31 Places To Visit In Jaisalmer

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1. Desert Safari in Jaisalmer

37 km from city center

Desert

Desert safaris out of Jaisalmer typically head to Sam Sand Dunes, where a jeep drops you at the edge of the dunes for a camel ride lasting around 90 minutes. Sunset is the most popular time to go, when the sand turns gold and temperatures finally drop from the daytime heat. Most operators also offer jeep safaris and overnight camping add-ons if you want more than just the ride.

Top Attraction 4.4 /5

1 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Highlights: Surya Gate, Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort is one of the few 'living forts' in the world, still home to roughly three thousand people inside its yellow sandstone walls, alongside havelis, temples, shops, and guesthouses. Built in 1156 by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal, it's recognised by UNESCO as one of India's Hill Forts. Enter through the Surya Gate and take your time working through its four main gateways, since the f (Read More)ort rewards slow wandering more than a quick walkthrough.

Top Things To Do 4.7 /5

29 km from city center

Camping

Desert camping in Jaisalmer usually means a night at Sam Sand Dunes, with a folk music and dance performance around a bonfire before you bed down under an open sky. Most packages bundle in a camel or jeep safari earlier in the evening, and some throw in extras like parasailing or quad biking during the day. Book a camp with proper tents and bedding rather than an open-ground setup if you want a co (Read More)mfortable night, since desert temperatures drop sharply after dark.

Great For Family Outing 4.2 /5

13 km from city center

Village

Kuldhara is a village abandoned overnight roughly two centuries ago, according to local legend, when its Paliwal Brahmin residents fled rather than submit to a tyrannical minister. The stone ruins of homes and a temple still stand largely intact across the site, and its reputation for being haunted draws as many curious visitors as history buffs. It's best visited before sunset, since the site clo (Read More)ses to the public after dark.

Jaisalmer Travel Packages

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2 Nights / 3 Days

2 Nights 3 Days Desert Jaisalmer Package

Jaisalmer(2N)

Sold By: The Tripta Holidays(4.8 )

₹9,500/person

2 Nights / 3 Days

Jaisalmer 2 Nights: Forts, Desert Safari, Cultural Camp Experience

Jaisalmer(2N)

Sold By: Unicorns Tour(4.9 )

₹13,000/person

5 Nights / 6 Days

Forts Palaces & Dunes of Rajasthan Holiday Tour Package

Udaipur(2N) → Jodhpur(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N)

Sold By: Holiday Folks(4.7 )

₹ 19,950

14% off

₹16,999/person

5 Nights / 6 Days

Forts Palaces & Dunes of Rajasthan Holiday Tour Package

Udaipur(2N) → Jodhpur(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N)

Sold By: Holiday Folks(4.7 )

₹ 19,950

14% off

₹16,999/person

3 Nights / 4 Days

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Desert Tour with Indo-Pak Border, 3 Nights 4 Days

Jodhpur(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N)

₹ 17,500

31% off

₹11,999/person

3 Nights / 4 Days

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Desert Tour with Indo-Pak Border, 3 Nights 4 Days

Jodhpur(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N) → Jaisalmer(1N)

₹ 17,500

31% off

₹11,999/person

View All Packages For Jaisalmer

5. Jaisalmer War Museum

Fun For Kids 4.7 /5

12 km from city center

Museum

Jaisalmer War Museum, also known as the Longewala War Memorial, commemorates the 1971 Battle of Longewala, where a small Indian Army post held off a much larger Pakistani armoured assault. Two display halls cover the battle and broader military history, alongside an audio-visual room that walks through the events in more detail. It's a worthwhile stop if you're interested in India's military histo (Read More)ry rather than just forts and havelis.

Top Attraction 4.1 /5

1 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Patwon ki Haveli is actually a cluster of five havelis, built by a wealthy trader named Patwa for his five sons, each section carved in the same honey-yellow sandstone but with its own distinct facade. One section is open as a museum, with period furniture and mirror-work interiors giving a sense of how a wealthy merchant family once lived. It's a short walk from Jaisalmer Fort, so it's easy to co (Read More)mbine both into one morning.

