Jaisalmer is one of the stunning cities in Rajasthan. There are so many amazing things to do in Jaisalmer! It is a cultural and heritage hub. It has been bestowed with the name “ the Golden City of Rajasthan” because most of the houses and Havelis are made from yellow sandstone. Apart from sight-seeing in Jaisalmer, many mysterious stories, legend, and folklores originate from this town. Sand dunes in Jaisalmer, that are not too far from the city, is the hotspot of various desert adventure activities in Jaisalmer like camel safari and jeep tours.
Reaching Jaisalmer
Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
You can either take a cab or a bus to reach Jaisalmer. Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is approximately 300 km by road and takes about 3.5 hours to reach Jaisalmer.
Jaipur to Jaisalmer
An option that you can opt for is taking a sleeper bus from Jaipur. The traveling is an overnight 9-hour journey so you can plan to travel at night to save your time.
Best things that you can do in Jaisalmer
#1 The famed Jaisalmer Fort
The beauty of this fort is that it blends with the golden desert. The Sonar Qila or the Golden Fort has been built strategically by the kings to hide from the enemy armies. The Golden fort of Jaisalmer is probably one of the largest living forts in the world. The layout of the fort of Jaisalmer resembles that of a maze and it is easy to get lost if you aren’t having track of the way. There are a lot of rooftop hotels where you can enjoy the majestic sight of the city from the top.
Discover the historic remains of the kings as every element of the fort narrates the story of its own. The fort has historically managed many attacks from rival armies including the Mughals and still stands strong. It is the pride of Jaisalmer and holds the symbol of the bravery of the kings of Jaisalmer.
#2 Exploring the exalted Havelis of Jaisalmer
Havelis are known as the old mansions of the ministers and rich men who lived in Jaisalmer under the rule of the kings. The narrow streets of Jaisalmer have Havelis on either side of the street, standing tall and bestowed with the ethnic glory of Jaisalmer. These Havelis are must-visit places in Jaisalmer. The unique architecture and traditional interiors portray and hold cultural significance. All the Havelis are made from yellow sandstone.
Patwon ki Haveli was owned by a merchant – Guman Chand Patwa. The exteriors and interiors very stunning and leaves the tourists awestruck. It is one of the largest Havelis and must-visit places in Jaisalmer. The tourists don’t get enough of this place and revisit the site again. It is a cluster of 5 huge Havelis. You can witness the beautiful and minute carvings over the balconies.
Nathmalji ki Haveli is the home to then Prime Minister, Diwan Mohata Nathmal. The heveli was built by two brothers who started working on either side of the haveli. The brothers struggled with uniform designs in both the sides, irregular shapes, and design on either side of this unique haveli of Jaisalmer.
Salim Singh ki Haveli is also known as peacock haveli due to its unique design and structure. It is a haveli built over another old haveli in Jaisalmer.
As far as architecture is concerned, if you are looking for stunning architectural sites, you can visit Bada Bagh which is home to royal cenotaphs in the shape of a dome.
#3 Camel safari
You will get an opportunity to take a camel ride throughout the Jaisalmer. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. The sand dunes are located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer and the perfect place to camel safari and take a slow trek across the dunes.
#4 The temple trail
While wandering through the Jaisalmer fort, you will also get to visit Jain temples in Jaisalmer. These temples date back to the 12th century and are also made of yellow sandstone in Jaisalmer.
You can also find the infamous Tanot Mata temple, also known as “Temple of miracles” for it is the only place that was unaffected during the Indo Pak war in Jaisalmer.
#5 Visit to the Gadisar Lake
Gadisar lake is the lifeline of Jaisalmer. It was built to deal with the water needs of the population.
#6 Adventurous desert activities
There are a lot of adventurous activities in Jaisalmer that you can take up to unleash the fun-loving spirit in you. Here, at Thrillsa, we do offer a range of outdoor activities in the sand dunes in Jaisalmer that you can choose from. You can choose the sport you are comfortable with. We offer activities ranging from camel safari, dune bashing during day time and star gazing, and other leisure activities like cultural programs during the night time.
#7 Shop some local goodies
You can find a lot of local shops in the narrow streets within the fort and all over Jaisalmer. From artifacts to traditional clothes, you can find many things portraying the cultural significance of Jaisalmer. You can find clothes and bags in vibrant colors.
#8 Get the taste of the local cuisine of Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer tourism is not only a treat to your eyes, but also to your taste buds. Jaisalmer is known for its traditional Rajasthani cuisines, with mouth-watering recipes – from Bajri ki Roti to Dal Baati Churma. You can enjoy traditional cuisine at the Royal Golden Camp while spending your days in Jaisalmer at our camp in Jaisalmer. You can have fun-filled activities during the day over sand dunes in Jaisalmer and royal Rajasthani delicacies, all in one place!