The city of Jaisalmer is located in Rajasthan, a state famous for its regal heritage and its beautiful golden dunes in the Thar Desert. The Maharajas of Jaisalmer, who once dominated the city, left their mark in the form of forts and palaces, which can be seen across the picturesque old town.
Rawal Jaisal, the eldest son of Rawal of Deoraj, laid the groundwork for the city. Jaisalmer’s heritage monuments feature elaborate carvings made of vivid yellow sandstone, which has earned the city another nickname: “Golden Region” because of the city’s yellow dunes and sunlight. This article will give you an idea of the best places to see during your Jaisalmer sightseeing trip.
Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer
Visiting Jaisalmer, sometimes known as the “Golden City,” is like stepping into another era. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an episode of “Arabian Nights” once you’ve become acclimated to the local culture.
Nearly a quarter of the original city’s population still dwells within the walls of Jaisalmer’s fort, making it one of the few “living” forts worldwide.
On the other hand, Jaisalmer is much less chaotic and filthy than the rest of Rajasthan’s major urban centres. To relax at the end of your journey through Rajasthan, here is the place to be!
When to visit Jaisalmer:
Because of its proximity to the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer experiences wide swings in temperature. Daytime highs can reach the hundreds, while night-time lows can dip into the dozens.
From November to March, Jaisalmer enjoys its pleasant winter season. When the temperature is between 5 and 24 degrees Celsius, outdoor activities like camel rides and desert safaris are more enjoyable. I can attest to it, having experienced temperatures of up to 45°C on my visit in May.
Here is our selection of the best things to do in Jaisalmer, from exploring the city’s historical sites to learning about the city’s fascinating past.
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Things to do and Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
1. Jaisalmer Fort:
The magnificent Jaisalmer fort that surrounds the city is one of Jaisalmer’s most recognizable features. The fact that this fortress doubles as a bustling metropolis are pretty remarkable. Roughly 3000 people call the walls of this fort home in Jaisalmer.
Beautifully intertwined in a network of little winding alleyways, it is dotted with houses and temples. Along the way, you’ll find a plethora of guesthouses and eateries serving delectable Rajasthani fare, as well as numerous handicraft shops selling gorgeous traditional products.
You can enter the fort from the east, close to Gopa chowk, and make your way zigzag via four gigantic gates to the fort’s upper portion.
The last gate leads directly to the central Dashera Chowk. Hotels in Jaisalmer are selling out quickly, so don’t wait to make your reservation. Jaisal, a Rajput king, built the fort in 1156, and it was fortified several times afterward.
Although the Bhatia, Mughals, and Rathores of Jaipur fought several times, the defence never lost its strategic significance.
2. Sam Sand Dunes:
If you’re visiting Jaisalmer, you have to see the great deserts of Rajasthan, and the Sam Sand Dunes are the perfect site to do that. Sam is treated to breath-taking panoramas of endless dunes and layers of sand, with barely any flora in sight.
As a result, the Desert Safari that is hosted here is a significant draw for visitors. Camel Safaris take tourists deep into the heart of Thar, where they can sleep in tents set up in the sand, giving visitors an authentic taste of the Indian desert.
Seeing the sun disappear below the horizon and the stars come out is breath-taking. Between February and March, the region becomes a cultural mecca, with a slew of festivals and events highlighting the vibrant Rajasthani splendor and way of life.
People from all over the world come to this region to experience the unique culture and atmosphere at festivals, celebrations, cultural competitions, camel racing, folk dance performances, puppet shows, and other activities.
3. Salim Singh Ki Haveli:
Salim Singh ki Haveli is a must-see because of its extraordinary design and exquisite craftsmanship.
The Haveli, which stands today at the site, is built on an older haveli, a late 17th-century building. Currently located in Jaisalmer City, the building was commissioned in 1815 by Salim Singh, the kingdom’s Prime Minister.
The Haveli is embellished with a unique and outstanding design. The tower’s roof is designed as a peacock, while the front facet mimics the shape of a ship stern, due to which the building is nicknamed the Jahaz Mahal.
