behind the dunes. You can choose to spend a night in one of the desert camps there. It is a kind of cultural hub of the Jaisalmer city. Plan a visit during Desert Festival in months of Feb-Mar to see variety of entertainment programs with traditional dances.

Sam Sand Dunes are 45 km from Jaisalmer city. Road trip is the only option. You get state transport buses and private taxis to reach the place.

Read more: Highlights of Sam Sand Dunes Thar Desert

Bada Bagh Cenotaphs to Visit Jaisalmer in 1 day

Bada Bagh, the big garden as it is locally called, has garden, a tank and a dam. But it is the cenotaphs nearby which are more popular. These cenotaphs, sandstone chhatris, silent sentinels of history, are dedicated to male members of royal family. Each chhatri has a stone slab with the image of a king. Interior is devoid of design, very plain and simple. But as a group, they make a wonderful photo subject especially during sunsets.

Nothing much is around, very solemn sombre kind of place. No tickets are required and no timings are specified. But it is advisable to leave the place before it gets too dark.

Jaisalmer Travel Guide to Desert National Park

The Desert National Park stretches between the cities Jaisalmer and Barmer. It is in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites , Category: Natural since May 2009. This park is barren with several sand dunes. It is possible to do a road trip through this region. 60 species of mammals, 8 species of amphibians, and 51 species of reptile are known from the Thar Desert. It has been recorded that 14 species of lizards and 7 species of snakes have been found in this area. Chinkaras and Black Bucks are the most easiest to spot.

FAQS About Places to Visit in Jaisalmer:

Is one day sufficient for jaisalmer.

A perfect amount of time to spend in Jaisalmer can be 3 days! Read the entire post to get a comprehensive guide to Jaisalmer and suggestions for how to organize each of those days there.

Which are Jaisalmer’s top 5 tourist destinations?

The most popular sights to see in Jaisalmer are: 1. Jaisalmer Fort 2. Longewala War Memorial 3. Jain Temples 4. Kothari’s Patwaon-Ki-Haveli 5. Tanot Mata Temple

Will three days suffice for Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer can be visited in 2 nights and 3 days, but this is entirely up to you. Three nights should be sufficient for you, even though the things you want to do might need a little more time.

What does a Jaisalmer camel safari cost?

Price List for the Jaisalmer Desert Safari: Tour: An hour-long camel safari tour Location: Sam and Khuri Fare per person: 500 INR Tour: Premium Camel safari tour Location: Sam sand dunes Fare per person: 1250 INR Tour: Camel safari with camp stay Location: Sam sand dunes Fare per person: 2000 INR Tour: 1 hour Jeep safari tour Location: Sam and Khuri Fare per person: 500 INR

Which month is ideal for Jaisalmer?

When visiting Jaisalmer, when temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C, the best months to go are between October and March. Winter is the ideal time to visit Jaisalmer because it is a desert city and the weather is ideal for all the sightseeing that the area is known for.

10 Best Things to Do in Jaisalmer

Shopping in jaisalmer local bazaar – best shopping to do in jaisalmer.

Shopping in Jaisalmer can never be a disappointing affair. Jaisalmer is well known for its silver jewelry and leather works. Besides these there are lot of handicraft home decor items, golden sandstone artifacts.

Some specific markets are popular for each of these items which can help you decide what to shop in Jaisalmer. But in general you will find all these in little souvenir shops near the tourist sites like Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar lake and Sam sand dunes.

The popular local markets for Jaisalmer shopping are:

• Seema Gram and Pansari Bazaar for handicraft and home décor items.
• Manak Chowk is stuffed with leather based items.
• Sonaron ka Baas as the name indicates is famous for jewelry.
• You must head to ‘ Bhatia Bazaar ’ if you are looking for silk fabrics and Mirror Work Embroidery. The famous mirror work embroidery on vibrantly colored fabrics reflects the colorful culture of the state of Rajasthan.
• Sadar Bazaar is famous for paintings and carpets.

Jaisalmer travel guide – Desert Cultural Center & Museum

This place showcases the desert culture and puppetry. It has a large collection of traditional instruments, medieval coins, ethnic artifacts, weapons and fossil works. You will be blown away at their collection of ethnic Rajasthani jewelry and handicrafts. It is a long list of collections there worth seeing to understand the rich heritage of the city.

Highlight of this museum is the hour long puppet show in the evenings, a major hit with tourists travelling with families and kids.

Timings: 10am to 8pm Tickets: 20INR for Indians, 30INR for foreigners, extra 20INR for camera Puppet Show Tickets : 30INR for Indians, and 50INR for foreigners

Jaisalmer City Guide – Museums

What to eat in Jaisalmer

There are excellent vegetarian and non vegetarian restaurants in Jaisalmer. The street food of Jaisalmer too are popular with both locals and tourists. You can also take Jaisalmer food tour that will help you taste what is special in Jaisalmer.

Nevertheless if you are on your own try the famous food of Jaisalmer

• Rajasthan Thali
• Dal Baati Choorma, lentils cooked in Rajasthani spices with round balls of hard unleavened bread and sweet dish with jaggery (molasses).
• Kadi Pakora, prepared out of flour dumplings and yogurt, an ideal Jaisalmer dish.
• Bhanon Aloo, a veg dish – potatoes stuffed with mint paste cooked in thick gravy.
• Gatte ki Sabzi, a dish of Gram flour sausages dipped in creamy yoghurt gravy.
• Murgh-e-Subz, a popular local non veg dish, is prepared out of boneless chicken pieces and chopped vegetables.
• Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia sweets
• Famous local drink Makhania Lassi which you cannot drink! Surprised? It is served with heaps of dry fruits; you will need a spoon to finish it.

Check this: Great Indian food in Suryagarh Resort

Rajasthani Cuisine in Jaisalmer – clockwise from bottom – salad, gatte ki sabzi, kadi pakoda, aloo methi, dal, baati, choorma.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Desert Festival Jaisalmer is a popular annual cultural of Rajasthan. It almost seems like a festival! Dates of the festival depend on lunar calendar; 3 days prior to the full moon in the Hindu month of Magh, that is usually between last week of Jan to first week of February. Venue of the festival is amidst the beautiful Sam sand dunes of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer Tourism has done well to promote this yearly event.

Where to stay in Jaisalmer

Suryagarh Resort in Jaisalmer

Enjoy dinner amidst sand dunes or lunch beside an oasis or breakfast with peacocks in an old historic fort. Suryagarh Resort offers some of the best destination dining experiences in whole of India. They offer several packages to accommodate the different requirements of tourists and tour groups.

Pricing is on the higher side and comes in luxury category but definitely worth the money.

Suryagarh Resort Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Adventure Activities in Sam Sand dunes

If you are keen in some adventure activities in desert Sam sand dunes has plenty of options to choose from. Parasailing, Quad biking, dune bashing are some of the activities offered by safari organizers in Jaisalmer. Each of them is charged separately and is for different duration. So depending on the time you can spare you can choose the adventure activities.

Jaisalmer Holiday Guide – Para Gliding Camp in Jaisalmer https://campinjaisalmer.in/index.html

Desert Camping Jaisalmer Holiday Guide

Jaisalmer Desert Camps are best way to experience desert atmosphere in luxurious surroundings. Far away from the din of the city, under star lit skies, surrounded by 30 to 40 m tall sand dunes; it is a different experience altogether. They arrange for evening musical dance program and camel safaris. Desert camping in Thar desert is one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer for couples.

There are no concrete structures. All are well furnished tents. The desert camps in Sam sand dunes focus more on outdoor adventure activities while the desert camps of Khuri focus more on village safari tours. Do a good study of the various camps and their facilities before you decide on one.

Jaisalmer Holiday Guide – Rajputana Desert Camp – http://rajputanadesertcamp.in/

Camel Safari Tours in Jaisalmer

Desert tour organizers curate different kinds of Safari – expeditions – to experience the natural habitat. Camel safari tours offer an hour of camel ride through the dunes of the desert. The camel owner too accompanies you by foot. Include a camel back ride in your list of things to do in Jaisalmer with family, your kids will love it.

You can decide the time of tour and accordingly you are charged. Full day ride option too is available. The hourly rates are about 150INR per camel. It is a means of livelihood for the locals who own camels. A place devoid of any kind of vegetation they have to depend only on camels for their daily survival.

Check my experience: Desert Camel Safari Jaisalmer

Here is Google road map of the route along the Jaisalmer places to visit and things to do.

Jaisalmer Road Trip Google Map

Jaisalmer Desert Safari

Are you looking for adventure activities in Jaisalmer? Desert Jeep Safari fits the bill. The safari will take you through desert national park, Sam sand dunes and to Padholi , and a bird sanctuary 150 km from Jaisalmer. It is a fun filled trip in an open top jeep. You can feel the wind brushing your cheeks and blowing your hair as the jeep speeds through the sandy roads of Thar Desert.

Longewala War Memorial in Jaisalmer

Longewala Border post is 124 km from Jaisalmer. The memorial here is in memory of Battle of Longewala won by the Indian Army over Pakistan Army in the year 1971. Include this in your Jaisalmer trip plan to connect with patriots who have laid their lives for our country.

2000 Pakistan soldiers with a tank brigade faced a humiliating defeat from Indian detachment of only 80 soldiers. A war museum there displays the captured Pakistani Tank. Longewala Tourism includes this in its tour itinerary.

If you are serious about visiting the site you need to take prior permission from Jaisalmer Military headquarters and plan ahead. I came to know this very late and had to miss my visit to Longewala War Museum and battlefield. Also read: Art Salute by Tribal Artists to Indian Army .

Longewala War Museum timings : Open every day 8am to 6pm. Tickets : No tickets are required. It is free entry.

FAQS About Things to Do in Jaisalmer:

What is it that makes jaisalmer famous.

The magnificent fort that encircles the city of Jaisalmer is the reason for its fame. The fact that this fort is a functioning urban hub is what I find most amazing about it. About 3000 Jaisalmer residents live within the fort’s walls. It is beautifully woven in small, winding lanes and lined with homes and temples.

Which Jaisalmer dish is famous?

Popular Foods famous in Jaisalmer: Pyaz Ki Kachori Gatte Ki Sabzi Makhania Lassi Daal Baati Choorma Ker Sagri Bhang Lassi Mirchi Bhajiya Chane Jaisalmer Ke

What can I buy in Jaisalmer?

Best 5 Items to shop in Jaisalmer 1. Mirror Work Embroidery. 2. Camel Leather Products. 3. Jewellery. 4. Jaisalmer Fossil Stone 5. Items for souvenirs and gifts include brassware, carpets, shawls, rugs, antiques, lamps, and boxes carved out of wood.

What to wear in Jaisalmer?

To avoid getting sunburned on your hands and arms, wear full-sleeved tops or shirts. Make sure you have enough woolens (including sweaters, caps, and jackets) because nights are typically much cooler. Carrying thermals is also a good idea if you tend to feel colder than other people do.

How far away from Jaisalmer is the desert?

Approximately 45 km away. Town and Jaisalmer desert are approximately 45 km apart.

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9 Responses to “ Jaisalmer Travel Guide – Places to Visit and Things to Do ”

Your Jaisalmer Travel Guide is an absolute treasure trove for wanderers like me. The vivid descriptions and stunning visuals paint a comprehensive picture of the Golden City’s charm. I appreciate the thoughtful insights into the cultural nuances, making it more than just a guide but a virtual journey through history. The detailed itinerary and practical tips are invaluable for anyone planning to explore Jaisalmer. Your personal anecdotes add a delightful touch, making the experience feel more authentic and relatable. The section on local cuisine is a delightful bonus, providing a tempting preview of what awaits culinary enthusiasts. Your passion for travel and dedication to sharing these experiences shine through your content. Thanks for crafting such an informative and inspiring guide. I’m now more excited than ever to embark on my own Jaisalmer adventure.

Nice useful guide

Jaisalmer is such an amazing place. But I have been there only once. Your post inspires me to visit it again soon.

Been there twice but for very short visits. If you are planning do plan for a week at least. Lots to see there.

A drink you can’t drink? I’ve never heard of that and would love to try it. I imagine it’s like a very thick smoothie?!?!? The Desert Cultural Center & Museum sounds like a great place to start to learn a bit about the area so you have a better sense of the area outside when exploring. The puppet show sounds interesting too 🙂

I believe the Khuri dunes are as good and less crowded than Sam. Have you been to Khuri, Indrani? While exploring stay options last time, we could not find many accommodations in Khuri, though.

We really need to return to Jaisalmer cause though we stayed in the Fort at a homestay and did a bit of exploring, it was at the end of our 2 month adventure across the entire west coast. So it was all kind of a blur to me. I wish we had checked out both the Lodurva Temple and the Amar Sagar Jain Temple. Both have such amazing details carved into the entrances in your pictures. I think if we come back I would definitely want to come during a festival like the desert festival so we can also experience some of the local history and culture.

I do love the look of the intricate architecture and design in Jaisalmer. A trip to Gadsisar Lake would be an interesting experience in a desert. But heading to the Sam Sand Dunes would definitely be the prefect way to finish a day with a perfect sunset. It sounds like planning a visit around the Jaisalmer Desert Festival might be a good time to visit. Certainly a little for everyone.

Wow, I always love seeing photos in India because of the stunning temples. Lodurva Temple looks magnificent, definitely a draw so Jaisalmer!

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Jaisalmer Travel Guide: Visiting the Jewel of India’s Thar Desert

Today I’m picking favourites and I have no qualms about it. We spent a whole month travelling across India – 7 destinations in total – but the one that I’m still thinking about is Jaisalmer. This Jaisalmer travel guide will show you what makes this place so special!

Located in the Thar Desert just 30 kilometres from the border with Pakistan means that getting to Jaisalmer was quite the journey – 18 hours by train from Delhi to be precise! – but it was worth it in the end to explore the famed Golden City.

We had a total of 3 days here and I would have gladly stayed a week if the rest of Rajasthan hadn’t been calling, so here’s a little glimpse at why I enjoyed visiting Jaisalmer so much and how you can too.

Your Jaisalmer Travel Guide:

Get lost inside Jaisalmer Fort

The main attraction in this city is Jaisalmer Fort, but believe me when I tell you that this is a place you’re going to want to revisit time and time again.

I made it to Jaisalmer Fort three days in a row and I managed to see something new on each visit. The layout of the city makes the place feel like a bit of a maze, which means you can always get lost in a new direction.

Narrow, twisting alleys break away from the main road, leading you up and down crooked staircases, and then every once in a while these will spit you out along the fort’s outer walls where you can see across the city and off into the desert .

There is also no shortage of rooftop restaurants, so be willing to climb the extra three or four flights of stairs to enjoy a drink with a view, and then give your legs a break!

Shop for Rajasthani souvenirs

Oh, the shopping! There is a reason why my suitcase gained a few extra pounds in Jaisalmer. Certain sections of the fort are like a bazaar where you can find all sorts of little treasures . So what exactly did we find?

Well, Sam and I purchased a total of four wall hangings; my favourite was a white canvas with quotidian scenes embroidered in rainbow colours. We also picked up a few pillow covers with elephant designs in gold, pink, and blue. And aside from that, I came across an artist who paints bird and flower motifs on old weathered postcards with Hindi writing, so I picked up a small collection which I’d like to frame at some point.