7. Sam Sand Dunes

Top Things To Do 4.2 /5

37 km from city center

Desert

Highlights: Camel Safari, Camping in the Dunes, Cultural (Read More)Program, Bonfire and Stargazing, Photography

Sam Sand Dunes are among the most accessible and photographed stretches of the Thar Desert, with camel and jeep safaris running throughout the day. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit, when the light is softer and the heat has eased off. Evening visits often extend into a cultural show with folk music and dance, so it's worth timing your trip for the evening rather than a quick midday s (Read More)top.

4.6 /5

1 km from city center

Historical Site

Vyas Chhatri is a cluster of golden sandstone cenotaphs built to honour Sage Vyasa, traditionally credited with compiling the Mahabharata, with his cenotaph set apart on the north side. It's become Jaisalmer's best-known sunset point, giving an elevated view over the fort and the old city as the sandstone glows in the evening light. Arrive a little before sunset to find a good spot, since it draws (Read More) a steady stream of visitors at that hour.

Top Attraction 4.3 /5

2 km from city center

Lake

Gadisar Lake was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal as a rainwater reservoir for the city, back when Jaisalmer had no other reliable water source in this stretch of the Thar Desert. A carved sandstone gateway, Tilon ki Pol, marks the entrance, with small shrines and chhatris dotting the ghats around the water. Boat rides at sunset are the main draw today, with the fort visible in the distance across the l (Read More)ake.

Top Things To Do 4.3 /5

40 km from city center

National Park

Desert National Park protects over 3,000 square kilometres of Thar Desert ecosystem, home to chinkara, desert fox, desert cat, and the Great Indian Bustard, one of the world's most endangered birds. A jeep safari is the standard way to explore it, since the terrain and distances rule out walking most of the park. It's a good add-on if wildlife interests you beyond the usual fort-and-haveli circuit (Read More), though sightings take patience in this kind of open desert habitat.

Temporarily Closed

1 km from city center

Temple

Tanot Mata Temple sits in Tanot village near the India-Pakistan border, maintained by the Border Security Force since the 1971 war, when local lore holds that shells fired at the temple failed to explode. It's as much a site of military reverence as religious pilgrimage, with a small museum nearby displaying unexploded ordnance from that war. It's a long detour from Jaisalmer city, roughly two and (Read More) a half hours each way, so it's usually combined with a broader border-area day trip.

4.3 /5

5 km from city center

Garden & Park

Bada Bagh sits on the way to Ramgarh, its hillside lined with the chhatris of the Maharawals who once ruled Jaisalmer state, each cenotaph marking a different ruler across several centuries. A cluster of wind turbines now stands on the ridge behind the cenotaphs, an odd but photogenic contrast between old and new. Sunset is the best time to visit, when the golden stone and the silhouettes of the c (Read More)hhatris stand out clearly against the sky.

13. Tazia Tower and Badal Palace

3.9 /5

1 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Tazia Tower rises five storeys from within the Badal Palace complex, its design modelled on the Tazia processions of Muharram rather than the Rajput architecture found elsewhere in the fort. Muslim artisans from Bengal are credited with building it, which explains why it looks so different from the sandstone havelis around it. It's a quick stop rather than a lengthy visit, best combined with other (Read More) sights inside the fort walls.

4.1 /5

0 km from city center

Fairs & Festivals

Jaisalmer Desert Festival runs for three days every February, timed around the full moon, with turban-tying and moustache competitions, folk music, and a final night of performances staged at Sam Sand Dunes under moonlight. It's one of the liveliest times to visit the city, when the fort and surrounding areas fill with performers and craftspeople from across the region. Book accommodation well ahe (Read More)ad if you're planning a trip around it, since rooms fill up fast during the festival.

Top Attraction 4.2 /5

0 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Nathmal ki Haveli was built as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the state's prime minister, its facade carved by two brothers working on opposite sides who deliberately left small details different between the two halves. Two limestone elephants guard the entrance, and the upper floors carry miniature paintings alongside carvings of trains, bicycles, and fans, oddly modern motifs for the per (Read More)iod. Part of the haveli is still occupied by the Mohata family, so only sections of it are open to visitors.

