Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer, “The Golden City of India”, is a fairytale city located in the center of the desert of Thar. The golden yellow sandstone architecture, vibrant culture, and desert beauty position it as one of the top places in Rajasthan. Whether you want to explore the majestic fort, the lakes exhibiting calmness or adventurous sand dunes, Jaisalmer offers a great combination of history, spirituality and out-of-the-world desert adventures. For a comprehensive guide of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer, here is a list of places for your next trip.

Places to Visit in Jaisalmer for a Memorable Trip

Here are some of the well-known and must-visit places that you cannot miss:

1. Jaisalmer Fort – The Living Fort

The Jaisalmer fort, the ‘Golden Fort’, or ‘Sonar Quila’, is the city’s pride. The fort built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal is not a monument, but an endowment of heritage, where people still live.

This fort is a journey back in the past itself while walking through the narrow lanes of the fort. From the painstakingly carved havelis, ancient Jain temples, handcraft shops, and rooftop cafes, providing you architectural views of the golden city, await you. Unlike most of the forts in India, this fort has life with daily activities taking place within.

2. Jain Temples – A Spiritual and Architectural Treasure

Inside Jaisalmer Fort lies a cluster of seven Jain temples built between the 12th and 16th centuries. These temples are dedicated to different Jain Tirthankaras and are famous for their detailed sandstone carvings.

• The ceilings and walls display mythological figures and intricate geometric patterns.
  
• The Parshvanath Temple is the largest and most popular among them.
  

The calm atmosphere inside these temples makes them a perfect retreat after exploring the busy fort streets.

The Jaisalmer Fort houses seven Jain temples dating between the 12th and the 16th centuries. These temples are devoted to different Jain Tirthankaras and hold fame for their fine sandstone carvings. 

• Mythological figures and geometric patterns adorn the ceiling and walls.
• The Parshvanath Temple is the largest and most famous amongst the temples. 

The serene ambience inside these temples is a wonderful retreat after exploring the busy streets. 

3. Patwon ki Haveli – The Mansion of Merchants

Among the must-see places to visit in Jaisalmer, Patwon Ki Haveli occupies a special place. This grand haveli, from the 19th century, is actually a cluster of five havelis put up by rich traders.
Mirror work, exquisite paintings, balconies, and jharokhas adorn each haveli to exhibit the magnificence of Rajputana architecture. Today, some parts of the Haveli have been transformed into museums where traces of Jaisalmer’s rich merchant families’ lifestyle can be seen.

4. Gadisar Lake – Serenity Amid the Desert

The Gadisar lake is an artificial reservoir, built by the king Gadsi Singh way back in the 14th century. Once it was the main source of water to the city, now it stands as a beautiful retreat for travelers.

• Boating on its calm waters, surrounded by temples and ghats, will surely remain etched in your memory.
• During winters, migratory birds flock here, adding to the joy of bird watching.

Sunrise or sunset paints the waters in golden hues, perfectly capturing the charm of Jaisalmer.

5. Sam Sand Dunes – The Heart of Desert Adventure

No trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete without the famous Sam Sand Dunes, making it one of the top places to visit in Jaisalmer. About 40 kilometers from the city, lies the prime experience of the Thar Desert.

Sunset camel safaris are the best experience here, accompanied by the golden deserts that go beyond the horizon. With the stars overhead, there are cultural shows with folk singing and dancing held outside in the desert. Lots of tourists also choose overnight desert camps for a fuller experience of the dunes.

6. Desert National Park – A Haven for Nature Lovers

For those who think of Jaisalmer only being about forts and sand dunes, Desert National Park stands as a testimony to the contrary. Spanning 3,000 square kilometers, it presents a unique ecosystem of the Thar Desert.

You can spot the Indian Bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds. Other animals here include chinkaras and blackbucks, along with some gorgeous birds. Fossil remains that are found in the area are said to date back for millions of years, making this place a charming stop for both history and nature lovers.

7. Kuldhara Village – The Abandoned Settlement

Within a short drive away from Jaisalmer is the mysterious Kuldhara Village, which once flourished under the Paliwal Brahmins regime and was abandoned overnight in the 19th century.

It is said that harsh conditions and oppressive rulers were responsible for the abandonment.The village remains open from 8am to 6pm so you can visit during this. When you explore this place, you can learn about the bygone era, walkthrough the abandoned streets, and unravel the mystery behind this place. 

8. Salim Singh ki Haveli – The Peacock-Shaped Wonder

Salim Singh ki Haveli constructed in the 18. century is remarkable for its uniqueness. The haveli is distinguishable by a roof resembling a peacock in flight, with the narrow structure soaring 38 balconies richly adorned with carving.

It is a splendid example of the artistic ability of the craftsmen of Jaisalmer. The beauty of the haveli is coupled with tales of ambition and rivalry, making it even more historical.

9. Bada Bagh – The Royal Cenotaphs

Bada Bagh, “Big Garden”, is a royal cenotaph site housing the cenotaphs to the kings of Jaisalmer. All the chhatris are built and beautifully carved in sandstone.

The sunset view from here is magnificently beautiful, as the cenotaphs burn in the desert. It’s a peaceful setting to reflect and admire the majesty of the Jaisalmer rulers.

10. Nathmal ki Haveli – The Twins’ Creation

Another beauty of the city and the best places to visit in Jaisalmer, is the Nathmal ki Haveli, renowned for its symmetrical yet beautiful shape. Interestingly, it was constructed by two brothers who worked on opposite sides of the haveli simultaneously.

The carvings, a mix of traditional Rajasthani scenes and untethered figures, such as bicycles and fans, illustrate the creators creative imaginations. As the haveli is still occupied, it has a lived-in charm.

Conclusion

Jaisalmer is a city that glows with tales of the past and the warmth of desert traditions. Whether you are a history lover, adventure seeker, or someone looking for a serene escape, the city has something for everyone.

When you plan your Rajasthan journey, make sure to dedicate enough time to explore the best places to visit in Jaisalmer. The memories of golden sands, intricate carvings, and desert sunsets will stay with you long after you leave.