I was also tempted by peacock doorknobs, carved statuettes and antique masks, but I had to draw the line somewhere! Suffice it to say that if you enjoy shopping, you’ll love Jaisalmer’s offerings.

Visit the Jain Temples

While wandering through Jaisalmer Fort, we also came across the Jain Temples. These structures date back to the 12th and 15th centuries and like most of the buildings you’ll find in the city, these too are made of yellow sandstone.

You may be tempted to walk past them especially if there’s a large tour group gathered outside, but trust me, it’s worth going in to see the craftsmanship. While the temples are relatively simple from the exterior, once you set foot inside you’ll enter a world of intricate stone carvings that carry your eyes from floor to ceiling.

Admission tickets can be purchased in the small square directly across from the temples . Just keep in mind that because these temples are active places of worship, they are only open to visitors from 8 in the morning until noon, so you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly.

Admire all the havelis

Haveli is the word used for old mansions found across India and Jaisalmer has a few worth seeking out!

Patwon ki Haveli: This is the most famed haveli in Jaisalmer. It is also the largest haveli in the city, but that being said, it’s a combination of 5 structures. The building was commissioned by Guman Chand Patwa, who was a wealthy jewelry trader, and because he had 5 sons he ordered the construction of 5 stories, one for each of his children.

Nathmalji ki Haveli: This haveli was built as the residence of the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Diwan Mohata Nathmal. The construction was carried out by two brothers who had a bit of a competitive edge. They both started building simultaneously at opposite ends and struggled with uniformity, which meant the building ended up having a bit of an irregular shape.

Salim Singh ki Haveli:  This next one is nicknamed the Peacock Haveli. This 300-year-old structure was built on top of an even older haveli, and it is still occupied today by a descendant of its original owner.

Speaking of havelis, you can’t miss the Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum & Heritage Center, which was a former royal residence. You can do an audio tour, but I was happy to just wander around and take pictures.

And since we’re on the topic of architecture, if you come with a bit more time or are feeling particularly ambitious, you can also visit Bada Bagh, which is a complex north of Jaisalmer that contains royal cenotaphs (empty tombs) that look like dome-shaped pavilions. I didn’t get to visit this place but it looks beautiful in photos.

Go camel trekking in the Thar Desert

This Jaisalmer travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning camel trekking, after all, the city is located in the Thar Desert! There are two popular offerings that you can find across the town. The first is a sunset tour that involves driving out to the desert, doing a camel safari, having a fire-cooked dinner, and doing a bit of stargazing. The second option includes all of the above but also involves spending the night in the desert, typically sleeping outdoors around a campfire using mats and a sleeping bag.

Longer tours can be arranged – my husband Sam did a 4-day camel safari when he visited a few years back – but if you’re not into camping, then the sunset tour can give you a taste of what that’s like.

Another alternative to the camel safari is spending the night in a desert camp . These range from simple tented camps geared at backpackers to luxury tented camps that will make you feel like you’re glamping with the royals.

Take a boat ride on Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake is a manmade lake that was built in the 14th century in order to deal with the population’s water needs – because when  you live in the desert, water is a major concern!

Today the lake is a popular spot with visitors as you can rent paddle boats to take you out on the water. The lake’s shore is lined with temples and pavilions (some of them are even out on the water), so it’s quite scenic, especially at sunset.

Stay in a haveli-inspired hotel

If you want to feel like royalty, you need to book yourself into a haveli. We stayed at the Tokyo Palace Hotel  and loved it!

I know the name is a bit of a geographic mismatch, but that aside, it’s a really cool property. The hotel was built in the haveli-style, which means you get a bit of Old World charm with all the modern conveniences.

We stayed in the Deluxe Room which runs you about $22 USD per night, and my favourite feature was the day bed, because check out that window! They also have 6-bed dorms starting out at $2 so there really is something for every budget .

Another thing that I loved about this hotel is that their rooftop allowed us to catch the sun rising over the desert and it was pure magic every morning. The sun rose with a bold and fiery intensity painting the sky deep shades of mauve and lavender, and most mornings a small group of guests would gather together to watch it quietly.

If that hotel is fully booked, you can find similar style accommodations at: Hotel Garh Jaisal Haveli , Hotel Helsinki House , or Hotel Pleasant Haveli . These are some of the top-rated haveli-style hotels in Jaisalmer.

And that’s a little taste of Jaisalmer. I hope these photos sparked your interest in the city; it’s a long way to get there, but to me, Jaisalmer is the jewel of the Thar Desert, so go!

Are you visiting Jaisalmer? PIN THIS JAISALMER TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER!

10 Comments

Jaisalmer is one of my favorite places in India, and I am so happy that you enjoyed it so much. Thanks for sharing your stories and photos!

I definitely need to go here! India is my favourite place I’ve ever visited, but I never went to Jaisalmer. I think it’s a must for my next trip though!

Wow! how bright beautiful and lively this city looks like. I am sure it must have been an amazing experience. Loved the clicks. Thanks for sharing!

Lovely and colorful! It must have been so much fun exploring the city. Good luck!

When I went to India, Oh, such a long time ago, I really enjoyed the Jaisalmer experience. I had already been camel trekking in Egypt, so wasn’t a complete novice (Ay!), but I had camel ice-cream too.

I really can’t describe it!

p.s. ‘Love the photography especially of you and Sam siiiiiiinging!

Oh my goodness! I did not know such a place existed! Jaisalmer would be a magnificient place to visit! The pictures you shared were so beautiful! I don’t blame you for spending 3 days there! Thanks so much for sharing this experience.

A great in-depth article on the Jaisalmer, Rajasthan tourism. Camel safari, that what I like most to visit during my trip to Jaisalmer. Probably, your blog made me visit Jaisalmer in coming days once the outbreak of coronavirus stopped.

Wonderful Pictures!! Such a great blog it is! You have written well informative with various beautiful lines. If you want to do Desert Camping in Jaisalmer, book your trip with The Golden Camp.

You did a fantastic job with Jaisalmer. Wow! This city appears to be bright, gorgeous, and vibrant. I’m sure that was an unforgettable experience. The clicks were fantastic. Thank you for providing this information. You’ve done a fantastic job on your own site, and I really enjoy it.

Thank you for sharing this blog. Jaisalmer would be a magnificent place to visit! The pictures you shared were so beautiful! I must have so much fun exploring here.

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• 1.1 By plane
• 1.2 By train
• 1.5 By camel
• 2 Get around
• 3.1 Museums
• 3.2 Other sights
• 8.1 Outside the city
• 9 Stay safe

Jaisalmer ( Hindi : जैसलमेर), the "Golden City", is on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan . Close to the border with Pakistan , the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert . A desert safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience.

The city is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort. Unlike most forts in India , the Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort. There are shops, hotels, age old havelis (homes) inside the fort area. The fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

The next closest airport is around 285 km away, in Jodhpur . Pre-paid taxis are available to reach at Jaisalmer from Jodhpur, which cost more than ₹4000. Alternatively there are frequent trains and buses. The closest international airport is in Jaipur (around 562 km east). It is connected with important Indian cities and major cities abroad. There is a very expensive prepaid taxi service from the airport into town available from a booth just outside arrivals.

By train [ edit ]

There is a direct train service from Delhi . Delhi-Jaisalmer Express "Shalimar Exp", departure time at 5:30PM, reaches Jaisalmer at 11:30AM the next morning. When arriving by train you will pass the station of Pokharan, India's nuclear testing area. The train does not leave from the Station New Delhi next to the Backpacker-Ghetto "Main-Bazar", but a 15-min auto-rickshaw ride north from the Delhi Jn - Station.

By bus [ edit ]

Buses from Jodhpur and Bikaner are available. A daily bus runs to and from Jaipur . Ordinary and deluxe buses of private companies and Rajasthan Roadways run from Mount Abu , Barmer , Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ahmadabad to Jaisalmer.

There are various deluxe and semi-deluxe buses available at regular intervals for Jodhpur. Rajasthan State buses also connect Jaisalmer city with some neighboring cities. The ticket charges are around ₹2-3 per km.

By car [ edit ]

Various tour operators and travel agencies offer chauffeured car-taxi services; these are charged on a per-kilometre, per-day basis. You can plan to take one to arrive into the city or take one for sightseeing in and around the city.

There are many car rental services in Delhi which can provide chauffeur driven cars to Jaisalmer.

Approximate road distances from various destinations are -

By camel [ edit ]

Another option is to arrive by camel; Jaisalmer is famous for camel trips. The most grueling is the 14-day trip from Bikaner. When booking a few days in the desert on a camel, remember to shop around in order to get the quality you pay for.

It is really a fun experience to wander around on a camel, as you can cover most of the locations which cannot be covered with a vehicle.

Get around [ edit ]

• The small city can be easily covered by foot but bikes are also available for rent (near Desert Boy's) to explore the city and some outside places.
• Auto rickshaw and bicycles are other commonly used transportation medium at Jaisalmer. If you are carrying enough cash then Auto rickshaw is better alternative, especially in congested areas.
• There are plenty of monuments located near alleys and bicycles come handy to avoid any bottlenecks. There are many places such as Gandhi Chowk where you can get bicycles on rent at (₹5-30 per hour/day).
• Private and government-operated cabs are also available. But they are more expensive as compared to private site seeing buses.

See [ edit ]

One of the most magnificent attractions is the Jaisalmer Fort known as the "Sonar Kila" due to the yellow stone it was built out of.

There are numerous lookouts (at least five) within the fort that give a great view out across the city and desert.

A tour of the royal section of the fort is available from a starting point just to the right up the stairs as you enter the main square of the fort). The audio tour is quite short, doesn't tell you very much information, and has advertisements in it - not a must, the view is what you come for. They do charge ₹100 extra per camera. There's little you'd want to take a photo of except the view from the roof, the highest part of Jaisalmer.

• Baa Ri haveli It is 450-year-old Brahman haveli in side Jaisalmer fort. it is one of the oldest in Jaisalmer. A great view of Jaisalmer Fort, Maharaj Palace, Jain Temple. Inside, there are 10 big and small rooms with an antique collection. Entry ₹50.

• Patwon-ki-Haveli , a 10-minute walk from the main gates of the fort, is quite magnificent. It's a collection of five houses, each one for the son of a wealthy trader who made money lending to the government. You can only visit one of these havelis (closest to the street), which has been restored and turned into an excellent government museum. Besides the elaborate architecture and decor, you learn a bit about the local music, cuisine, religion, and culture. Expect to spend two hours there. Great view back towards the fort. Entry ₹250 (foreign tourist). Guides wait around outside and offer their services for as little as ₹50, however they offer a rushed guide, and there is plenty of information on well-written signs inside.

Museums [ edit ]

Other sights [ edit ].

• Jain Temple : There are 7 beautifully carved temples built inside the fort walls. These temples were built in between from 12th century to 15th century. All the temples are connected by walkways and corridors. It is compulsory to remove your shoes, and all other leather articles (belts, wallets, purses, etc.) before entering any Jain temple. Menstruating women are also not allowed into the temple. The very first temple which a tourist can visit is dedicated to Chandraprabhu, who is the eight tirthankar (Jain God). The symbol of the God Chandraprabhu is the moon. This temple was built in 1509. It is built with fine stones. They are only open from 8AM to noon - and leave a good hour to see them. Entry is ₹150 (including camera). Take your shoes off and leave them near where you bought the tickets (a tip is only half expected).
• Renovated streets and houses : The city is undergoing quite extensive renovations, and particularly the small streets on the way to the Patwon-ki-Haveli have been redone with many houses now showing off exquisitely carved front sandstone walls. The houses are much more intricate and interesting from street level than they appear from the fort.
• 26.84162 70.54583 5 Sam Sand Dunes . 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.  
• Suryagarh , Sam Rd . It's "only" a hotel, but you still wonder how they built it in the middle of the desert. Lush gardens, lovely pools and fountains, impressive stone carving techniques. While most cannot afford to stay there, stopping to have tea is an option that allows you to have a look at lesser cost.  
• Sunset point , Bada Bagh ( Ram Gargh Road (take a taxi) ). until sunset . Lovely cenotaphs. Fantastic pictures. ₹300 maintenance fee (including camera) . ( updated Nov 2023 )

Do [ edit ]

Just chill, Jaisalmer is a lovely and very relaxing place. Plan at least two days and add time you want to have in the desert. Go for a stroll, visit the palace and do the camel safari (trips available from a few hours to 14 days). If you do not feel remotely attracted to camels, try a jeep safari into the desert to see the scenery and watch the sun go down. Below the fort are several magnificent havelis with intricate stone carving. Several can be visited for minimal charges and are well worth seeking out. It is more comfortable to wander in the city before 9AM when there is not many tourists, less shops opened/hassle and still fresh air.

Camel safari is organized by different tour operators and travel agents in Rajasthan. Most of the camel safaris are organized in Bikaner , Osian, Jaisalmer and Pushkar . This camel safari trip can be of 2 to 7 days and if someone wishes to extend it, it can go up to one month. Short trips give a glimpse of the desert to the tourists. Jaisalmer is the land of desert and most of the camel safaris start from this city. In most of the trips, one camel is allotted to one person and a camel cart is also provided with the group which carries all the food material, tents and other stuff.

Buy [ edit ]

You are in Jaisalmer, it means items are made of leather (primarily goat, as camel leather is now illegal to sell in Rajasthan), embroidery-silk and cotton. Most of the works are done locally or by the 'widows' of villages. There is a shop inside fort just opposite the 'German Bakery' which has got good collection of the handcrafted garments and bedsheets, silver jewelry, Antiques (knives, swords, utensils, etc.)

Within the fort there is an amazing silver artist named Roop Kashore. His custom, hand made rings are worth checking out. Local advice is to seek out shops outside of the fort for better value and service.

• Bronze statues , Bhatia Market ( ask for Talib Bhat ). Hindu statues in bronze or silver plated Buddha statues. Various collectibles: prayer mills, thangkas, mandalas.  
• 26.91501 70.913551 1 Jewel Caravan , Sadar Bazaar ( Next to Dhanraj Bhatia Sweet Shop ), ☏ +91 8239101312 . 9AM-9PM . Large choice of silver jewellery, Tibetan jewellery, precious and semi-precious gemstones. Lovely Kashmiri textiles collection. Singing bowls and statues. Friendly service.  
• Shayama Cashmere Store ( Sushil Barsa's ), Near sunset place restaurant ( Behind jain temples ), ☏ +91 9251291610 , [email protected] . 8AM to 8PM . Mr. Sushil Kumar, the owner, is a very honest and knowledgeable person. In this store, there is a nice collection of cashmere pashmina shawls.  
• Silk & Cashmere , Amar Sagar Pol ( next to Bhatia sweets shop ). Scarves, shawls, stalls, kurtas. Silk & cashmere blends, with or without embroidery.  
• Silver Jewelry , Bhatia Market . Silver Rajasthani jewelry (necklaces, bangles, pendants, earrings, rings). Gemstones (rings and pendants), Tibetan jewelry (turquoise & coral inlaid jewelry).  
• Indian crafts Boutique-Museum , Sadar Bazaar ( Gopa Chowk, near Fort gate, on the way to Patwon Haveli ). 9AM-9PM . Nice informative brochures available about jewelry making and different jewelry styles in India, detailed explanations about textile production. Insight into Indian history and local history as well: Jaisalmer, the silk trade, etc. For those interested in alternative medicine, there is even information about ayurveda, chakras and meditation tools. Nicely presented and fairly well researched. Free .  