Top Things To Do

Quad biking in Jaisalmer runs on the dunes around Sam, with ATVs available for guided rides across the sand under an instructor's supervision. It's one of the more physical, adrenaline-driven ways to experience the desert, compared to the slower pace of a camel or jeep safari. Morning or late afternoon sessions are more comfortable than midday, when the sand and sun are both at their most intense.

Top Things To Do

Dune bashing puts you in a 4x4 driven fast over the rolling dunes near Sam, climbing and dropping down the sand in quick succession for a rollercoaster-like ride. It's usually offered as an add-on to a jeep safari rather than booked separately, run by experienced local drivers who know the terrain. It's an intense enough ride that it's worth skipping right after a heavy meal.

4.4 /5

1 km from city center

Temple

Chandraprabhu Temple, built in the 16th century inside Jaisalmer Fort, is dedicated to Chandraprabhu, the eighth Jain Tirthankara, and forms part of a cluster of seven interconnected Jain temples within the fort walls. Its red sandstone carvings and curved facades blend Jain iconography with the Rajput architectural style common across the fort. It's usually visited together with the fort's other (Read More)Jain temples rather than as a standalone stop, since they share entrances and courtyards.

4.0 /5

1 km from city center

Temple

The Jain temples inside Jaisalmer Fort form a connected complex of seven shrines, built in the same Dilwara style famous from the marble temples of Mount Abu, though carved here in golden sandstone instead. Detailed carvings throughout depict sages, animals, and mythological scenes across the temple walls and ceilings. Modest dress is expected, and leather items aren't allowed inside, so plan your (Read More) outfit and bag accordingly before visiting.

Parasailing in Jaisalmer is usually run at Sam Sand Dunes, towing you a short distance behind a vehicle for a few minutes of gliding above the dunes. It gives a rare aerial view of the desert's scale, with camels and jeep tracks visible as small specks below. It's typically offered as a paid add-on alongside camel and jeep safaris rather than a standalone booking, so ask your safari operator if it (Read More)'s included.

Fun For Kids 4.2 /5

17 km from city center

Garden & Park

Akal Wood Fossil Park, on the Barmer road out of Jaisalmer, protects 180-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks scattered across 21 hectares of desert, evidence that this part of the Thar was once a lush forest. It's recognised as a National Geological Monument, with information boards explaining how the wood turned to stone over time. It's a quick, low-key stop that works well combined with othe (Read More)r sights along the same road.

4.4 /5

1 km from city center

Museum

Desert Cultural Centre and Museum brings together traditional musical instruments, old coins, textiles, and everyday utensils that trace Jaisalmer's cultural history beyond its forts and havelis. An evening puppet show is often included with the entry ticket, giving a taste of Rajasthan's kathputli tradition. It's a compact museum, easy to fit into an hour alongside a walk through the fort.

4.1 /5

1 km from city center

Museum

Jaisalmer Government Museum was set up by the Department of Archaeology in 1984 to document the region's cultural and natural history, from fossils and sculptures to textiles and coins from the Bhati Rajput era. It's a more academic, low-frills counterpart to the private museums around the fort. Worth a visit if you want historical context on the desert and the Bhati dynasty before exploring the f (Read More)ort itself.

Top Attraction 4.0 /5

1 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Salim Singh ki Haveli was built in 1815 for Salim Singh, the kingdom's then prime minister, and is also called Jahaz Mahal, since its curved upper section resembles the stern of a ship. Its arched roof and peacock-shaped brackets are more elaborate than the more famous havelis nearby, though it draws fewer crowds. It's a short walk from Patwon ki Haveli, so the two pair naturally into one haveli-f (Read More)ocused stop.

Temporarily Closed

0 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Mandir Palace is a roughly two-century-old royal residence in the heart of Jaisalmer, now run as a heritage hotel with carved stone balconies, canopied windows, and courtyards that retain much of their original character. Even non-guests can usually walk through parts of the grounds or stop for a meal to get a sense of the architecture. It sits close enough to the fort that it's easy to combine wi (Read More)th a day of sightseeing in the old city.

