Jaisalmer India – Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do

Travellers approaching Jaisalmer and witnessing the monolithic fort rise up out of the desert will be dreaming of sand dunes, camels, and exploring the ancient fortifications. Yes, these attractions are what make Jaisalmer a top tourist destination, and are a highlight for any traveller in India, but if you find yourself in Jaisalmer for longer than a day or two, then there are plenty of other things to do to keep you occupied. Our list of the top 10 tourist attractions and activities in Jaisalmer will make you never want to leave this enchanted fortress.

1. Jaisalmer Fort

Not only is Jaisalmer Fort the top attraction in town, but it is seriously so big that you can’t avoid visiting it. Looming golden and large out of its desert backdrop, you can spend hours strolling through the Fort’s winding laneways looking at the ancient architecture or ducking in and out of shops, or even stumbling across traditional Rajasthani dance or music performances. You never know what you’ll find. The Fort also contains several hotels and restaurants. As this UNESCO World Heritage Site basically contains a small city, it’s open all hours of the day and is free to enter.

2. Camel safari

Experiencing the magic of rolling dunes in the vast Thar Desert around Jaisalmer on camel back is an adventure you’ll never forget. Camel safaris come in all shapes, sizes, and budgetary requirements, from single day camel treks to multi-day journeys. We’d recommend choosing a safari that includes a night out on the open dunes for a sunset and starlit sky that can’t be beat. If you’ve got the time, it’s also worth spending a night at a safari camp in the desert, where you can eat local Rajasthani food and maybe witness some traditional entertainment too. For a camel safari that won’t break the bank, we’d recommend checking out Badal House in Khuri village. If you’re looking for something more on the ‘glamping’ end of the scale, Prince Desert Camp is always a favourite.

3. Sam sand dunes

Don’t have time for a full camel safari experience? Never fear, because the Sam Sand Dunes 40km west of Jaisalmer make a great destination for a day trip. Hire a taxi to take you out to the dunes for sunset and watch the kaleidoscopic sky fade to black over the red dunes. Don’t expect to be the only one out there, however, as many travellers head to the dunes for sunset, and accordingly there are plenty of hawkers offering short camel rides.

4. Patwon-ki-haveli

Jaisalmer is teeming with beautifully sculpted and sumptuous havelis, many of which are now functioning as hotels. However, none is as large and historically significant as Patwon-ki-haveli. The oldest haveli in Jaisalmer, construction of Patwon-ki-haveli began in 1805 and took 60 years to complete. The house stands down a narrow lane not far from the Fort, and is now open for the public to see first-hand the luxurious and lavish surroundings in which Rajasthan’s wealthy used to live. The haveli is open daily until 6.00pm and entry is INR 40 for Indian nationals, and INR 100 for foreigners.

5. Jain temples

One of the most interesting attractions within the Fort walls, the Jain temples are a collection of seven intricately carved and complexly laid-out temples built in the 15th and 16th centuries. The temples contain hundreds of statues of Jain idols all carved out of the same dusky sandstone as the rest of the Fort, and we’d recommend putting aside at least a couple of hours to explore all seven temples. Paying for a guide is recommended for those who are looking to know more about the temple and Jainism in general. The temples are only open to visitors until 12.00pm daily.

6. Arts and crafts

There are more traditional arts and crafts to see and buy in Jaisalmer than you can poke a wooden puppet at. For those looking to pick up souvenirs or trinkets, either take a stroll around inside the Fort, or head to Sadar or Bhatia Bazaars for all kinds of local handicrafts. Quality can vary but is generally quite good, and often you can watch the goods being made by artisans before your eyes. Jaisalmer is a great place to pick up leather bags, quilts, mirrored textiles, silver jewellery, Rajasthani puppets and more. Don’t forget to haggle!

7. Maharajah’s palace

Another top attraction located within Jaisalmer Fort, the Maharajah’s Palace is an architectural marvel built centuries ago to house the Maharajah and his family. Unfortunately, we thought it wasn’t looked after as well as it could have been, but its faded glory still gives visitors an interesting insight into the elegant and opulent lives of the former rulers. The palace is five storeys but shouldn’t take more than an hour or two to cover. We’d recommend getting the audio tour to understand the history behind artefacts such as the coronation throne and royal bed.

8. Jaisalmer desert festival

Though the desert festival isn’t an attraction that’s an option all year round, it’s certainly one of the top activities for tourists visiting Jaisalmer in January/February. The festival is celebrated in the enchanting Sam Sand Dunes a short distance out of town, which come alive once a year as Jaisalmer’s inhabitants celebrate their culture and history with traditional costume, music and dance. Expect to see snake charmers, puppeteers, folk performers and more, all bringing life and colour to the desert. In 2018 the festival takes place from 29-31 January.

9. Lake Gadisar

At only a short distance out of the main part of the city, Lake Gadisar is the perfect spot to sit, relax, and try to cool down by the water. The lake is a peaceful place to visit at sunrise or sunset, though it can become busy later in the day. Visitors can sit on the stepped ghats and watch life take place around the lake, or pay for a ride in a small boat, however don’t be tempted to swim as the water isn’t as clean as it looks.

10. Rajasthani food

Cuisine in India varies from state to state, and Rajasthan is no different. Food here is spicier than in other parts of India, and particularly in Jaisalmer, where curries are more fragrant and contain local desert ingredients. There’s plenty to try, such as laal maans, a fiery mutton curry, or ker sangri, a truly Jaisalmeri dish of desert beans and capers. Jaisalmer is full of atmospheric restaurants where you can sample some of its local dishes. We’d recommend trying out Zoya Ka Zayeka (Shiv Road) or Saffron (Gandhi Chowk) for a unique food experience.

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As it gives visitors the chance to explore an ancient fort or ride on the back of a camel across sand dunes, it’s no wonder that Jaisalmer is one of India’s premier tourist destinations. Though these are some of the top attractions in town, there are plenty of other activities and things to do in Jaisalmer that make it a fantastic place to visit. Don’t be tempted to do it all in one day, but instead take your time in Jaisalmer, because the more you explore, the more fun you’ll have.