Eat [ edit ]

Lots of local eateries which offer sumptuous lunches and dinners for a measly ₹20.

• 26.9156 70.9123 1 Anchal Sweets , Sadar Bazar ( In main market ), ☏ +91 89520 06006 . Daily 7:30AM-9PM . Fresh kachori and samosa.  
• Artist Hotel Restaurant Near the sunset view point - in the middle of the Jaisalmer artist colony. The very best food in town (₹50). Everything is made fresh. You will get Western (also nice Austrian food) food as well as very nice Indian dishes. The restaurant is placed on rooftop and you can enjoy your meal while listening to Rajasthani music performed live.
• Free Tibet Restaurant , Fort Rd, Khejer Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol ( Near two of the main lookouts from the fort ), ☏ +91 77428 30459 . The restaurant has one of the highest rooftops in Jaisalmer. They serve a combination of Tibetan, Chinese, Indian and European cuisine. The thukpa is highly popular. It is more affordable than the other restaurants with good views of the fort. ₹30-120 .  
• German Bakery , Gopa Chowk ( Near fort gate ). Good lemon cake. Decent croissants. Almond cookies. Delicious tea. Great place to have a "western-style" breakfast.  
• Lakeview Lounge Restaurant , On Fort, Kotri Para ( On the fort and attached to Hotel Surja ), ☏ +91 2992-254138 . 24 Hours . This restaurant serves excellent food. The Porridge w/ Banana Honey (₹40), Mushroom Cheese Tomato Burger (₹65) and the 'Speghatti Spinesh Tomato Cheese' (₹70) are highly recommended. The service is excellent as well because of the speed and courtesy of their staff. The restaurant has some of the best views in all of Jaisalmer, at the second level of the restaurant. They also have free WiFi at the restaurant and the attached Hotel Surja. Mains ₹40-90 .  
• Little Italy , Fort gate . Real pizza, with actually good mozzarella cheese. Very decent pasta as well. Amazing view on the Fort from the terrace, fun low tables-and-cushions concept inside.  
• Midtown restaurant ( Main Gopa Chowk ), ☏ +91 94 1405 2144 . 7AM-11PM . This restaurant is in front of the Golden fort. The view is amazing and the food is fine with friendly service. The homemade Dutch apple pie is delicious. Pullavs are great.  
• Seema Restaurant , Just outside the fort . The unique thing about this restaurants is that everything is made fresh; however, it is bit dingy. Really good and cheap food (₹50) .  
• The Seven Spice Restaurant , Gandhi Chowk ( Maansarowar Guest House ), ☏ +91 9571634057 . 7AM-11PM . The seven spice restaurant give you a real taste of Indian spice with Indian cuisine or Tibetan food. located at heart of the city with nice market view. Best sunset location. ₹100-350 .  
• Trio , Hanuman Chowk . Nice food. Reasonable prices.  

Drink [ edit ]

Drink delectable bhang (marijuana) lassi at the government authorized shop close to the entrance of the fort. The original bhang shop, open since 1977, is now known as the Lassi Shop. The bhang from the new government shop is weaker and has been known to cause stomach ailments in travelers. It is best to purchase from the Lassi Shop, featured in Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations . The Lassi Shop is west of the entrance to the Fort while the newly authorized government shop is east of the entrance to the fort.

Packs of bhang-infused cookies and chocolates are also available for takeaway, and can be savored on trips into the desert to great effect. A word of caution: It can take a while before you get high from bhang, hence you should not take multiple drinks in quick succession. Excessive consumption of bhang dehydrates the body and one can experience effects like high sweating, anxiety, palpitation and hallucinations. These effects vary from person to person and depend on the amount of bhang consumed. To overcome the adverse effects of high bhang consumption, drink plenty of water with glucose (not for diabetic patients) and have food along with bhang (try not to take bhang on an empty stomach). Not more than a glass should be consumed by first timers unless you want to spend next day holding your bed trying not to fall.

Sleep [ edit ]

• Desert Haveli Guest House , In the national museum/monument fort of Jaisalmer ( Near to Jain temples ), ☏ +91 2992251555 , [email protected] . 24 hr . This heritage hotel is in the national monument/museum Jaisalmer fort at high altitude on the rampart, in a closed ended street. It offers the unique experience of staying in an ancient historical fort. This building was once allotted as a place of residence to a noble person who held the position of Divisional Magistrate. It was converted into a guest house with permission from the archeological survey department. ₹2,000 .  
• Garh Jaisal , on fort . It overlooks the entrance to the fort. It has an amazing rooftop deck overlooking the city. Each room is decorated in jewel-like colours.  
• Hotel Fort View ( come out of the main entrance to the fort, turn left until you get to a tree (20 m), then it's through a tiny passageway next to Fort View Travel agency, just behind the tree and public square ). Check-in: Until 11PM unless you call ahead , check-out: Until 11PM unless you call ahead . Good view from the roof. ₹400 for a fan double .  
• Hotel Jaisalmer Palace , Near Fort , gadi sagar gate ,dhiba bara , ☏ +91 9462750383 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: 11AM . Traditional- Heritage style hotel, 16 AC Super Deluxe rooms, hot & cold water, 24-hr service, safari booking facility, and restaurant with full fort view. From its terrace you can also see a sunrise or sunset while enjoying a cocktail. Rooftop restaurant.  
• Hotel Moonlight , Opp. Head Post Office, Hanuman Circle , ☏ +91 2992-250267 . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Traditional-style hotel, rooftop restaurant.  
• Hotel Priya , C.V.S. Colony ( Behind public hospital ), ☏ +91 2992 252755 , +91 2992 250577 . Check-in: 24 hours , check-out: noon . In the heart of town. Built in a traditional Rajasthani style, well decorated, offering different types of rooms and surrounded by a warm staff. Facilities like air conditioner, full Wi-Fi connectivity, TV, and restaurant are available. They also provide two camps in Sam Dunes and Khuri Dunes for their customers.  
• Hotel Rajmandir , Fort, Jaisalmer 345001 , ☏ +91 2992 253311 . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon .  
• Hotel Shree Govindam , Near Hanuman Circle ( Geeta Ashram Road ), ☏ +91 9414150528 . Check-in: After 11AM , check-out: 9AM . 10 AC double rooms, hot & cold water, 24-hr service, safari booking facility, and restaurant with full fort view. From its terrace you can also see a sunrise or sunset while enjoying a cocktail. ₹1,000 C.P. .  
• Hotel Surja Guest House ( Hotel Surja ), On Fort, Kotri Para ( Free Taxi from Bus/Train Station ), ☏ +91 2992-254138 , [email protected] . Check-in: 24 hours , check-out: 10AM . It's on the fort with one of the best views in town. They have rooms varying from ₹300 to ₹800, depending on the room and view. They have a free taxi pickup if you contact them in advance by phone or email with your scheduled arrival time. They have free Wi-Fi for the hotel as well as their attached Lakeview Lounge Restaurant (see restaurant section). ₹300-800 .  
• Moonlight Khuri Resort , 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides.
• Shanti Residency , S-5, Transport Nagar , ☏ +91 9414149138 . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . It's at a very approachable area on the State High Way No.11. consists of 24 well equipped and well furnished rooms. The facilities include a multi-cuisine restaurant and a banquet hall with capacity of 70-90. ₹1,250 .  
• Thar Vilas .  
• Titanic Hotel , Shiv Marg ( near Fort ), ☏ +91 9414760047 , [email protected] . Comfy, relaxed place, very entertaining owner will pick you up from train station if you call in advance. Roof-top restaurant/lounge with good Indian and authentic Korean food. Nice old building with fort view. ₹100 per person per night (as of April 2010) .  

Outside the city [ edit ]

• Mirvana Nature Resort ( Sodakore, 1 hr from Jaisalmer along the road to Jodhpur ), ☏ +91 9414440799 . A desert resort tented camp attached to a desert farm with nice swimming pool. Meals are served under the stars with Rajasthani folk music, dance and camp fire.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Jaisalmer is a very safe city and security is high compared to other cities in Rajasthan. Though it is very close to the Pakistan border, visitors are not allowed to wander around the border areas.

Unlike other cities, Jaisalmer has narrow lanes which are always crowded with hawkers and shoppers. Most of the times, people on motorcycles or scooters drive in an erratic way. So be careful while walking on such lanes.

If your gut flora is not suited to Indian conditions, limit what you eat from street hawkers or vendors and don't eat dairy products in particular, which are often the chief cause of digestive troubles.

Go next [ edit ]

• Barmer - Around 153 km away from Jaisalmer, Barmer is popular place for fortresses along with delicate woodcarving, block printing, carpets and embroideries. Some other attractions of Barmer include a few historic and aesthetically pleasing temples.
• Khuri - It is a place from where you can get cheaper camel rides and easy access to sand dunes. The bus leaves from a 'bus station' 100m east of the entrance to the lake, on road 15, just after it splits from Gadisar Road. You'll be surprised to know you're in the right place if there is a small shrine at the base of a sloping tree. Buses leave from that side of the road on a rough schedule, so you'll have to take proper advice. The ticket sellers on this route are particularly fond of overcharging, so make sure you don't overpay. They charge ₹35 for a one-way journey.
• Luderwa - It lies around 16 km to the northwest of Jaisalmer. Luderwa was the ancient capital of Jaisalmer and this now deserted town is famous for artificial divine tree and Jain temple.

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A Complete guide to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Having been to the pink city Jaipur   and city of lakes Udaipur last year, we still felt like returning back to Rajasthan. Because there was much more to explore including the blue city Jodhpur and the golden city Jaisalmer . The city of Jaisalmer totally won our heart when we visited here in 2018 . No wonder it is so popular amongst visitors. And that is why we decided to write a complete guide to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, answering all the possible questions that you might have in case you are planning to head here.

Table of Contents

About the city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer is a small desert town of Rajasthan. It is located on the westernmost part of Rajasthan. Almost 120km from the city comes the border of India and Pakistan. Some 50km from the city are the beautiful sand dunes of the Thar Desert . Also, it is one of the few towns of India where there is a small population of around eighty thousand at the time of this writing. Moreover, almost half the people migrate to other towns and cities in search of work when the tourist season gets over. And businesses start shutting down for summer. The lifestyle is equally laid back and slow. The town of Jaisalmer is characterized by beautiful small houses. They are made of bricks and stones in the same color as the sand. And they shine like gold in the sun. So, it is fondly called “The Golden City”.

How to reach Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

As per our complete guide to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, this city is well connected with most of the other major cities of India as well as other towns and cities of Rajasthan. And that is via rail as well as road network. Best is to take a train from Jaipur or Delhi. But the train ticket booking window opens 4 months in advance in India at the time of this writing. And the seats get booked in the initial one to two days itself. The second best option is to book a sleeper bus ticket. When traveling from Jodhpur or Bikaner, you can also book a taxi or cab. The road journey is short and scenic. While rail connectivity is also there with these towns, the trains often get late by couple of hours, extending the journey duration. Also, there is an airport in Jaisalmer. Actually, it got operational not long back. However, it is catering to very little number of flights. One can also take this guided tour of Jaisalmer from Jodhpur if they wish.

When to visit Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer witnesses the extreme desert climate. Which means mornings and nights are cold while the days are hot. During the winter months of November till February, the days are bearably hot while the evenings get pleasantly cold. Temperature drops during the night and can sometimes even drop below freezing point. This is the best time to visit Jaisalmer. Although the tourist rush is high during this time. Yet, pertaining to the climate, choose this season for your trip. It rains very scantly in this area and only in the monsoon season.

Come March and slowly the businesses start shutting down for the low season. Tourist footfall decrease drastically. Shops, hotels, tour operations that mostly thrive based on the tourist shut down in summers. Activities and tour choices are also not available during the peak summer months.

What to see in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

The city of Jaisalmer itself is nothing less than a heritage. The houses are built of bricks and stones in the same color as the sand. The golden houses over golden sand, shining in the bright daylight give the whole city a golden glow. The fort of Jaisalmer is one of the major attractions for tourists. One can as well stay in one of the hotels inside the fort itself. The fort has a king’s palace and a queen’s palace which are open for public. The fort also has 3 beautiful Jain temples and several other temples. Next, at walking distance from the fort lies Gadisar lake, which is a manmade water storage tank used in ancient times by the people of the city as a major source of water. You can do boating in the lake. And walk to some of the beautiful Havelis of Jaisalmer.

Next, there are several beautiful places around Jaisalmer to visit like Bada Bagh and Vyas Chatri which are cenotaphs of the rulers displaying amazing architecture, the Amar Sagar Jain Temple which is a beautiful Jain Temple constructed in a nicely maintained premise. Also, you can visit the Khaba Fort, an ancient fort which is now almost in ruins. As well as don’t forget to visit  the haunted village of Kuldhara , abandoned and in ruins, where staying at night is not allowed. One can also visit the Indo-Pak border which is around 120km from the main city of Jaisalmer and the Tanot Mata Temple near it.

Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Desert activities.

One can stay overnight in one of the several desert camps located in the middle of the desert some 50km from the main city center. This is indeed a unique experience. Most of the desert camps provide packages that include evening snacks, cultural shows organized towards the late evening, bonfire, buffet dinner, stay in a camp with attached bath, morning breakfast, safari to the sand dunes either in the morning or the evening before and a lot more. Dune safaris and camel safari tours in the desert are also frequently arranged by various service providers from the town of Jaisalmer and one can do that over a day trip. One can also do parasailing in the desert.

Cultural and Food experience inside city

While in the main city of Jaisalmer, don’t forget to dine in one of the roof top restaurants inside the Jaisalmer fort. The views of the fort, as well as those of the city from the fort at night are just amazing. And the restaurants just set the right mood by amazing lighting, traditional seating, authentic food and some folk music and songs. Also, you need to indulge in the real gastronomical experience when in Jaisalmer. There is so much to try. Right from the street food to the authentic recipes like dal-bati-choorma, gate ki sabji, papad ki sabji and at some places even roti ki sabji!! Some restaurants and guest houses also offer cooking classes. So, while you are there and interested, just walk in and enroll yourself. And take some lessons on the local cooking styles.

Shopping in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Next, if you are into shopping, you can shop in Jaisalmer till you drop. The major items to shop for are camel leather bags and footwear, particularly the traditional Mojris, hand block print fabrics, Katha work bed linen and quilts, oxidized silver and silver jewelry, colorful bags, fine wool shawls. And the list goes on. The prices are mostly reasonable even in the main tourist areas. Last but not the least, don’t forget to try some “heena” art on your hands. You will find heena artists both inside the fort in the main tourist area as well as on the streets of Jaisalmer.

Where to stay in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Luxury hotels.

Some luxury brands like Marriott and Suryagarh which are located on the highway that leads to the deserts, near to the town but at convenient distance from other places like Kuldhara, Khaba fort, Jain Temple and the sand dunes that one will mostly like to visit from Jaisalmer. Inside the fort area itself, there are many economy hotels and guest houses.

