When it comes to the best places to visit in Jaisalmer, we immediately thought about the sandy desert and the typical camels with their riders. But Jaisalmer has much more to offer than you think. Jaisalmer, also known as the “Golden City”, is one of the major tourist destinations in Rajasthan that captivates visitors with its history, culture and stunning architecture.
Located in the western Rajasthan, this city offers something for everyone as it is home to the majestic Jaisalmer fort and mesmerising havelis to scenic lake and intriguing museums. Each corner of Jaisalmer tells a story of its cultural and historical heritage that offers a unique blend of its royal legacy and desert life of Rajasthan. Whether you are a history lover, an architecture enthusiast, or a culture seeker, Jaisalmer promises an unforgettable journey.
1. Jaisalmer Fort
First in our list of places to visit in Jaisalmer is of course the Jaisalmer fort, counted as one of the handful of ‘living forts’ of this world. Constructed using yellow sandstone that change its colour from yellow during the sunrise to orange-gold during the sunset mesmerise the tourists. This 868 years old gigantic fort is the main tourist attraction of the city and is crowned as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Inside this grand fort, you can visit the seven Jain temples and a temple dedicated to goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu. Adorned with several intricately built havelis and the former king’s residence the ‘Raj Mahal’ is also worth visiting. Along with Chamunda Mata temple.
You can find food stalls and restaurants selling Indian, Rajasthani, Chinese, Italian, Mexican and continental dishes. You also can enjoy the traditional Rajasthani puppet show. Here you can visit the local markets and purchase souvenirs for your loved ones. Visiting Jaisalmer fort will be one of your unforgettable experiences and is regarded as the best place to visit in Jaisalmer.
2. Kothari’s Patwa Ki Haveli
Next in our list of best places to visit in Jaisalmer is Kothari’s Patwa Ki Haveli. This cluster of five havelis, constructed by the wealthy trader back in the beginning of 18th century, showcases a mind-blowing blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.
Guman Chand Patwa, a wealthy trader, commissioned the construction of these havelis. The completion took 50 years, resulting in a series of five interconnected huge mansions. Each haveli was built by Patwa for his five sons, symbolising familial unity.
The havelis are constructed from yellow sandstone, giving them a golden hue that glows magnificently under the desert sun.
The walls are decorated with beautiful mirror work and exquisite paintings. Guided tours provide in-depth insights into the haveli’s history, architecture during your time in the city while seeing the best places to visit in Jaisalmer.
3. Tanot Mata Temple
Next in the list of best places to visit in Jaisalmer is the most visited temple of Jaisalmer. The temple is located near the Indo-Pak border in the Desert of Thar. This sacred shrine is dedicated to a manifestation of Goddess Hinglaj, holds deep significance for devotees and military personnel. This temple gained national prominence during the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, witnesses say that despite heavy bombing by Pakistani forces, none of the bombs exploded near this temple, safeguarding the area and its defenders. This miraculous event has established the temple’s status as a place of divine protection and has been an important place of worship in Indian military history.
Managed by the Border Security Force (BSF), the temple is not just a spiritual landmark but also a living reminder of the bravery of the soldiers who guard the nation’s borders. Visitors can witness remains of the unexploded bombs in the temple premises. This temple will fill you with spirituality while visiting the best places to visit in Jaisalmer.
4. Bada Bagh
The literal meaning of Bada Bagh is Grand garden. Bada Bagh is a beautiful and historically significant site located just 6 kilometres north of Jaisalmer. This magnificent garden complex has royal cenotaphs also called chhatris by the locals, and stands as a majestic monuments of the Maharajas of Jaisalmer.
These canotapghs were Commissioned in the early 16th century by Maharawal Jait Singh and later completed by his son, Maharawal Lunkaran. In present time, Bada Bagh serves as a royal memorial ground. These cenotaphs are intricately crafted from golden sandstone with elaborate carvings.
The complex also features a very beautiful garden and a tank, providing a mesmerising contrast to the dry desert surroundings. This lush greenery, combined with the architecture, creates a picturesque and captivating atmosphere. Bada Bagh is particularly visited during sunrise and sunsets, offering the tourists a breathtaking view. The site’s peaceful ambiance and historical background make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the treasures while exploring the best places to visit in Jaisalmer.
