Top 10 Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
Find the information of Best Sightseeing and Tourist Attractions in Jaisalmer which will help you in planning a better trip.
- Sam Sand Dunes
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Gadisar Lake
- Nathmal-ki-Haveli
- Patwon-Ki-Haveli
- Salim Singh Ki Haveli
- Bada Bagh
- Kuldhara
- The Thar Heritage Museum
- Jain Temples
1. Sam Sand Dunes
To have a feel of the desert, you need to undertake Desert Safari. Sam Sand
Dunes is the ideal location to set off for the Desert Safari. You will
love the safari on camelback that would take you along crests and troughs and you
could watch the picturesque sunset on the desert. Jeep safaris are available as
well. Desert festival is organized in the months of February and March. If you are
around this time, you would not want to miss the folk dances, camel races and other
cultural events conducted here.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: No entry fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days.
- Duration: Depends upon the activity you perform here.
Things to Do at Sam Sand Dunes
- Desert Camping.
- Desert Safari.
- Paragliding and other adventure sports.
- Camel rides.
- A visit to the nearby Desert National Park and Sanctuary.
2. Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is famously known as Golden Fort of Rajasthan. It
was constructed by Raja Jaisal, Rajput ruler in the year 1156 AD. It ranks
amongst the largest forts in the world. The golden and yellow mixed sandstone offer
magical look to the Fort. Rising from the desert sands like a mirage, the fort is
a real sight with its 99 turrets during night. The Fort stands tall and proud displaying
the magic of Rajasthani architecture.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: 30 INR for Indians, 70 INR for other nationalities. 50
INR for still camera and 150 INR for videography.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (9 AM – 5 PM).
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours.
Things to Do around Jaisalmer Fort
- Street shopping.
- Sampling cuisines in the many eateries.
3. Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is located a kilometer away from the fort. It was
constructed by the first ruler of the land, Raja Rawal Jaisal and later reconstructed
by Maharawal Garsi in the year 1367 AD. The people of the desert city depended on
this tank for their water needs. You will find temples, Holy shrines and Chattris
around the banks of this lake. The artistically carved entrance made of yellow sandstone
offers breathtaking view.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: Entry free. Boating charges (Row boat 10 INR, Paddle Boat
50 INR, Shikara- 100 INR) for a 30 min ride.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (8 AM – 8 PM).
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours.
Things to Do around Gadisar Lake
- Picnic.
- Boat riding.
- Visit the historic Tilon Ki Pol gate.
- Visit the Folklore Museum nearby.
4. Nathmal-ki-Haveli
Nathmal Ki Haveli was built by two Muslim jeweller brothers not
stone carvers on the order of the then prime minister. The brothers started working
on the opposite sides of the building which lead to a similar but non identical
left and right side. Apart from its extraordinary outer carvings, this haveli is
known for its beautiful interiors filled with paintings and equipped with modern
facilities. An amalgamation of Islamic and Rajputana architecture, Nathmal Ki Haveli
is well justified as being one of the most beautiful haveli in Jaisalmer.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: No fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (8 AM – 7 PM).
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
5. Patwon-Ki-Haveli
Patwon-Ki-Haveli is located in the main city. It was built by a
famous trader named Guman Chand and his sons. This massive five-storied construction
has five intricately decorated huge suites. The large corridors and the decorated
walls are excellent representations of the art form that prevailed. The entire construction
is made of yellow sandstone. The grandeur and the architecture of the monument add
immense value to the cultural heritage of the city. Out of the five havelis, one
is converted into a museum. The third haveli houses the works of local craftsmen
of the bygone era.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: 20 INR for Indians and 100 INR for other nationalities
plus 50 INR for still camera and 100 INR for videography.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (9 AM – 5 PM).
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
6. Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Among all the havelis in Jaisalmer, Salim Singh Ki Haveli is known
for its distinctive and eye catching architecture. It was built by the then minister,
Salim Singh who wanted to make as high as the fort but was prohibited by the king.
It has 38 balconies with their own distinctive style of architecture and a peacock
shaped roof. This haveli provides a good glimpse in the past and the photographs
taken here would be awe inspiring.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets: 10 INR for Indians and 15 INR for foreigners. Extra charges
for photography (50 INR) and videography (100 INR).
- Opening Timings: Open all days (8 AM – 6 PM).
- Duration: 45 min.
7. Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh means ‘Huge Garden’. Maharawal Jait Singh’s period saw
its construction, which was in the beginning of 16th century. His son Lunakaran
completed the construction after the death of his father. The garden served as a
memorial where the nobles and their families were cremated. The garden offers a
stunning view. The place is isolated. If you visit the place during sunrise and
sunset, you are guaranteed of beautiful moments, which you cannot avoid clicking.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography, Gardens.
- Tickets: 50 INR for Indians and 100 INR for foreigners.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (9 AM – 6 PM).
- Duration: 45 min to 1 hour.
Things to Do around Bada Bagh
- Enjoy beautiful moments
- The garden offers a stunning view.
8. Kuldhara
An abandoned ghost town, Kuldhara was once a prosperous town occupied by Paliwal Brahmins. The reasons for why a whole city was abandoned within a night is not clear but the popular belief holds the then state minister Salim Singh responsible for the same. The minister wanted to marry the village chief’s daughter and therefore delivered an ultimatum to the village chief to accept his demands or let the whole community face dire consequences. Rather than giving in to the minister’s demands, the whole village decided to move away. Before leaving, they cursed this place to never have any kind of human settlement and this has been proven true to this date. Visit Kuldhara to get a glimpse of the past and get spooked by its tales.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: Ruins, Ghost Town, History.
- Tickets: Entry free.
- Opening Timings: Open all days from 8am – 6pm.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Distance from Jaisalmer: 49 min (32.0 km).
9. The Thar Heritage Museum
Thar Heritage Museum is located at the main market of the city.
Laxmi Narayan Khatri was the founder of this museum. The museum presents you the
history, culture, art and architecture of the famous Thar Desert. Sea fossils aging
over million years let us in on how the sea eventually became the Thar Desert. The
museum houses unique ornaments of the ship of the desert and horses. Documents and
coins of Jaisalmer, ancient manuscripts and weapons are some of the collections
found in this museum.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Photography.
- Tickets: 30 INR for Indians and 70 INR for other nationalities.
- Opening Timings: Everyday (9AM – 8 PM).
- Duration: 2 hours.
Things to Do at Thar Heritage Museum
- Enjoy a puppet show (charges separate).
- Visit the nearby Silk Route Art Gallery.
10. Jain Temples
Located inside Jaisalmer Fort, Jain temples are a series of temples
dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and can be traced back to the 12th century. The temples
are are known for their distinctive architectural style modelled after the Dilwara
temple of Mt. Abu. Beautifully carved and well interconnected, these temples are
a vision to behold and are completely made up of yellow sandstone.
Visitor Information
- Famous for: History, Architecture, Photography, Pilgrimage.
- Tickets: No fee.
- Opening Timings: Open all days (7 AM – 12 PM).
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
Things to Do near Jain Temples
- Visit the Gyan Bhandar library.
- Visit the Jaisalmer Fort.
Other attractions include Akal Wood Fossil Park, Badal Mahal,
Raja ka Mahal, Desert National Park and Sanctuary , Silk Route
Art Gallery and Jaisalmer War Museum.
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