Jaisalmer Fort

I would personally suggest you stay inside the fort at least for a night. There are certain advantages to it. One being the “unofficial” magic hours that you can access early in the morning just like Disneyland Paris . Which means, you can explore the fort as early as 8:00am in the morning while the real crowd from outside the fort starts pouring in by 10:00am. And there after it becomes really crowded. But to your advantage, your exploration will be almost complete by the time the crowd sets in.

Similarly, if you want to explore the shops inside the fort, then you can do so after 5:00pm in the evening when the tourists leave and the fort area becomes vacant. Another reason I strongly recommend staying in the fort area is the beautiful views of sunset, and the city of Jaisalmer in the night that you get from the fort area. As well as the early morning sunrise views from one of the rooftop cafes. We stayed at Hotel Raj Mandir in Jaisalmer and totally enjoyed our stay here.

Desert Camps

Another stay option that we highly recommend is in a desert camp in the Thar Desert, just 50km off the main town of Jaisalmer, at least for a night. The experience that you get there is that of a lifetime and you will highly cherish it. It is both enthralling and exciting to live in the middle of nowhere in the middle of a desert. And it is equally overwhelming to see how the camps make sure their guests get all the facilities that they would require in the middle of the desert.

Where to eat in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Rajasthan has a lot of traditional cuisines spanning from starters to main course to desserts to street food. And every city, every region of the state has its own specialization. But what really amazed me about Jaisalmer is that almost all the food outlets big and small, seem to specialize in multi-cuisine. Almost everywhere you will find the traditional food of Rajasthan, the “thalis” (unlimited platters at a fixed price) loaded with local dishes.

And along with that you will find food from rest of India like Lassii, sarso ki roti, makke da saag from Pujab, South Indian delicacies like dosa, idli, sambhar etc. And add to that Chinese, Italian, continental and other cuisines. I really didn’t expect such skillset in such a small town. And was humbled to see how the locals have developed skills to satisfy all the tourists. So, basically the place is a paradise for those who want to try the local authentic dishes. And, for those who want a taste from their own home from across the world, well, it is still a heaven :).

Our tryst with food in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

We stayed in the fort of Jaisalmer. And we enjoyed all kind of cuisines in the restaurants, cafes and street side shops that we visited. We had our dinner and lunch at Hotel Surya right besides Hotel Raj Mandir where we stayed. And a couple of time at Jaisal Italia, a fine dine restaurant near the entrance to the fort. Also, another one named “Quila corner” right in front of the main gate of the fort. We also had some sweets and chats from a sweet shop right across the street in front of the main gate of the fort. And then we had “jahl-murhi” and “Chana jor garam” from a road side stall. Along with food, we had a lot of liquid all the time due to the dry and hot weather. Lassi (a drink preparation from curd) was a delight where ever we went. And so was lemon juice. There is a fine dine restaurant 1 st Gate Home Fusion near the parking area outside the fort. Although we didn’t get a chance to eat here, there are really good reviews of the place on internet.

So, now that you have all the information required to plan a trip to Jaisalmer, go ahead and start planning your own trip. We will be waiting to hear about your experience in the Golden City.

PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.

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One of the nicest places to stay is in Jaisalmer, which as a number of the best hotels. Additionally, Sam Sand dunes offers a wide variety of activities.

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A Complete Jaisalmer Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

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Planning your first trip to Jaisalmer? Here’s the lowdown: the easiest ways to get there, the best season for your visit, and the top spots for local flavors. We’ll also cover unique stays and the sights that will fill your camera and your heart. This travel guide to Jaisalmer is designed in a way to help you navigate the city like a pro!

Jaisalmer: First Impressions

From the fort that touches the sky to the dunes that stretch to eternity, Jaisalmer is a city that shines bright like gold, thanks to its shining yellow sandstone buildings that light up in the sun earned it the moniker Golden City !

After numerous visits and delving into its many facets, Jaisalmer has become a place I know well. Each journey here peels back another layer, revealing more of its golden charm and desert secrets.

What I love about the city is its intimate feel and uncanny ability to still surprise me, despite my familiarity. There’s always a new alley to wander, a fresh perspective on the fort, or an undiscovered story waiting around the sandstone corners.

But it’s not all charming—It’s got its share of grit and dust and has a rugged feel which might shock you if you’re used to the cleaner cities. I know all the cities in India have their moments of pollution, dirt, and crowds, but in Jaisalmer, it’s more pronounced, maybe because it’s quite compact when compared to the other Indian cities.

The roads can be messy, with trash and cow dung, and you’ll often walk right alongside cows. The place has a seasonal heartbeat—thriving in the cooler winter months when tourists come by the numbers. But when the summer rolls in with its scorching heat and desert winds, the city really lives up to the ‘desert’ in ‘deserted.’

I chatted with a local who shared that most folks here actually pack up and set off to other towns and cities in search of work when the tourist season winds down. The bustling bazaars and shops that once thrived under the winter sun start to shutter as the summer season takes hold, bringing with it a quiet that settles over the city.

Jaisalmer empties out for so much of the year. This transient lifestyle might explain why the city seems a little less cared for.

But that’s Jaisalmer for you—it’s got its own unique way of life that you won’t find anywhere else.

Jaisalmer Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Planning a Trip to Jaisalmer

Where is jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer is a little town way up in the northwest part of India , pretty close to the Pakistan border. It’s tucked away in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan , an Indian state known for its royal history and colorful culture . It’s quite a journey from the big cities, almost on the edge of the country.

How Many Days in Jaisalmer

For an inclusive experience in Jaisalmer, I’d recommend spending at least 3 days and ideally, 4 days to strike the right balance between exploring and relaxing.

You should have a day to explore the city’s highlights, another day to experience the Thar Desert, and a day to venture to nearby attractions like Kuldhara and Lodurva.

Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located right in the heart of the Thar Desert so you can imagine how harsh summer will be in the desert city.

Having said that, the winter months of October to February make for the best time and the only time to visit Jaisalmer, as the city often shuts down outside these months.

You can enjoy the most prominent and vibrant cultural event of Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival if you plan around February.

🐪 Ideas For Your India Bucket List

How to Get to Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located in the far western deserts of India close to the Pakistan border and thus, it’s a bit tricky to get here.

Jaisalmer is well-connected by road and rail to major cities across India and also has air links with select cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur . Indigo is the major airline that operate flights to and from Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer Airport, serving the city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India, is a domestic airport situated about 13 kilometers away from the city center. This airport functions as a civil enclave within an Indian Air Force base.

Direct trains are available from Delhi (Shalimar Express, Corbet Prk Link, Dli Jsm Express, and Ranikhet Express) Mumbai (Bandra Terminus–Jaisalmer Superfast Express), Ahmedabad (Bandra Terminus–Jaisalmer Superfast Express), Jodhpur (Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express), and Jaipur (Dli Jsm Express).

Check IRCTC for train routes, timetables, ticket prices, and availability.

Jaisalmer is reachable by bus from quite a few cities across. Redbus remains the best platform to check bus routes, timetables, ticket prices, and availability.

If you want to drive your own car or rental car or hire a taxi to travel by road from Delhi to Jaisalmer, you’d need to break your journey in Jaipur or Ajmer to save yourself from exhaustion.

🐪 You Must Read 2 Weeks in Rajasthan Itinerary

How to Get Around Jaisalmer

Hiring an auto rickshaw is the best way to explore the city and its attractions. It’s readily available. Make sure to negotiate a fare beforehand.

For a visit to the sand dunes, it’s best to hire a taxi or a car with a driver for a day or two.

For travelers who want to make the most of their time in Jaisalmer without bothering about transportation options, guided tours are the way to go.  Get Your Guide  and  Viator  offer some amazing private and group tours .

Where to Stay in Jaisalmer

There are a ton of amazing accommodation options in Jaisalmer for all budgets. If you are looking for a budget hotel then The Gulal , Killa Bhawan , Hamari Haveli , Sonaar Haveli , Rang Mahal , Hotel Jasmin Home , Mud Mirror Guesthouse , and Sairafort Sarovar Portico are the perfect options.

For travelers who are looking for a mid-range hotel, we suggest Hotel Rawal Kot , Gorbandh Palace , Chokhi Dhani The Palace Hotel , and WelcomHeritage Mandir Palace .

And for those who want to taste the Rajasthani royalty, Suryagarh Jaisalmer , Hotel Jaisalkot , and Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa are great.

Staying in a camp or tent right in the middle of the  Thar Desert is a requisite. It’s a not-to-be-missed experience in Jaisalmer.

The best desert camps in Jaisalmer are SUJÁN The Serai , Rajwada Desert Camp , Winds Desert Camp , Le Royal Camps , Rajputana Desert Camp , Damodra Desert Camp , Pal Rajah Desert Camp , and The Mama’s Resort & Camp .

If you’re taking a kid-free vacation, opt for a stay that promises relaxation and romance like Hotel Lal Garh Fort And Palace , perfect for some uninterrupted couple time.

🐪 Know How to Plan a Trip to Jodhpur and How to Spend 2 Days in Jodhpur

What and Where to Eat in Jaisalmer

Mostly vegetarian, the cuisine in Jaisalmer is largely influenced by locally sourced ingredients.

Though other cuisines like Italian and English are extensively available in the city, it’s wise to enjoy the traditional desert food here.

Because you won’t get it anywhere.

Here’s a list of the best foods to try and where to try them in Jaisalmer !

Ker Sangri , Gatte ki Sabji , and Dal Bati Churma at Desert Boy’s Dhani

Haldi ki Sabji (Turmeric Yogurt Curry) at Riddhi Siddhi Restaurant

Makhania Lassi at Kanchan Shree Ice Cream

Masala Chai and Kadhai Wala Doodh at Prabhu Tea Stall

Pyaaz ki Kachori , Ghotua Laddoo , Panchdhari Ladoo , and Mirchi Bhajiya at Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia Sweets

Mutton Saag at The Trio

Dal Pakwan at Shri Hinglaj Dal Pakwaan Center (they tasted instant success after being invited to prepare dal pakwan at Sonam Kapoor’s wedding)

Bhang Lassi at Bhang Shop

If you need a break from Rajasthani cuisine, you can head to Jaisal Italy for Italian cuisine (pasta, pizza, and bruschetta) and Gaji’s Restaurant for Korean food.

Other amazing restaurants and cafes worth trying are:

Jaisalmer Kitchen (when staying in Sam) Killa Corner Milan Restaurant Kuku Coffee Shop The Traveler’s Cup Premium Coffee Shop German Bakery and Coffee Shop Angaara Restaurant and Barbeque Cafe+ Cafe Cavalli Jaisal Treat Halo Jaisalmer The Wanderlust Cafe & Restaurant KB Café

🐪 Read Our Bikaner Food Guide

What and Where to Shop in Jaisalmer

Local handicrafts at Manak Chowk

Traditional outfits and colorful puppets at Pansari Market (aka Villager’s Market)

Gold, silver, semi-precious, and precious stone jewelr y at Sonaron ka Bas

Embroidered (mirror work) cotton and silk fabrics at Bhatia Bazaar

Camel leather bags & footwear at Sadar Bazaar

Khadi products at Khadi Gramodyog Emporium (Seema Gram)

Habur Fossil Stone Products at stalls near Patwon ki Haveli

🐪 Know How to Plan a Trip to Udaipur and How to Spend 4 Days in Udaipur

What to See and Do in Jaisalmer

Let’s talk about what you can see and do in Jaisalmer beyond Thar Desert!

The main attraction is the massive fort that towers over the city. It’s not just a historical monument; it’s a living breathing part of the city. People actually live inside the fort, adding a unique layer of life and culture to this ancient structure.

A reality of the Jaisalmer Fort being a living fort is that it’s not as clean as it might be if it were uninhabited. The daily life within its walls does leave its mark, contributing to a less polished appearance compared to other forts that aren’t residential.

Despite this, inside the fort, you’ll be charmed by the ancient palaces, exquisite Jain temples, and towering structures. Roaming its vibrant alleys, you’re sure to stumble upon lively markets overflowing with all sorts of local and colorful finds.

Next, explore the havelis , grand mansions that once housed the city’s elite. Notable ones include Salim Singh ki Haveli , Nathmal ki Haveli , and Patwon ki Haveli , each with unique architecture and tales.

And don’t forget to swing by the Gadisar Lake – it’s pretty peaceful there, wonderful at sunset.

At the Jaisalmer War Museum , you can dive into India’s rich military history and honor the sacrifices of Indian Army heroes. The Thar Heritage Museum gives you a closer look at the times of Jaisalmer, celebrating Rajasthan’s rich culture, heritage, and architectural splendor.

Now, if you’re up for a little adventure outside the city, there’s Lodurva , which is famous for its Jain temples. Kuldhara is another must-visit; it’s an abandoned village with a mysterious past.

Coming to the main reason why you are here, the Thar Desert calls for an unforgettable experience. Camel rides, stunning sunsets, and even overnight stays under the stars await.

If you’re interested in temples, there’s the Ghantyali Mata Temple and the Tanot Mata Temple , which have some fascinating historical stories behind them.

And if you want to see something really different, you can visit the Indo-Pak border and Longewala , a site famous for the Battle of Longewala during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. You can see the actual battleground and the remains of military vehicles here. It’s a bit of a drive, but it’s something you don’t see every day.

Remember, these places are not really tourist spots; they’re parts of living history and international relations that give you a chance to witness first-hand the complexities and nuances of this region, making for a profound and educational experience. Always carry your identification and necessary travel documents, and respect local guidelines and cultural sensitivities.

And don’t miss Bada Bagh , a site of majestic royal cenotaphs. It’s particularly magical during sunset.

That’s it for our first-timer’s guide to Jaisalmer! We hope this guide helps you make the most of your trip to this amazing city. Happy travels, and enjoy every moment of your time in Jaisalmer!

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Are you heading to western Rajasthan? Well, let’s talk about the best places to visit in Jaisalmer and what you need to know before you visit. Jaisalmer will feature on many travellers’ bucket lists and for an excellent reason.

Jaisalmer is a whimsical little town that shimmers in the desert sunshine. The town centre is a maze of winding lanes and marketplaces crowned by a magnificent fort. The golden city of India is sure to impress even the most hardened of travellers.

What is this blog about?

The main content I want to cover here is the best places to visit. I also want to look at ways to help you get the most out of your time and money.

If Jaisalmer is on your route, it is a good idea to read this to the end, as I have been to Jaisalmer multiple times. That means I have seen the town in-depth. I think it’s reasonable to assume that I have some piece of information that would be useful to you, so do read on.

The best places to visit in Jaisalmer

Let us start with what it says on the tin. We will now talk about the best things to do in Jaisalmer and in the surrounding area.

Jaisalmer Fort

Of all the attractions in Jaisalmer, the massive and imposing fort is at the top of the list. If you plan to visit Jaisalmer, it is almost certain you will be coming here. I mean, it stands out a bit.  Why is Jaisalmer Fort famous?

Jaisalmer Fort is the second largest in Rajasthan. It was built by Rajput Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD. The city stands at the intersection between essential trade routes. The fort is composed of yellow sandstone and that makes that bold golden hue. Hence its name, the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort.

It will take the best part of the day just to see the many Jain temples, Havelis, battlements and of course, the crowning palace. The architecture and views inside the fort will keep you busy for hours on end.

