Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer is a glittering city in the desert state of Rajasthan and a popular tourist attraction of India. Decorated with yellow sandstone castles set against golden sand, the city is known as the ‘Golden City’. Founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156, Jaisalmer exudes a primordial vibe and narrates stories of valor of the Rajputana warrior kings. Besides hosting tourists from across the globe, the city fortifies our country along the India-Pakistan border.
Jaisalmer translates to ‘the Hill Fort of Jaisal’, and is embellished with a vibrant history, colorful attire, and kaleidoscopic culture. It is popular for its picturesque sand dunes, iconic forts, and sprightly camels. Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, Bada Bagh, Desert National Park, the Jain temples, and numerous Haveli are prominent tourist attractions of Jaisalmer.
The ancient Akal Wood Fossil Park, unearthly Kuldhara Village, and reverential Longewala War Memorial are among the offbeat places to visit in Jaisalmer. Experience the assorted culture of Rajasthan and explore its rich heritage by visiting the best places in Jaisalmer from the list below Jaisalmer Tour Packages.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is the central and most important icon of the city. Rising from the sandy desert plains, in all its majestic splendor, the fort looms in all its glory with massive battlements, thick walls of crenelated sandstone and has about 99 bastions around its imposing façades. The city was founded by Raja Rawal Jaisal, a Bhatti ruler, who ruled somewhere around 1156 AD.
Today the Fort is one of the most important tourist spots and still houses the following generations of the original inhabitants of the city. Inside amidst the crumbling shacks and colorful stalls one may find instances of exquisite architecture in its numerous havelis and various other structures.
The wells within the fort are still an important water source. Being situated on the top of the trikuta hill, the fort immediately commands attention. It has many gates and the structure within is beautifully embellished with mansions and palaces, sandstone figures, delicate pavilions, beautiful balconies. The fort stands nearly five stories tall and is frequented by both local and international travelers.
Gadsisar Lake
Located on the outskirts of the main Jaisalmer town, Gadsisar Lake is another of the major tourist attractions for the people arriving in “The Golden City”. The Lake, however, is not an oasis but in fact a water conservation project, established around 1400 A.D by the then maharaja of Jaisalmer, Maharwal Gadsi Singh. At that time it served as the only water supply for the Jaisalmer town and due to its natural inclination and surroundings, also furnished as a site for rainwater conservation.
In later years, however, a number of temples and religious shrines were added around it and it gained prominence as more of a pilgrimage spot. Now popular as a tourist point, visitors can venture out to the Lake in winters and if they are lucky enough, can get to see a variety of migratory as well as local birds, who descend here due to its proximity to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Do not forget to carry a good pair of binoculars and a quality camera to capture some really stunning pictures, catching the mesmerizing essence of the place.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Constructed with a unique structure with an amazingly elegant architecture, Salim Singh ki Haveli is quite an attraction. The haveli which stands today at the site is built on an older haveli which was a late 17th century structure. The present structure was commissioned in 1815 by Salim Singh who was the Prime Minister of the kingdom, of which the Jaisalmer City was the capital at that time. The haveli is adorned with an excellent and magnificent design.
The roof of the structure is built in the form of a peacock while the front facet resemble the shape of a ship stern, due to which the building is also called the Jahaz Mahal. There are in total of 38 balconies all with a distinct and intricately designed framework and style. Like all havelis dotting the area, Salim Singh ki Haveli is also embellished with sand-stone made tuskers which look quite charming. The site remain open from early morning till 5 in the morning and remains buzzed with visitors all throughout the day.
Patwon Ki Haveli
Patwon ki Haveli is one of the most important structures in Jaiselmer, being one of the most architecturally rich and historically valuable Havelis in the city. The structure assumes importance, primarily due to the fact that it was the first haveli constructed in Jaisalmer and also it is an assembly of 5 havelis constructed together, which is unique. The first of these structures, which is also the biggest grandest of all, was constructed in 1805 and 5 more stories were added later on. The whole edifice was however completed in about 60 years’ time.
Today, it is a frequently visited spot and attract visitors to its threshold due to its exquisite architecture and elegant views. It is however currently in use and office of both The Archeological Survey of India and the State’s Art and Craft department are located inside the building itself. But its frequent use and consumption notwithstanding, it still has enough charm in the form of beautiful paintings, mirror world and elegant depictions on the walls to captivate its admirers.
Bada Bagh
A site of admirable structures and spots, Bada Bagh or literally the “The Big Garden” is a prominent tourist destination within Jaisalmer and has wonderful frames and complexes within its environs. Bada Bagh was ordered by Maharwal Jait Singh in the early 16th century but was completed by his son Lunakaran after his demise. Bada Bagh primarily has three major attractions; A garden, a tank and a dam. Besides there is a central pillar called Govardhan Stambh, which was built to commemorate the construction of the dam and the tank.