A total of 38 balconies, each with its unique and elaborate framework and design, are available. Salim Singh ki Haveli is decorated with tuskers carved from sandstone like the other lovely Havelis in the vicinity. The site is open and bustling with tourists from first thing to five in the morning.
4. Khaba Fort:
Khaba fort, now almost entirely in ruins, was formerly home to about eighty families of Paliwal Brahmins and was a thriving community for nearly two centuries.
However, for reasons either unknown to us or known only to themselves, they suddenly left, never to return, and settled somewhere else, the precise location of which is also unknown.
Because of this, there is an air of mystery and eerieness about the location even when it seems very quiet. The setting has not been completely cut off and uninhabited for all of recorded history, yet the mystery and intrigue it inspires remain undimmed.
However, the fort has been renovated into a museum where the public can view traditional village art and talent. Hundreds of peacocks roam freely among the ruins, providing a beautiful picture for visitors.
5. Patwon Ki Haveli:
As one of the most architecturally significant and historically significant Haveli in Jaisalmer, Patwon ki Haveli deserves its prominent place among the city’s most notable buildings.
The building is noteworthy because it was the first Haveli built in Jaisalmer and is a rare example of a haveli complex consisting of five individual structures.
In 1805, construction began on the first of these buildings, now the largest and finest of them; five other floors were added in the following decades. Yet, the entire structure was finished in only roughly 60 years.
Its beautiful architecture and scenery have made it a popular tourist destination in recent years. The Archaeological Survey of India and the State’s Art and Craft department have offices.
Therefore, it is not abandoned. However, the magnificent paintings, mirror world, and charming depictions on the walls are enough to keep the attention of its lovers despite the establishment’s high volume of usage and consumption.
6. Gadi Sagar Lake -Divine bliss of temples and tranquil waters:
Gadi Sagar Lake, initially constructed in the 14th century as a water storage tank, is one of the top tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. Several temples, the most famous of which is the Krishna Temple atop the Tilon Gate, surround the lake.
As a result of the influx of migratory birds into the area throughout the winter, observing birds is a popular pastime in Jaisalmer.
Another fun activity in Jaisalmer is taking a boat out on Gadsisar Lake. The Gangaur Festival takes place in March or April, which is sufficient time to visit the Gadi Sagar Lake.
7. Tanot Mata Temple – Get the holy blessings from the divine Tanot Mata:
The Tanot Mata Temple is an essential stop on any trip to Jaisalmer; it’s around 150 kilometres from the city itself, and it’s located not far from the Longewala battlefield, which was fought there in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War.
The Indian Border Security Force is responsible for the temple’s upkeep at present, and it houses a cache of unexploded bombs that Pakistan dropped during the 1971 war.
You may have an insightful vacation in Jaisalmer by visiting the Tanot Mata Temple, one of the least visited tourist attractions in Rajasthan due to its isolated position. In the hit Bollywood film Border, the Tanot Mata Temple briefly appeared.
8. Maharaja’s Palace:
The Maharaja’s Palace is a five-story building in Jaisalmer’s main chowk (square) that is a popular tourist attraction due to its ornate stone balconies and window arches.
Originally Maharaja’s palace, or Raajmahal, The Place (now formally known as Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and History Centre) was converted into a museum and heritage centre in the twentieth century.
Throughout the centuries of the Rajput period, many unique cultural artifacts, models, and specimens were created and are now on display at the museum to honour and celebrate them.
Visitors are welcome to the palace any day between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., and the small admission fee covers not only the cost of entry but also that of using a camera and listening to an audio guide.
The palace’s highest point is also one of the highest spots in Jaisalmer, providing a breath-taking vista of the surrounding landscape. As the day progresses, there will be more people and longer wait times, so visitors are encouraged to get there as early as possible.
9. Kuldhara Chudail Trail:
Kuldhara Chudail Trail is one of the most visited areas in Jaisalmer, and for a good reason: it’s tied to a mythical legend that has always left visitors in awe.
Even though it is currently in ruins, Kuldhara attracts many visitors due to the captivating narrative that surrounds it. According to legend, Paliwal Brahmins have called Kuldhara home since the 12th century.
The community was well-designed, with streets running perpendicular to one another and dead-ending in homes. There were also adequate water purification and storage facilities and other necessary rural amenities.
