Jaisalmer is known as the city of forts as in this city you are going to find plenty of palaces and havelis. Located at the very heart of the Thar Desert, many of the palaces give the impression as if they are made up of gold. The tourist spot dotted with numerous temples, havelis and forts that tell us glorious stories of the courageous ruler. Popularly known as ‘Golden City’ due to its marvellous architecture which made from yellow stone.
Further, if you want to describe the true gems of Rajasthan, then Jaisalmer is one of the perfect places to visit in Rajasthan. It is an ideal location for the desert camping and camel safari, which are the two most famous things to do in Jaisalmer. One can also witness different cultural, traditional and desert festivals here that keep us alive and kicking. Being a famous tourist spot, there are many popular tourist attraction and places to visit in Jaisalmer that you have to explore in your next holiday trip. So find out below-mention sightseeing in Jaisalmer with detailed information and enjoy a memorable holiday vacation.
Jaisalmer Fort
Among all popular tourist attraction, Jaisalmer Fort is one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer which is frequently visited by lots of tourists. Built by the Rajput ruler Rao Jaisal Singh in 1156 AD, it is considered as largest Fort in the World. It is also known as the ‘Sonar Quila’ or the ‘Golden Fort’ as the fort made up of yellow sandstone.
Further, it is very famous for its Rajasthani architecture style and beautiful interior, which has intricately carved windows, doors and walls. You can also find numerous hotels, guesthouses, temples, handicraft stores and restaurant within the fort premises that shows the true colour of Rajasthani culture. As it is located at an altitude of 450 m above sea level, so one can also take the spectacular view of Jaisalmer city from here. Due to its marvellous architecture design and historical significance, Jaisalmer Fort also declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. So overall it is a must visit place in Jaisalmer that you can add into Rajasthan Tour Package.
- Entry Fees – Rs.50 for Indians and Rs.250 for Foreigners
- Things To Do At Jaisalmer Fort – Shopping, Photography, Sightseeing and View Sunset & Sunrise
Bada Bagh
Located on Ramgarh Road, Bada Bagh is a historical garden, which is just 7 km away from the Jaisalmer City. Built by Maharawal Jaisal Singh around 16th century in memory of the nobels, who fought for the city. You can find several chhatris or cenotaphs of the royal families, who ruled over Jaisalmer. Further, a water tank, a dam and Govardhan Stambh also presented in this garden and considered as the famous tourist attraction here. The architecture design of this garden is a perfect blend of Paliwal, Mughal, and Rajput styles of architecture. As the location has many beautiful stories related to ancient times, hence it is a popular tourist spot among places to visit in Jaisalmer.
- Entry Fees – Rs.50 for Indians and Rs.100 for Foreigners
- Things To Do At Bada Bagh – Photography, Take the panoramic view of Sunrise & Sunset and Sightseeing
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is another prime tourist attraction in Jaisalmer, which is just 1 km away from the Jaisalmer Fort. It was built by Raja Rawal Jaisal in the year 1367 AD with a motive to supply the water for the entire city. Further, you can find various temples, holy shrines and chattris around this Lake that attract spiritual traveller too. It is an idyllic location for boating and picnic too, which are the two most adventurous things to do in Gadisar Lake.
During the winter season, one can also spot some rare species of migratory birds, hence it attracts a number of bird watchers and nature photographers. So if you want to spend some quality time with your friends and family member in such a peaceful and tranquillity atmosphere, then must visit this place at least once. It is also considered as one of the best sightseeing in Jaisalmer due to its peaceful and charming surrounding.
- Boating Fees – Rs.50 for Paddle Boat and Rs.100 for Shikara Boat
- Things To Do At Gadisar Lake – Picnic, Boating, Bird Watching, Photography
[Also Read: Most Beautiful Lakes to Visit in Rajasthan]
Sam Sand Dunes
Sam Sand Dunes is an offbeat tourist destination in Rajasthan that should be added to the list of places to visit in Jaisalmer. Located at a distance of 42 km from Jaisalmer city, it is an ideal location for Camel Safari, which is one of the popular things to do in Jaisalmer. A famous desert festival also organised at this spot between the month of February and March, where you can enjoy folk dance, camel races and other cultural events that offer a true glimpse of rich Rajasthani culture.
Apart from all these things, camping is another famous activity that you can do at Sam Sand Dunes. One can also witness the panoramic view of Sunrise and Sunset here. So away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is one of the most preferred tourist spots in Jaisalmer that give you a lifetime experience that can’t be found anywhere else in India.
- Things To Do At Sam Sand Dunes – Desert Camping, Camel Safari, View Sunrise & Sunset, Be a part of Jaisalmer Desert Festival
Patwon Ki Haveli
Made up of yellow sandstone, Patwon Ki Haveli is very famous for its marvellous artwork that grabs the attention of every tourist. Built by famous trader Guman Chand Patwa, it is a combination of five different Havelis that lies in single premises. The Trader constructed five separate sections for his five sons and the construction took over 55 years to complete. The beautiful interior and ornate wall paintings represent the moral stories of the ancient time. Further, the well-decorated corridors, jharokhas and archways add another charm to this tourist spot. Out of five Havelis, one has been converted into a museum, which has a collection of antique furniture, miniatures and decorative items. You can also find an office of Archeological Survey of India within the complex. It is currently managed by the state government, which used this place for various event and feast.
