Jaisalmer is one of the most famous places in Rajhastan, also named "The Golden City." It is named after Maharaja Jaisal Singh and is located in the vast desert of Thar. This city is known for its traditions, culture, old architecture, and heritage.
If you are a travel buff and want to enjoy a weekend amidst nature. Jaisalmer is the right destination for you, with the vast golden desert, exhilarating sports, and desert safaris.
Top 10 Things To Do in Jaisalmer
The best to visit Jaisalmer is from November to March. The weather is pleasant in these months, and the sun is not too hot. So you take a desert safari and explore the city in and out. Check out our list of things to do while visiting Jaisalmer.
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Gadisar Lake
- Explore Bada Bagh
- Desert National Park
- Desert Culture Centre and Museum
- Jaisalmer Desert Festival
- Experience Desert Safari
- Sam Sand Dunes
- Desert Jeep Safari
- Rajasthan Cuisine
Jaisalmer Fort
The second oldest fort in Rajhastan Jaisalmer Fort is the city's main attraction as one-fourth of the city population lives there. It is also known as the "Golden Fort" as it turns into a honey gold colour when the sun sets, creating a pleasant site that camouflages the fort in the yellow desert. One can view the city from the top or the Jaisalmer fort.
How to Reach: Taxi, Auto, Train
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Ticket Charges: 50 INR
Ticket Charges: 50 INR
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is a beautiful artificial lake located 1.5km away from Jaisalmer Fort. It is the most famous attraction in Jaisalmer. Once, this lake provided water to Jaisalmer city, but now it gets water from the Indira Gandhi Canal. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset or sunrise view in the early morning. Water boating is another thrilling activity here.
Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
How to Reach: Taxi, Auto, Train
Location: 6 KM North of Jaisalmer on the road of Ramgarh, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Entry Ticket: Free
Boating Charges: INR 100 for 2-seater pedal boats, INR 200 for 4-seater pedal boats, and INR 600 for 6-seater row boats.
Explore Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh, or Bara Bagh( grand garden), is six kilometres north of Jaisalmer. Bara Bagh has a collection of Chhatris or cenotaphs built for many ruling maharajas and their families. If you want to hear the beautiful sound of birds or sit in peace and calm, this place is worth visiting.
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
How to Reach: Auto, Taxi
Entry Ticket: INR 20 to 50 for Indians and INR 50-100 for Foreigners.
Camera fee: INR 20-100 for a photography camera and INR 50-150 for a video camera
Desert National park
Admiring wildlife is another thing to do in Jaisalmer. Near the towns of Jaisalmer and Barmer Desert National Park is the national park of Indian state Rajhastan. Despite the hot and fragile ecosystem, you can find an abundance of migratory and Thar desert birds. You can also see Chinkara, Desert fox, Desert cat, and many other species of birds and animals.
Location: Myajlar Road, Police Line, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
How to Reach: Taxi, Auto, Train
Entry Ticket: INR 100 for Indians and INR 300 for Foreigners
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Jeep Safari: INR 100 and INR for guide
Desert Culture Centre and Museum
This little museum was built by Mr N K Sharma in 1997. It showcases the exciting history of Jaisalmer culture and tradition. Desert Culture Center and Museum showcases a variety of Rajasthani musical instruments, jewellery, weapons, art, and crafts.
Location: Gadisar Road, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
How to Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Entry Ticket: INR 50 per person
Puppet Show: INR 50
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Jaisalmer Desert Festival
The most famous and awaited event in Jaisalmer is the Desert Festival, which has continued for centuries. Now, it is held on a large scale in February. This festival is famous for camel races, polo, Turban tying, and Mr Desert competitions. The major attractions of this festival are folk music, dance performances, and gair and fire dances. Desert festival is the best time to visit Jaisalmer.
Time: February 22 to 24, 2024
How to Reach: Taxi, Auto, Train
Experience Desert Safari
Every location has its speciality, and Jaisalmer, a desert city, is famous for camel safari. A camel safari is the most exciting and thrilling fun at Jaisalmer. If you visit Jaisalmer and never plan for a camel safari, then your trip is incomplete. Experience the fantastic view of the golden dunes of the Thar desert with a camel safari. In Jaisalmer, there are various camel safari operators, and you can hire one of them.
Timings: 9 am to 3 pm
How to Reach: Taxi, Auto, Train
Camel Safari Fee: INR 1000
Sam Sand Dunes
The most exhilarating thing in Jaisalmer is visiting Sam Sand Dunes and enjoying desert activities like camping and camel safari. Or sit in the desert night sky with a campfire and spend memorable time with family or friends. At Sam Dunes, there are many camping and other activities providers. You can plan a tour and get the services of one of them.
How to Reach: Taxi, Auto, Train
Desert Jeep Safari
After camel safari, the most famous safari in Jaisalmer is Jeep safari. It takes you to the golden desert of Rajasthan with ease and comfort. With a jeep safari, you can get a close-eye view of the Rajasthan desert culture, meet local people closely, and explore the desert.
The desert jeep safari mostly starts from the Fossil Park or Desert National Park and ends at Padholi Sanctuary. It offers the best views of the Rajasthan desert.
Jeep Safari Cost: Mostly starts from INR 400-1200 per person for one hour
How to Reach: Taxi, Auto, Train
Rajasthan Cuisine
Rajasthan trip is incomplete if you never try its unique and flavorful cuisine. Never miss trying the signature Rajasthani dishes Daal Bati Churma, Panchrantna Dal, Papad or Saag, and Kicha ki Sabji. Also, try its famous rasgulla to satisfy your sweet craving.
How to Reach Jaisalmer
You can reach by the airport as it is 5 km from the city. Or you can get by train. The railway station is 2 kilometres from the city. Buses also run from Jaipur to Jaisalmer.
Travel Tips For New Travelers in Jaisalmer
- To explore the whole city and do everything, you must plan a 3- to 4-day tour of Jaisalmer.
- Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
- The sun is usually warm, so remember to bring sunglasses, sunblock, and warm clothes for the night, as desert nights are cool.
- Bring comfortable shoes as you have to walk around on this trip.
- There is no network on most Jaisalmer Road, so download the offline maps. Also, inform your family or friends of your whereabouts, so if you get stuck at any place, you may get help instantly.
Wrap-Up
We have conveyed all the important things and information you must know for a trip to Jaisalmer. Now it's time to embark on the exciting desert journey and explore this beautiful old cultural city.