But after many generations in the exact location, the villagers mysteriously vanished at night. Researchers, historians, and regular folks alike were perplexed for a long time by questions like “where” and “why” they disappeared.
Nonetheless, it is said that the minister of the kingdom ruling at the time saw the young daughter of the village chief and desired to marry her.
This is a myth about Kuldhara, which has no factual basis. He gave them 24 hours to agree to his terms, or he would enter the town and abduct the girl himself.
The elders of all 84 settlements got together and decided to leave because they wanted to protect their daughter’s reputation. Many unusual tourists on their way to Jaisalmer stop here out of a fascination with the strange or the attraction of the supernatural.
10. NathMal Ki Haveli:
Nathmal Ji ki Haveli, initially commissioned by the Maharwal Beri Sal as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, is one of the most remarkable and intriguing constructions in Rajasthan.
Architects and brothers Hathi and Lulu were responsible for designing the Haveli. An engaging story that warms the heart complements the novel format.
It’s been stated that the two brothers began work on the structure simultaneously. However, they focused on distinct aspects of it.
Given the lack of modern tools for matching and tracking continuity, the completed building ended up with an unreliable form. Not only are the intricate stonework and wall paintings of cows, horses, and flowers beautiful, but so are many other features of the building.
The architects of the Haveli drew pictures of modern conveniences like vehicles, fans, and more on the walls, despite never having seen such things in person.
Amazing to behold are the full-size sandstone elephants placed outside. In all, it is a great building that is well worth visiting.
11. Lodhruva – Enchanting deserted ruins, Sublime:
Jaisalmer’s historic capital was once known as Lodhruva, but it has since been lost to the sands of time. This is one of Jaisalmer’s more unusual attractions.
The Jain temples here are incredible works of Dilwara-style architecture, Jali works, and Maru Gurjara style, drawing most visitors. The tragic love story of Princess Mural and Mahendra is still spoken and sung about in traditional music and storytelling from Lodhruva.
Dhruva, a hilltop village outside Jaisalmer, offers stunning panoramas that will captivate any visitors.
12. Jain Temples:
These interconnected Jain temples, hidden within the fort’s twisting walls, are a sight to behold. Past history is preserved in these temples, which were constructed from yellow sandstone between the 15th and 16th centuries.
The beautiful carvings adorn the inside walls of the temples have survived the test of time and have not lost any of their spiritual significance.
Like the marble Jain temples in Mount Abu and Ranakpur, the architecture of these structures is stunning. In addition, there is no shortage of Jaisalmer hotels in the temple’s vicinity.
13. Surya Gate – Historical Gate of many tales:
Surya Gate, one of the gates leading into Jaisalmer Fort, is a famous landmark in the city.
This tiny entrance was constructed in the 12th century to stop attackers from gaining access to the fort’s interior by sneaking up on the defences.
14. Admire the Wildlife at Desert National Park:
The 3162 square kilometres of Desert National Park has a lot to offer nature enthusiasts. This area is a popular destination for visitors to Jaisalmer because of its verdant setting and the abundance of wildlife that can be seen there.
The Great Indian Bustard, the official state bird of Rajasthan, may also be seen in Desert National Park.
15. The Thar Heritage Museum:
As you explore Jaisalmer, you should stop by The Thar Heritage Museum, a private museum founded and directed by Mr. L.N. Khatri, a local historian, and folklorist.
The museum has an impressive collection of objects, such as musical instruments, turbans, artifacts such as coins, postcards, ancient manuscripts, weapons, and various sea fossils dating back millions of years, and kitchen utensils, all of which are on display to educate visitors about the wedding, funeral, and opium practices.
Mr. Khatri hosts a daily puppet show at the museum, which is a huge draw, and it lasts for an hour and a half every evening at 6:30.
16. Amar Sagar Lake – For Blissful Views of The Sunset:
Amar Sagar is a beautiful lake cum oasis next to the Amar Singh Castle, a palace dating back to the 17th century. Maharawal Akhal Singh built this palace in memory of his father, Maharaja Amar Singh.
