Best Things To Do In Jaisalmer, India: Have Your Own Desert Story

things to do in jaisalmer india
Nevedha
Nevedha 
Updated
| 3 min read

Jaisalmer, located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, is a city where visitors can see beautiful forts and landscapes. It bears the traces of geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago and it acts as the natural guard for western Rajasthan and India’s frontier. This city has come back from the dead in the past half-century. Although it is one among the deserts of Rajasthan, it is very easy to reach since there is a direct train service connection for Jaisalmer and Delhi. Read more to find out more about all you can do and see in Jaisalmer.

Tip from Content Creator

Jaisalmer
Here's another interesting fact about Jaisalmer. The city has a compact network of streets, with fairly high buildings and narrow lanes. This creates a natural cooling passage even on a hot day. And interestingly, one can walk down the whole city without sweating much!

1. Jaisalmer Fort

JAISALMER FORT AND CITY
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Janardanprasad used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Jaisalmer Fort is also known as the Golden Fort. It looks like a massive sandcastle rising from the sandy plains like a mirage. It was constructed in a royal style by local craftsman, which makes it one of the must-visit places in Jaisalmer. Watching the sunset from the fort is even more magical.

Jaisalmer Fort

Address: Fort Rd, Khejer Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001

Website: Jaisalmer Fort

Traveler's tips

Must Visit

Behold the breathtaking beauty of Rajasthan's golden city! 🌅🕌 Watching the majestic sunrise at 5 AM in Jaisalmer is an experience like no other.

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2. Jaisalmer Government Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Jaisalmer Government Museum was established by the Department of Archaeology and Museums. It is a prime attraction among tourists with its striking displays. The museum’s trophy exhibit is a stuffed model of the state bird, Godawan. The remnants of this city’s rich culture are displayed here in the Government Museum so don’t miss the chance of visiting.

Jaisalmer Government Museum

Address: Police Line Road, Near Moomal Hotel, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

Website: Jaisalmer Government Museum

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3. Mandir Palace

Jaisalmer fort and palace 22
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Schwiki used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Mandir Palace is a five storey building that excites all the visitors by its enchantment. Each storey has intricately carved balconies and canopies. The entire castle was constructed by Muslim craftsmen over 2 centuries ago. Mandir Palace is also known as the cloud castle since it looks like it is located high up in the sky. The palace is now converted into an exclusive heritage hotel so if you know how it feels to live in a palace, don’t miss the chance of spending a night here.

Mandir Palace

Address: Gandhi Chowk Rd, Sadar Bazar, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001

Website: Mandir Palace

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4. Jain temples

Jaisalmer Jain Temple 32
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Antoine Taveneaux used under CC BY-SA 3.0

There are a cluster of Jain temples in Jaisalmer dating back to 12th and 15th century. They are built of yellow sandstone with walls that have detailed carvings and even ancient manuscripts are preserved here. These temples are a popular pilgrimage spot and are a peaceful place to sit, pray, and enjoy the divine presence.

Jain Temples

Address: Fort Rd, Khejer Para, Manak Chowk, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001

Website: Jain Temples

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Jaisalmer Tour Guide

Sameer

Sameer

Hello I'm Sameer A Government Licenced Tour Guide in Jaisalmer. I have been working as a tour guide for more than 6 years now. My job is to show the best sites to tourists, Make them laugh, and keep them entertained. I'm professional and passionate about my work. I am a local myself from Jaisalmer. I love to meet new people and tell them about my city with enthusiasm and I also listen to t... Read more

Tours by Sameer

5. Gadisar Lake

Gadsisar lake, Jaisalmer (retouched)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ankit khare used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Gadisar Lake was constructed in the 14th century to provide water to Jaisalmer’s dry lands. After learning of its importance, many temples were built around it. Now this lake has become a pilgrimage destination. There is a tradition for visitors to visit the lake before entering the temples.

Gadisar Lake

Address: Gadisar Lake, Postal Colony, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001

Website: Gadisar Lake

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6. Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh-4-Chhatri of Mâhârawal Shalivahan Singh Ji III-20131009-8
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel Villafruela used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Bada Bagh is known as the Big Garden and is located 4.8 km (3 miles) north of Jaisalmer. This garden complex houses royal people of the city and the location of the garden is perfect. Visitors often find this the ideal spot to enjoy views of the sun rise and sunset.

Bada Bagh

Address: Bada Baugh Chhatris Rd, Rajasthan 345001

Website: Bada Baugh

Tip from tour guide

Sameer

Sameer
Jaisalmer

Bada Bagh

The royal cenotaphs, also called Bada Bagh, stand as the cremation ground for the kings of Jaisalmer.

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7. Desert National Park

Chinkara Desert NP Jaisalmer
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chinmayisk used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Desert National Park provides visitors with a glimpse of the best of Thar’s eco system. The desert park, located 40 km away from Jaisalmer, is made up of sand dunes, dense salt, and rocks. It has a variety of wildlife that keeps visitors fascinated. Even rare species such as the black buck and desert fox can be found here. During winter, migratory eagles and vultures are said to take refuge in this park.

Desert National Park

Address: Myajlar Road, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001

Website: Desert National Park

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8. Kuldhara

Kuldhara Village
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Suryansh Singh used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Kuldhara is known as the ghost village of Rajasthan. It is known to be haunted and holds a sad story of how the king wanted to marry a woman from a poor community that lived in this village and threatened that he’d burn down the village if they didn’t approve his wish. The people cursed and left the village overnight. It has been abandoned ever since but it still makes for an interesting experience.

Kuldhara

Address: Kuldhar, Rajasthan 345001

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9. Desert Festival

Desert Festival
Source: Pexels

The Desert Festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department. It usually takes place around January and February of every year. The Desert Festival is said to be very colorful and full of fun. It is definitely a great way to experience some of the local traditions and products. Its high points are camel races, acrobats, and folk dances.

Desert Festival

Address: Sam Sand Dunes 42 K.M. from Jaisalmer

Website: Desert Festival

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10. Camel Safari

Tracks
Source: Photo by Flickr user Nomad Tales used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Ditch walking and see Rajasthan from the best view possible by riding on camels, which are known as ships of the desert. There are plenty of reliable safari tour operators scattered all over Rajasthan and many packages are also available to choose from. Choose one and go out to experience the deserted scalding landscape around Jaisalmer.

Camel Safari

Website: Camel Safari

Traveler's tips

Riding the dunes

In addition to the camel safari, you can also do a jeep safari, which is much more thrilling. We did both, and since we had driven to Rajhasthan, my husband decided to take our SUV on the dunes as well. Let's just say thank god the guide was in the vehicle with us, or we would have been stuck at an angle in the dunes for a while. 

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Jaisalmer is known as the Golden City for a reason

Away from the urban chaos and at the heart of the sprawling Thar Desert, experience the true essence of Jaisalmer. Feel the warm sand under your feet and get ready to explore celestial wonders of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is truly a one-of-a-kind place that you shouldn’t miss.

Tip from tour guide

Sameer

Sameer
Jaisalmer

Dal Pankwan

You must try out the most famous local food in Jaisalmer, Daal Pankwan, just outside of the fort at the stall near Gopa Chowk, Jaisalmer.

Tip from tour guide

Sameer

Sameer
Jaisalmer

Fatte ki kachori

Another must-try food item in Jaisalmer is Fatte ki kachori. He has been selling kachoris for more than 25 years and is highly popular among locals.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nevedha, an engineering graduate, channels her passion for travel through her lifestyle website, Life Simplified 101. Writing is her liberating medium, allowing words to articulate her thoughts....Read more

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