Gateway to the Thar Desert and beyond the dazzling royal cities of Rajasthan lies the exquisite city of Jaisalmer. Dubbed “The Golden City”, Jaisalmer is home to many artistic structures and monuments of historical importance. The city has a plethora of places to visit, making it a haven for tourists. Steeped into this city are stories about courageous rulers and tales of unequaled valour and unique beauty which provide its visitors with a memorable experience. With its inception in the mid-12th century, Jaisalmer has emerged as a slice of Royal heritage making it a must-visit place in India. So check out our list of best places to visit in Jaisalmer right here.
Table of Contents
Let’s Look At The 10 Top Places To Visit In Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Fort
Constructed by Raja Jaisal, a Rajput ruler in the year 1156 AD the Jaisalmer Fort is ranked amongst the largest forts in the world. The golden and yellow sandstone of this architectural wonder turns into honey-gold at sunset justifying the name “Sonar Quila”. The architectural design of the fort has intricately carved windows, doors, and walls making it one of the fine examples of the rich heritage in India. With its 99 turrets, the Jaisalmer Fort stands tall displaying the magnificence of Rajasthani architecture making it one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Timings: 09:00am to 06:00pm
Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians and ₹250 for Foreigners
Highlights: Royal Palace, Jain Temples, Laxminath Temple, Fort Museum, local bazaars, panoramic views, Canon Points, rooftop cafes
Bada Bagh
Located 6 kilometers away from Jaisalmer city, Bada Bagh is a beautiful place that houses several cenotaphs of the royal families from the 16th to the 20th century. Though Jaisalmer is known as the city of deserts, its rulers attempted to add some greenery to its landscape and Bada Bagh was one such endeavour. Built-in ancient Hindu architecture, this garden complex is surrounded by cenotaphs dedicated to each of the Bhatti rulers. The garden also provides stunning views during sunrise and sunsets as well, making Bada Bagh a perfect backdrop for clicking perfect pictures.
Timings: 08:00am to 06:00pm
Entry Fee: ₹100
Highlights: royal cenotaphs, carvings on cenotaphs, desert landscape, windmills, capture beautiful sunsets
Patwon-Ki-Haveli
Marked by intricate carvings and murals adorning the streets of Jaisalmer is the architectural marvel of Patwon-ki-Haveli. Built in the 19th century, this Haveli is a combination of 5 different Havelis in one single premise and is one of the largest Havelis in Rajasthan The haveli is home to fine wall paintings, beautiful jharokhas (balconies), archways, and gateways. Due to its grandeur, the monument adds immense value to the cultural heritage of the city.
Timings: 09:00am to 05:00pm
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians and ₹100 for Foreigners
Highlights: five interconnected havelis, architecture and carvings, museum, antique furniture and artifacts, art galleries, handicraft shop
Sam Sand Dunes
Sam sand dunes are indeed one of the most authentic desert dune sites in India and truly deserve to be on your list of the places to visit in Jaisalmer. Approximately 42 kilometers from the fort city, the desert exudes an ambiance with stretches of sweeping dunes and crimson horizons making you experience a blissful landscape. The best way to experience the dunes is through the safari on camelback, which would take you along crests and troughs which could end perfectly by watching the picturesque sunset.
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: NA
Highlights: Camel safari, Jeep safari, sunset over the dunes, desert camping, Quad biking, sand boarding, hot air balloon ride, cultural performances
Gadisar Lake
Constructed in 1400 AD by Maharwal Gadsi Singh, the then Maharaja of Jaisalmer the lake was originally built as a conservation reservoir for rainwater harvesting and happened to be one of the major sources of water for the city. Today this reservoir has earned a spot on the list of the most popular places to visit in Jaisalmer. Located in the outskirts of Jaisalmer the reservoir is ideal for tourists seeking peace and tranquillity. During winters, it is flocked by different species of exotic and migratory birds and serves as a haven for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: NA
Highlights: Boating, Tilon Ki Pol gateway, nearby ghats and pavilions, capture sunrise or sunset
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Constructed during the early part of the eighteenth century this haveli is one of the popular tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. The haveli’s roof is based on the peacock’s physical form, making it a unique spectacle of Rajputana architecture. It also has an extraordinary silhouette made up of 38 balconies, each having distinct designs. Visiting this haveli will allow you to glimpse at the yesteryears of Jaisalmer not to mention the architecture here makes some stunning photographs.
