15 Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer is one of the major visited cities of Rajasthan known as ‘the Golden City’ because of the massive ‘Golden Fort” which is made by yellow sandstone and the people cannot stop straying at the fort for hours.
The founder of the city is MaharawalJaisal Singh, who was a Rajput king founded the city in the year 1156 AD. Jaisalmer is also stated as a World Heritage Site and popularly known for its golden fort and many palaces and Jain temples.
The city is located very close proximity to the Thar Desert and one can have a nice safari from this city. There are many places to visit in Jaisalmer and the tourists can have a nice trip to all of them and the city has many Havelis and palaces which are settled inside the fort and can be one of the best tours of the city.
The atmosphere of the city is having an essence of a small town and one can have the views of the Havelis and the tourists will love the views and they can go for the camel safaris to view the desert and that is why the trip of Jaisalmer will be an unforgettable one Jaisalmer Tour Packages.
Jaisalmer is a famous spot for Camel Safari in Rajasthan and offers a number of other things to do. Apart from sightseeing in Jaisalmer tourist can go for a desert safari, campings, camel, and Jeep ride.
Camping in the tents at Thar desert is quite famous in Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer Fort is one of the World Heritage Site in Rajasthan. Every trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without visiting Jaisalmer fort and Camel Safari in Thar Desert.
Most Famous Places to Visit in Jaisalmer includes Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisagar Lake, Lodurva Jain Temple, Patwon ki Haveli, Kuldhara Village and others.
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer fort also known as Sonar Quila is the most important icon of the city amongst the list of places to visit. Rising from the sandy plains of the desert in all their majestic splendor, the fort rises in all its splendor with massive battlements, thick embattled sandstone walls, and has about 99 bastions around its imposing facades. Raja Rawal Jaisal, a ruler of Bhatti, founded the city who ruled somewhere around 1156 AD.
Today, the fort is one of the most important tourist places and still hosts the following generations of the original inhabitants of the city. Inside, among ruined huts and colorful stalls, examples of exquisite architecture lay intact in its many Havelis and other structures. The wells inside the fort remain an important source of water. Being located at the top of the Trikuta hill, the fort immediately attracts attention. It has many doors. And, the internal structure has beautiful palaces and sandstone figures, delicate pavilions, splendid balconies. The fort is almost five stories high and is popular with local and international travelers.
Gadsisar Lake
Located on the outskirts of the main city of Jaisalmer. One of the most important places to visit in Jaisalmer is Gadsisar Lake and forms a major tourist attraction for people who arrive in “The Golden City”. The lake, however, is not an oasis but a water conservation project, established around 1400 AD. C. from the then Maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharwal Gadsi Singh. At that time it served as the only water reserve for the city of Jaisalmer. And, thanks to its natural inclination and its surroundings. It was also a site for rainwater conservation.
In the following years, the addition of numerous religious temples and shrines took place, and hence, it gained importance as a place of pilgrimage. Now popular as a tourist spot, visitors can venture into the lake in winter. Moreover, they have the chance to see a variety of migratory and local birds, they descend here due to its proximity to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Don’t forget to bring a good pair of binoculars and a quality camera to capture the fascinating essence of the place.
Sam Sand Dunes
Any excursion to the city of Jaisalmer is incomplete without venturing to see the great deserts of Rajasthan. And, Sam’s dunes are the ideal place to visit. Sam has truly spectacular views of vast dunes and layers upon layers of sand, which extend as far as the eye can see, with little or no vegetation dotting the area.
Therefore, it is a great place to enjoy Desert Safari, which is organized here for travelers and guests. Visitors can join camel safaris, taking them to the heart of the Thar, where the tents are closed, allowing them a full experience of the Indian desert. Seeing the sunset behind the horizon and watching the fantastic view of the stars rising in the sky is breathtaking.
During February and March, the entire region becomes a cultural center with a series of organized festivals and events. All showcasing the colorful glory and lifestyle of Rajasthan. Many attractions such as various cultural competitions, camel races, folk dance performances, puppet shows, and other similar festivals are highly appreciated by locals. Travelers who come here to take full advantage of their surroundings have a unique atmosphere and distinctive eminently characteristic of the region.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Built with a unique structure with incredibly elegant architecture, Salim Singh ki Haveli is quite an attraction. Hence, it ranks 5th in the list of places to visit in Jaisalmer The Havelis on the site today are built on older Havelis that were a structure from the late 17th century. Salim Singh commissioned the current structure in 1815, who was the Prime Minister of the kingdom. At a time when the city of Jaisalmer was the capital. The haveli is decorated with an excellent and beautiful design.
