Jaisalmer, often referred to as the “Golden City” of India, is a mesmerizing desert destination that boasts of rich history, stunning architecture, and a unique cultural heritage. It is situated in the heart of the Thar Desert in the northwestern state of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer offers a breathtaking landscape of golden sand dunes, intricate havelis, and numerous places to visit in Jaisalmer. If you’re planning a visit to this magical city, here are the top 10 places to visit in Jaisalmer you must explore:
1. Jaisalmer Fort: One of the Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer
– Time to Visit: Sunrise to Sunset
– Fees: INR 50 (Indian nationals), INR 250 (Foreign nationals)
– Distance from Airport: Approximately 12 kilometers
- Distance from Railway Station: Approximately 1 kilometer
Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer that seems to rise from the very desert it overlooks. Explore the narrow lanes, visit Jain temples, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from this one of the top-notch places to visit in Jaisalmer.
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2. Patwon Ki Haveli
– Time to Visit: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
– Fees: INR 20 (Indian nationals), INR 100 (Foreign nationals)
– Distance from Airport: Approximately 12 kilometers
- Distance from Railway Station: Approximately 2 kilometers
Patwon Ki Haveli is one of the premium places to visit in Jaisalmer and a group of stunning old buildings made of golden sandstone. These havelis were built by a rich trader named Guman Chand Patwa in the 1800s.
This place among other places to visit in Jaisalmer is famous for its intricate carvings and unique architecture, blending Rajput and Mughal styles. When you visit this one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful stone carvings on the walls, balconies, and canopies.
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3. Sam Sand Dunes
– Time to Visit: Sunset and sunrise for the best experience
- Charges: Varies depending on the activities availed
– Distance from Airport: Approximately 42 kilometers
– Distance from Railway Station: Approximately 40 kilometers
As one of the remarkable places to visit in Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes offers an enchanting desert experience with camel rides and cultural performances against the backdrop of vast sand dunes. Witnessing the sunset from this one of the most stunning places to visit in Jaisalmer is a surreal experience.
4. Gadisar Lake
- Time to Visit: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
– Fee details: INR 20 (Indian nationals), INR 50 (Foreign nationals)
– Distance from Airport: Approximately 12 kilometers
– Distance from Railway Station: Approximately 2 kilometers
Gadisar Lake is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Jaisalmer in the middle of the desert city. It’s a lovely place to visit among other places to visit in Jaisalmer, especially in the morning or evening. The lake is surrounded by ancient temples, shrines, and beautiful carved archways. Many migratory birds also visit this one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer, making it a delight for birdwatchers.
5. Nathmal Ki Haveli
– Time to Visit: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Charges: Rs 20 (Indian nationals), INR 100 (Foreign nationals)
- Distance from Airport: Approximately 12 kilometers
- Distance from Railway Station: Approximately 1.5 kilometers
Nathmal Ki Haveli is one of the most splendid places to visit in Jaisalmer as an architectural marvel. It is famous for its unique design, which is the result of a friendly competition between two brothers who designed different sections of the haveli. Out of other places to visit in Jaisalmer, the craftsmanship displayed in the sandstone carvings is truly exceptional. As you explore this one of the top-notch places to visit in Jaisalmer, you’ll be captivated by the fine details and the story behind its dual design, making it a must-visit attraction in Jaisalmer.
6. Jaisalmer War Museum
– Time to Visit: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
– Fees: INR 100 (Indian nationals), INR 200 (Foreign nationals)
– Distance from Airport: Approximately 15 kilometers
– Distance from Railway Station: Approximately 14 kilometers
The Jaisalmer War Museum is one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer which honors the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces. It’s a unique museum among other places to visit in Jaisalmer that displays military artifacts, equipment, and memorabilia.
It offers the visitors a glimpse into the country’s military history. You can see tanks, guns, and even captured enemy vehicles here. The museum serves as a tribute to the soldiers who have protected our nation, and it’s a great place to learn about their courage and dedication. A visit to this one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer is a chance to appreciate the sacrifices of our armed forces while exploring the fascinating world of military history.
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7. Kuldhara Village
- Time to Visit: Sunrise to Sunset
- Fees: INR 10 (Indian nationals), INR 50 (Foreign nationals)
- Distance from Airport: Approximately 17 kilometers
– Distance from Railway Station: Approximately 18 kilometers
Kuldhara Village is one of the most mysterious places to visit in Jaisalmer and an abandoned village with a haunting history. Explore the ruins of this one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer and listen to the tales of its sudden abandonment by its residents. Walking through Kuldhara, you’ll feel the atmosphere and hear stories of the villagers’ sudden disappearance. This makes it one of the most horror places to visit in Jaisalmer that sparks curiosity and a sense of intrigue among those who seek to uncover its secrets.
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8. Salim Singh Ki Haveli
- Time to Visit: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
– Fees: INR 20 (Indian nationals), INR 100 (Foreign nationals)
– Distance from Airport: Approximately 12 kilometers
– Distance from Railway Station: Approximately 2 kilometers
This haveli is one of the most renowned places to visit in Jaisalmer for its distinctive peacock-shaped roof and intricate architecture. Out of several places to visit in Jaisalmer, it’s a fascinating example of the craftsmanship of the bygone era. When you step inside this, you’ll discover beautifully adorned rooms and balconies, showcasing the opulent lifestyle of that era.
9. Desert Cultural Centre and Museum
- Time to Visit: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
– Fees: INR 50 (Indian nationals), INR 100 (Foreign nationals)
– Distance from Airport: Approximately 12 kilometers
– Distance from Railway Station: Approximately 3 kilometers
As one of the most prominent places to visit in Jaisalmer, the Desert Cultural Centre and Museum provides insights into the culture and traditions of Rajasthan. Among other places to visit in Jaisalmer, it’s an ideal place to learn about the history and heritage of the region. Visiting this one of the best reputed places to visit in Jaisalmer, allows you to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of Rajasthan’s heritage and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Jaisalmer’s history.
10. Tanot Mata Temple
– Time to Visit: Sunrise to Sunset
– Fees: Free
– Distance from Airport: Approximately 270 kilometers (requires a separate trip)
- Distance from Railway Station: Approximately 140 kilometers (requires a separate trip)
Located near the India-Pakistan border as one of the most-visited places to visit in Jaisalmer, the Tanot Mata Temple holds immense spiritual significance. It is among the places to visit in Jaisalmer for its miraculous survival during wartime, where numerous bombs dropped near it during the India-Pakistan War of 1965 failed to harm the temple. Out of numerous places to visit in Jaisalmer, the temple houses idols of the goddess Tanot Mata, and it’s a significant pilgrimage site for locals and tourists alike.
Jaisalmer, with its golden sandstone architecture and the vast Thar Desert, offers numerous places to visit in Jaisalmer. It is a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Each of these 10 places to visit in Jaisalmer is a gem that adds to the city’s allure, making it a destination that truly shines in the heart of the desert. If you are planning to visit the nearby city of Jodhpur, Do not forget to visit the magnificent Fort of Jodhpur, Mehrangarh.