Do people still live in Jaisalmer Fort?

Jaisalmer fort was considered one of India’s most important fortresses. A whole society formed that is totally unique. In all fairness not much has changed. It is still inhabited by approximately 5000 residents whose descendants primarily came from the Brahmins and Rajputs who once grew up there.  Patwaon-Ki-Haveli

Patwaon Ki Haveli is well justified as being one of the most beautiful Havelis in Jaisalmer. The Havali is located actually inside the walls of the fortified structure. The architecture of this palace is the crowning glory of the whole city. In fact, I would go as far as to say it is one of the most magnificent buildings in India.

I consider this Haveli to be a separate attraction from the rest of the fort despite being part of it. Entrance into the fort is free, but this palace costs money to enter and is essentially a massive museum.

The building is large and imposing. On the other hand, the Ki haveli is intricately carved and elegant. The entire building was built to impress, and it still does centuries later.

Entrance fees to Patwaon Ki Haveli

The jain temples inside jaisalmer fort.

Jaisalmer has been enriched by its Jain community, which has adorned the city with seven beautiful temples situated within the fort. These Jain temples were built during the 12th and 15th centuries. Respecting local customs when inside a Jain temple

Remember, when visiting any Jain temple, you are not allowed to wear any leather products. Also please cover up to respect local customs. Menstruating women are also not allowed inside any Jain temple, although I have no idea how that could ever be checked.

Entrance fees for the Jain temples

• Visiting Time : Early morning to noon

Gadisar lake

Gadisar lake was once the lifeblood of Jaisalmer. Well, the truth is, local people still depend heavily upon it in this harsh desert landscape.

It is a short walk from the palace gates and well worth the effort to get there. The views are amazing at sunrise or sunset, despite the massive telegraph tower that creates an eyesore in an otherwise flawless landscape.

History of Gadisar lake

The lake was excavated in 1367 by Rawal Gadsi Singh and obviously built to collect Rainwater. It has been so important to the local people over the centuries that its shores are full of shrines to Amar Sagar.

Due to an increased water demand for agriculture, the lake has increasingly threatened to dry out. Spelling a disaster for the local people. Things to do at the lake in Jaisalmer

Impressive buildings and temples surround the entrance to the lake. I love to walk around the lake as it attracts many birds and there are truly fantastic views.

Many tourists enjoy floating around the lake on pedal-driven swans or taking short camel rides around the lake . While this is not my thing, if it is yours, then knock yourself out.

A solitary temple is located across the lake that is home to a very pushy baba. However, the views from his temple are some of the best in Jaisalmer. It makes for a relaxing location for any traveller, so take your time to take it all in properly. Salim Singh Ki Haveli Jaisalmer

This Haveli is known for its distinctive and eye-catching architecture. It was built by Salim Singh, who wanted to make it as high as the fort but was prohibited by the king. It has 38 balconies with its own distinctive style of Rajput ruler grandeur.

Entrance fee to Salam Singh Ki Haveli

Nathmal ki haveli.

The Nathmal Haveli is a palace! Set right in the heart of the town, it is a pleasure to explore. It is over 500 years old and every inch is carved. The rich heritage of this place is screamingly evident.

The entrance is free, although I swear I had to pay something? The views from the roof of the surrounding town are well worth the effort to get to the top. The building is fascinating and it will take some time to see it all.

The doctor Bhang shop in Jaisalmer

The Bhang shop in Jaisalmer has become an iconic yet highly controversial establishment. Bhang in Hindi means marihuana and it is legal in Rajasthan for meditative purposes. Don’t get me wrong. I would not walk down the street puffing a joint, but it’s perfectly ok from licenced premises.

The shop is located near the main entrance to the fort and right across the road from the police station. You can find all kinds of things on the menu, from magic milkshakes to space cookies. Please note that some travellers have had adverse reactions to this as they can be super strong.

Many tourists buy “safari packages” for going out in the desert. It can be a lot of fun, but please be cautious with this. 😊

Jaisalmer travel infomation

Let us have a quick look at some helpful travel information about Jaisalmer. After all, we all want the best from our travel experience of the remarkable golden city of India. Where should I live in Jaisalmer?

I only have one recommendation as I have only ever stayed in one hotel when I visit. While it is only one, it is a firm recommendation.

Hotel desert is right in the heart of Jaisalmer. The hotel is fantastic and the price of accommodation is very reasonable. The more expensive rooms are well worth the spend as they overlook the fort battlements and I think any traveller would find it romantic. The view in the night from the beautiful restaurant terrace is one to savour.

Ajit (the owner) is very knowledgeable and hospitable. I have taken many camel safaris with him and I have never been disappointed. He can arrange local sightseeing tours or a sunset safari on the dunes.

For the more adventurous of you, he is an expert at organising multiday camel safaris. These will take you deep into the desert, where you can visit one incredible village after another. Your adventure into the desert is organised every step of the way. From camping on the dunes to food and water. If you take your tour with him, you are likely to be able to get far off the tourist track.

An ethical consideration

Hotel desert is located inside the fort and many people oppose staying inside its walls. The building is a UNESCO world heritage site, yet many families live inside. The general wear and tear of living inside a living museum has its costs.

There has been extensive water damage. The structural integrity of the fort has been compromised, so many people advise against staying inside when you visit to prevent further damage.

However, I see the other side to the story—the people who live inside need to make a living and their families have lived inside its walls for centuries. I would go as far as to say the local people are part of the history of Jaisalmer fort.

Should it be left as a museum and all those families relocate? For me, I want to support the people who have had their homes invaded by the scores of tourists daily, but it’s a personal choice.

Places to eat in Jaisalmer

Finding good food in Jaisalmer is not easy. I have not found a restaurant I want to recommend as everywhere sells the same tourist food and I am not a fan. Don’t get me wrong, tourist food has its place, but I love to sample the local cuisine if I can, but it seems almost impossible to find.

The primary industry of Jalsamier is definitely tourism. People flock here from around the world for sightseeing, so every restaurant is geared towards tourist food. Pizza and pasta are available everywhere. Even the curries are not very nice. What is more, the price of dinner in Jaisalmer seems more than elsewhere in Rajasthan.

However, we have not come to this part of Rajasthan for dinner. A traveller visits here for the history, landscapes and culture of this unique part of India.

It is so hard to experience the culinary heritage of the golden city. I am sorry I can not be of more help. I don’t want to recommend something just for the sake of it.

Of course, you are free to explore your chances to find a good dinner and I wish you luck! If you do find a decent restaurant for a proper dinner and at a reasonable price, please let me know about your experience, as I am returning Jaisalmer myself soon enough.

Desert Festival in Jaisalmer

The famous annual desert festival in Jaisalmer is one of the most photogenic in India. Yet as far as I can tell, it was set up by the Jaisalmer tourist board? The festival takes place three days before the full moon on the Hindu month of Magh (February.)

The last one was held from the 14th to the 16th of February 2022. The date of the next one is yet to be confirmed, although it’s not hard to work out.

It is a day of intense culture and colour. The desert festival is celebrated in both the city of Jaisalmer and the beautiful sam sand dunes.

It is a photographer’s dream with all of this against the golden backdrop of the dunes. The camel races are exciting, and the people’s roar in support of their favourite camel is intoxicating.

It is a fantastic chance to experience the local culture and I wholeheartedly recommend timing the date of your trip with the desert festival if you can.

Places of interest near Jaisalmer India

As well as the town itself, there is a lot to grab your attention outside of Jaisalmer. It is much easier to organise private transport as the public options are ahem…… unreliable. Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh, or the grand garden, is located about 7 kilometres from the town. A dam was constructed near Jaisalmer that created the Amar Sagar.

The lake made the surrounding area green and the people built Bada Bagh to celebrate its importance. The fantastic garden of Bada Bagh stands out along its banks. Initially constructed in the 18th century, it was added to in the centuries since.

The Amar Sagar has provided a valuable water source to the local people throughout centuries. The Bada Bagh may be a little outside of town, but it is well worth the effort to get there. The Bada bagh will always be the underdog of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer just because of its location.

Jaisalmer desert national park

Deep in the sands of the Thar, you will find Jaisalmer desert national park which is oddly abundant in wildlife. People who visit the desert may well be expecting sand dunes that stretch off into the sunset.

If this is the case, you will probably be disappointed as there are few sand dunes. The Thar desert is mostly arid scrubland. Hence there is so much wildlife. The national park is fringed by one fascinating village after another.

There is also an eerie abandoned village for you to explore. Ask the person organising your desert camp for details. The culture in this part of Jaisalmer is quite unlike any other in India as it merges with that of Pakistan.

You will not be able to take a camel safari actually inside the jaisalmier desert national park as it is restricted. Still, you can circle around its parameters and you are likely to see the wildlife anyway. Please keep your eyes peeled for the long-eared foxes of Jaisalmer desert national park, as they are super cute!

Sam sand dunes

Sam sand dunes are an area of outstanding beauty. A road leads almost all the way, so it is unsurprisingly popular with day-trippers who just want to see the sunset on a camel safari. While sam sand dunes are beautiful, they are by far the busiest. Camel safaris

The best way to see the desert is on the back of a camel. Catching a ride on the back of one of these sleepy-eyed beasts is an adventure you will not forget. You will witness incredible sunsets and sleep under the crystal clear skies on the sand dunes. The camel drivers will always find a patch of dunes to camp on as the wildlife tends to be reluctant to go on the bare sand.

To see anything that would feel authentic would mean you are taking a multiday desert safari deep into the countryside. You will have to arrange your desert safari from either Jaisalmer or Khuri.

Booking your desert safari

Your Camel safari will be all-inclusive as you don’t have many options to take your business elsewhere anyway. Shop around for the best deals as prices vary and so does the quality.

I have done many safaris and always gone with the same person. See my recommendation for your hotel for details.  

Khuri is an alternative base to Jaisalmer. It is a small village that was once lost in the Thar desert. Today it is a bustling little village full of homestays, hotels and camping. It is easy to arrange accommodation or food here.

However, your stay can feel like one hard sales pitch and the experience can feel a little tacky. There is also a sizable litter problem if that bothers you.

Its proximity to the Sam sand dunes and a direct road to Jaisalmer make it popular. Some buses infrequently ply this route, making Khuri accessible to independent travellers.

How many days in Jaisalmer are enough?

As you can see there is a lot to explore in Jaisalmer. You can probably guess that a couple of days is not enough to see very much in-depth.

Budget five to seven days to see the fort, town, surrounding lake and take a multiday desert safari. It is better not to rush things as you will probably never go to Jaisalmer again and there is so much to experience.

How can I spend 2 days in Jaisalmer?

Many travellers will not have much time to dedicate to any one destination, so you will be forced to make a rush trip. If this is all you have, then get ready for no sleep.

Check out the fort, Jain temples, Havelis and grab a sunset tour on the Sam sand dunes. It is not ideal, but what can you do? Sam sand dunes are still magnificent and you can do a lot worse than make a desert safari there.

Getting to Jaisalmer-Rajasthan by train

Jaisalmier is well connected to New Delhi by direct train. These trains all stop at Jaipur and Jodhpur. Getting the train is both fast and convenient as you can come from the big city to the sand dunes of the Thar desert overnight.

However, Jaisalmier is at the end of the line and getting away by train leaves you with just a few options. Getting to Jaisalmer by train is still the most comfortable way to do it.

Jaisalmer Train station Scam warning

As you arrive in Jaisalmer by train , you will be greeted by a wall of touts. Taxi drivers and hotel representatives will all want to sell you a room or desert safari. This can be overwhelming as you have just finished a long train ride and you probably won’t want to think of your camel safari just yet.

You can get around this in two ways. The first way is to book a room online then contact your chosen hotel in Jaisalmer to get them to pick you up.

The second is to ask to be dropped at the main gate of Jaisalmer fort. The gates are right in the heart of town and you will be able to shop around for hotels at your leisure, although it will probably push the cost of your initial fare up as there will be no commission here.

Getting to Jaisalmer-Rajasthan by bus

Jaisalmer is connected by bus to most major cities around Rajasthan by both public and private options. If you do this, I would like to point out that travelling around the desert with AC makes a lot of difference. Public busses do not have this luxury.

However, the government bus station is in the middle of Jaisalmer and you probably will not need a taxi anywhere as you can simply walk to your hotel.

Getting to Jaisalmer-Rajasthan by plane

Jaisalmer is now connected by plane and if you are in a hurry, this can make the world off difference. The costs are not overly high and you can easily book from any one of India’s budget airlines.

Taking this option will undoubtedly leave you more time for your Jaisalmer tour and save you from having to make your way across the Thar desert on public transport.

Further reading

Now I have covered what you need to know about India’s golden city, why not check out some more of the highlight in Rajasthan. Click this link to find out all about tourism in Rajasthan to find out more. Until the next time, happy planning, guys. 😁

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Jaisalmer – Travel Guide to the Thar Desert

• Post author: Aarthy Chinnaiya
• Post published: November 1, 2023
• Post category: Rajasthan
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Rajasthan is diverse and beautiful in countless ways. This post is about the desert city of Jaisalmer, that I loved the most in Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is said to be the Golden City of India mainly because of its captivating yellow sandstone architecture. The city is located closest to the Thar Desert and thus also very close to Pakistan’s border. Apart from the desert, the unique thing about Jaisalmer is its living fort. “Jaisalmer – Travel Guide to the Thar Desert” is a continuation of my blog posts on the Rajasthan series.

Click here to read my blog post on Jodhpur.

Reaching Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is located to the extreme left of Rajasthan and hence very close to the India-Pakistan border. To reach the golden city I boarded a 4-hour train from Jodhpur. There are also direct trains from the capital city of Rajasthan – Jaipur and the capital city of India – Delhi.

Jaisalmer also has an airport and a bus stand. So commuting from any major city to Jaisalmer should be easy. Tip: If you combine Jodhpur-Jaisalmer travel due to its proximity, you can save time and experience diversity.

Commute within Jaisalmer

Being a traveler who likes to explore places, I always prefer to travel on foot when the places to visit are within a radius of 4-5 km from my place of stay. I travelled on foot in Jaisalmer as well excluding our visit to the desert which was few hours away from the main city.

There are auto-rickshaws and taxis available as well for people who need them.

Where to stay

I stayed within the fort in a hotel called Mud Mirror Guest House. It was an experience being able to stay within India’s only living fort which is around 870 years old. There are hostels and multiple hotels within and outside the fort premises. You can choose to stay in one based on your convenience.

Exploring places to visit in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer fort.

Jaisalmer fort, also known as Sonar Qila is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is India’s only living fort and it houses a palace, ancient havelis (homes), shops, temples, restaurants, and hotels. The fort is 250 feet tall with 30 feet long walls. It was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal Singh from Yadu clan who are said to be the descendants of Lord Krishna.

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This fort was attacked thrice in its history in different centuries. It was first attacked by Alaudin Khilji, followed by Amir Ali Afghan and then by Humayun but still stands strong till date. It is said that one fourth of the city’s population still lives within the fort.

