I have been to Jaisalmer twice and both times I loved it more and more. Jaisalmer has it all. Big sandston havelis, forts, desert safaris, boating experiences; you name it and Jaisalmer will have it!
You might be wondering why this city is called the Golden city. Well almost all the buildings in Jaisalmer are made with sandston which gives a golden look in the sunshine; hence the name!
There are so many places to visit in Jaisalmer which I will mention in this blog.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
How to reach Jaisalmer?
Railway
Jaisalmer has a railway station which is well-connected to major cities in India. It is a convenient option for you since it is near to Jaisalmer’s attractions.
Air
Jaisalmer has an International Airport. This is the reason, you will find many foreign tourists crowded in Jaisalmer compared to any other parts of Rajasthan.
By road
It is very well connected to other cities by road. You can either opt for a bus. Otherwise you can hire a vehicle and travel to Jaisalmer
Best Way to Visit Places in Jaisalmer
Hire a bike! Yes! The roads are good. Plus, it offers convenience. It is budget-friendly too!
If you are planning to visit a border town or war memorial, it is way cheaper and convenient to rent a vehicle.
Because Longewala border is quite at a distance from Jaisalmer and renting a vehicle is the best possible option for you.
Where to Stay in Jaisalmer?
There are so many hostels and hotels in Jaisalmer. Many havelis are turned into hotels now which are majorly created to serve to foreign tourists. Reason- why they are very expensive. If you want to experience such authentic hospitality, you can go to these hotels.
For budget friendly stay in Jaisalmer, you can opt for hostels. It should cost you around INR 2000 per day for double occupancy.
How many days are enough to see all the places to visit in Jaisalmer?
You can stay here for a couple of days, if you want to explore the city thoroughly excluding desert camping.
But in one day, if you start early in the morning, you can cover all the major places to visit in Jaisalmer till mid-afternoon. This is when you can go for a desert safari.
What to eat in Jaisalmer?
Plenty of authentic options are available in Rajasthan. But if you are in Jaisalmer, you don’t have to deliberately find something specific to eat. When you opt for desert safari, you get a buffet dinner served in Rajasthani style and you will get to eat “Dal Bati Churma”, the famous rajasthani dish!
Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
I am going to mention all the major places to visit in Jaisalmer that I have visited when I was here.
Let’s dive in!
Jaisalmer Fort
This is India’s only living fort. Yes, you heard it right! The fort is made of yellow sandstone which shines at the time of golden hour and the sunrise. That is why it is known as the SONAR QUILA (Golden Fort). There is so much inside the fort that you can see- from museums, to havelis.
The Jaisalmer Fort was built by Rawal Jaisal, a Bhati Rajput ruler, in 1156 AD. He founded the city of Jaisalmer and built the fort to protect it. Now it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
There are cafes inside the fort where you can grab quick refreshments.
The fort is a great example of architecture and intricate artwork. One who loves history and architecture, this fort is one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer for him!
Entry Fees- INR 50 per person for Indians
INR 250 per person for Foreigners
INR 50 for Camera Fee
INR 100 for Video Camera
Opening Hours– 9 AM to 5 PM all year round except during Holi and Diwali
Patwon ki Haveli
Patwon ki haveli, as the name suggests, was constructed by the wealthy trader family- Guman Chand Patwa in the 1800s. This is one of the most popular havelis of India.
The Patwa family was known for their trade in gold and silver embroidery threads, earning them the title of “Brocade Merchants.”
There are separate 5 mansions inside the complex each built for one of Guman Chand Patwa’s five sons.
The construction itself took 55 years. You can understand how intricately it must have been designed.
The haveli is now a museum where you can see their rooms, clothes, objects, etc. It gives a glimpse of the kind of wealth they used to possess.
Entry Fees– 20 per person for Indian citizens
Rs 100 per person for foreigners
Camera- INR 50
Video Camera- INR 100
Opening Hours– 9 am–6:30 pm
Vyas Chatri
As the name suggests, this monument is dedicated to sage Vyasa, the sage who is known for writing an important Hindu epic- Mahabharat.
This was primarily a cremation ground for brahmins.
Vyas chatri is created with the iconic Yellow Sandstone and is one of the popular places to visit in Jaisalmer.
It was built in the 18th century during the reign of Maharawal Jawahar Singh.
Entry Fees: INR 100 per person
INR 100 for camera
Opening Hours: 8:00 am to 7:30 pm every day
Salim Singh ki Haveli
This haveli was built by Salim Singh, the prime minister of the Jaisalmer Kingdom in 1815.
This haveli is so magnificent and great in architecture, that it is one of the most magnificent places to visit in Jaisalmer.
This haveli has 38 intricately designed balconies, each uniquely designed. It is most famous for its peacock shaped roof.
The legend has it that Salim Singh had built two more floors to this haveli as a rival move to match or go above the height of Jaisalmer fort. But later ordered (maybe by the Maharaja) the demolition of those two floors.
Entry Fee– Indian visitors – INR40
Foreigners- INR 100
Camera/Video- INR 30/40
Opening Hours– 8 am–6 pm
Gadisar Lake
This lake offers a stunning boating experience that too at a very low price. This lake was built by Rawal Jaisal, the founder of Jaisalmer, in 1156 AD and later rebuilt by Gadsi Singh Bhati around 1367 AD.
This was a main source of water for the whole city.
The lake is surrounded by numerous canopies and temple-like structures; this actually makes the boating experience more panoramic.
There is a grand entrance to the lake called Tilon ki Pol. Here you can see intricately carved work.
Gadisar lake is one of the MUST places to visit in Jaisalmer for historical significance, architectural beauty, and serene atmosphere.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fees as such.
