35 Best Things to Do on Jaisalmer Tour

If you are still thinking, dune bashing is a popular adventure sports of the Gulfs and the Arabs, you should think again! Thar Desert areas near Jaisalmer are also considered as ideal locations for dune bashing and off-roading as well. The Sam Sand Dunes are thronged by thousands of adventure junkies who has a yearning for these two sports and make it part of their Jaisalmer trip.

The name Jaisalmer itself brings out the vibrancy and charm. It floods the heart with the true feeling of culture at one end and the feeling of royal exuberance on the other. The daylight hues, the yellow sands, the pink and red forts, the royal palaces, and the Arabian night dances are set to capture your hearts.

Another attraction in Jaisalmer which is a must visit for you is the Jaisalmer Fort. Jaisalmer's fort is a living urban focus, with around 3000 individuals dwelling inside its dividers. It is honeycombed with limit winding paths, fixed with houses and sanctuaries – alongside countless shops, guesthouses and eateries. You enter the fortification from the east, close Gopa Chowk, and go through four gigantic doors on the crisscrossing course to the upper segment.

The last entryway opens into the square that structures the fortress' middle, Dashera Chowk. The fort enormous yellow sandstone dividers are brownish lion shading amid the day, blurring to nectar gold as the sun sets, in this way covering the post in the yellow abandon. Hence, it is otherwise called the Sonar Quila or Golden Fort. The fort is situated along the southern edge of the city that bears its name, and is maybe one of the all the more striking landmarks in the territory, its overwhelming ridge area making the sprawling towers of its fortresses unmistakable for some miles around.

Timings: Opens from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Price: The entrance fee for the fort cost around Rs 30 for Indians and Rs 50 for Foreigners

Location: Jaisalmer Fort is located at Fort Road, Near Hanuman Circle, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001

It is said that the Lakes of Rajasthan are known for its beauty and scenic views. If you are visiting Jaisalmer this time then Gadsisar lake is another must visit place for you. The Gadsisar Lake is a standout amongst the most celebrated vacationer destination in Jaisalmer which was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the main leader of Jaisalmer. In the later years Maharaja Garisisar Singh remade and patched up the lake.

This noteworthy lake is situated towards the south of Jaisalmer city and the entrance to the lake is through Tilon-Ki-Pol, a grand and imaginatively cut yellow sandstone entrance. The Tilon Ki Pol is decorated with a symbol of the Hindu god Vishnu, introduced in the year 1908. The bank of the Gadsisar Lake is encompassed by aesthetically cut Chattris, Temples, Shrines, and Ghats. Its appeal lies in the way that it was the main wellspring of water for the Jaisalmer city in the long time past days.

Because of its nearness to Bharatpur, distinctive transitory feathered creatures can likewise be seen on the bank of the lake, adding to its magnificence. This is the most famous point to take photos of Jaisalmer fort during early morning when the fort looks brilliant with the beams of the Sun and furthermore this place is also a famous bird watching site.

Boating Time: Opens from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Price: The approximate price for boating cost around Rs 10 to Rs 100 per person.

Location: The Gadsisar Lake is just 2 km away from Jaisalmer railway station

This Haveli is slightly different from the other Havelis in terms of art and sculpture. The roof of this Haveli has been built in the form of a peacock. At the entrance of the Haveli, there are tuskers made of sand stones guarding the haveli.

This haveli has 38 balconies and each balcony has its own artistry. The name given to this Haveli is Jahaz mahal because of the front of the haveli resembling ship stern. Thrillophilia recommends a visit to this Haveli to see how beautiful art can be.

The Patwon ki Haveli is considered to be one of the most important Havelis of Jaisalmer because of two important things: it was the first Haveli to be ever built in Jaisalmer and it is a cluster of 5 different havelis making it one of the biggest Havelis. The other name given to this Haveli is the “mansion of brocade merchants” because the Patwa family used to deal in gold and silver.

Currently, the Haveli is taken care of by the Rajasthan government. The gateways and arches of this Haveli are also masterpieces. The entire Haveli is made of yellow sandstone and the main gateway of this Haveli is brown.

Unlike the other national parks in India, this park lies barren and is formed by sand-dunes, rocky surfaces and salt lake bottoms. The park also has some of the fixed dunes spreading throughout its length and breadth.

Home to some of the indigenous wildlife and avifauna species, this park represents a unique ecosystem. Chinkara, Indian Fox, Hare and Desert Cat are some of the most commonly found animals in this park. Amongst the birds, the Great Indian Bustard or the state bird of Rajasthan is found in abundance in this park.

This haveli that once used to be the prime minister’s house is today, still partly inhabited. It has derived its origin from the late 19th century and has extraordinary exterior, dripping with carvings. The 1st floor of the haveli has some beautiful paintings that are made using 1.5kg of gold leaf. Apparently, the left and right wings were the work of two brothers-Hathi and Lulu. The competitive spirit in them apparently produced this virtuoso work. If you closely observe, the two sides are similar, however not identical.

