Jaisalmer is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India. Known as the 'Golden City,' it is renowned for its magnificent forts, exquisite havelis, and rich cultural heritage. You will get to do a wide range of things to do in Jaisalmer and experiences that will leave you captivated. From exploring the ancient forts to taking a camel safari through the sand dunes, to attending the famous Desert Festival, there is something for everyone in Jaisalmer. So come, discover the beauty and wonder of Jaisalmer, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Top Things to Do in Jaisalmer: Discover the Golden City's Hidden Gems
Jaisalmer is a city steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Located in the heart of the Thar Desert, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its majestic forts, exquisite havelis, and vibrant markets. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient architecture or trying out the local cuisine, or shopping for souvenirs, you will get everything. Jaisalmer is also a city of adventure and offers a plethora of things to do in Jaisalmer that cater to every kind of traveler, a few are listed below.
- Camel Safari: Embark on a Desert Odyssey
- Camping in Sam Sand Dunes: Under the Starlit Sky
- The Fort and Havelis: Explore the Crowning Glory
- Gadisar Lake: Tranquility Amidst the Oasis
- Explore Desert National Park: Unveiling Nature's Secrets
- Parasailing and Paramotoring: Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit
- Quad Biking: Off-Road Excitement
- Dune Bashing: Thrills Amidst the Sands
- Enjoying Cultural Programs: Immerse in the Vibrant Heritage
- Shopping and Trying Jaisalmer cuisine: Treasures of the Desert
1. Camel Safari: Embark on a Desert Odyssey
Taking a camel safari is one of the most popular activities to do in Jaisalmer and a great way to explore the Thar Desert. Camel safari Pushkar is also famous, but you will get to do the best desert safari in Jaisalmer at Sam Sand Dunes. Camel Safari in Jaisalmer offers the best view of the sunset from the top of a dune and allows traditional Rajasthani dinner under the stars. The safari also gives you a chance to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their way of life.
Location: Sam Sand Dune, Khuri Sand Dune
Best Time to Go: November to March
Opening Times: 5 am to 10 pm
Time Needed: 5-6 hours
Famous For: Marvelous sunrise view, Fossil Park or Desert National Park, Kuldhara- an abandoned village, the desert wildlife, Oasis, and magnificent sunset
Proximate Safari Fee (INR):
- 20 - 200 for Camel Safaris
- 500 - 1500 for Jeep Safaris
How to Reach: The sand dunes are 40 km from Jaisalmer and may be reached by hiring a vehicle or a local SUV. Local buses are also available at the bus station, which is located around 350 meters from the Jaisalmer Fort.
Note:
- Carry essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
- Wear cotton clothes
- Carry towel, water bottle, and glucose
- Carry your necessary medications
2. Camping in Sam Sand Dunes: Under the Starlit Sky
Imagine yourself at one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan, known as Jaisalmer, what is the first thing that will come to your mind? Camel ride? And the other thing, Camping. Yes. Camping on the sand dune under the sky. This wide bed of orange-hued sand welcomes tourists to do some unusual things to do in Jaisalmer. The desert is home to a variety of species, some of which are unique to the area, and may be seen on a desert safari in addition to camels.
Activity Location: Sam Sand Dune, Khuri Sand Dune, Kanoi
Best Camps: Prince Desert Camp, Le Royal Camp, Jaisalmer Desert Camp, Sam Sand Dunes Desert Safari Camp, Vinayak Desert Camp
Best Time to Go: November to March
Time Needed: Overnight
Famous For: Desert safari, camel ride, bonfire, cultural programs, camping under star
How to Reach: You may hire a car or take a local SUV to get to the sand dunes, which are located 40 km. from Jaisalmer. The bus terminal, which is around 350 m. from the Jaisalmer Fort, also has local buses available.
Suggested Read: Top Things to do in Jaipur: A Perfect Way to Experience India's Vibrant Culture
3. The Fort and Havelis: Explore the Crowning Glory
Visiting the Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila, is an architectural marvel. Jaisalmer Fort history dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most famous places to visit in Jaisalmer. Made entirely of yellow sandstone, the fort is a stunning sight to behold and is considered one of the most impressive and popular forts in India. Apart from Jaisalmer Fort, it has beautiful Havelis that should be on your list when in this part of Rajasthan. The Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli, and Salim Singh Ki Haveli are some of the most popular havelis in the city. These traditional mansions are famous for their intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
Forts Location: Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli, and Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Best Time to Go: November to March
Time Needed: 3-4 hours
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Famous For: Architecture, sunset view, sightseeing, photography
Proximate Jaisalmer Fort Entry Fee (INR)
- 50 per person (Fort, Salim Singh ki Haveli), 100 per person (Patwon Ki Haveli)- For Indians
- 250 per person (Fort)- For Foreigners
- 50- Camera Fee
- 100- Video Camera
How to Reach: Hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw from the railway station or the city center to travel to the fort and the havelis.