5. Gadisar Lake
It is an artificial lake constructed in the 14th century by the founder of Jaisalmer city and later renovated by Maharawal Gadi Singh, hence the lake got its name Gadisar. Sar in Rajasthani means lake or pond. Once the only and biggest source of water for the whole city, is now turned into a tourist place. This lake is famous for its stunning picturesque view during sunrise and sunsets.
The lake is surrounded by hand-carved temples, ghats and shrines. The still water is yet another spot of attraction when it turns golden yellow under the sunrays. The Tilon ki Pol, an ornate gateway marks the entrance to the lake and adds to its endless beauty.
Visitors and tourists can enjoy boat rides. The lake is also a haven for bird watchers, especially during the winter months when migratory birds flock to the area and enhance the view of the lake. Gadisar Lake’s combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes it a must-visit destination while exploring the places to visit in Jaisalmer.
6. Jaisalmer War Museum
Next in our list of best places to visit in Jaisalmer is none other than The Jaisalmer War Museum. Established in 2015 by the Indian Army, this museum offers an insight into India’s military history, particularly highlighting the bravery displayed during the Indo-Pak wars of 1961 and 71.
The museum’s exhibits are carefully curated to honour the heroes of the 1965 and 1971 wars. Visitors can explore a vast collection of war artefacts, including tanks, guns, and military vehicles used in these wars. The outdoor display area features real battle tanks and fighter jets, offering a close connection to the past battles fought on this land.
The main highlight is the Longewala Hall, named after the famous Battle of Longewala from the 1971 war. In the Veer Smriti Hall, you can see the portraits of the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees. Personal belongings of soldiers, letters provide an emotional and educational journey through India’s history as you will explore the best places to visit in Jaisalmer.
7. Desert National Park
Next up in our list of best places to visit in Jaisalmer is the Desert National Park. Established in 1981, this park is located in the Thar Desert. Desert National Park is a unique ecological place that showcases the diverse wildlife, bird life and stunning landscapes. Spread over more than 3,000 square kilometres, it is one of the largest national parks in India where fossils from Jurasic period have been found.
The park is famous for its diverse biodiversity, particularly for the birds. It serves as a protected habitat for the endangered bird species the Great Indian Bustard. Birdwatchers can be seen flocking around during the winters.
Fossil evidence found within the park offers insights into the prehistoric era, with some fossils dating back 180 million years and also fossils of dinosaurs from 60 million years back. Exploring the best places to visit in Jaisalmer is incomplete without visiting the desert national park.
8. Desert Cultural Centre
Next in our list of best places to visit in Jaisalmer is The Desert Cultural Centre. It is the perfect place to know and understand the cultural history of Rajasthan. Established in 1997, this museum offers visitors to know the traditional arts, crafts and folk culture that define the desert life of Rajasthan.
One of the main attractions of the centre is its extensive collection of artefacts, including ancient manuscripts, traditional musical instruments and handcrafted textiles. The museum also has a fascinating gallery of fossils and geological remains.
The Desert Cultural Centre is particularly famous for its puppet shows, a traditional Rajasthani art form. These performances are held regularly in the museum on fixed timings.
Few thing you need to take care of are:
The centre is open from 10 AM to 8 PM. The timings for puppet shows are: first show from 6:30 to 7 PM and the second show is from 7:30 to 8 PM.
The centre also charges some fees as:
- 50 per person to visit the museum
- 50 per person for Puppet Show
- 20 for Camera Fee
- 50 for Video Camera Fee
Conclusion:
Jaisalmer is truly a treasure of unforgettable experiences, where history, culture and natural beauty meets in a spectacular desert setting. From the grandeur of Jaisalmer Fort and the intricate carvings of Patwon Ki Haveli to the beautiful waters of Gadisar Lake and the tales of bravery at the Jaisalmer War Museum, each site offers a unique perspective on the city’s heritage. As you explore the best places to visit in Jaisalmer, you will not only be amazed by its golden landscapes but also mesmerised by the stories and traditions that make this city a true gem of Rajasthan. Whether it’s your first visit or a return journey, Jaisalmer always has something new and wondrous to offer to all of them who love to explore the best places to visit in Jaisalmer.
