Jaisalmer Travel Guide: From Desert Camps to Starry Nights

Jaisalmer is hailed as the ‘Golden City of Rajasthan’, owing to the sprawling dunes of the Thar Desert. The city offers a chance to explore the culturally opulent side of Rajasthan with its architecture, winding lanes, customs, and traditions. Be it the charm of the Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or the thrilling royal experience in Patwon ki Haveli, Jaisalmer has much to offer travellers. In this Jaisalmer Travel Guide, let us know about the reasons to visit the place, top tourist sites, fun-filled local activities, festivals, food, and expert travel tips.

Jaisalmer Your Guide: Why Visit Jaisalmer?

• Beauty of Golden City – Everything in Jaisalmer is awe-inspiringly golden! The Havelis, houses, streets, and the dunes.

• The Artisan Culture – You can shop authentic hand-made artifacts like camel leather goods, mirror-embroidery fabrics, and stone carvings.

• Stargazing – Jaisalmer may be furnace hot in the mornings. However, at night, you can enjoy a clear sky with glistening stars.

• Regal backdrops – The royal jharokhas (windows) and doors will be the perfect backdrops for your Instagram shots.

• Turbans and Twirls – The traditional attire of the locals is a treat to the eye! The majestic turbans of the men and the twirling lehengas and dupattas of the women.

What are the top places to visit in Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort can be called a living fort as it is home to families, holds shops, and houses a group of ancient Jain and Hindu temples. You can stroll through its vibrant alleys for a surreal blend of medieval and modern life.

Patwon ki Haveli

The Patwon ki Haveli is a cluster of five mansions, each with its big suites, carved from golden sandstone. It has beautiful external carvings that highlight the exquisite Rajasthani architecture.

Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh is an impressive space with cenotaphs. It is the resting ground of noble warriors who fought for Jaisalmer city. The patches of greenery around the place add to the mystical charm of the tourist spot.

Salim Singh ki Haveli

The roof of Salim Singh ki Haveli is shaped like a peacock, and the entrance of the Haveli resembles a ship’s stern. That is why it is also famous as the ‘Jahaz Mahal’.

Nathmalji ki Haveli

Built-in the 19th century, this old haveli is famous for housing Rajasthani paintings made from 1.5 kg of gold leaf. On the outer walls, you’ll see motifs and engravings of horses, cows, and beautiful flowers.

Desert National Park

The Desert National Park in Jaisalmer is inhabited by a variety of mammals and birds. You’ll also find an impressive display of desert greenery here. An early morning or evening visit is great for spotting deer, reptiles, and rare birds.

Desert Culture Centre and Museum

This is the perfect place to be to watch traditional dance performances, music, and puppet shows. It gives you an insight into Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.

Gadisar Lake

Impressive chhatris and devotional shrines surround the Gadisar Lake. Raja Rawal Jaisal constructed the lake to make water accessible in Jaisalmer’s almost barren desert land.

Kuldhara Village

Kuldhara or the ‘ghost’ village is situated about 18 km away from Jaisalmer. It is an abandoned hamlet and is quite mysterious as the residents left the place and disappeared overnight, and no other settlement could be established there.

Sadar Bazaar

Sadar Bazaar is one of the most popular marketplaces in Jaisalmer. Here’s where you can buy puppets, trinkets, leather handicrafts, jewellery, embroidered textiles, tie-dye fabrics, and Rajasthani bangles.

Jaisalmer Travel Guide: What are noteworthy local experiences?

Adventure Activities

Hot Air Ballooning, Parasailing, Paramotoring, stylish dune bashing in SUVs, and quad biking are some of the adventure activities to indulge in Jaisalmer.

Camel Safari

The iconic way to explore the Thar Desert is on a camel’s back, while enjoying the scenic sunrise or sunset views across the vast expanse.

Heritage Walks and Performances

You can take guided heritage walks across the market streets, forts, havelis and enjoy traditional dance and musical performances, and puppet shows in the evening.

Boating

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride at Gadisar Lake, surrounded by the ghats. It is a great way to spend a romantic evening with your loved one.

Stargazing and Camping

Jaisalmer has luxury and budget-friendly overnight camping in the Thar Desert. Book your slot and enjoy a night under the twinkling stars while listening to melodious folk tunes.

What is the best time to visit Jaisalmer?

The best time to visit Jaisalmer is October to March (10–27°C) when the desert receives respite from the scorching heat. It is great for sightseeing, desert safaris, camping, and nighttime cultural shows.

April to June (30–45°C) is very hot and not ideal for outdoor activities.

July to September months (25–35°C) are when the landscape is greener, thanks to pleasant monsoon showers. The lakes also appear fuller during this off-season time.

How to Reach Jaisalmer?

• By Air: Jaisalmer Domestic Airport is about 13km from the city centre. The nearest international airport is in Jodhpur (288 km).

• By Rail: The Jaisalmer Railway Station connects the city to other major destinations like Delhi, Haryana, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

• By Road: Jaisalmer is connected to Delhi through NH48. Other places like Haryana, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad are connected by NH62.

Jaisalmer Travel Guide: What festivals to attend in Jaisalmer?

Jaisalmer Desert Festival – February

The festival showcases the cultural diversity and traditions of Rajasthan. You can expect to see live performances, turban-typing competitions, the longest moustache award, kite flying, camel parade, food stalls, and handicraft sales. The event ends with a spectacular fireworks show.

Basant Panchmi – January/February

Basant Panchmi marks the beginning of spring when people offer prayers to Goddess Saraswati. You’ll see everyone dressed in yellow and taking part in fervent kite flying competitions.