Timings: 08:00am to 06:00pm
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians and ₹100 for Foreigners
Highlights: unique architecture, peacock-shaped roof, intricate balconies and windows, panoramic views, courtyards
Nathmal Ki-Haveli
A blend of Islamic and Rajputana architecture, Nathmal Ki Haveli is one of the most beautiful Havelis in Jaisalmer. This haveli has derived its origin from the late 19th century and has an extraordinary exterior that is filled with carvings. The left and right wings were the work of two brothers-Hathi and Lulu and their competitive spirit produced this magnificent piece of architecture. Apart from its extraordinary outer carvings, this haveli is known for its beautiful interiors filled with paintings and equipped with modern facilities.
Timings: 08:00am to 07:00pm
Entry Fee: Nil
Highlights: intricate carvings and artwork, decorative facades, frescoes and murals, lavish courtyards, wooden doors, chandeliers and artifacts
Kuldhara Village
Located 18 km away from Jaisalmer, lying abandoned for the past few centuries and having no signs of human life is the ghost village of Kuldhara. Also known as one of the haunted places in Rajasthan Kuldhara is a clan of eighty-five villages and was once inhabited by the Paliwal Brahmins, but due to some adverse happenings, the natives evacuated the village.
The reasons for why a whole city was abandoned within a night is not clear but the popular belief holds that then state minister Salim Singh was responsible for the same. The minister wanted to marry the village chief’s daughter and hence gave an ultimatum to the village chief to accept his demands or let the whole community face dire consequences. Rather than giving in to the minister’s demands, the whole village decided to move away. Before leaving, they cursed this place to never have any kind of human settlement and this has been proven true to this date.
Timings: 08:00am to 06:00pm
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians and ₹100 for Foreigners
Highlights: abandoned ruins, sand dunes, old water wells, ancient temples and homes
Tanot Mata Temple
Established in AD 847, the highly revered Tanot Mata Temple is believed to be Goddess Hinglaj Mata’s incarnation. Located in the proximity of Longewala which used to be a battle site during the 165-71 Indo-Pak war this temple is considered miraculous. The Jawans stationed near the temple often have magical stories to share. The temple is currently maintained by the Border Security Force of India and it preserves a collection of unexploded bombs dropped by Pakistan during the 1971 war. People visit this magnificent location because of the beautiful landscapes surrounding it. A glimpse of the Tanot Mata Temple was shown in the popular Bollywood movie Border.
Timings: 06:00am to 08:00pm
Entry Fee: Nil
Highlights: temple complex, war relics and exhibits, collection of unexploded bombs, temple architecture
Jain Temples
Located inside Jaisalmer Fort, Jain temples are a series of temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, Rikhab Devji, and Shambhavi Dev Ji, the famous Jain hermits, and can be traced back to the 12th century. The temples are a great example of a Dilwara style built with animals and human figures carved on the walls of yellow stones. Beautifully carved and well interconnected, these temples will leave you enthralled with their magnificence.
Timings: 08:00am to 12:00pm
Entry Fee: Free for Indians and ₹10 for Foreigners
Highlights: ornate shrines, temple courtyards, traditional Jain art and iconography, sculptures and reliefs
Vyas Chhatri
Vyas Chhatri, an architectural gem built on the old Brahmin graveyard is an assemblage of golden sandstone dedicated to sage Vyaas, the writer of epic Mahabharata. Its brilliant Rajasthani architecture, intricate carvings and peaceful surroundings makes it one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer. Besides admiring the architecture of the chhatris, one can get some great views of the fort from here. The amalgamation of the brilliant sandstone chhatris with the golden hues of the sunset creates picturesque vistas.