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4. Gadisar Lake: Tranquility Amidst the Oasis
The list of best things to do in Jaisalmer includes bird watching at Gadisar Lake along with tranquil and scenic experiences for nature lovers visiting Jaisalmer. The lake is home to various species of migratory birds, including the common coot, Eurasian wigeon, and Indian skimmer. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot these birds in action. The 14th-century lake is surrounded by ghats, temples, and arched gateways, making it a beautiful sight to behold.
Location: Postal Colony, Near Tilon Ki Gate, Near Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, 345001, India
Best Time to Go: October to March
Opening Hours: 8 am to 7 pm
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Famous For: Boating, birdwatching, ghats, temples
Proximate Boat Rides Starting Rates (INR):
- 100 for 2-Seater Pedal Boat
- 200 for 4-Seater Pedal Boat
- 300 for 6-Seater Rowboat
How to Reach: Only 2 km from city and readily accessible by public transit
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5. Explore Desert National Park: Unveiling Nature's Secrets
You must be a nature lover in one way or another. Wildlife Sanctuaries are one of the best places to travel in India as these amazing sanctuaries in the country have their own specialty. Similarly, this Desert National Park in Jaisalmer has it's own features including the rock surface, sand dunes, and Salt Lake bottoms. One can explore birds like eagles, vultures, buzzards, falcons, harriers, and kestrels. The park is widely known for animals like chinkara, blackbuck, wolf, desert cat, and Bengal fox. One can also see 180 million years old fossils of dinosaurs. Jeep Safari to explore the park sprawled over an area of 3162 kms is one of the best Jaisalmer things to do.
Location: Myajlar Road, Police Line, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, 345001, India
Best Time to Go: November to February
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Time Needed: 3-4 hours
Famous For: Sand dunes, and Salt Lake bottoms, bird watching, jeep safari, sightseeing, photography
Proximate Entry Fee/Jeep Safari Starting Rates (INR):
- 100 per person
- 100 per person Jeep Safari
- 200 for Guide Tour
How to Reach: The park is located 11 km. from the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation.
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6. Parasailing and Paramotoring: Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit
Humans have always desired to accomplish things that they hadn't been created for, but they have made these dreams a reality, and flying is one of them. If you wish to have an adventure in India, imagine yourself flying high in the sky and admiring the lovely golden city from above. Parasailing in Jaisalmer is one of the best activities to do in Rajasthan because of its rich culture, old sites, and artificial lakes.
Location: Kanoi, Rajasthan
Best Time to Go: October to March
Activity Timings: 7 am to 7pm
Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
In Airtime: 5-7 mins
Famous For: Bird eye view of surrounding, Sunset view, sightseeing, photography
How to Reach: Take a 35 km. ride via Jaisalmer - Sam - Dhanana Road to reach Kanoi from Jaisalmer City
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7. Quad Biking: Off-Road Excitement
Jaisalmer adventure is not just limited to exploring the city's rich heritage and culture. One of the most exciting activities you can try here is quad biking. This thrilling adventure takes you on a ride through the rugged desert terrain, dunes and valleys of Jaisalmer. Quad biking is a must-try experience for adventure enthusiasts looking for a new way to explore Jaisalmer's stunning landscapes.
Location: Kanoi, Rajasthan 345001
Best Time to Go: October to March
Activity Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Time Needed: 30 min
Famous For: Breathtaking view, sightseeing, photography
How to Reach: Hire a taxi and use the Jaisalmer - Sam - Dhanana route to get to the activity location.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Munnar: Immerse Yourself in Nature's Paradise
8. Dune Bashing: Thrills Amidst the Sands
When we hear the name of Dune Bashing, we start to feel like one need to go to middle eastern countries to indulge in these activities. Well, think again. Think about the Thar Desert. Adventure enthusiasts can go to Jaisalmer with the best of India tour packages for sand dune bashing and off-roading experiences as well. As you rise and descend steep sand dunes, crank the engines and feel the rush of excitement while admiring gorgeous desert scenery and taking in breathtaking sunsets and lovely surroundings.