The most enormous structure is however the dam measuring about 1200 feet by 350 feet. Another major highlight of the Bada Bagh is the number of beautifully carved Cenotaphs scattered all over the area. These cenotaphs or chattris as they are called locally are structures representing the rulers of the area, oldest amongst it being that of Maharwal Jait Singh himself who ruled somewhere around 1470-1506. The unique historical significance of the area combining with the allure of its surrounding area draws a large number of travelers to this place.
Tanot Mata Temple
The incredible rendezvous of Indians with magic and supernatural have been known since the time immemorial and there are numerous tales of such kind in the popular folklore throughout its history. Tanot Mata Temple is also associated with one such fascinating story due to which it has now become a popular tourist spot for the curious visitors, both local and international. According to the legend, during the contentious India-Pakistan War of 1965, the Pakistani Army dropped several bombs to destroy the temple, fortunately and surprisingly none of which hit the temple.
Moreover, several bombs which fell in the vicinity of the temple did not even explode. Thus, the temple came to known in the area as acquainted with divine or magical powers. After the war, the management of the temple was handed over to India’s Border Security Force, whose jawans (soldiers) now man the temple. The temple now has a museum that showcases the several of the objects reminiscent of the war including the diffused and unexploded bombs.
Nathmal Ki Haveli
Nathmal ji ki Haveli is one of the most amazing and interesting structures in Rajasthan which was commissioned initially by the Maharwal Beri Sal and which was to be the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, who was the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. The Haveli was designed by the architect duo of Hathi and Lulu who also happened to be brothers. Complementing its intriguing structure is an interesting tale delighting the heart.
It is said that the two brothers started the construction of the building simultaneously with different facets. However, since in those days there was no means to match and track the continuity, the final structure of the building turned out to be of irregular shape. Apart from this there are many other aspects of the building worth appreciating, particularly the minute detailed work and pictures of horses, cattle and flora depicted on the walls.
Another aspect of the haveli worth noticing is the illustration of modern (relative to those times) amenities like cars, fans etc. on the walls which the architects had never seen but only heard of. The life-size sandstone elephants located outside are amazing to observe. Overall a classic structure worth a tourist spot that should not be missed Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer.
Kuldhara Village Jaisalmer
Among the many mysterious places in Rajasthan is the Kuldhara Village. Located around 20 kilometers from the city, it is one of the most haunted places to visit in Jaisalmer.
Though abandoned centuries ago, it is frequently visited by curious tourists. The desolate village amidst the wide expanse of the desert is considered haunted and has remained uninhabited for over 200 years.
It is maintained as a heritage site by the Archaeological Survey of India to preserve the legends associated with the village and its eerily beautiful appearance. Locals of neighboring villages narrate how it was once a prosperous village, home to Paliwal Brahmins.
According to folklore, the inhabitants left Kuldhara overnight and cursed it. There have been stories of paranormal activities on the barren lands that have fascinated tourists for years. The ruins of symmetrically laid brick houses are calm but the sad air around them gives a queer vibe Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer.
Sam Sand Dunes
As we know Jaisalmer is a desert city in Rajasthan by surrounding Thar desert. When you visit Jaisalmer it is very important to visit Sam Sand Dunes. Here, you can see the sand dunes nearly at a height of 30 to 60 meters. Sam Sand Dunes is the largest sand dunes site in India. Sam Sand Dunes located at 45kms away from the west of Jaisalmer city.
This desert area is famous for safaris. Here mostly tourist visit to enjoy different safaris by jeeps or camels. Many cultural activities will be carried out desert camps in Sam Sand Dunes. All desert camps are arranged in a radius of 2 to 3kms to the Sam Sand Dunes Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer.
The best time to enjoy the environment of Sam Sand Dunes is during sunset at the time of 4 to 7 PM or at sunrise from 4 to 6 AM. You can spend the time here by enjoying the camel rides or jeep safaris. Adventurous activities can be participate here are camel safari, jeep safari, and paragliding.
Jaisalmer War Museum
Established in 2015 to salute the heroes of our nation, Jaisalmer War Museum is dedicated to the warriors of ‘Battle of Longewala’. Located in the military station on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur highway, the museum lauds the bravery of the Indian Army during the India-Pakistan war in 1971.
Planned by Lieutenant General Bobby Mathews and elaborated by Indian Army’s Dessert Corps, it was inaugurated on 24 August 2015, which was the Golden Jubilee commemoration of the war in 1965.
Popularly known as JWM, the museum is the most recent addition to the must-visit places in Jaisalmer. It houses an Honour Wall dedicated to gallantry award-winning soldiers who have received the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra.
You can visit the two information display halls and the audio-visual room to witness tanks, guns, and military vehicles owned by the Army. Visitors are filled with a sense of patriotism and pride watching the display of trophies, laurels, and vintage equipment of the Indian soldiers.
You can watch a movie about the battle fought by Maha Vir Chakra winner Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri and the soldiers who fought alongside him. Streamed in the audio-visual room, the movie displays the sacrifice of our soldiers. You can also spot murals of war equipment and soldiers who have laid down their lives for their motherland Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer.
