Jaisalmer Travel Guide

Located in the very heart of the Great Indian Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is not just another city in Rajasthan. It’s a principal tourist destination with full of old-world charm. Here you will find a perfect agglomeration of history, culture, and adventure. Historical sites, havelis, temples, bazaars, camel rides, and sand dunes all collectively make Jaisalmer one of the finest tourist destinations in Rajasthan.

Exploring the iconic Golden Fort, roaming into narrow streets, and enjoying camel rides to explore nearby sand dunes and traditional villages… all are going to make your Jaisalmer trip memorable. This Jaisalmer travel guide will give you key insights about the top tourist attractions in Jaisalmer and other relevant information about the city.

History of Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, lovingly called the Golden City, was founded in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, a Rajput ruler. The city grew as a significant stop on the ancient trade routes between India and Central Asia. This was where traders dealt in silk, spices, and precious stones. Due to its location in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer became a prominent city in the region, and the massive Jaisalmer Fort became the heart of the city. Over the centuries, Jaisalmer faced battles with the Mughals and other rulers. But it kept its cultural and architectural charm uninterrupted. Today, Jaisalmer is known for its golden sandstone buildings, painted havelis, and desert heritage, attracting tourists from different parts of the world.

Top Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer

1. Jaisalmer Fort

The primary attraction of a Jaisalmer trip is none other than the Jaisalmer Fort, also called the Golden Fort or Sonar Kila. Built in yellow sandstone, the massive fort shines like gold in the sunlight and looks mesmerizing. The fort was built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal and is one of the very few living forts in the world. Inside the fort complex, nearly one-fourth of the old city’s population still lives. There are many houses, temples, handicraft shops, and small restaurants within the fort complex. The Jain temples inside the fort are famous for their delicate carvings and brilliant architecture. Exploring this fort will give a feeling of walking through history.

2. Patwon Ki Haveli

Patwon Ki Haveli is the most popular haveli in Jaisalmer. An affluent merchant built the beautiful building for his family. Later, the haveli was divided into five parts. What makes this haveli popular is its detailed carvings on the walls, arches, and balconies. You will be totally mesmerized by the fantastic skills of local craftsmen. You will also see beautiful murals, paintings, and antique furniture inside the haveli. Some parts of the haveli are now museums and display artifacts and artworks. It will be genuinely a great experience to learn the stories of the wealthy traders who once lived here.

3. Sam Sand Dunes

Sam Sand Dunes are the highlight of Jaisalmer tours. Located around 40 km from the city, the dunes stretch endlessly. You can enjoy the best of the sand dunes with camel rides and jeep safaris. These are popular activities that most tourists want to enjoy here. The best time to visit is during sunset when the desert turns golden. For the best experience, consider having a tented overnight stay here. Desert camps offer a magical experience with folk music, Rajasthani dance, and traditional food. Sitting under a sky full of stars makes it unforgettable.

4. Gadisar Lake

This lake is a man-made water reservoir built by Maharawal Gadsi Singh. It once supplied water to the whole city. Surrounded by small temples, shrines, and ghats, the lake is a peaceful spot. You will love to enjoy boating and photography here. During winter, the lake attracts many migratory birds, which makes it special for bird lovers. The sunrise and sunset views from the lake are beautiful.

5. Nathmal Ki Haveli

Nathmal Ki Haveli is another popular haveli in Jaisalmer. It is known for its unique design. Two brothers worked on opposite sides of the building, so each side looks a little different but equally beautiful. The carvings include figures of elephants, flowers, and even objects like bicycles and cars. Inside, you will see paintings made with real gold. Even today, part of the haveli is a private residence, while some areas are open for visitors.

6. Desert National Park

Spread across the Thar Desert, this park shows the natural side of Rajasthan. You will see sand dunes, rocks, and dry lakes. The park is home to desert animals like chinkara, desert fox, and monitor lizard. Bird watchers visit to see the endangered Great Indian Bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds in the world. Winter is the best season as many migratory birds arrive here.

7. Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh is a collection of cenotaphs built in memory of Jaisalmer’s rulers. These sandstone monuments have domes, pillars, and detailed carvings. The site has a calm atmosphere, away from the busy city. We recommend visiting this place in the evening. You will enjoy the spectacular sunset, which makes the cenotaphs glow in golden light. It is also a good spot for photography.