Pavilions flank the court; from there, you can descend a set of steep stairs to the shores of Amar Sagar Lake. There is a flat-like layout to this Haveli. The Amar Sagar, a Haveli with five stories, is well-known for its intricate murals.
Throughout the structure, you’ll find examples of exquisite mural painting. Several ponds and wells in the vicinity exude a sense of royal grandeur.
In the complex itself, there is an antique Shiva temple. It was made by Amar Singh, who is mythically devoted to the Hindu god Shiva, the god of devastation.
17. Vyas Chhatri – Visit the blissful shores of this Sublime memorial ground:
The Vyas chhatri is a masterpiece in the midst of the dunes and depicts the characteristic Rajasthani style of building.
Vyas chhatri is Rajasthan’s take on monuments; it is dedicated to Sage Vyas, the author of the Hindu Epic Mahabharata. It is also considered to be among the best sunset spots in Jaisalmer.
18. Mandir Palace: Honouring Jaisalmer’s Royal Heritage for 200 Years
The Mandir Palace in Jaisalmer is a famous destination because it is one of the city’s most incredible displays of artistry, with its elaborate balconies, canopies, and finely carved screens.
Built between the 9th and 10th centuries, it served as the city’s royal palace for nearly two centuries. Badal Vilas, part of the Mandir Palace, is a towering sandstone building that sits at the base of the hilltop city fort.
Jaisalmer things to do:
- Dune bashing is one of Jaisalmer’s most notable adventure activities. This sport is best practiced in the desert. This is a must-do if you want your trip to feel like something out of Arabia. Paragliding, paramotoring, parasailing, and other extreme sports are also popular in Jaisalmer.
- Heat and thirst are not the only associations you might make with a desert. Spending the night in the desert can feel like a true adventure, with activities like a camel safari and a dinner under the stars. You can also experience horse safari, luxury canvas tent stays, and others. Try a camel safari in the desert, even if you aren’t prepared to sleep in a tent.
- As you watch the sunset over the dunes, many hotels and tour operators provide cultural events, such as traditional Rajasthani folk music or Arabian dance, complete with an evening snack and tea.
- Another everyday evening activity in Jaisalmer is a desert safari followed by an overnight stay in a desert camp. Safari rides are available in the evenings, when visitors may see the sunset behind the dunes as they explore this breath-taking landscape. Jaisalmer’s desert camps, in addition to being a significant tourist attraction, also provide guests with all of the conveniences of home throughout their stay. After a day of camping in Jaisalmer, visitors may relax around a campfire and listen to traditional Rajasthani folk music and dancing before feasting on a delicious spread of regional specialties.
- Gadisar Lake is a great place to go bird watching or to take in the beautiful scenery. It’s also a significant spot for couples to visit. Several temples are also accessible. You should go to this lake if you’re a young couple.
- You can see rare desert animals in Jaisalmer’s national park, including the chinkara, Indian fox, desert cat, hare, Great Indian Bustard, and many others. Visitors can take a vehicle safari to see the entirety of the park. Some migratory birds can be seen in the area throughout the winter months.
- There are several museums in Jaisalmer, including the Thar Heritage Museum, Longewala War Memorial, Jaisalmer War Museum, and others, if you’re interested in learning about the city’s rich history. The Maharaja Palace, Mandir Palace, and other palaces can all be visited.
- Street Shopping is a thrilling experience here. In Jaisalmer, you can browse the shops, markets, and emporiums to find unique gifts and souvenirs. Sadar Bazar, Seema gram, Manak Chowk, Pasari Bazaar, Bhatia Bazaar, and many more are among the best markets to visit for shopping.
- Don’t write off the cuisine of a state just because it’s mostly desert. In the past, many different royal families called Rajasthan home. Food served in their regal dining halls is always sumptuous. It would help if you tried local specialties, such as Panchkoota, Dal baati choorma, local lassi with cream, bhang chocolates, and many more.
Conclusion:
Jaisalmer is more than a location; it’s an emotion. The city has many layers, which you need to unravel with love. Travel to Jaisalmer with us, choose from various Jaisalmer tour packages to taste the opulence and grandeur of the region’s former royal occupants.