Location: Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer
Best Time to Go: October to March
Activity Timings: 5:30 am to 7:30 pm
Time Needed: 30 min
Famous For: Breathtaking view, sightseeing, photography
How to Reach: The activity place is around 42 km. from Jaisalmer and easily accessible by both public and private transportation.
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9. Enjoying Cultural Programs: Immerse in the Vibrant Heritage
Rajasthan is best known for it's rich heritage and culture that it has secured for ages. Visit Sam Sand Dunes, which turns into a festival ground with the sun sets and you will get a chance to indulge in the best things to do in Jaisalmer at night. Enjoy traditional performances including folk songs, and dances along with local cuisine. Just imagine sitting around a bonfire in sand dunes and enjoying it all in front of you. When you are camping in the sand dunes, this experience is complimentary.
Location: Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, Khuri Sand Dunes
Best Time to Go: October to March
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Famous For: Rajasthani Folk Dance- Kalbeliya Folk Dance, Ghoomar Dance, Folk music- Pungi, Kathputli Dance
How to Reach: One can easily reach by hiring a car or jeep to the dunes and fort from the railway station or airport
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10. Shopping and Trying Jaisalmer Cuisine: Treasures of the Desert
Shopping in Jaisalmer for handicrafts is another popular activity. The city is known for its exquisite handicrafts like leather bags, embroidered textiles, mirrorwork wall hangings, and silver jewelry. You can also visit the various government emporiums that sell authentic handicrafts and souvenirs at reasonable prices. The city is also known for its rich and flavorful Rajasthani cuisine so, don't forget to try the famous Jaisalmer cuisine and sweets.
Location: Famous Markets in Jaisalmer
- Bhatia Bazaar- Silk fabrics and Bandhani Sarees, shawls, dupattas with mirror work, jewelry
- Sadar Bazaar- Carpets, leather items, paintings
- Sonaron Ka Baas- Jewelry
- Manak Chowk & Seema Gram- Souvenirs
- Pansari Bazaar- Puppets
Best Time to Go: October to March
Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm
Time Needed: 2-3 hours to explore the market
How to Reach: Easily accessible through public transport, auto rikshaw
How to Reach Jaisalmer:
To experience all these amazing activities, one must know how to reach Jaisalmer. Here’s the 3 modes of transport through which you can step into this royal city.
By Train: Jaisalmer has an excellent railway network with major Indian towns like Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur on a daily basis.
By car: Another easy option is to travel by car if you like road trips. However, Jaisalmer is not directly connected with major cities. You must first take a bus to either Jaipur or Jodhpur and from there, you can take a direct bus to Jaisalmer (6-7 hours).
By Air: Take a journey to Jodhpur Airport, which offers frequent flights from Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Udaipur, Chennai, and other cities. After disembarking from the airport, hire a cab to reach your destination.
Most Luxurious Hotels and Resorts in Jaisalmer:
Here are some of the most opulent places to stay in Jaisalmer's royal city. Stay in the following best hotels and resorts in Jaisalmer to get the regal vibe:
- Welcome Heritage Mohangarh Fort
- Hotel Garh Jaisal Haveli
- Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa
- Hotel Jaisalkot
- Welcome Heritage Mandir Palace
Jaisalmer is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure. With its stunning forts, intricate havelis, vibrant markets, and breathtaking sand dunes, you will get a plethora of things to do in Jaisalmer for a perfect vacation. Don’t delay any further your dream of exploring the Golden Land of Rajasthan and take advantage of the best Jaisalmer tour packages to experience the magic. Create memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between October to March.
The top attractions in Jaisalmer are Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, Gadisare Lake, Patwon ki Haveli, and Bada Bagh.
The best adventure activities in Jaisalmer are Camel Safari, Desert Camping, Parasailing and Paramotoring, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Dune Bashing and Quad Biking.
The best markets in Jaisalmer for souvenirs are Bhatia Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar, Sonaron Ka Baas, Manak Chowk & Seema Gram, and Pansari Bazaar.
One can indulge in desert safari, desert camping, folk music and dance performances, spending some time in bars and pubs to enjoy nightlife in Jaisalmer.
Sam Sand Dunes, Khuri Sand Dunes and Thar Desert are the best places for desert safari in Jaisalmer.
2-3 days are ideal duration for a Jaisalmer tour.
Every year in February, the Desert Festival Jaisalmer is held in Rajasthan's desert city of Jaisalmer.