8. Kuldhara Village

Kuldhara is an abandoned village about 20 km from Jaisalmer. It was once home to the Paliwal Brahmins, who suddenly left the village overnight around 300 years ago. Legends say they cursed the land before leaving. And since then, no one has lived here. The ruins of houses, streets, and temples can still be seen. Walking around Kuldhara gives a strange but fascinating experience. It is often called a haunted site, which makes it more attractive to curious visitors.

9. Jain Temples

The Jain Temples inside Jaisalmer Fort are some of the most beautiful temples in Rajasthan. They were built in the 12th and 15th centuries. Made of yellow sandstone, the temples are decorated with stunning carvings of gods, animals, and floral designs. The walls and ceilings show detailed artwork that will leave you amazed. These temples are still used for worship and are an important part of Jain culture.

10. Tanot Mata Temple

Located near the India–Pakistan border, Tanot Mata Temple is both a spiritual and historic site. During the 1965 and 1971 wars, many bombs were dropped near the temple, but none exploded inside it. This made the temple very famous. Managed by the Border Security Force (BSF), the temple attracts devotees and tourists alike. It is also close to the Longewala battlefield, where you can see a war memorial.

Things to Do on Jaisalmer Tour

Explore Jaisalmer Fort. Walk through the narrow streets. Visit the temples. And shop for handicrafts inside the living fort.
Stay overnight in a desert camp under the stars at Sam Sand Dunes. Enjoy folk dance, music, and authentic Rajasthan food.
Take a camel safari ride across the desert to see the beauty of the rippling sand dunes and watch the sunset.
Go for a jeep safari if you want more adventure. It’s fast, thrilling, and fun.
Visit the beautiful havelis like Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli, and Salim Singh Ki Haveli. Marvel at their fine carvings and stories.
Watch cultural shows like puppet shows, kalbeliya dance, and folk music performances. These performances reflect the rich culture and tradition of the region.
Shop for souvenirs in the local markets. You can purchase items like colorful clothes, silver jewelry, leather items, and hand-embroidered items.
Take a bota ride at Gadisar Lake. Relax by the calm water, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Visit the nearby Kuldhara village. Walk through the streets of the abandoned village. Learn about its mysterious past.
Try famous dishes like dal baati churma, ker sangri, and ghotua laddoo in local restaurants.
See the Longewala War Memorial and Tanot Mata Temple. Learn about India’s war history.
Capture the golden sunset. Find a serene spot at Bada Bagh or the dunes. Watch the desert glow in golden light.

Shopping in Jaisalmer

Shopping in Jaisalmer is a colorful experience. The city’s markets are full of handmade items that reflect the culture of Rajasthan. You can find bright clothes, embroidered fabrics, leather goods, silver jewelry, wooden crafts, and decorative items made of camel hide. When shopping in Jaisalmer’s bazaars, do not forget to bargain. It is part of the shopping culture here. Many travelers buy small souvenirs like keychains, mirror-work wall hangings, and colorful turbans as memories of the Golden City.
Here is a quick list of the best things you can buy on your Jaisalmer tour.

Embroidered textiles and mirror-work fabrics
Colorful turbans and dupattas
Camel leather bags, shoes, and diaries
Silver jewelry and traditional ornaments
Handcrafted wooden boxes and decor items
Puppets and Rajasthani wall hangings
Stone carvings and miniature souvenirs
Carpets, rugs, and dhurries
Spices and local handicrafts
Ghotua laddoo (a famous sweet of Jaisalmer)

Famous Bazaars and Shopping Areas in Jaisalmer

Here’s a list of the most famous markets and shopping areas in Jaisalmer.

Bhatia Bazaar: One of the oldest markets, known for textiles, handicrafts, carpets, and traditional clothes.
Sadar Bazaar: A busy place to buy silver jewelry, leather goods, puppets, and souvenirs.
Pansari Bazaar: Famous for Rajasthani handicrafts, puppets, and decorative items. It is also one of the oldest bazaars in the city.
Manak Chowk: Located near Jaisalmer Fort, this market is popular for antiques, embroidered fabrics, and jewelry.
Seema Gram: A good place for government-run shops selling authentic handicrafts and embroidery work.
Sonaron ka Baas: The lane of goldsmiths, where you can find jewelry made of gold and silver with traditional designs.

Food Scene in Jaisalmer

The food in Jaisalmer is full of rich flavors and local spices. Traditional Rajasthani dishes are a must-try for visitors. Dal Baati Churma is the most popular, served with ghee and a sweet mix of churma. Ker Sangri, made with desert beans and berries, is another unique dish that shows how locals cook with desert ingredients. Gatte ki Sabzi, made with gram flour dumplings in gravy, is also loved by many.