4.2 /5

0 km from city center

Historical Site

Lodhruva was the Bhatti dynasty's capital before Rawal Jaisal moved the seat of power to the newly built Jaisalmer Fort in the 12th century. Repeated invasions left much of the old city in ruins, but a cluster of Jain temples here has survived and been restored, including a notable Parshvanath temple. It's a quiet, less-visited historical site, worth an hour if you're interested in what came befor (Read More)e Jaisalmer itself.

4.6 /5

0 km from city center

Museum

Thar Heritage Museum was founded by L.N. Khatri, a scholar of Jaisalmer folklore, and runs more like a passion project than an official institution, with fossils, old coins, musical instruments, and household objects crammed into a small space. Khatri or his family are often on hand to walk visitors through the collection personally, adding context you won't find on a placard. It's a more personal (Read More), informal alternative to the Government Museum if you want a guided rather than self-directed visit.

4.3 /5

4 km from city center

Lake

Amar Sagar Lake sits beside Amar Sagar Palace, a 17th-century complex built by Maharawal Akhai Singh on Jaisalmer's outskirts, with wells, ponds, and chhatris scattered around the grounds. An 18th-century marble Shiva temple stands within the same complex, adding a religious layer to the site's royal history. The lake itself can run dry outside the monsoon season, so check conditions if seeing wat (Read More)er is the main draw.

3.3 /5

38 km from city center

Desert

Khuri is a small desert village inside Desert National Park, offering a quieter and more traditional alternative to the busier Sam Sand Dunes. Mud-and-thatch guesthouses and camps here serve home-style Rajasthani food, and the surrounding dunes are usually far less crowded for camel rides and sunset views. It's a good choice if you'd rather have a slower, more local desert experience than a tour-b (Read More)us crowd.

4.5 /5

1 km from city center

Temple

Shri Naminath Jain Temple, dedicated to the 21st Tirthankara, is part of the same cluster of seven Jain temples inside Jaisalmer Fort, built between the 12th and 16th centuries. Its sandstone carvings and domed ceilings are especially detailed, even by the standards of the fort's other Jain shrines. Since it shares entry with the connected temple complex, it's naturally covered on the same visit a (Read More)s Chandraprabhu and the other Jain temples.

4.1 /5

26 km from city center

Forts & Palaces

Khaba Fort overlooks the ruins of a village once home to Paliwal Brahmins, abandoned around the same time and for the same disputed reasons as nearby Kuldhara. The fort itself dates to the 13th century and now houses a small museum of regional artefacts within its restored sections. It's usually visited together with Kuldhara, since both sit along the same desert road.

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FAQs on Jaisalmer

How can I commute within Jaisalmer?

Autos and tongas are the most widely used mode of transport within the city. Bargaining is the key to tackle the auto-rickshaw drivers. Autos only ply between 8 AM to 8 PM to go inside the fort area.

Rickshaw pullers might not be as friendly as you would expect them to be, but it's the best way to beat the bottlenecks in the city. Bikes are available for rent too.

Bicycles, however, are much more recommended as they can be manoeuvred easily in congested areas (the fares of the bicycle being borrowed varies according to the model one borrows).

Hiring cabs for the entire day can be an expensive affair. But if you are willing to make this investment, a cab for four people can cost around INR 3000 for the entire day. If you are looking forward to booking a bike, the starting price is usually INR 1000 per day.
Read More

What is special in Jaisalmer?

Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer is known for its rich culture, heritage, and mysterious charm. Jaiselmer is a perfect spot for backpackers looking for adventure. From camel safaris to exploring the historical forts, Jaisalmer has some exciting things to do. Additionally, it is one of the few cities in India where it is legal to consume bhang from an approved shop.

What are the top hotels in Jaisalmer?

There are 259 Hotels in Jaisalmer which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Jaisalmer are Hotel Jessulkot Jaisalmer, Payal Safari Camp, Lion guest house, Hamari Haveli by Moustache, Desert pearl Resort, Hotel Dev Villa. You can see all the hotels in Jaisalmer here

What are the top sightseeing places in Jaisalmer?

The top sightseeing places in Jaisalmer are Jaisalmer Fort, Desert Safari in Jaisalmer, Kuldhara Village, Jain Temples in Jaisalmer, Desert National Park, Gadisar Lake.

What are the top restaurants in Jaisalmer?

