Things to Do in Jaisalmer on Your Next Vacation

Located in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is one of the biggest tourist destinations in India. Named after Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king of the bygone era, Jaisalmer reflects the undaunted spirit of courageous rulers, unique heritage sites, and a host of royal monuments in Rajasthan. This beautiful city is known for its golden sandy deserts, magnificent Havelis, and mesmerising lakes. From paragliding to dune bashing, camping to Desert Safaris and a lot more, you will be overwhelmed by the variety of activities the golden city has to offer you. Jaisalmer is an ideal place to experience the magic of age-old traditions, vibrant culture, and desert festivals that will certainly leave a long-lasting impression. Here we have listed some of the most popular things to do in Jaisalmer - the golden city.

Jaisalmer Fort

One of the most important places to see in Jaisalmer is to visit the most popular landmark of the city, the Jaisalmer Fort. Counted amongst the largest forts in the world, Jaisalmer Fort was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal and is a chattel of the Bhati fraternity. Locally known as Sonar Quila, Jaisalmer Fort is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan. It is a 250-foot tall fort with 30 feet long walls and four entrance gates, including Ganesh Pol, Bhoota Pol, Hava Pol, and Rang Pol. Some of the most visited attractions inside the Jaisalmer fort include Jain Temples, the Raj Mahal, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, the Laxminath temple, etc.

Gadisar Lake

Also called the Gadi Sagar Lake, it is a manmade reservoir and a popular sightseeing place in Jaisalmer. Built by Maharawal Gadsi Singh in 1367, the lake was used to serve as Jaisalmer’s vital water supply until 1965. The banks of Gadisar Lake have various temples, shrines, Chattris, and ghats, and you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake or indulge in a boat ride. With its cool and scenic surroundings, the lake makes a wonderful place for people to come for a quiet break from the daily hustle of life.

Kuldhara – The Abandoned Village

Established around the 13th century, Kuldhara was once a prosperous village of Paliwal Brahmins. However, now it is a mysterious abandoned village for the last 200 years. At present, Kuldhara has attained a reputation for being a haunted site as the Government of Rajasthan decided to develop it as a major tourist attraction in the 2010s. Situated around 18 km southwest of Jaisalmer, the village lies in ruins where the only thing left are many open houses with desolation and no sign of human establishments and activities. It is one of the most memorable things to see in Jaisalmer. You can have a tour of these houses, get a glimpse of the excellent architecture once they had and walk around the ruins of Kuldhara village.

Tanot Mata Temple

A famous temple in Rajasthan and one of the most revered places to visit near Jaisalmer, Tanot Mata Temple is frequently visited by tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. Located on the Indo-Pak border, close to the battlefield of Longewala, the temple is a blend of legends, faith, and miracles. It is believed that the goddess here has many magical powers that guard this area against Pakistani intrusions. To visit this temple, you will need a permit pass and permission from the Indian Armed Forces. There is also a museum near the temple that depicts the glorious tale of Tanot Mata Temple associated with the Indian Army. The route connecting the temple to Jaisalmer is brimming with gorgeous landscapes and vistas, giving you another reason to visit this highly revered temple in Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer War Museum

Located 10 km from the city on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway, the War Museum must be part of your Jaisalmer trip package. Popularly known as JWM, it covers an area of over 10 acres of land, consisting of an Audio Visual Room, two huge Information Display Halls, and a souvenir shop. With many trophies and vintage equipment, including guns, tanks, and military vehicles, the museum showcases the stories of bravery and sacrifice of war heroes. There are also murals of soldiers who lost their lives in the battle. Organised and managed by the Indian Army, Jaisalmer War Museum provides free entry to its visitors. In addition, a dazzling 'Light and Sound Show' is also organised in the museum to show the pride and valour of the Indian Army.

Safari at Sand Dunes

Situated at a distance of 41 km from Jaisalmer, sand dunes are major attractions for tourists coming to Jaisalmer. From late afternoon to evening, the atmosphere of the place changes magically, creating one of the most beautiful sights for visitors. Jaisalmer is heaven for experiencing a desert safari, and sand dunes are known for being an ideal spot for the adventure. Taking a bumpy and adventurous ride in the Desert will be the most remarkable memory. You can opt for a camel safari or a jeep safari to experience the rustic, rural desert life of India. Safari is one of the most famous things to do in Jaisalmer. So, do not forget to go for the thrilling desert safari, as missing it will be like missing a great fun part of the trip. In addition, you can enjoy the cultural activities organised at sand dunes, which is a major night attraction in Jaisalmer.

Parasailing

One of the most adventurous activities in Jaisalmer, Parasailing can provide you with an incredible view of the golden dunes from around 20 or 30 feet above in the air. Going parasailing will be a great opportunity for you to get over the fright of height as you hover in the sky while being tied up to a jeep. You can also try Paramotoring to make your trip to Jaisalmer more fun and daring. Moreover, quad biking and ATV rides are some other famous adventure activities you can include on your Jaisalmer trip.

Rajasthani Cuisine

One of the most fun things to do in Jaisalmer in December or any season is relishing the delicious Rajasthani cuisine. When on the trip to Jaisalmer, it is recommended to avoid fast food and other items and feast on the varieties of authentic delicacies, which will tickle your taste buds. Here, the cooking style is influenced by the hot desert location, so the food tends to be spicy and full of clarified butter. Some delicious dishes that you should try on your trip are Gatte ki Sabzi, Mutton Saag, Dal Bhati Choorma, kicha ki sabji, Lal Maas, Makhaniya Lassi, etc. The food is prepared in a unique way that it can last for days and can be eaten without heating. So, you can take Mirchi Bada, Pyaaj Kachori, Bikaneri Bhujia, etc., with you while coming back from the trip.

Shopping

One of the most important things that make this golden city even more attractive is the plethora of markets, including Sadar Bazaar, Bhatia Bazaar, Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, etc. Here, shopping is the most delightful experience for tourists. With the variety of handmade products and options for clothes, bags, footwear, jewellery, and accessories, shopping will be the best thing to do in Jaisalmer. If you want to buy artwork or something unique, you can purchase Rajasthani textiles, puppets, camel leather items, Jootis, yellow sandstone showpieces, etc. The vibrant market of Jaisalmer never stops tempting tourists.

The best season to visit Jaisalmer is whenever you want it to be. However, the winter season (from November to February) is the best time to plan a trip to the golden city as the heat becomes comparatively low, creating an ideal environment for sightseeing.

There is so much to explore and many interesting things to do in Jaisalmer that you will be longing for another trip.