There are pictures engraved on pillars and walls that consist of horses, cattle, and depiction of flora among many other things. The most interesting aspect of this haveli that draws instant attention are the modern amenities such as cars, fans etc. It is said and believed that the architect brothers never saw these things in reality and engraved it with mere help of their descriptions. These interesting facts surely make visiting Nathmal ki haveli on your list of things to do in Jaisalmer.

Location: In the heart of Jaisalmer 

Lodrawa, also known as Lodurva or Lodarva is a village in Jaisalmer district of state Rajasthan in India. It is 15 kilometres to the north-west of the popular city Jaisalmer. Lodrawa was the ancient capital of the Bhatti dynasty till 1156 AD, when Rawal Jaisal founded the Jaisalmer state and shifted the capital to Jaisalmer. This village is a popular tourist destination that is known for its architectural ruins and surrounding sand dunes.

It is also famous for the Jain temple which is dedicated to 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath destroyed in 1152 AD when Muhammad Ghori sacked the city but was reconstructed in 1615 by Seth Tharu Shah and further additions were commissioned in 1675 and 1687.The temples were rebuilt in the late 1970s, as reminders of the city's former glory. Some of the other places for you to add on your list of things to do in Jaisalmer are Rishabh Nath Temple and Sambhavnath Temple, Hinglaj mata temple, Chamunda mata temple, and old temple of Shiva.

Location: 15 kilometres to the north-west of the popular city Jaisalmer

Tazia Tower of Jaisalmer can certainly be considered to be one of the major tourist attractions on your Jaisalmer tour. If you are fond of the Rajputana architectures scattered in the city, Tazia tower will come as a welcome break to you. It is situated in the excellent 'Badal Palace' complex located near Amar Sagar Gate. These were once the homes of the former royal family.

The Tazia tower is a 5-storied structure where each story has significance in its own. On each floor there is a balcony that is famous for their individual designs. This tower was built by Muslim craftsmen and is based on the shape of Tazia; which is actually the replica of Mausoleum of various Imams. The construction is made of wood, thermocol and colored papers. The architects gifted it to the then royal patrons to honour them with love and respect.

Sam sand dunes is indeed one of the most authentic desert dune sites in whole India and truly deserves to be on your list of things to do in Jaisalmer. Here, you find 30 to 60 meter tall sand dunes and many travellers enjoy Desert Safari on camels or jeep. Sam is 45 kilometres west from Jaisalmer city where you can reach by hiring a vehicle. You may further choose to stay in one of many desert camps that are mostly built in 2 to 3 km radius of sand dunes.

The best time to reach Sam sand dunes is around evening to enjoy the desert sunset at around 4 to 7 PM or early morning, during the sunrise time of 4 to 6 am. You can book a camel or jeep well in advance or on the spot as they are also available at desert camps. The best time to visit Sam or even Jaisalmer is from the months of October to March as during the renaming months, all the camps are closed and only few camel riders are made available. Moreover, the evening musical program at Sam at the desert camps are not available in summer and monsoon months.

Location:  Sam Sand Dunes, Near Sam Toll Barrier, Right Side On Sam Road, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 

The Akal Wood Fossil Park is a kind of a destination that is loved by all. People of all ages usually love to go and explore the prehistoric era here. Once you reach the park, you will notice the area is covered with large fossilised tree trunks of various sizes and seashells. The largest of which is about 13 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. There are around 25 numb trees and some of the oldest fossils are about 200 years old. Since the climate here is hot and humid, it helps in preserving these fossils.

Entry Fee:

• For Indians: Rs. 5
• For Foreigners: Rs. 20

Location: The Akal Wood Fossil Park is located 17 km away from the main city of Jaisalmer on Barmer Road

Longewala War Memorial is the spot where the battle of Longewala in 1971 between India and Pakistan was fought. The popular movie "Border" is based on this story. It is the last point up to which civilians are allowed, just 12 km from Pakistan. The museum was constructed right on the spot of the battle and is maintained by Indian Army. This area faces rather harsh conditions such as the temperature in summer easily goes beyond 50 degrees, and water is rare, no vegetation, food transportation from Ahmedabad or Mumbai. Despite all these conditions, the museum is well maintained.

About the place: There is an audio-visual show chronicling the Longewala battle, giving out interesting details of those days. There are actual battle tanks, jeeps and weapons from the battle displayed over here, both from Indian and Pakistani sides. They have also preserved photos of and after the battle. The museum also houses the actual bunkers used by the soldiers which are reconstructed for public display. What grabs your attention and is heartening to see is that the place is given as much importance as a religious spot and the upkeep is in line with the same.

Entry Fee: INR 20

Location: Thar Desert of Rajasthan state