- Entry Fees – Rs.20 for Indians and Rs.100 for Foreigners
- Things To Do At Patwon Ki Haveli – Visit Museum, Sightseeing and Photography
Nathmal Ki Haveli
Located in the heart of the city, Nathmal ki Haveli lies very close to Jaisalmer Fort. It was built by Maharawal Berisal in 1885, which serve as the residence of the then prime minister Diwan Mohata Nathmal. Further, it is very famous for its extraordinary exterior and beautiful wall paintings. The architecture design of this heritage site is a perfect blend of Rajput and Islamic styles. There is an interesting story behind the construction of this site. That is two brother Hathi and Lulu started building the facets of the haveli simultaneously and it got irregular shape but surprisingly both the sides are similar, but not identical. At the entrance, you can find two huge elephants that carved from yellow sandstone. So being a masterpiece of unbelievable architecture design, we add this site in the list of places to visit in Jaisalmer.
- Things To Do At Nathmal Ki Haveli – Photography, Visit Museum and Explore nearby Sightseeing
Jain Temples
Situated inside the Jaisalmer Fort Complex, Jain Temples are a series of temples that date back to the 12th and 15th century. Dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras, it is very famous for the Dilwara style of architecture and made up from yellow sandstone. Further, the location is an important pilgrimage site for all Hindu devotees. Some of the most famous temples which you can find here like Parsvanath Temple, Chandraprabhu temple, Rishabhdev temple, Shitalnath Temple, Shantinath Temple and Kunthunath Temple.
Each temple has stunning sculptures, numerous captions and pillars carved with Gods and celestial women in the form a series of toranas. In the temple complex, you can find a Gyan Bhandar Library, which has rare manuscripts of India. Moreover, for the history buffs, Jain temples is one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer and should not be missed.
- Opening Hours – 6 AM to 12 PM
- Things To Do At Jain Temple – Visit Gyan Bhandar Library, Explore Jaisalmer Fort, Photography
[Also Read: Famous Jain Temples in India]
Desert National Park
Desert national park considered as one of the largest National Parks in India. Spread an area of 3162 sq km, it has a unique collection of flora and fauna. The park was established in the year 1980, which depicts the ecosystem of the Thar Desert. Further, the whole area covered with thorny bushes, cacti and a few desert plants. It is home to more than 120 species of resident and migratory birds. Some of the rarest species of birds which you can found here like eagles, vultures, falcons, harriers, kestrels, larks, shrikes and buzzards.
One can also spot some rare species of reptiles here such as Russell Viper, saw-scaled viper, monitor lizard etc. With endless flora and fauna, the tourist spot always on top of the list of places to visit in Jaisalmer. To explore this beautiful location from the closet you may take a jeep safari. The best time to visit this national park is between November and January to spot migratory birds.
- Entry Fees – Rs. 100 for Indians and Rs. 300 for Foreigners
- Things To Do At Desert National Park – Wildlife Photography, Bird Watching and Sightseeing
Thar Heritage Museum
Located in the main market of the city, the Thar Heritage Museum is another famous tourist attraction in Jaisalmer. Founded by Laxmi Narayan Khatri, who was the eminent scholar of the Jaisalmer folklore. It represents the history, culture, art and tradition of the Thar Desert. The museum houses many antique artefacts like fossils, instruments, turbans, kitchen equipment, postcards, coins and weapons. Being a perfect amalgamation of the history and heritage of Thar, it is frequently visited by lots of tourists every year. Further, one can also get a chance to explore nearby tourist attraction such as Jaisalmer folklore museum, Jaisalmer fortress and Silkroute art gallery.
- Entry Fees – Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 70 for Foreigners
- Things To Do At Thar Heritage Museum – Visit Silk Route Art Gallery, Explore Jaisalmer folklore museum, Photography
Tazia Tower
Located in the Badal Palace complex, Tazia Tower is another famous tourist attraction that should be in a list of places to visit in Jaisalmer. It has five storey, which is a replica of the mausoleum and part of Muslim religious festivities. Constructed by Muslim carvers in 1886 AD to present a gift to the Hindu king, Maharawal Barisal Singh. It is made up of wood, thermocol and coloured papers, which is a perfect example of rich ancient artwork. Each storied of Tazia Tower has a different structure and every floor has a unique balcony design. The architectural style of this historical monuments reflects the creativity and imaginary skills of local craftsmen, which is truly amazing.
- Opening Hours – 8 AM to 6 PM Everyday
- Things To Do At Tazia Tower – Take a glimpse of marvellous artwork, Photography and Visit Badal Palace
So these are some breathtaking sites to visit in Jaisalmer that are truly awesome. The tourist spot is very famous for its temples, forts, havelis and other historical monuments that laid back to you ancient time. So here we mention all the famous tourist attraction and sightseeing in Jaisalmer to take true glory of this tourist spot in Rajasthan.
