5 Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

5 Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, also known as the "Golden City," is a popular tourist destination in the state of Rajasthan, India. Known for its magnificent sandstone architecture and vibrant desert landscapes, Jaisalmer offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are five of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer:

Jaisalmer Fort: Dominating the city's skyline, Jaisalmer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world. Explore its narrow lanes, visit ancient temples, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert from the fort's ramparts.

Patwon Ki Haveli: This cluster of five elaborately carved havelis (mansions) is a stunning example of Jaisalmer's architectural heritage. Admire the intricate stone carvings, balconies, and jharokhas (overhanging enclosed balconies) that showcase the city's rich craftsmanship and artistic traditions.

Sam Sand Dunes: Located about 40 kilometers from Jaisalmer, the Sam Sand Dunes offer a mesmerizing desert experience. Take a camel ride across the vast stretches of sand, witness a breathtaking sunset, and indulge in traditional Rajasthani folk performances and cultural activities.

Gadisar Lake: This scenic lake is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. Built as a water conservation tank in the 14th century, Gadisar Lake features intricately carved chhatris (cenotaphs), temples, and ghats (steps) that create a serene and picturesque ambiance.

Kuldhara: Just outside Jaisalmer lies the ghost village of Kuldhara, an abandoned settlement with an intriguing history. Legend has it that the village was deserted overnight by its residents due to a curse. Explore the eerie ruins, learn about the folklore, and appreciate the rustic charm of this deserted village.

These are just a few highlights of what Jaisalmer has to offer. The city also boasts several other attractions such as the Jain Temples, Desert Culture Centre & Museum, and the Bada Bagh. Exploring the narrow streets, shopping for handicrafts and textiles, and savoring Rajasthani cuisine are also must-do activities in Jaisalmer.

What is the famous place in Jaisalmer?

One of the most famous places in Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort. It is a prominent landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort stands tall on Trikuta Hill and is made of golden sandstone, giving it a mesmerizing golden hue that shines in the sunlight. The fort is one of the largest fully preserved fortified cities in the world and houses several attractions within its walls, including palaces, temples, havelis (mansions), shops, and restaurants. Its impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and panoramic views of the city make it a must-visit destination for tourists in Jaisalmer.

Which is the beautiful village in Jaisalmer?

One of the most beautiful villages near Jaisalmer is Kuldhara. Kuldhara is an abandoned village located about 18 kilometers from Jaisalmer. It is known for its intriguing history and picturesque surroundings. According to legend, the village was abandoned overnight by its residents in the early 19th century due to a curse. Today, the village stands as a ghost town, with its dilapidated buildings and narrow lanes offering a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. The ruins of Kuldhara attract visitors who are fascinated by its mysterious past and enjoy exploring the deserted streets and buildings. The village's rustic charm, surrounded by the vast desert landscape, makes it a popular destination for tourists seeking a unique and captivating experience in Jaisalmer.

What's special in Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer, also known as the "Golden City," is a destination that offers a range of unique and special experiences. Here are some of the things that make Jaisalmer special:

Jaisalmer Fort: The Jaisalmer Fort is one of the main attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its stunning architecture, made of golden sandstone, and the panoramic views it offers of the city and the Thar Desert make it truly special.

Desert Safari: Jaisalmer is located in the heart of the Thar Desert, and a desert safari is a must-do activity here. You can take a camel ride across the sand dunes, witness breathtaking sunsets, enjoy traditional folk performances, and spend a night under the starlit sky in a desert camp.

Sandstone Architecture: Jaisalmer is renowned for its magnificent sandstone architecture. The intricate carvings, jharokhas (overhanging enclosed balconies), and havelis (mansions) adorned with delicate stone work showcase the city's rich craftsmanship and artistic traditions.

Cultural Vibrancy: Jaisalmer is known for its vibrant cultural heritage. The city hosts various festivals, such as the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, which showcases folk dances, music, camel races, and other cultural performances. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local traditions and customs.

Handicrafts and Textiles: Jaisalmer is a hub for handicrafts and textiles. You can explore the bustling markets to find exquisite Rajasthani handicrafts, including camel leather products, embroidered textiles, mirror work, and colorful puppets. Shopping for these unique items is a special experience in itself.

Rajasthani Cuisine: Jaisalmer offers a delightful culinary experience with its traditional Rajasthani cuisine. You can savor dishes like dal baati churma (lentil curry with baked wheat balls), ker sangri (a local desert bean and berry dish), and gatte ki sabzi (gram flour dumplings in a spicy gravy).

Warm Hospitality: The warm hospitality and welcoming nature of the locals in Jaisalmer are noteworthy. You can experience the Rajasthani hospitality firsthand while interacting with the locals, staying in heritage hotels, or participating in cultural activities.

These are just a few aspects that make Jaisalmer special. The city's unique blend of history, culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality create an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Is 2 nights enough for Jaisalmer?

While the duration of your visit to Jaisalmer depends on your preferences and the activities you wish to engage in, two nights can be a decent amount of time to explore the main attractions and get a glimpse of the city's culture and heritage. Here's a sample itinerary for a 2-night stay in Jaisalmer:

Day 1:

Arrive in Jaisalmer and check into your accommodation.

Visit Jaisalmer Fort and explore its palaces, temples, and narrow lanes.

Enjoy the panoramic views from the fort's ramparts.

Visit Patwon Ki Haveli, a cluster of elaborately carved mansions.

Explore the local markets and shop for handicrafts and textiles.

Witness the sunset at the Sam Sand Dunes, located outside the city.

Enjoy traditional Rajasthani folk performances and cultural activities at the desert camp.

Stay overnight in the desert camp or return to your accommodation in Jaisalmer.

Day 2:

Visit Gadisar Lake and enjoy a peaceful morning by the lake.

Explore the Jain Temples, known for their intricate architecture and carvings.

Visit the Desert Culture Centre & Museum to learn more about the history and culture of Jaisalmer.

Take a walk through the narrow streets of the city, experiencing the local life and architecture.

Optional: Visit the ghost village of Kuldhara, located near Jaisalmer.

Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner at a local restaurant.

Stay overnight in Jaisalmer.

Day 3:

If you have a few extra hours, you can explore more of Jaisalmer or indulge in shopping and culinary experiences.

Check out from your accommodation and depart from Jaisalmer.

While this itinerary provides an overview of the main attractions, keep in mind that Jaisalmer has much more to offer. If you have additional time, you can extend your stay to explore the city at a more leisurely pace, engage in more desert activities, or take day trips to nearby attractions.