Timings: 08:00am to 07:30pm
Entry Fee: ₹100 per person & ₹100 for Camera
Highlights: sandstone structures, cenotaphs, panoramic views, intricate architecture, serene environment
Desert National Park
A visit to the Desert National Park is a unique experience as this national park is the middle of the desert. With around 3162 sq. km in area, it is one of the biggest national parks in India. 20% of the park comprises of sand dunes and the rest consists of craggy rocks, fixed dunes, and inter-medial areas. It is very interesting to see how the plants and animals survive in the arid dry and hot conditions of the Thar. A jeep safari through the grand Thar Desert will give you an idea of the desert and its ecosystem.
Timings: 10:00am to 05:00pm
Entry Fee: ₹100 for Indians & ₹300 for Foreigners
Highlights: Desert safari, Spoting animals and birds, sand dunes, Fossil Park, Thar Desert ecosystem, camel rides
Book Now: Romantic Private Candle Light Dinner At Thar Desert Jaisalmer
Tazia Tower
The Tazia Tower is a five story tall tower emerging from the Badal Palace complex which was once home of the royal family. It is basically a replica of the mausoleum of Muslim imams. The architecture of the tower is quite different from the Rajputana architecture as it was built by Muslim artisans. Each of the five floor has a balcony that is designed differently from the rest. Simple items like wood, colored paper and thermocol were used in the construction of the tower.
Timings: 08:00am to 06:00pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Highlights: Islamic and Rajput style architecture, intricate carvings, detailed balconies, panoramic views
Jaisalmer War Museum
If you want to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the nation’s war heroes, this is the place to be. Jaisalmer War Museum, also known as Longewala War Memorial is a museum set up by the Indian Army to showcase the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers in the 1965 Indo-Pak War and Battle of Longewala in 1971. All war equipment like war tanks, weapons, military vehicles and war trophies are displayed here to educate visitors on how our soldiers defended the nation’s borders.
Timings: 10:00am to 06:00pm
Entry Fee: Free
Highlights: military artifacts, vintage war equipment, tanks and artillery displays, souvenir shop
Akal Wood Fossil Park
About 18 km from Jaisalmer is the Akal Wood Fossil Park which is a great place for nature lovers and paleontologists. It is a place of great importance as this unconventional site says a lot about the pre-historic era. Fossils from millions of years (as early as the Jurassic period) are preserved here. The 21 hectares of the fossil park is the pride of Jaisalmer city and also a National Geological Monument of India.
Timings: 09:00am to 06:00pm
Entry Fee: ₹5 for Indians and ₹20 for Foreigners
Highlights: 180-million-year-old fossils, arid desert landscape, unique rock formations
Also read: Experience Jaisalmer Like Never Before: Immerse Yourself in the Culture Of The Desert
Let The Golden City Dazzle You
As a city, Jaisalmer is home to various popular destinations which will make your trip here exciting, adventurous, and filled with cultural heritage. A trip here will involve not only exploring the various historical monuments spread all over the city but also the tourist attractions located around it. In addition to this, the love and warmth of the people here will make you keep coming to Jaisalmer again and again. Visit here to take a journey through the history of the Rajputs and get mesmerized by Rajasthani Folk music while doing so.
FAQs
The options to commute within Jaisalmer is plenty. Local buses, auto rickshaws, cabs and bicycles are the most easy and comfortable options to travel. All public modes of transportation are reasonable but autos and cabs are quite expensive.
Sam Sand Dunes, Khuri Sand Dunes, Lodhruva Dunes, Kanoi Village, Desert National Park, Suryagarh Desert, Khaba Fort Dunes and Barna Sand Dunes are place form where you can book and experience the famous camel safari.
Jaisalmer is definitely not a place that can be covered in one day, but if time is a constrain it is possible to see the best this place has to offer in a day. There are plenty of Jaisalmer Tour Packages that offers to cover all the iconic places in Jaisalmer in just one day.
There are many reasons why Jaisalmer city Rajasthan is called as the Golden City. The use of yellow sandstone in almost all the buildings and the golden sand dunes are the main reasons. On a bright sunny day the city’s sandstone buildings glitters like gold, hence the name.