The roof of the structure is built in the shape of a peacock. And, the front facade is reminiscent of the stern of a ship, which is why the building is also called the Jahaz Mahal. There are a total of 38 balconies, all with a different and complex setting and style. Like all Havelis that dot the region, Salim Singh ki Haveli is also decorated with sandstone fangs that look quite fascinating. The site remains open from early in the morning until 5 in the morning and remains full of visitors throughout the day.
Patwon Ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli is one of the most important structures of Jaiselmer, being one of the most precious from the architectural and historical point of view of the city. The structure is important, as it was the first haveli constructed in Jaisalmer. It is also a set of 5 Havelis built together, which is unique. The first of these structures, which is also the largest of all, was built in 1805, then 5 more floors were added. However, the whole building has been completed in about 60 years.
Today it is a frequently visited place and attracts visitors to its door for its exquisite architecture and elegant views. However, it is currently in use and the office of the Archeological Survey of India and the State Department of Arts and Crafts are located within the building. But despite its frequent use and consumption, it still has enough charm in the form of beautiful paintings, a mirror world, and elegant representations on the walls to fascinate its admirers.
Bada Bagh
A site of admirable structures and places, Bada Bagh, or literally “The big garden” is one of the main places to visit within Jaisalmer. It has magnificent decorations and complexes in its surroundings. Maharwal Jait Singh started the construction of this structure in the early 16th century. But, it was completed by his son Lunakaran after his death. Bada Bagh has mainly three main attractions; A garden, a reservoir, and a dam. Also, there is a central pillar called Govardhan Stambh, which was built to commemorate the construction of the dam and reservoir.
The largest structure, however, is the dam, which measures approximately 1,200 feet by 350 feet. Another highlight of Bada Bagh is the number of beautifully carved cenotaphs scattered across the region. These cenotaphs or chattris, as they are called locally, are structures representing the leaders of the region. The oldest being Maharwal Jait Singh himself, who ruled somewhere around 1470-1506. The unique historical importance of the region combined with the attractiveness of its surroundings makes it in the list of popular places to visit in Jaisalmer
Temple of Tanot Mata
The incredible gathering of Indians with magic and supernatural has been known since time immemorial. And, many such stories have been popular in folklore throughout its history. The Tanot Mata temple is also associated with a fascinating history as it has become a popular tourist spot for curious, local, and international visitors. According to legend, during the controversial war between India and Pakistan in 1965, the Pakistani army dropped several bombs to destroy the temple, fortunately, and surprisingly, none of them hit the temple.
Also, several bombs dropped near the temple have not even exploded. As a result, the temple became known in the region as familiarity with divine or magical powers. After the war, Indian border security forces jawans (soldiers) have been managing the temple. The temple now has a museum that displays many of the warlike objects, including unexploded and scattered bombs.
Kuldhara Chudail Trail (Ghost Town Tour)
One of Jaisalmer’s most famous sites, the Kuldhara Chudail Trail is popular for most mysterious and incredible tales. Although the site is now in ruins, the associated legend has a charm that has made Kuldhara a frequently visited tourist destination. The history of the place is as follows: Kuldhara was the home of the 12th century Paliwal Brahmins. The government planned the city well with perpendicular roads, ending with houses with adequate rural structures for water, etc.
However, after living there for many generations one night, the villagers suddenly disappeared without a trace. Questions such as where and why they went have long puzzled scientists, historians, and ordinary people. However, a conjectural story about Kuldhara is famous. That the kingdom minister who was ruling at the time saw the village chief’s girl and wanted to marry her. He imposed a 24-hour ultimatum on them to marry the girl with him. Otherwise, he would forcibly enter the village and take her away.
It was to save his daughter’s pride and honor that the heads of the 84 villages met and decided to leave the region. But questions like how they managed to escape at the same time, that nobody saw them go and couldn’t find where they went, still confuse many people who visit and know Kuldhara. Out of curiosity or frightening charm, the place has become a famous landmark and resort for unconventional travelers in Jaisalmer.