Jaisalmer palace

The Maharaja’s palace is located within the Jaisalmer fort premises. It was initially the residence of the royal family which was expanded in different centuries by the rulers of Jaisalmer. The Maharaja’s palace is constructed entirely of sandstone which is unique to Jaisalmer. The sandstone construction gives a beautiful golden vibe to the entire city which also makes Jaisalmer sparkle during sunset.

The palace exhibits beautiful artwork, textiles, paintings, sculptures, intricate carvings, a collection of historical weapons etc. One can spend hours learning about the rich culture and history of the kingdom, culture, festivals and the royal family.

Timing: 9 am – 6 pm Entry ticket: Rs.250 (Indian nationals) and Rs.500 (Foreigners) Note: We also hired a guide to learn about the palace. We were charged Rs.200 for a group of 3.

Jain Temples of Jaisalmer

Jain traders were said to be thriving centuries ago and they built multiple Jain temples in and around Jaisalmer. There are 7 Jain temples to visit within the fort premises itself. It is said that these temples are connected to each other through gates and corridors, but we aren’t allowed to temple hop via those gates.

We visited Chandraprabhu Jain temple and Rishabdev Jain temple during our stay. Note: We were asked to keep our phones, wallets and slippers outside the temples. Since our stay was within the fort and very close to the temples we didn’t mind shuttling between our room and the temples before we started our fort exploration 😉

Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Sagar is an artificial lake built as a water reservoir by the then king, Maharaja Gadsi Singh in the 14 th century after whom it is named. The lake is a 2 km walk from the fort. We visited the lake for its famous sound and light show.

Timing for boating: 8 am – 7 pm Timing for light and sound show: 7 pm

Patwaon ki Haveli

Patwaon ki haveli is one of Rajasthan’s architectural marvels. The beauty of the intricately carved house will make one speechless for few seconds. The haveli comprises of 5 different houses of brocade brothers which was meant for 5 Patwa brothers. Currently 3 out of the 5 houses still have people living in them while the other 2 are open for tourists.

The Archeological survey of India maintains a haveli. There isn’t much to see in it. Entry fee: Rs. 10 (Indian nationals) and Rs.50 (foreigners)

The Kothari’s Patwa Haveli museum is worth looking at. It is a private museum. Entry fee: Rs. 100 (Indian nationals) and Rs. 250 (foreigners) Note: We also hired a guide to learn about the haveli and its history. We were charged Rs.200 for a group of 3.

Nathmal ji ki Haveli

It is a private haveli known for its intricate exterior carvings. We had a look at it from the outside.

Desert National Park

There are 2 major sand dunes in Jaisalmer, 45-50 km from the city. They are Sams and Khuri dunes.

Sams Sand Dunes

Sams Sand Dunes are the most famous and commercialized with luxury tents, camel and jeep safaris, dance and dinner. In Sams the desert vegetation is very less and for a distance of 3-4 km there is nothing but sand which keeps changing due to the wind.

Khuri Sand Dunes

Khuri Sand Dunes is where I visited. It is not commercialized and hence very less people visit. There aren’t as many activities like Sams Sand Dunes but you can still enjoy the camel ride and a beautiful night right under the sky full of stars far from the city.

Overnight stay at Khuri sand dunes cost us 2500 rupees per person which included the drive to the desert, camel ride, refreshments, dinner and breakfast. Stay at Sams is said to be more expensive than what you might be spending at Khuri.

If you want to experience the desert tour at a cheaper cost then it is better you go with tours that don’t operate from the hotel where you stay. Click here to check out the different tour options provided.

Kuldhara is a ghost village which falls in between Jaisalmer city and the Desert National Park. The village was the residence of Paliwal Brahmins from the 13 th century. One night in the early 19 th century everyone in Kuldhara and the 83 nearby villages vanished. It is also said that they had cursed the village such that nobody else can ever spend a night there. The ruins of Kuldhara are now protected by the Archeological Survey of India. The place and the stories behind this ghost village are spooky.

Shopping at Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is famous for its mirror work embroidery, rugs, carpets, shawls, carved wooden items, jewelry, fossil stone, sandstone and camel leather products.

We visited Sadar bazaar for shopping but there are other bazaars like Bhatia bazaar, Pansari bazaar, Sonaron ka bazaar, Manak Chowk and Seema Gram. Tip: I would suggest you buy gifts from cities like Jaisalmer and not Jaipur in Rajasthan. You get almost the same set of items everywhere but in Jaisalmer you will have more bargaining power.

I loved exploring Jaisalmer on foot, interacting with the locals, having local cuisine, shopping exquisite mirror work embroideries, staying in a living fort, and sleeping in an open desert trying to figure out the constellations. The golden city has cast an everlasting spell on me. Rajasthan will transport you into a wonderful world full of grandeur, varieties, and color.

Aarthy Chinnaiya

You might also like.

Jodhpur – Exploring the Blue City of India

Jaipur – Guide to Explore Rajasthan’s Capital

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Travel Guide: Is Jaisalmer Worth Visiting? [2023]

Located in the northwestern corner of India near the Pakistan border, Jaisalmer is a city filled with history and a rich heritage. It used to be the stomping grounds of royalty, and some parts of the city still resemble its previous esteem.

While this is true, Jaisalmer is a bit of a hike from just about anywhere else you would plan to visit in India. Even the closest cities in Rajasthan are between 5-10 hours away by car.

This post is going to lay out all you need to know about planning a Jaisalmer trip, as it can be a pretty tricky place to visit. This is especially true if you are unfamiliar with traveling around India or other buzzing southern Asian countries!

This post is going to lay out all you need to know about planning a Jaisalmer trip, as it can be a pretty tricky place to visit.

Is Jaisalmer Safe to Visit?

Jaisalmer is located in the northwestern corner of India, just a stone’s throw from the border with Pakistan. As India and Pakistan do not share the friendliest of histories, this border has been a bit touchy at times, to put it lightly. When visiting Jaisalmer, the biggest concern is absolutely an escalation at the border, at least from what locals told me during my time there.

We visited Jaisalmer with a toddler and felt relatively comfortable throughout our visit.

Jaisalmer is a big military city in India because of this border. There is a big Indian Army base, and the airport is actually predominantly used as a military airport. While the increased military forces provide a great layer of safety, their presence definitely does make the place feel a bit more dangerous than it probably is.

In my own experience, Jaisalmer is as safe of a place to visit as anywhere else in Rajasthan. Like any Indian city, there is always a risk of pickpocketing and scamming, but there aren’t really any other risks unique to Jaisalmer aside from its proximity to the border.

We visited Jaisalmer with a toddler and felt relatively comfortable throughout our entire visit. As long as you are comfortable walking past pesky vendors and hecklers and you avoid the street food and tap water, you should be fine.

Best Things to Do in Jaisalmer

1. go luxury desert camping.

By far, the best thing to do in Jaisalmer is going camping at a luxury desert camp. These camps are situated between 45 and 75 minutes into the desert outside of Jaisalmer, and they are loaded with unforgettable experiences. From going on a jeep safari or a camel safari to experiencing local folk dance around a campfire at night, the top camps in Desert National Park are absolutely worth visiting.

The camp we stayed at taught us all about folk music, local musical instruments, local cuisines, and ancient desert culture. Our post on desert camping outside of Jaisalmer contains everything you need to know about to plan an amazing experience, including which cultural events and experiences to prioritize during your stay.

While the city is regarded as the main destination, there is no better way to learn about the local culture and the local cuisine of the desert region than being in the desert itself.

2. Explore the Famous Jaisalmer Fort

The 12th century Jaisalmer Fort is easily the most popular tourist destination in all of Jaisalmer. In fact, its color is largely what gives Jaisalmer its reputation as the Golden City of India. The Jaisalmer Fort has been occupied since Medieval times, and it is still occupied by thousands of people today, earning the classification of a living fort.

The fort is unique, as it is like an entire section of the city. While many forts are just historical complexes that you tour, the Jaisalmer Fort is alive and bustling, much like it would have been hundreds of years ago. From the Fort Palace Museum to many rooftop restaurants and one of the prettiest Jain Temples in Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Fort is easily one of the city’s top places to see.

3. Visit the Ruins of Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh is a complex of ruined royal cenotaphs about 20 minutes outside of the city. The cenotaphs are made of local yellow sandstone, and while the complex is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it sure feels like one. Just about any organized Jaisalmer tour will include a stop at Bada Bagh, and you can tour the whole place in under an hour.

4. Catch a Sunrise at Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake is a small lake located just to the east of the city. This is a great place to catch a sunset, and the structures built around the lake are very pretty. There are also several restaurants and small shops here that can be visited if you have some extra time to kill, but there are much better options for both shopping and dining in the city itself. The main reason to visit Gadisar Lake is just to catch a sunset or go for a quick boat ride.

How To Get to Jaisalmer

Driving to jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer is pretty distant from most other places you’ll visit in India, and driving to it can be impractical depending on your circumstances. The nearest major Rajasthani city, Jodhpur, is 5 hours away by car. After that, it’s about 5 more hours to get to the other nearby major cities of Jaipur and Udaipur. From Delhi , Jaisalmer can be reached in about 12 hours by car if you don’t stop.

As we were traveling with a toddler, we didn’t plan on driving the long distances to or from Jaisalmer. We planned to fly from Delhi to Jaisalmer, and then from Jaisalmer to Udaipur. Unfortunately, our flight to Udaipur was canceled and there was no good alternative heading out for several days.

As we were short on time and had reservations in Udaipur, we decided to book a van with Lucky Tours and Travels , which was recommended by the host at our luxury desert camp. The driver picked us up in a large van and drove us safely to Udaipur. The service was exceptional, the vehicle was new and clean, and the driver was very friendly despite having to pick us up at the crack of dawn and drive us 10 hours through the desert.

Lucky Tours and Travels operates all throughout Rajasthan and is a great option if you are looking for a transportation company. I can provide a contact number if you need one!

Flying to Jaisalmer

We flew from New Delhi to Jaisalmer, and it was quite an adventure. Jaisalmer Airport (JSA) is very small, and there are not many flights into or out of it each day. There were only a couple of flights each day between Delhi and Jaisalmer, and our initial flight was delayed 36 hours. Unfortunately there isn’t really another nearby city to fly into and then transit to Jaisalmer, as the next-closest airport is over 5 hours away in Jodhpur.

Once we finally got on the plane, the flight was a smooth hour and a half. There is only one baggage claim, so you can expect to get your checked bags within 10-15 minutes of landing. Don’t plan on eating at the airport, as the airport literally has nothing to offer other than a bathroom and a baggage claim.

The airport sits about 20 minutes outside of the city, and there are often taxi drivers sitting outside waiting. To avoid the need to negotiate, we prearranged a taxi with Rajasthan Royals Holidays . Most taxis in India do not use a meter, and as we don’t speak any Hindi, negotiating can be a tall task.

How To Get Around Jaisalmer

TUK TUK | RIDESHARING | TAXI

Tuk-Tuks in Jaisalmer (Auto Rickshaw)

Getting around India can be very difficult, especially if you are not used to traveling in southern Asia. As we first learned in Chittagong, Bangladesh , the traffic is wild, and the most popular means of transportation within a city is actually by tuk-tuk.

Tuk-tuks are small, three-wheeled motorbikes with an enclosed cab for passengers. They are very popular, as they can weave efficiently through traffic jams and ultimately get you where you want to go faster. They aren’t the most comfortable or safe vehicles around, but they are definitely the best way to get from point A to point B.

As with any taxi in Jaisalmer, you will need to negotiate a rate and pay in cash. You should be able to get just about any ride for 100 rupees ($1.25) or less if you negotiate hard enough.

Ridesharing in Jaisalmer

There is no Uber or Ola in Jaisalmer. To get around, you will need to hire a traditional taxi or a private driver, like the ones mentioned in the next section.

Taxis in Jaisalmer

Other than Tuk-Tuks, cars and taxis are easily the most popular way to get around Jaisalmer. While taxis are everywhere, it is easier to just hire a private driver if you plan on exploring the city. Prices are very affordable, and having a driver available to you at all times can really come in handy.

It can be difficult to find trustworthy drivers when traveling in India, and I feel comfortable recommending Rajasthan Royals Holidays for your transportation within Jaisalmer. While the cars they sent for us had definitely seen better days and the driver didn’t know much English, the prices were good, the service was on time, and the company has an English-speaking Whatsapp number that can be contacted at any time.

As a note, I do not share any affiliation with either Rajasthan Royals Holidays or Lucky Tours and Travel, and I earn no form of compensation for recommending their services. Rajasthan Royals Holidays sent a driver to pick us up at the airport and take us to our luxury camp in the desert, and then later in the week they picked us up at the camp, drove us to a couple of popular tourist sites, and dropped us off at our hotel in the city. Lucky Tours and Travel drove us all the way from Jaisalmer to Udaipur .

How Many Days Should You Visit Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer is a pretty small city, and there really isn’t all that much to see. Jaisalmer city and its top things to do can all be visited in a day or a day and a half. The Golden Fort, Bada Bagh, and Gadi Sagar Lake are all within 30 minutes of each other, and can easily be visited in the same day.

If you plan on visiting one of the luxury desert camps in the Sam sand dunes, or at least going on a desert safari, I recommend visiting for three days. This is enough time to thoroughly experience all the entire city of Jaisalmer, at least at a tourist level.

The Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer

The best season to visit Jaisalmer is absolutely the winter months. The winter season is the busy season in the area, due to the much more comfortable weather. The desert heat of the summer season can be unbearable, and the daytime temperatures between October and March are very pleasant.

Many popular tourist amenities, including many of the best places to stay in the desert, shut down during the summer months, too.

We visited at the end of January, and while the nights were certainly cold, the daytime weather was perfect.

Is Jaisalmer Worth Visiting?

Visiting a desert city offers a lot of unique experiences, and these experiences are the main reason to visit Jaisalmer. If you plan on going glamping in a luxury desert camp outside of Jaisalmer, then spending a day or two in Jaisalmer beforehand or afterward is worth doing.

Desert camping is a really great experience, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. There is nowhere better in India to do it than in the heart of Thar Desert right outside of Jaisalmer!

However, on its own, I would not say that Jaisalmer is worth visiting. As a city, we found it to be excessively dirty and underwhelming. The fort was very nice, but the area surrounding the fort was a real letdown for us.

If you aren’t going to camp in the desert, visiting Jaisalmer on its own isn’t worth the trip.

We initially had budgeted two full days to explore the city of Jaisalmer, and our 36-hour flight delay eliminated one of them. While we were initially upset about that, we were very grateful in hindsight, as an extra day at our nice hotel in Delhi was much more valuable to us than a second day in Jaisalmer.

All in all, I don’t recommend going out of your way to visit Jaisalmer. I only recommend visiting it if you plan on also going desert camping (which I DO highly recommend doing). Without desert camping, Jaisalmer is pretty underwhelming and is not worth the significant hassle it takes to get there in the first place.

That’s all we have for you about Jaisalmer! Hopefully, this Jaisalmer travel guide is helpful as you start planning your journey to the Golden City of India.

Have you been to Jaisalmer? Do you agree with our recommendations? Are you planning a trip and have more questions for us?