For snacks, kachori, pakoras, and mirchi vada are easy to find in local shops. Street food is simple but tasty, and you can enjoy masala chai with crispy treats in small tea stalls around the city. Sweets like ghotua laddoo and mawa kachori are very famous and often bought as gifts.

There are rooftop restaurants near the fort where you can enjoy a meal with views of the golden city. Many desert camps also serve authentic Rajasthani thali along with cultural performances, which makes dining a special experience in Jaisalmer.

Famous Dishes of Jaisalmer

Dal Baati Churma: A traditional Rajasthani dish with baked wheat balls, lentils, and a sweet churma mix.
Ker Sangri: A spicy desert bean and berry curry, unique to Rajasthan’s dry climate.
Gatte ki Sabzi: Gram flour dumplings cooked in curd-based gravy.
Laal Maas: A fiery red mutton curry cooked with hot spices.
Mutton Saag: Mutton cooked with spinach and local spices.
Bajre ki Roti with Garlic Chutney: Millet bread served with a spicy chutney.
Pakwan with Chana: Crispy bread eaten with spiced chickpeas.
Kadhi Pakora: Yogurt-based curry with gram flour fritters.
Mirchi Vada: Large green chilies stuffed and fried in gram flour batter.
Pyaaz Kachori: Flaky pastry stuffed with spiced onion filling.
Ghotua Laddoo: A famous sweet of Jaisalmer made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar.
Mawa Kachori: A sweet pastry stuffed with mawa and nuts, dipped in sugar syrup.

Lesser-Known Facts About Jaisalmer

Here are some interesting and lesser-known facts about Jaisalmer:

Jaisalmer Fort is one of the very few “living forts” in the world, with thousands of people still residing inside it.
The city is also called the Golden City because most buildings are made of yellow sandstone that glows under sunlight.
Kuldhara village near Jaisalmer is believed to be cursed, as its people abandoned it overnight about 300 years ago.
Gadisar Lake, once the main water source for the city, is man-made and surrounded by temples and ghats.
The Patwon Ki Haveli was the first haveli built in Jaisalmer and is actually a group of five havelis.
The Desert National Park near Jaisalmer is one of the last natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard, a rare and endangered bird.
During the Indo-Pak wars, the Tanot Mata Temple became famous because many bombs dropped nearby did not explode.
The architecture of Nathmal Ki Haveli is unique because two brothers built it from opposite sides, and their work joined in the middle.
Jaisalmer was once a major stop on the old Silk route, which made the city wealthy and culturally rich.

Tips for Jaisalmer Travel

Here are some useful tips for traveling to Jaisalmer

Best time to visit: October to March is the ideal season, as the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing and desert trips.

Pack light but smart: Carry cotton clothes for the day, warm jackets for chilly desert nights, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.
Stay hydrated: The desert climate is dry, so always keep a water bottle with you.
Book desert camps in advance: During peak season and the Desert Festival, camps and safaris fill up quickly.
Try local food: Do not miss dal baati churma, ker sangri, and ghotua laddoo for an authentic taste of Rajasthan.
Respect local culture: Wear modest clothes while visiting temples and always ask before taking photos of locals.
Cash is handy: Many shops in the markets may not accept cards, so carry some cash for easy shopping.
Choose camel rides wisely: For comfort, go for shorter camel rides and pick jeeps if you prefer more adventure.
Plan your evenings: Sunsets at Sam Sand Dunes or Bada Bagh are the best for photography and views.
Stay inside the fort or near it: For a unique experience, book a hotel inside Jaisalmer Fort or nearby to enjoy the golden city views.

How to Reach Jaisalmer

By Air: Jaisalmer has its own airport, but flights are limited and mostly seasonal. The nearest major airport is in Jodhpur, about 285 km away. From Jodhpur, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to Jaisalmer.
By Train: Jaisalmer is well connected by rail to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Mumbai. Trains such as the Delhi-Jaisalmer Express and Howrah-Jaisalmer Express make travel easy. The Jaisalmer Railway Station is close to the city center.
By Road: Jaisalmer is connected by good roads and highways. You can take a bus, car, or taxi from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, or even Delhi. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) runs regular buses, including deluxe and sleeper coaches. Driving by road also lets you enjoy desert views along the way.

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