Jaisalmer or we can say the ‘Golden City of India’, is dominated by the presence of Thar Desert.  The city’s yellow hue and marvelous architecture has attracted many tourists from around the world. Jaisalmer still has its medieval charm. It is very much evident in its narrow streets, splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan.

So, before you plan a trip, get all the details of Jaisalmer.

• Currency – Indian Rupee                                                      
• Location – Located in the state of Rajasthan
• Best Time to Visit – October to March
  

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is Jaisalmer Airport. This airport supports chartered flights only meaning it is rarely used by travelers.

Jodhpur airport is the closest airport from where you can hire a taxi or cab to reach Jaisalmer city.

By Train

You can reach Jaisalmer by rail services connecting the city to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and more.

By Road

If you plan to drive your own vehicle, travel by road from Delhi to Jaisalmer, but make sure that you break your journey in Jaipur or Ajmer.

Places to See in Jaisalmer

1. Jaisalmer Fort

Also known as the ‘Sonar Quila’, Jaisalmer Fort is undoubtedly is one of the most beautiful forts in Rajasthan. It turns into honey-gold at sunset which is something every tourists need to experience.  The architectural design of the fort with intricately carved windows, doors and walls is one of the perfect examples of the rich heritage in India.

Entry Fees:

• Fort entry is Free
• INR 50 per person – Palace Museum
• Camera – INR 50
• Video Camera – INR 100

Opening hours: 9am to 5pm

Nearby Places to Eat:

Dosa Corner, Killa Corner, Little Tibet Restaurant, Jaisal Italy Restaurant, Pakwan Restaurant

2. Camel Safari

When in Jaisalmer you have to take a bumpy ride in the midst of Thar Desert. Being on camel and exploring major remote areas is an adventure. Moreover, Camel Safari also gives you a sense of tranquility.

Safari Fees: Starts around INR 1,000 and can go up to INR 1,600 for a full day (sunrise – sunset)

3. Sam Sand Dunes

Sam Sand Dunes is one of the best recommended places to see in Jaisalmer. Explore the dunes through Camel Safari and don’t miss to enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine and folk music afterwards.

Best Time to Visit: During Jaisalmer Desert Festival – held in the month of February every year

4. Gadi Sagar Lake

Gadi Sagar has become a popular sightseeing place among tourists. The lake is surrounded by various temples with the most notable Krishna Temple located on top of the Tilon Gate. Bird watching is becomes an activity during winters as migratory birds flock the area.

Best Time to Visit: During Ganguar Festival – held in the month of March or April every year.

Opening Hours: 12:00am – 12:00pm (Monday – Sunday)

Nearby Places to Eat:

Meera Food Court, The Food Plaza Restaurant, Royal Haveli Rooftop Restaurant, The Desert Delite, The Surya Restaurant

4. Salim Singh Ki Haveli

This Haveli is a distinct architecture to see in Jaisalmer. Unlike any other haveli or fort, it has an extended arched roof that is shaped like a peacock. It is crafted with 38 balconies and each one has a different design.

It is a must visit heritage monument in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Entry Fees: INR 10 – Indians, INR 15 – foreigners

• Camera charges – INR 50
• Video Camera – INR 100

Opening Hours: 6am to 5pm

Nearby Places to Eat:

Pleasant Haveli – Rooftop Restaurant, Natraj Restaurant, Delight Restaurant, Chandan Shree Restaurant, Saffron

4. Patwa Ki Haveli

It is one of the largest havelis in Jaisalmer with five grandiose havelis gifted by Guman Chand Patwa to his sons. The monument has beautiful intricate balconies, fine wall paintings, archways and gateways.

Entry Fees:

• Indians: INR 20
• Foreigners: INR 100
• Still Camera: INR 50
• Video Camera: INR 100

Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm

Nearby Places to Eat:

Plesant Haveli – Rooftop Restaurant, Gaji’s Restaurant, Dosa Corner, Royal Haveli Rooftop Restaurant, Natraj Restaurant

4. Jain Temple

Jain Temples in Jaisalmer are a fine example of Dilwara style of architecture that uses yellow sandstone. The temples have detailed architectural work having carved animal and human figures on the wall. It also has a dome that is covered by an amalak and a water pot containing lotus flower…the Parshvanath Temple is the most prominent one.

Entry Fees:

• Indians: Free
• Foreigners: INR 10
• Still Camera: INR 50
• Video Camera: INR 100

Opening Hours: 8am to 10pm

Nearby Places to Eat:

Dosa Corner, Desert Cow Restaurant, Restaurant Romany Jaisalmer, Maharaja Restaurant, the Food Plaza Restaurant

8. Kuldhara Village

Another place on this list is the Kuldhara village located on the outskirts of the main city. It is among the least explored places as it is considered as haunted. This village has nearly 84 villages which one day vanished in the dark. Nobody actually knows the reason why it happened, but if you enjoy ghostly stuff, this is the place for you.

Entry Fees: INR 10 per person, INR 50 – per person for car

Opening Hours: 8am to 6pm

Nearby Places to Eat:

Mantra Restaurant, Rasoda Restaurant, WYRA The Rooftop Restaurant, Delight Restaurant, Swad Restaurant

9. The Thar Heritage Museum

It is an antique museum having several traditional and historical folk art, paintings, turbans, musical instruments and kitchen equipment. You must stop by to experience the realness of Rajasthan.

Entry Fees: Free

Opening Hours: 9am to 8pm

Nearby Places to Eat:

Gaji’s Restaurant, Café the Kaku, the Food Plaza Restaurant, the Surya Restaurant, Fredy Foods

Fun Things to Do in Ajmer

• Boat riding at Gadi Sagar Lake
• Sam Sand Dunes camping in Jaisalmer Fort
• Parasailing at Jaisalmer
• Biking in Jaisalmer
• Royal Food Walk Tour

Shopping Places

• SADAR BAZAAR – paintings, carpets and handicrafts
• BHATIA BAZAAR– embroidered silk and cotton fabrics
• SONARON KA BAAS – traditional authentic silver jewelry, accessories
• PANSARI BAZAAR – handicrafts, colorful home décor items, traditional dresses, puppets, souvenir
• MANAK CHOWK – traditional clothes, attractive bags, locally- made leather items

What to Expect? / Tips

• You must visit Jaisalmer city in the winter months as the weather is very pleasant. Summer heat is very draining, so it’s important to take measures to avoid getting dehydrated (if you visit in the hottest months).
• Holi and diwali are two major festivals of India. So if you wish to experience Holi, then you must visit in the month of March and similarly, for Diwali or Deepawali, visit in the month of Octover-November.
• Rajasthani Food is very spicy and flavorful, so if you have any disease or are allergic to spices, just beware.

Where to stay?

There are great accommodation options throughout Jaisalmer.

Some of them are as follows-

• Hotel Royal Haveli
• Hotel Lalgarh Fort and Palace
• Hotel Pleasant Haveli
• The Gulaal
• Hotel Victoria

“I am that person who dropped her B.Tech (really!) and chose to travel, specifically travel blogging. I’m Manmeet Kaur, a crazy, fun loving and adventurous person from Delhi. I knew I had an interest in writing since I was in school. I didn’t want to be an engineer, doctor or I would say a teacher. My plans were different. I wanted to travel which I guess no one,  specially girl had chosen to do in my family for a living. And like other human beings on this planet I have big dreams too. But my ultimate dream is to travel the world and share my experiences through writing and blogging.” 🙂