Please comment your thoughts and questions!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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10 Must-Visit Places in Jaisalmer

• January 12, 2022

Jaisalmer is aptly called the “Golden City”. The entire city is dotted with golden-hued structures & historical monuments made with locally sourced yellow sandstone. You don’t have to go to any particular area to see it, it’s truly “golden” everywhere. Jaisalmer was established in the 12th century by Rawal Jaisal. The historical region is still drenched in past and you can experience architectural marvels, unique flavors, vibrant culture , and age-old traditions in every corner of the city. The Jaisalmer Fort sits on a three-peaked hill and towers over the entire town.  The unusual sight of a huge fort standing tall in the center of the city is mesmerizing.

The elegant city would give you Arabian Night vibes as the narrow streets are filled with lively crowds, colorful shops, and vivid offerings. Located deep inside the Thar desert, Jaisalmer also provides easy access to breathtaking dunes. From visiting the striking Havelis & gorgeous Jain temples to spending the evening on the mystical sand dunes and exploring the abandoned villages– there are lots of exciting things to do in and around Jaisalmer. The city is small & compact and 3 days are just perfect to cover most of the famed sites. We have listed the 10 must-visit attractions in Jaisalmer to help you chalk out an itinerary for your trip to Jaisalmer.

Must-Visit Places in Jaisalmer:-

1.  jaisalmer fort, jaisalmer.

A visit to Jaisalmer would be incomplete without a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort. Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 AD by Bhati ruler Rawal Jaiswal. The massive yellow crenelated sandstone fort is located on Tirkuta Hill and stands tall displaying the Rajasthan architecture in all its glory. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has four majestic gates and 99 bastions around its imposing facades. Also known as Sonar Qila, the fort had managed to survive multiple attacks from different rulers over the years.

Jaisalmer Fort is fondly called the ‘Living Fort’ as locals live inside as well outside the fort walls – more than 3000 people live within the fort premises. The fort is abuzz with activities and there are several temples, cafes, museums, palaces, and shops inside the fort. Walking through the labyrinthine lanes, visiting the gorgeous Jain temples, dining at the rooftop eateries, and bargaining for the local handicrafts are a few of the things that you can do while visiting the Jaisalmer Fort. The grand fort stands at a height of 250 ft and offers panoramic views of Jaisalmer city owing to its altitude. At night, the fort is all lit up and glowing and a sight to behold. Timing: Any Time Entry Tickets: Free, Time Required: 3-4 hours

2.  GADISAR LAKE, JAISALMER

On the outskirts of Jaisalmer, lies the Gadisar Lake. The artificial lake is fringed by shallow ghats, Hindu shrines, and elegant cenotaphs. Lake Gadisar was built as a conservation reservoir under the rule of Raja Rawal Jaiswal in 1156 AD. It was later rebuilt by Gadsi Singh in 1367 AD. According to the locals, the man-made oasis was once the source of water for the entire parched region. Now the lake gets water from the Indira Gandhi Canal.

The idyllic getaway is one of the top attractions of Jaisalmer to spend a tranquil evening away from the bustling city – Watch a magical sunrise/sunset while boating in the shimmering lake, visit the sacred temples in the compound, and enjoy scenic views of the lake and the adjacent fort. Thirty minutes of boating will cost you less than 2 dollars. During winter, Gadisar Lake is heaven for bird lovers. The place is flocked by different species of migratory and exotic birds due to its proximity to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Timing: 8 am-7 pm Entry Tickets: Free Time Required: 1-2 hour s

3.  BADA BAGH, JAISALMER

Constructed in the 16th century, Bada Bagh has a huge collection of Chhatris (cenotaphs) made in honor of Maharajas of Jaisalmer. The construction of the Bada Bagh and the surrounding park was commissioned by Jait Singh but after his death, it was completed by his son Raja Lunakaran. From the 16th-20th century, more Chhatris were added to the Bada Bagh and it served as a crematorium for the members of the royal family.

The royal domes scattered across the park can be found in a variety of shapes – square, circular, and pyramid-shaped. Bada Bagh has other interesting attractions like a huge dam and a central pillar (Govardhan Stambh). The massive wind turbines lurking in the background add to the charm of the gardens. The picturesque Bada Bag is located around 5 km from the city center. The gardens are in a neglected state, but Bada Bagh is a sought-after location for pre-wedding shoots and Instagram clicks because of the dramatic setting of the honey-combed cenotaphs. Timing: Open all days, 8 am-6 pm Entry Tickets: Rs100 for Foreigners and Rs50 for Indians, Camera Fees: Rs100 Time Required: 1 hour

4.  VYAS CHHATRI, JAISALMER

Another edifice of Rajasthani architecture, Vyas Chhatri is located 4kms away from the city center. It also boasts an array of intricately carved sandstone Chhatris. Built on an old Brahmin graveyard, it is dedicated to Sage Ved Vyasa, author of Mahabharata. His Chhatri is placed on the northern side of the structure. Vyas Chhatri is also known as the city’s sunset point as it offers panoramic views of Jaisalmer city and Sonar Fort. Built on a hill, Vyas Chhatri is an ideal place to visit if you want to watch a scintillating sunset in peace. Timing: Open all days, 8 am-7 pm Entry Tickets: Rs100 for Foreigners and Rs50 for Indians, Camera Fees: Rs100 Time Required: 1 hour

5.  KULDHARA VILLAGE, JAISALMER

Situated 18 km from the city center, Kuldhara Village is popularly known as the Ghost Village of Jaisalmer. It was built in the 13th century and was habituated by the Paliwal Brahmins. However, the Kuldhara village and the neighboring 83 villages were abandoned overnight in the 19th century. The reasons why the whole town was abandoned still remain a mystery. According to folklore, a state minister Salim Singh wanted to marry the chief’s daughter. The villagers did not want to succumb to the minister’s demand and vanished in the dark to escape the dire consequences. It is believed that because of the villager’s curse, there has been no human settlement in the village for centuries. There is nothing much to see in the village but a few ruins of temples, step-wells, and other structures. The mystery surrounding the Kuldhara Village attracts tourists and they visit the village to get a closer look. Timing: Open all days, 8 am-6 pm (recommended) Entry Tickets: Rs10 For Car: Rs50 Time Required: 2-3 hours

6.  JAIN TEMPLES, JAISALMER

There is a group of seven Jain temples in Jaisalmer Fort that deserves a separate entry. The Jain temples, made entirely of yellow sandstone, were built in the 12th century and have great archeological value. The spectacular temples are built in the distinctive style of the Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu. The walls and the domes of the temples are adorned with intricately carved sculptures of human figures and animals. They are dedicated to Parshavnath, Rikhabdevji, Shambhadevji, and a few other Jain Tirthankara (Spiritual Leaders). The seven Jain temples are connected and are considered a very significant pilgrimage spot for the Jains. Visit them to soak the spiritual vibes and admire the exquisite and detailed carvings. Gyan Bhandar Library, located on the campus, possesses some old texts & rare manuscripts that are worth checking.

Timing: 8 am-12 pm Entry Tickets: Free, Foreign Tourists Rs10; Camera: Rs50, Video Camera: Rs100 Time Required: 1-2 hours

7.  PATWON KI HAVELI, JAISALMER

Jaisalmer is known for its stunning Havelis that are scattered all over the region. One of the oldest, largest, and most famous Haveli is the Patwon ki Haveli. It is a magnificent cluster of 5 small Havelis that were built between 1800 and 1860 by Guman Chand Patwa for his five sons. The Havelis has wooden ceilings, airy courtyards, and 60 balconies, each uniquely carved. The gateways, balconies, and arches of the 5 Havelis are decorated with beautiful mirrorwork, murals, and paintings. Each Haveli depicts a specific style making it different from the other Havelis. The interiors are as regal as the exteriors, and you will be impressed by the grandeur and architecture on display. One of the Havelis has been converted into a museum that displays rare artifacts, paintings, furniture, miniatures, stonework, and mirrorwork. The Havelis are located in a narrow lane. There is a compound in front of one of the Haveli that has been taken over by street vendors selling local handicrafts. Timing: 9 am-5 pm Entry Tickets: Indians: Rs20 Foreign Tourists Rs100; Camera: Rs50, Video Camera: Rs100 Time Required: 1 hour

8.  NATHMAL KI HAVELI, JAISALMER

Another popular spot to visit in Jaisalmer is Nathmal ki Haveli, which was built in 1885 by two Muslim brothers. Maharaja Beri Sai commissioned it to serve as the residence of prime minister Diwan Mohata Nathmal, hence the name. The two buildings are very similar but they are not identical. The architecture is a perfect blend of Islamic and Rajputana architecture. The Haveli has a remarkably carved exterior and is guarded by two elephants. The highlight is the beautiful paintings on the first floor that have been made using 1.5 kg of gold leaf. The walls are engraved with horses, cattle, flora, etc., and would give you a glimpse of life in the bygone era. The illustration of cars and fans carved on the walls is mystifying as such luxuries did not exist in that period. Timing: 8 am-7 pm Entry Tickets: No Fees Time Required: 30 minutes

9.  SALIM SINGH KI HAVELI, JAISALMER

Another Haveli that makes it to the list is Salim Singh ki Haveli. It was constructed in 1815 by Salim Singh and is famous because of its Incredible silhouette, unique peacock-shaped roof, and elegantly designed pavilion. The entrance of the Haveli is guarded by pair of sandstone tuskers and looks royal. The front facade of the Haveli resembles a ship’s stern, so it is also referred to as Jahaz Mahal. It has around 38 balconies, each constructed with distinctive carvings and styles. Timing: 8 am-6 pm Entry Tickets: Rs20 Foreign Tourists Rs100; Camera: Rs50 Video Camera: Rs100 Time Required: 1 hour

10.  SAM SAND DUNES, JAISALMER

If you are visiting Jaisalmer, you have to explore the vast expanses of dunes stretching into the horizon. Sam Sand Dunes, located 42km from the city, is the best location to enjoy an authentic Desert safari. The dunes stretch for miles and miles, and you could easily get lost if you are not careful. You have the option to explore the sand dunes on a camel or in a jeep. Sunsets are truly magical as the crimson horizon reflects enchantingly on the golden dunes. If you want to spend the night under the star-lit sky and enjoy a complete desert experience, stay overnight at one of the countless camping sites in the area.

The Desert festival is celebrated in Feb- March . Folk dances, camel races, puppet shows, and other cultural events are organized at that time. If you are visiting the area during those months, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Rajasthan . If you are looking for sand dunes that are not as commercialized as Sam Sand Dunes, you can also opt for Khuri Sand Dunes. They are located around 40 km from the city and offer similar experiences sans the crowds and chaos. Timing: Open All days Entry Tickets: No Entry Fees. Camel Ride: Rs50-Rs200, Jeep Safari: Rs500-Rs1500 Time Required: Depends on the activities

How to spend three days in Jaisalmer?

Most of the attractions are within a short distance of each other, so it is quite easy to explore Jaisalmer in 3 days.

Day 1 – First-day itinerary depends on the time you arrive in Jaisalmer. Whatever may be your arrival time, you should still have time to check in at your hotel and enjoy the sunset at Gadisar Lake. If you reach Jaisalmer in the morning or early afternoon, you can check out some local shops or visit a couple of Havelis. Enjoy dinner on a rooftop to get incredible views of the Jaisalmer Fort.

Day 2 – Start your day with a visit to the Jaisalmer Fort. You can hire a guide who will help you navigate the narrow lanes of the fort so that you can make full use of your limited time. The Havelis are also within a walking distance and you can check them out easily. Leave around 4 pm for Sam Sand Dunes, so that you are in time to catch the eloquent sunset. You have the option to stay overnight in the camp or enjoy the evening programs and come back to Jaisalmer.

Day 3 – Next day’s itinerary will depend on where you spend your night. If you have slept overnight in Sam Sand Dunes, start early and stop at Kuldhara Village. The distance is 40 km. After spending a couple of hours in Kuldhara, leave for Jaisalmer. In case you have spent the night at Jaisalmer, take a round trip to Kuldhara village which is 18kms away from Jaisalmer. You will be back in Jaisalmer by the afternoon. After resting for a while (or maybe some last-minute shopping?), leave for Bada Bagh and Vyas Chatri to catch another gorgeous sunset. You can then catch a night train or leave the next morning by flight or car.

How to Travel in Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer is a small city, so commuting is not an issue. You can easily catch an auto-rickshaw to go from one place to another. They will take anything from Rs50-Rs100. Another option is to rent a two-wheeler which is easily available. One of the best ways to explore Jaisalmer City is by walking. Jaisalmer Fort, the Havelis, local shops, and other attractions are all close by and you can conveniently explore them on foot. This is your chance to stumble upon hidden street shops and buy some local treasures. Meandering in crowded lanes is the best way to absorb the cultural heritage and lifestyle of Jaisalmer. The last option is, of course, taxis/private cars/tours. If you are not comfortable riding a two-wheeler, you will need a four-wheeler to reach Kuldhara Village and Sand Dunes. Ola and Uber are not available in Jaisalmer.

Things to know before you travel:

• The best time to visit Jaisalmer is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Nights can be chilly. April-July is scorching hot and the worst time to visit Jaisalmer. There is hardly any rainfall in the region, so you can plan a vacation in August and September , but there will find limited activity and camping options to choose from.
• 2-4 days are enough to experience Jaisalmer and the neighboring areas.
• There are about 30 hotels inside the Jaisalmer Fort and it is possible to stay within the fort walls.
• Parasailing, quad biking, dune bashing, camel safari, jeep safari, and paramotoring are a few of the activities that you can enjoy in Jaisalmer
• Sadar Bazar, Pansari Bazar, Sonaron Ka Bass, Light of the East, and Manik Chowk are the best places to shop in Jaisalmer
• Silver jewelry, camel-wool shawls, applique-work bedcovers/cushions, fossil stones, carpets, and textiles with mirror work embroidery are some of the things you can buy in Jaisalmer.
• If you have the budget, a stay in Suryagarh is highly recommended.

This Post Has 10 Comments

Comprehensively covered Seema. Fantastic narration is all I can say.

Thank you for checking it.

So nice and wonderful of you in bringing out best of Jaisalmer certainly beautiful….. and we are blessed to have such a wonderful place golden place in our state and our country….. dhanyvad regards. Keep it up. God bless

Like a travel through these places. Excellent 👍 Seema.

Must-Visit definitely

Fine travel write up with brilliant photographs.

Very nice Seema

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4.8 magnitude earthquake rattles NYC, New Jersey: Live updates

NEW YORK – A 4.8 magnitude earthquake recorded in New Jersey that shook residents in surrounding states and New York City on Friday morning was one of the strongest in state history.

The temblor was reported about 5 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, at about 10:23 a.m. Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was about 45 miles from New York City, where residents reported shaking furniture and floors.

“Earthquakes in this region are uncommon but not unexpected. It’s likely people near the epicenter are going to feel aftershocks for this earthquake in the magnitude 2-3 range, and there’s a small chance there can be an earthquake as large or larger, following an earthquake like this,” Paul Earle, a seismologist at the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program told reporters. “In terms of our operations, this is a routine earthquake … Immediately we knew this would be of high interest and important to people who don’t feel earthquakes a lot.”

People reported feeling the shaking as far north as Maine and as far south as Norfolk, Virginia, following the quake, according to USGS. Scientists said those in the affected area should listen to local emergency officials and be prepared to seek cover if aftershocks occur.

“If you feel shaking, drop, cover and hold,” Earle said.