The best places to eat in Jaisalmer are Chandan Shree Restaurant, Kanchan Shree Ice Cream, Desert Boy's Dhani, Jaisal Italy, Natraj Restaurant, Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets. You can see all the places to eat in Jaisalmer here

How much does a package cost for Jaisalmer?

The packages for Jaisalmer start at INR 12000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

Can you suggest an itinerary for Jaisalmer?

Day 1 - Visit "The Palace" (a nickname for Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre) is in the winter season. The palace opens at around 9:00 A.M. and the entry fee is around INR 250. Built out of golden stone, the fort has intricate designs carved on its walls. You can also avail an option featuring a self-guided audio tour. It usually takes one and a half hours to two hours to properly cover the entire fort and museum. Later, you can explore the famous local markets of Jaisalmer to get to know the culture.

Day 2 - Jaisalmer is extremely popular for its desert safaris. On the second day book a full-day safari. Some of the safari packages include a pick-up, an amazing camel ride, a beautiful view of the sunrise/sunset, a resting place by the oasis, and a lovely meal by the dunes. Some packages are for the entire day, and some are for half a day. The packages can cost between INR 500 to INR 2000. The best part of these tours is the fact that you get to visit the villages nearby and get to meet the locals and see Rajasthan through their eyes.

Day 3 - If you are in a mood to splurge, visit the local specialised markets like the Sadar Bazaar, Sonaron Ka Baas, Seema Gram, and Bhatia Bazaar. You will get to buy the most popular products of Jaisalmer like ornaments, mirror products (dupattas and bangles embroidered with mirrors, for example), stonework products, and puppets. Explore the local culture and cuisine of Rajasthan, and have a nice relaxed day.

Day 4 - Visit the Jaina Temples which are inside the Jaisalmer Fort. The temples are open in the morning hours until 12 noon. The architectural style of these temples is known as the "Dilwara" style of architecture and date back to the 12th and 15th century. Later visit the Amar Sagar Lake which is situated beside the Amar Singh Palace. It is open from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Places To Visit In Jaisalmer

"Golden city rising from the Thar Desert"

31 Places To Visit In Jaisalmer

1. Desert Safari in Jaisalmer

2. Jaisalmer Fort

3. Camping in Jaisalmer

4. Kuldhara Village

Jaisalmer Travel Packages

2 Nights 3 Days Desert Jaisalmer Package

Jaisalmer 2 Nights: Forts, Desert Safari, Cultural Camp Experience

Forts Palaces & Dunes of Rajasthan Holiday Tour Package

Forts Palaces & Dunes of Rajasthan Holiday Tour Package

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Desert Tour with Indo-Pak Border, 3 Nights 4 Days

Jodhpur to Jaisalmer Desert Tour with Indo-Pak Border, 3 Nights 4 Days

5. Jaisalmer War Museum

6. Patwon ki Haveli

Top Hotels In Jaisalmer

7. Sam Sand Dunes

8. Vyas Chhatri

9. Gadisar Lake

10. Desert National Park

11. Tanot Mata Temple (Mata Rani Temple)

12. Bada Bagh

Discover More About Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer

13. Tazia Tower and Badal Palace

14. Jaisalmer Desert Festival

15. Nathmal Ki Haveli

16. Quad Biking in Jaisalmer

17. Dune Bashing

18. Chandraprabhu Jain Temple

19. Jain Temples in Jaisalmer

20. Parasailing in Jaisalmer

21. Akal Wood Fossil Park

22. Desert Cultural Centre

23. Jaisalmer Government Museum

24. Salam Singh Ki Haweli (Moti Mahal)

25. Mandir Palace

26. Lodhruva

27. Thar Heritage Museum

28. Amar Sagar Lake

29. Khuri

30. Shri Naminath Jain Temple

31. Khaba Fort

Places To Visit In Nearby Places

FAQs on Jaisalmer

How can I commute within Jaisalmer?

What is special in Jaisalmer?

What are the top hotels in Jaisalmer?

What are the top sightseeing places in Jaisalmer?

What are the top restaurants in Jaisalmer?

How much does a package cost for Jaisalmer?

Can you suggest an itinerary for Jaisalmer?

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