Vyas Chhatri, Jaisalmer
Vyas Chattri is an elaborate set of small golden sandstone mugs. It is a popular sunset spot for people arriving in Jaisalmer. It was also a “cremation site” for the bodies of the Pushkarana Brahmins. Later, when this practice ended, the place became popular as a sunset location.
The site is above all a calm and serene place. Watching the sunset from this place is an incredible and memorable experience. Vyas Chattri is located in Bara Bagh, about a kilometer from the main city of Jaisalmer. Designed with complex and refined sculptures, the site owes its name to the wise Vyas. Who wrote the famous Indian Mahabharata epic. This 15th-century place is now a tourist destination and is full of fascinating works of art and sculptures nearby.
The Thar Heritage Museum
Thar Heritage Museum is a private museum. A local historian and folklorist, MLN Khatri founded the museum. The museum houses an incredible collection of objects ranging from musical instruments, turbans, artifacts, including coins. There are many more objects here such as postcards, ancient manuscripts, weapons, and various millions of marine fossils.
The one-hour puppet show at 6.30 pm organized with the narration of Mr. Khatri is the major attraction of the museum. The museum is open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday from 10 onwards at 5 pm. And it is one of the interesting places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Nathmal Ki Haveli
Nathmal Ji ki Haveli is one of the most surprising and interesting places to visit in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Maharwal Beri Sal originally commissioned it to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal. The one, who was the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. The architectural duo of Hathi and Lulu designed this Haveli.
The two brothers started construction on the building simultaneously with different facets. However, since at that time there was no way to equalize and trace continuity. The final structure of the building resulted in irregular in shape. Besides that, there are many other impressive aspects of the building. In particular, the meticulous and detailed work and the images of horses, cattle, and flora depicted on the walls.
Another aspect of the haveli that deserves to be noted is the illustration of modern comfort (compared to that time) such as cars, fans, etc. on the walls that architects had never seen but never heard of. The life-size sandstone elephants on the outside are fantastic to look at. Overall, a classic structure which deserves full attention by tourists.
Camel Safari
A camel safari is one of the best ways to explore the vast dunes and the expanses of solitude and distance as far as the eye can see. Several tour operators organize these safaris, from a single day of stay to excursions of more than a month during which items such as food, water, and shelter are needed, etc. are brought. An escort is provided safely, while most operators also offer local entertainment for evening guests.
For most travelers, this is one of the most memorable experiences in Jaisalmer. Enjoying local culture, monuments, and monuments during the day while sleeping under the canopy of stars at night is wonderfully incredible. Therefore, tourists also await the camel safaris. And, this is usually their first impression of the city.
Fort Khaba
Although now almost a ruined facility, Khaba Fort was once a vibrant area of residence for nearly 80 Paliwal Brahmins families, who have lived here for nearly two hundred years. However, for reasons unknown or better known by them, they immediately left and settled elsewhere, whose position is unknown again.
The place, therefore, has frightening accents and the silence that hovers in the area sometimes seems mysterious. Although the place has not been isolated and abandoned forever, history still invokes puzzles and riddles. However, the fort has now been converted into a museum and site to showcase the art and talent of the ancient village. Visitors can see hundreds of soaked peacocks around the ruins for pleasant views. Otherwise, a wonderful dose of history awaits you as you wander the premises and see traces of the lifestyles and habits of the people who lived here centuries ago.
Akal Wood Fossil Park
Akal Wood Fossil Park is 180 years old park, 17 kilometers from Jaisalmer is located in Akal village, spread over 21 hectares, this park has become a tourist attraction. Here, one can see huge fossils of the tree and the ancient seabed conch Can. Excavation by the Department of Archeology is likely to be more fossilized in the Indian Geological Survey, National Geological Monument declared in 1972.
The fossil Trunk is spread in this park and trunks of fossil trees are of different types, which are 13 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width Covering the hill for about 10 kilometers. Fossil Park has 25 petrified trunks so if you want to study residues, you have to get full permission. This park has a separate place in Rajasthan tourism and it has an important contribution to promoting Jaisalmer tourism.
Surya Gate
There are four gates to the fabulous Jaisalmer Fort, out of which Surya Gate is one of them. This gate is the 2nd gate that was built to confine the entrance of rival troops, but now it has become a nice tourist attraction. On visiting this place, you can get the amazing picturesque sight of the Jaisalmer Fort.
Opening hours: Surya Gate is open for the public from 7 AM to 6 PM
Entry fee: There is an entry fee of INR 50 to INR 250 for all tourists.
