Have you ever seen gold granules glistening right under the endless blue horizon? If not, then perhaps your feet have never wandered the sands of Jaisalmer. The ‘Golden City’ is located in the heart of the Indian State of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer is your one and only opportunity to witness the grandeur and opulence of the bygone India. Crowned by the Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer is home to some of the most notable forts, havelis, and Jain temples but this is not it. Jaisalmer is very much popular for its sand dunes, golden expanse of desserts, lakes, food, plentiful rich history, and many attractions near Jaisalmer add to its desirability factor. Where the yellow sandstone forts stand as golden memoirs of the past, the colourful cultural fests depict the rich culture of Rajasthani people, places to visit near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, can be one of the most enriching experiences.
Here is a list of attractions near Jaisalmer that will transport you to a world of history, culture, and breathtaking desert landscapes:
Jaisalmer Fort
One of the most important places to visit near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Jaisalmer Fort is a towering symbol of the city’s rich heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Jaisalmer Fort, stands as a magnificent testament to Rajasthan’s rich history. Made out of yellow sandstone, Jaisalmer Fort is perched majestically over the city like a golden crown. The yellow sandstone walls gleam under the sun, earning it the title of "Sonar Qila", which means fort of gold. When you step inside the fort, you are greeted by the finest craftsmanship of India in its intricate carvings. If you are a history enthusiast, the fort holds a lot for you. There are shops near Jaisalmer Fort where shopaholics can shop to their hearts content. And if you are just seeking a moment of calm, Jaisalmer Fort offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM Monday to Sunday
Entry fee: INR 50 for Indians and INR 250 for foreigners
Camera fee: INR 50
Video camera fee: INR 100
Sam Sand Dunes
Nothing can beat the adventure and magical influence that Sam Sand Dunes offer. If you are in Jaisalmer, one of the tourist attractions near Jaisalmer is the sand dunes where a number of leisure and adventure activities await you, such as camel rides, desert safaris, and cultural performances. There are many places to see near Jaisalmer but Sam Sand Dunes stand out as the ultimate desert experience. After you are done with your adrenaline-pumping Jaisalmer desert safari, dune bashing, or sandboarding, you may enjoy the soul-stirring Rajasthani folk music, alongside the warmth of a bonfire.
Timings: 12 AM to 12 AM, Monday to Sunday
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Camel safaris: INR 20 – 200
Jeep safaris: INR 500 – 1500
Bada Bagh
Amongst the most beautiful places to see near Jaisalmer, Bada Bagh is a royal garden that must not be missed. Built in the early 16th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Bada Bagh was originally intended as a memorial garden for the royal family. The cenotaphs, or 'chhatris,' were constructed in honour of Jaisalmer’s kings and queens. With its regal cenotaphs that were built in honour of Jaisalmer’s kings, Bada Bagh reflects a bygone era of grandeur. As you stroll through the tranquil landscape, you’ll find yourself immersed in the rich history. Bada Bagh is a perfect backdrop for Insta-heads and photography enthusiasts as they can capture the beauty of the ancient monuments.
Timings: 12 AM to 12 AM, Monday to Sunday
Entry Fee: INR 100
Camera fee: INR 100
Kuldhara Village
Kuldhara is a deserted village, frozen in time and shrouded in mystery, revealing secrets of the past. Visiting Kuldhara is one of the most interesting tourist attractions near Jaisalmer. Kuldhara village used to be home to the wealthy Paliwal Brahmins, but one night, everybody disappeared, leaving behind nothing but an unsettling silence and spooky stories about a curse. For history buffs and anyone into supernatural stuff, Kuldhara offers a really cool peek into Rajasthan's hidden tales. Kuldhara Village is one of the places to visit near Jaisalmer that isn’t for everyone. For those in search of adventure, exploring Kuldhara can be an exciting and fulfilling experience.
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Sunday
Entry Fee: INR 10
Entry for car: INR 50
Tanot Mata Temple
The Tanot Mata Temple is one of the most popular places to visit near Jaisalmer. Dedicated to Goddess Aavad, Mamadji Charan's daughter (Gadhvi) daughter, The Tanot Mata Temple became famous for miraculously surviving the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 when bombs fell around it but didn't explode. Located near the India-Pakistan border, the temple is a place of worship and an attraction for history enthusiasts interested in its wartime significance. It's a spot where spirituality meets history, and the tales of divine intervention continue to amaze. Whether you are spiritual or not, Tanot Mata Temple’s historical significance and its positioning make it a place to see near Jaisalmer, offering a unique blend of faith, history, and view of breathtaking desert landscapes.
Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Sunday
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Camera fee: INR 100
Khaba Fort
Jaisalmer and its nearby places are home to a number of prominent forts made of sandstone that gleam under the sunlight, resembling golden palaces. Khaba Fort is one such golden gem and tourist place near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, that is nothing short of an unsolved mystery. The deserted hallways, crumbling walls, and eerie silence give it a unique charm, making visitors feel like they've entered another era. Legend has it that its inhabitants once abandoned the fort overnight, adding to the intrigue. If you time your visit right, you may be lucky enough to explore Khaba Fort peacefully, as there are few visitors on certain days.
Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Sunday
Entry Fee: INR 50
Camera fee: INR 100
Best Time to Visit
When booking your Jaisalmer tour packages, please ensure that you choose the best time to visit to enhance your experience. Although it is recommended that anyone visiting Jaisalmer and nearby places should consider visiting between October and March, Jaisalmer is all the more beautiful during monsoon season, between September and October.
Apart from seasonal factors, the tourist attractions near Jaisalmer become even more appealing to visit during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. The city becomes one big rainbow over the golden expanse of sand desert. During the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, you can experience cultural celebrations, handicraft exhibitions, bonfires, and captivating folk music performances by local artists. You can also book a Jaisalmer tent tour package and enjoy an unforgettable night of camping under the desert sky.
Wrapping Up Your Jaisalmer Adventure
There are a lot of tourist places around Jaisalmer, but as they say, it requires a true traveller to explore the unexplored. If you are into exploring spooky abandoned villages, magnificent palaces, and desert adventures, then tourist places near Jaisalmer welcome you.
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