No major disruptions or damage have been reported in New Jersey or New York.

"We have activated our State Emergency Operations Center. Please do not call 911 unless you have an actual emergency," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

President Joe Biden spoke with Murphy about the earthquake and the White House is monitoring the situation.

“He thinks everything's under control,” Biden told reporters before leaving the White House for a trip to Baltimore. “He’s not too concerned about it, the governor of New Jersey, so things are all right.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the quake was felt throughout New York, and officials are assessing impacts and any potential damage.

In Yonkers, New York, Mayor Mike Spano said City Hall shook but no injuries were reported.

"A few moments ago our entire house shook for about 25 seconds or so here in Mendham, New Jersey," former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said.

USGS is still investigating the exact fault line at the center of Friday’s quake and said it occurred in a region with dozens of fault lines that were more active millions of years ago.

4.0 magnitude aftershock strikes hours after earthquake

Officials in New York and New Jersey alerted residents to an aftershock Monday evening, nearly eight hours after the earthquake.

A 4.0 magnitude aftershock slammed New Jersey at around 6 p.m., with an epicenter about four miles southwest of Gladstone, according to the USGS. New York City’s emergency notification system alerted residents to the aftershock minutes later, urging people to remain indoors and call 911 if injured.

Hochul said there were no reports of serious damage after the aftershock, and officials were continuing to assess critical infrastructure.

The aftershock Monday evening was at least the third that USGS recorded after the quake struck.

As of Friday afternoon, the USGS aftershock forecast predicted a 36% chance of aftershocks at a 3.0 magnitude or higher, an 8% chance of aftershocks at a 4.0 magnitude or higher, and a 1% chance for aftershocks at a magnitude of 5.0 or higher over the next week.

USGS scientists said informal observations can be a big help in understanding earthquakes, especially in a region where they’re less common.

“We encourage people to fill out the ‘Did You Feel It?’ reports on our website,” said Sara McBride, a scientist with the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program. “This citizen science project is critical in terms of building our knowledge around earthquakes.”

By midafternoon on Friday, the agency said it had received more than 161,000 reports, and extrapolated that the quake had been felt by millions of people. McBride acknowledged that earthquakes can be nerve-wracking for people who don’t live in seismologically active regions, and said knowledge is power in combatting that discomfort.

“The best thing you can do to relieve any unsettling feelings you might have is to learn how to protect yourself during shaking and how to prepare for earthquakes in the future,” she said.

Man getting vasectomy during earthquake recounts experience

One Horsham, Pennsylvania, man shared his unusual earthquake experience, saying the tremors hit when he was in the middle of receiving a vasectomy.

"The surgeon sort of froze and all of us kind of seemed a bit confused," Justin Allen told USA TODAY . "Even when the surgeon said 'that’s gotta be an earthquake,' I thought he was joking."

Luckily, Allen's doctor was able to resume the procedure after a brief pause, and the rest went off without a hitch. Now recovering at home, Allen said it's an experience no one involved will forget, especially because his social media post about the incident has since gone viral.

"My wife says that 'this is a clear and obvious sign that we should not have any more kids,'" Allen said.

New Jersey resident thought sound from earthquake was an explosion

Madeline Nafus had just finished feeding her 7-week-old baby when, simultaneously, she was thrown off balance and the loudest sound she’d ever heard rang out.

“I thought it was either an explosion or a bombing because of how loud it was,” said Nafus, who lives in Long Valley, New Jersey, a few miles from the earthquake's epicenter. “It was just terrifying.”

Nafus, 29, watched as her light fixtures swung and wine glasses, framed photos and a 6-foot elk head crashed onto the floor. Feeling as if her “house was going to crumble,” she picked up her baby boy, grabbed some blankets and headed outside. Meanwhile, her friend came running downstairs and picked up Nafus’ quivering dog, Olivia, a small golden doodle.

After about 15 seconds, the rumbling went away and only occasional, minor tremors could be felt. Nafus called her husband, who was teaching a golf lesson at the time, and then their 2-year-old’s day care.

“They said the children were all confused and asking a lot of questions but that they were OK,” she said.'

How common are East Coast quakes?

Earthquakes are less frequent in the eastern part of the country than in the west, but they have occurred in every state east of the Mississippi River, according to the USGS.

"Since colonial times people in the New York – Philadelphia – Wilmington urban corridor have felt small earthquakes and suffered damage from infrequent larger ones," according to the USGS. "Moderately damaging earthquakes strike somewhere in the urban corridor roughly twice a century, and smaller earthquakes are felt roughly every two to three years."

USGS officials also said that even smaller-magnitude quakes are more likely to be felt more widely on the East Coast than similar size quakes on the West Coast due to the rock properties of eastern soil, which can cause concern to East Coasters not used to the tremors.

Rocks in the eastern part of the country are much older than in the west, by up to millions of years. Those older rocks have been exposed to more extreme temperatures and pressure, and faults have had more time to heal. Seismic waves travel across the resulting harder and denser faults much more efficiently, so the effects of a quake are felt across a larger area. In the West, faults are newer and absorb more of the seismic wave energy without spreading as far.

Quake felt in Massachusetts

In Auburn, Massachusetts, more than 200 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, Jerry Steinhelper was on a video call for work when his house began to tremble. His dog Maize started barking, and books and trinkets fell from their shelves. He looked out the window and saw trees shaking.

“I thought at first it may be ice falling off the roof. But it kept going and the entire house was shaking,” he told USA TODAY. “Then I just knew it was an earthquake.”

Steinhelper, 55, lived in San Diego in the 1980s and experienced temblors there, but he’s never felt one in Massachusetts, where he’s been for over 25 years.

“It was an interesting 10 to 15 seconds,” he said.

'It felt like a plane crashed outside' near epicenter

Nicole Kravitz, 33, was baking muffins at the cafe she co-owns with her husband in New Jersey when the floor began to shake. She and the cooks looked at each other for a few moments, and then at some stacked plates and glasses that had started vibrating.

Their eatery, Branchburg's Best, is located in New Jersey's Somerset County, near the epicenter of Friday’s earthquake.

“It felt like a plane crashed outside,” she said. “No one knew what was happening.”

Some workers ran out the door to see if something had smashed into the building while she checked the basement for damage. Meanwhile, Patrick Tucker, her husband, who was picking up beef from a nearby farm, watched agitated chickens and cows run around in their pens, visibly shaken by the quake.

Kravitz said the intensity of the earthquake made her feel like she was back in Southern California, where she had lived for several years before she returned to her home state in 2016.

Quake was one of the strongest to ever impact New Jersey

Friday's earthquake was the most significant in New Jersey since 1884 , when an Aug. 10 earthquake somewhere near Jamaica Bay, New York, toppled chimneys and moved houses off their foundations as far as Rahway, New Jersey, 30 miles away.

Other than that quake, there were only  three earthquakes in modern history  that caused damage in the state: 1737 (New York City), 1783 (west of New York City) and 1927 (New Jersey coast near Asbury), according to New Jersey Office of Emergency Management records.

The Dec. 19, 1737 earthquake is believed by modern experts to have been a 5.2 magnitude quake. Charted as taking place in the greater New York City area, some accounts say its epicenter was near Weehawken. State records show it threw down chimneys. Chimneys were also hurled down during the Nov. 29, 1783 quake. Estimated at a 5.3 magnitude that originated in modern-day Rockaway Township, according to state records, it was felt from Pennsylvania to New England.

The Aug. 10, 1884 quake, estimated at a 5.2 magnitude was the last the state has seen of its significance and was felt from Virginia to Maine, according to state records.

  Read more about New Jersey's earthquake history.

– David M. Zimmer, NorthJersey.com

New Jersey business owner describes worst quake ever felt but went right back to work

It was a busy day for La Bella Salon & Spa in Lebanon, New Jersey, when an earthquake struck near the rural township.

About a dozen stylists and customers, some whom were getting their hair dyed while others got manicures and eyelash extensions, all froze as the building rattled for about 30 seconds.

“People started to feel the shaking, and it got worse and worse. We were like ‘Oh, my god, what is going on?’" said shop owner Rosanne Drechsel. “I thought a truck hit the building or something.”

After the tremor subsided, nearly everyone in the building started receiving texts and phone calls from friends and family, Drechsel, 61, said.

Nothing was damaged and no one was injured, but Drechsel, who was born and raised in New Jersey, said it was “by far the worst earthquake” she had ever felt.

“We all went back to work and finished the appointments,” she said. “Customers are calling now to see if we're still open and if they can still make their appointments later on today.”

'It was scary': Quake rattles shelves in Brooklyn bodega

In Brooklyn, residents said they felt their buildings shake and many went outdoors after the rumbling stopped to check in with neighbors.

Julio Melo, a deli worker, said he thought the sounds of the earthquake resembled those of a large truck going down the street. But when Melo, 32, looked around and saw beer bottles rattling on store shelves, and a potted plant shimmy down the counter, he thought it might be something bigger, he told USA TODAY.

“I looked at my employee and he had the same tragic face on as me, it was scary,” he said at Jenesis’ Grocery Corp. in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

– Claire Thornton

Where was the earthquake felt?

Residents and officials said the earthquake was felt throughout New York, as well as in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. It was also felt as far away as Cambridge, Massachusetts, about 250 miles away from the reported epicenter.

Charita Walcott, a 38-year-old resident in the Bronx borough of New York, said the quake felt "like a violent rumble that lasted about 30 seconds or so."

"It was kind of like being in a drum circle, that vibration," she said.

Earthquakes common in the region, but the size is unusual: Expert

Chuck Ver Straeten, a geologist and curator of sedimentary rocks at the New York State Museum, told USA TODAY it’s not surprising this earthquake happened where it did.

“New York, around New York City going into New Jersey, there’s a lot of earthquakes historically down there. Happens every year,” he said. But it’s less common for them to be of such a high magnitude. It’s not surprising that many people felt it, he said. Usually, earthquakes in the region are at a lower magnitude and less likely to be felt.

Ver Straeten said the real question now is if this is just a precursor to a larger quake.

“You never know what is the earthquake, what is a pre-earthquake, what is an earthquake happening after the main earthquake, you just have to see,” he said. “One slip along the rock fault, when one happens, it makes other areas around there more tense also and they start to slip and you slip again and slip again.”

But, he added, it would be unlikely for a larger quake to follow this one. In the Northeast, it’s more common for one large quake to be followed by smaller aftershocks, rather than a mounting series of tremors. 

What does magnitude mean in an earthquake?

Magnitude is a measurement of the strength of an earthquake . Officially it's called the Moment Magnitude Scale . It's a logarithmic scale , meaning each number is ten times as strong as the one before it. So a 5.2 earthquake is moderate while a 6.2 is strong.

The magnitude and effect of an earthquake, according to Michigan Technological University :

◾ Below 2.5: Generally not felt

◾ 2.5 to 5.4: Minor or no damage

◾ 5.5 to 6.0: Slight damage to buildings

◾ 6.1 to 6.9: Serious damage

◾ 8.0 or greater: Massive damage, can totally destroy communities

Intensity scales, measured in Roman numerals, are used to describe how strong the earthquake felt to people in the area.

According to the California Earthquake Authority , an intensity of I is typically felt only under especially favorable conditions. A IV, which leads to light shaking, is felt indoors by many, but not typically outdoors. It might awaken some people at night and lead to a sensation like a truck striking a building. A parked car would rock. Intensities VI and above would be strong, frightening and felt by all, with the damage increasing up to a X where the shaking would be violent. Some well-built wooden structures would be destroyed and most masonry and frame structures along with their foundations would be ruined.

While you might have heard the term " the Richter Scale " used to describe earthquakes, it is no longer commonly used because it was only valid for certain earthquake frequencies and distance ranges.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Contributing: Reuters

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Earthquake in nyc area live updates: 4.0 magnitude tremors felt 8 hours after quake, from philadelphia to long island.

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Palpable, 4.0 magnitude aftershocks of a morning earthquake Friday were felt from Philadelphia to Long Island, NY, at around 6 p.m. — about eight hours after a 4.8 magnitude quake hit the area mid-morning.

A rare earthquake shook the New York area Friday morning, rattling parts of the Big Apple, Long Island, Connecticut and New Jersey.

The preliminary 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Lebanon, New Jersey, around 10:23 a.m., according to the US Geological Survey .

The site later reported that a 2.0 aftershock was felt in Bedminster, N.J, around 1 p.m. Two other aftershocks, another 2.0 and a 1.8 happened in the afternoon, but are “normal and are not expected to cause further damage,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

What to know about the earthquake

• NYC and tri-state rocked by biggest area earthquake since 1884, sending terrified residents into the streets
• Travel chaos caused by tri-state area earthquake: Flights grounded, Holland Tunnel closed
• Scary security video captures earthquake rattling New Jersey
• Yankee Stadium ‘definitely felt’ earthquake ahead of home opener: ‘The field was shaking’
• Totally nuts! Pennsylvania man was getting a vasectomy when 4.8 earthquake struck

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Earthquake maps show where seismic activity shook the Northeast today

By Lucia Suarez Sang

Updated on: April 5, 2024 / 7:51 PM EDT / CBS News

Residents across the Northeast were rattled by a  4.8 magnitude earthquake that shook  the densely populated New York City metropolitan area and much of the surrounding region on Friday morning. The U.S. Geological Survey was quick to release maps showing the spot where the quake was centered, in New Jersey, and the area where it was felt.

The USGS reported the quake occurred about 7 miles north of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. It indicated that the quake might have been felt by more than 42 million people. There were several aftershocks later in the day, including one with a magnitude of 4.0.

People in Baltimore , Philadelphia , New Jersey, Connecticut, Boston and other areas of the Northeast reported shaking. Tremors lasting for several seconds were felt over 200 miles away near the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border.

The map below shows the seismic intensity of the earthquake. The map, which is mostly a lighter shade of blue, shows that the intensity was light to weak, depending on the distance from the epicenter. 

Another map released by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre on X, formerly Twitter, highlights the eyewitness reports of shaking and possible damage levels during the seismic event. 

#Earthquake 18 mi W of #Plainfield (New Jersey) 23 min ago (local time 10:23:20). Updated map - Colored dots represent local shaking & damage level reported by eyewitnesses. Share your experience via: 📱 https://t.co/IbUfG7TFOL 🌐 https://t.co/wErQf69jIn pic.twitter.com/jBjVw1ngAD — EMSC (@LastQuake) April 5, 2024

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have been briefed on the quake. 

"We're taking this extremely seriously and here's why: There's always the possibility of aftershocks. We have not felt a magnitude of this earthquake since about 2011," Hochul said. 

People across the region were startled by the rumbling of the quake. One New York City resident told CBS New York's Elijah Westbrook, "I was laying in my bed, and my whole apartment building started shaking. I started freaking out," 

It's not the first time the East Coast and New York City have been hit by an earthquake. 

A 5.0 quake was measured in New York City in 1884. 

The shaking stirred memories of the Aug. 23, 2011, earthquake that jolted tens of millions of people from Georgia to Canada. Registering magnitude 5.8, it was the strongest quake to hit the East Coast since World War II. The epicenter was in Virginia.

That earthquake left cracks in the Washington Monument, spurred the evacuation of the White House and Capitol and rattled New Yorkers three weeks before the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

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