Pedal boat: INR 100 for a 2-seater, INR 200 for a 4-seater
Row boat: INR 300 for a 6-seater
Opening Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM
Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh is one of the hidden places to visit in Jaisalmer that not so many people know about. But if you are someone who likes architecture, you will love this.
These are basically chatris (cenotaphs) which are built as a memorial to brave Kings and other prestigious members of the Jaisalmer royal family.
They have intricate designs carved on them and they are made with the iconic yellow sandstone which adds shine to these beautiful structures.
Beyond its historical importance, Bada Bagh also offers stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape, particularly during sunset, when the golden hues of the cenotaphs blend seamlessly with the twilight sky.
Entry fee– 100 per person
150 for Camera Fee
Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm every day
Desert National Park
Are you someone who loves to explore the wonders of mother nature? You are at the right place. Desert National Park is the best place to visit in Jaisalmer for you.
You will get to experience the wildlife of the Thar desert which is spreaded over 3,162 square kilometers and it’s one of India’s largest national parks.
You can observe diverse landscapes and terrains here including rolling sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and salt lake beds.
We all know that the summers are scorching and the winters are severe with less or no rainfall. Despite the harsh climatic conditions, a diverse wildlife can be observed here including- including the endangered Great Indian Bustard, blackbuck, chinkara, desert fox, and various species of reptiles and birds.
You can go for jeep safaris, camel safaris, camping, etc.
Entry Fees: INR 100 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigners.
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm throughout the year.
Kuldhara Abandoned Village
You might have heard about this village which was abandoned overnight. Rumour has it that this village is haunted! Yes! This is considered as one of the most haunted places to visit in Rajasthan. Here is why-
There are plenty of stories about this village but no one seems to be sure about it. One that we heard on our trip to Rajasthan was-
Their ruler- Salim Singh had liked a daughter of one of the villager family and had asked for the marriage without the lady’s consent. Upon receiving opposition from the villagers, the ruler reportedly threatened the villagers for dire consequences.
To escape this oppression, villagers abandoned this village overnight.
If you visit the village now, you will find the ruins of the village architecture. This village was once very prosperous and inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, known for their agricultural skills and prosperity.
When we visited the place, the board said that the place should not be entered after sunset. Now, people connect it with the haunting of the village.
However, the history board says that the village was facing water problems due to severe drought, which could be the reason why they left the village.
Even if you don’t believe in the haunted stories, it’s still fun to visit this village and walk through the history lane.
Entry Fees: INR 10 per person and INR 50 if you are going in by car.
Opening Hours: 8 AM–6 PM every day
Nathmal Ki Haveli
This beautiful haveli is one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer known for its intricate carvings, Jharokha windows and architecture.
It took 22 years to complete the construction of this haveli. It was built in the 19th century by Nathmal and Hathi Singh.
Entry Fees: No Entry Fees
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM.
Tanot Mata Temple
This temple is located near the Jaisalmer-Pakistan border. This temple came into the spotlight after the infamous war of 1965.
The Pakistan army had dropped so many bombs on this temple but none of them were detoned here and not a single stone of this temple was destroyed. It is believed that the temple deity- Tanot Mata had saved the temple and guarded the surrounding area.
Now, the safety and security of this temple is taken care of by the Border Security Force. You will see soldiers performing daily temple rituals here.
Entry Fees: No entry fee
Opening Hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Longewala Border
Visiting longewala border is one of the best road trips in Rajasthan you would ever experience.
This is famous for the epic war of 1971.
You can visit the war museum where you can get to see war remnants and weapons used by the soldiers along with destroyed tanks of Pakistan.
Do not forget to carry a valid ID proof for check post. Carry food and water. If you are driving your own vehicle, then ensure you have enough fuel because you won’t find any fuel station en route. Also, carry a first aid kit if you are on a bike.
This trip offers amazing panoramic views of the Thar desert. Long road and dunes on both the sides of the road aids to the epic road trip.
Entry fee- No entry fee
Opening hours- 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Jaisalmer war memorial
This war memorial is located in the outskirts of Jaisalmer and offers a scenic road trip. It is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces. It showcases the rich military history of India, particularly focusing on the battles fought in the Thar Desert.
The museum houses a vast collection of war artifacts, including tanks, guns, missiles, and other military equipment used in various conflicts.
You can buy souvenirs from the memorial shop. The revenue is used for the memorial only, so enjoy the guilt free shopping here.
They also show war movies on the projection for nominal fees throughout the day. It is a great way to visually see the struggle our beloved soldiers go through to protect our motherland.
A dedicated Honour Wall pays tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Entry Fees: INR 55
Opening Hours: 10 AM and 6 PM
Thar Desert
The yellow sand dunes are great if you are an adventure seeker. This desert is one of the top places to visit in Jaisalmer as it offers iconic desert experiences.
It all comes under one package where they pick you up from your hotel around 3 pm and drop to your campsite. You get a grand welcome in the authentic style by the people wearing ethnic clothes along with Rajasthani music.
You can get freshen up in your luxurious tent and then you will be transferred by a jeep for the safari. After an insane session of dune bashing, you will be taken for camel safari. You can click a great picture around sunset and then go back to your tent.
After this, you can freshen up and be ready for the folk show in your campsite.
You will be served snacks and tea/coffee. You will literally feel like a maharaja over there.
Post these performances you can feast on the authentic Rajasthani dinner in a buffet.
Next day, post breakfast, you can bid adieu and proceed for further sightseeing.
This is how mostly everyone does the desert safari. But if you want to enjoy the desert like a nomad, there are a few safaris that offer such experiences.
Non-Touristic overnight Camel Safari
By Trotters Tours & Travels Camel Safari