Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the northwest part of India or you can say among the best places to visit in Rajasthan. While visiting this place, you can enjoy different activities for example Jeep Safari, and Camel Safari. There are many popular places to visit in Jaisalmer, which you will like very much and you would like to come here again and again.
Explore vast stretch of the Thar Desert, marvel at the elegant palaces and forts and spend the evening on the sand dunes under the star-lit sky; the list of Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer includes all these and much more for an unforgettable experience. Titled as the ‘Golden City’, the charming town of Rajasthan never fails to grab the attention of holidaymakers seeking for partaking in something unusual.
Undoubtedly, a tour to Jaisalmer offers a remarkable introduction to India in a nutshell. The vibrant culture, age-old traditions, intriguing desert festivals are nothing less than a magical charm which leaves a long-lasting impression. Here are the Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer which will leave you spoilt for choice for a memorable holiday.
Sam Sand Dunes
Any excursion to the town of Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer is incomplete without venturing out to see the great deserts of Rajasthan and the Sam Sand Dunes is just the place to arrive for that. Sam has some really spectacular views of expansive sand dunes and layers upon layers of sand, stretching as far as the eye could see, with little or no vegetation dotting the area.
Therefore, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the Desert Safari, which is organized here for travelers and guests, and is a leading tourist attraction. Visitors can join the Camel Safaris, taking them deep within the heart of Thar, where pitched tents are fastened, allowing them a comprehensive Indian desert experience. Watching the sun set behind the horizon and observing the fantastic view of the stars rising in the sky is breathtaking.
During the months of February and March, entire area turns into a cultural hotspot with a number of festivals and events being organized, showcasing the colorful Rajasthani glory and way of life. Numerous attractions like various cultural competitions, camel races, folk dance performances, puppet shows other such festivities are hugely favored amongst the locals and travelers who turn up here to revel thoroughly in the surrounding ambience and a unique and distinct atmosphere, eminently characteristic of the area Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: Depends upon the activity you perform here.
Things to Do at Sam Sand Dunes
- Desert Camping.
- Desert Safari.
- Paragliding and other adventure sports.
- Camel rides.
- A visit to the nearby Desert National Park and Sanctuary.
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. Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer 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.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: 30 INR for Indians, 70 INR for other nationalities. 50 INR for still camera and 150 INR for videography.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (9 AM – 5 PM).
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours.
Things to Do around Jaisalmer Fort
- Street shopping.
- Sampling cuisines in the many eateries.
Gadisar 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.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer 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.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: Entry free. Boating charges (Row boat 10 INR, Paddle Boat 50 INR, Shikara- 100 INR) for a 30 min ride.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (8 AM – 8 PM).
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours.
Things to Do around Gadisar Lake
- Picnic.
- Boat riding.
- Visit the historic Tilon Ki Pol gate.
- Visit the Folklore Museum nearby.
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 Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: No fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (8 AM – 7 PM).
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
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. Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer 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.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: 20 INR for Indians and 100 INR for other nationalities plus 50 INR for still camera and 100 INR for videography.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (9 AM – 5 PM).
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
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, Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
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.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: 10 INR for Indians and 15 INR for foreigners. Extra charges for photography (50 INR) and videography (100 INR).
- Opening Timings: Open all days (8 AM – 6 PM).
- Duration: 45 min.
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. Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer 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.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography, Gardens.
- Tickets: 50 INR for Indians and 100 INR for foreigners.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (9 AM – 6 PM).
- Duration: 45 min to 1 hour.
Things to Do around Bada Bagh
- Enjoy beautiful moments
- The garden offers a stunning view.
Kuldhara
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, Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Ruins, Ghost Town, History.
- Tickets: Entry free.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 8am – 6pm.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Distance from Jaisalmer: 49 min (32.0 km).
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 Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Photography.
- Tickets: 30 INR for Indians and 70 INR for other nationalities.
- Opening Timings: Everyday (9AM – 8 PM).
- Duration: 2 hours.
Things to Do at Thar Heritage Museum
- Enjoy a puppet show (charges separate).
- Visit the nearby Silk Route Art Gallery.
Jain Temples
Also included in the itinerary of the tourists thronging to the Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer town are the number of Jain Temples, located within the premises of the Jaisalmer Fort. These Jain Temples are very old (dating back to 12th and 15th century) and are an important part of pilgrimage with some archeological significance attached to them. Dedicated to the various Jain Tirthankaras (Spiritual Heads), one may easily find various animal and human figures carved on the walls.
The temples are constructed in the famous Dilwara style of architecture and are carved out of yellow sandstone in such a style as to furnish you divine peace and harmony. The temple gates are open for visitors throughout the morning till 12 in the noon. It also hosts a library, called the Gyan Bhandar Library, which contains some of the rare manuscripts belonging to the history Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography, Pilgrimage.
- Tickets: No fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (7 AM – 12 PM).
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
Things to Do near Jain Temples
- Visit the Gyan Bhandar library.
- Visit the Jaisalmer Fort.
Other attractions include Akal Wood Fossil Park, Badal Mahal, Raja ka Mahal, Desert National Park and Sanctuary , Silk Route Art Gallery and Jaisalmer War Museum.
