Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

Arising like a desert mirage in the center of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer, or the Golden City of India, is an experience of golden sandstone and ageless stories. Established in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal, the city boasts forts, palaces, desert camps, and ancient temples that shine effulgently under the sun. With its singularly living fort, eerie myths, and sweeping landscapes, Jaisalmer provides a rich combination of history, heritage, adventure, and desert culture.

Whatever your interest - tracing medieval havelis, camel trekking across dunes of gold, or tracing ghost towns and tales of warriors - Jaisalmer promises some exceptional experiences for each and every visitor.

Famous Attractions in Jaisalmer

These are the top 20 locations that you have to see in Jaisalmer:

1.Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila)

The heart and soul of the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world's few "living forts." More than 3,000 people still live within its walls. Wander through royal palaces, Jain temples, and narrow streets lined with handicrafts and rooftop cafes—all constructed in golden sandstone.

2. Patwon Ki Haveli

An exquisite cluster of five havelis constructed by a prosperous merchant clan, it is famous for elaborate jharokhas, mirror work, and intricate corridors. The largest and first haveli has been converted to a museum.

3. Sam Sand Dunes

These are 40 km from the city and Jaisalmer's most popular desert dunes. Go there in the evening for camel rides, cultural shows, dune bashing, and camping in the desert under starry skies.

4. Gadisar Lake

This serene artificial lake was Jaisalmer's source of water. Now, it's a romantic area with chhatris and temples around, perfect for boating and early morning photography.

5. Jain Temples (Inside Fort)

A cluster of 7 beautifully carved Jain temples between the 12th to 16th centuries, constructed in yellow sandstone. They are dedicated to different Tirthankaras and feature beautiful Dilwara-style architecture.

6.Salim Singh Ki Haveli

Also referred to as Jahaz Mahal due to its boat-like structure, this haveli has an arched ceiling with peacock-shaped brackets and 38 intricately carved balconies.

7. Nathmal Ki Haveli

Completed by two architect brothers who were competitive, this haveli has each side symmetrical but different. It's decorated with intricate carvings, floral patterns, and life-sized elephants.

8. Desert National Park

India's one of the biggest national parks, spread over 3,000 sq km and encompassing blackbucks, desert foxes, chinkaras, and migratory birds such as the Great Indian Bustard. Explore it through jeep safaris.

9. Vyas Chhatri

Cenotaph for Sage Vyas, who wrote the Mahabharata. Also referred to as Jaisalmer's Sunset Point, offering great golden views over the city and desert.

10. Kuldhara Village

An abandoned, supposedly haunted village 18 km from Jaisalmer. It was overnight evacuated in the 19th century under extraordinary circumstances and is a place of legends.

11. Amar Sagar Lake

A serene lake encircled by a palace and chhatris constructed by Amar Singh in the 17th century. Perfect for a quick retreat just outside the city.

12. Bada Bagh

A royal cenotaph complex with beautiful domed chhatris, situated in the midst of the desert. It's especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

13. Jaisalmer War Museum

Dedicated to Indian Army soldiers, this museum showcases the 1971 Indo-Pak war through war trophies, tanks, fighter aircraft, and audio-visual displays.

14. Tanot Mata Temple

Near the India-Pakistan border, this holy temple was left unscathed by bombs in the 1965 war and has become a place of mystical significance. Owned and cared for by the Indian Army.

15. Thar Heritage Museum

A treasure trove of folk art, musical instruments, fossils, and antiques, started by local historian L. Narayan Khatri. It nicely chronicles desert life.

16. Khaba Fort

Another deserted village location, this fort provides glimpses into Rajasthan's lost past. Ruins, wildlife, and intrigue come together to provide a haunting beauty.

17. Lodhruva Jain Temple

6 km from Jaisalmer, this old temple was once the capital of the Bhatti Rajputs. Famous for its toranas and sand-hued carvings.

18. Akal Wood Fossil Park

A geological marvel about 17 km from the city, this park features 180-million-year-old tree fossils preserved in the desert—fascinating for science and nature lovers.

19.Tazia Tower and Badal Palace

A five-story replica of a Shia mausoleum, rising from the Badal Palace. Its Islamic-style carvings stand in contrast to typical Rajasthani architecture.

20. Jaisalmer Desert Festival (February)

A three-day gaudy festival of camel races, folk dances, turban-tying competition, and puppet shows, organized among the golden sand dunes. Should be visited if going in winter.

 Things to Do and Travel Experience in Jaisalmer

Here are 12 experiences that will never be forgotten that make Jaisalmer unique:

1. Take a Desert Safari at Sam or Khuri

Opt for camel or jeep safari across the dunes, with bonfire dinners and live folk music.

2. Camp Under the Stars

Camp in luxury tents in the desert, dine on Rajasthani food, watch kalbeliya dance, and wake up to sunrise over sand dunes.

3. Discover Jaisalmer Fort Like a Local

Stay in a heritage haveli within the fort, drink chai on the roof, and see the city turn golden at sunset.

4. Boat Ride at Gadisar Lake

Float by shrines, migratory birds, and sandstone arches, especially lovely at dawn and dusk.

5. Try Local Food

Try specialties such as ker sangri, dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and mawa kachori at local restaurants and rooftop cafés.

6. Buy Handicrafts and Textiles

Shop at the local bazaars for mirror work clothing, camel leather goods, silver ornaments, and Rajasthani puppets.

7. Sunset at Vyas Chhatri

Photographers and travelers alike will love this golden-hour snapshot.

8. Close-up of a Puppet Show

Catch evening puppet shows and folk music at the Desert Cultural Centre, a dying tradition still thriving here.

9. ATV or Dune Bashing

Add adventure with quad biking and 4x4 rides across sand dunes, offered near Sam and Khuri.

10. Visit Haunted Kuldhara at Night (if brave enough)

Legends say the spirits still linger. Some camps organize safe guided night visits.

11. See Jain Temple Carvings Up Close

Admire filigree sandstone work on ancient Jain temples—every inch tells a story of devotion and skill.

12. Stay in a Haveli Hotel

Live like a king in refurbished havelis like Hotel Nachana Haveli or Mandir Palace, with genuine atmosphere of old combined with contemporary comfort.