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Explore the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a camel safari in the Thar Desert, visit the Patwon Ki Haveli, and see the intricately carved architecture. Don't miss the Gadisar Lake and Jain Temples. Visit the Sam Sand Dunes for an unforgettable desert experience.
The golden city of Jaisalmer, located on the edge of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, is the hometown of gypsies and Indian minstrels. It has preserved the original musical forms of North India and is mainly known for its religious festival songs, minstrel narratives and local Kathak dance.
Jaisalmer was once India's trading post for foreign trade. Its current military importance stems from its proximity to Pakistan. From a distance, Jaisalmer appears like a desolate fortress nestled in a desolate desert. But upon entering, the intricately crafted architecture radiates a golden glow, a delightful treasure trove revealed after a sesame seed has been opened. This is why Jaisalmer is nicknamed the "Golden City."
The castle has three gates, each built of solid stone. For strategic defense, the builders deliberately designed each gate to be narrower than the last. After entering each gate, there's a plaza.
October to March of the following year is the cool season, which is also the best tourist season in India.
1-3 hours
The castle is free to enter, but the museum inside is charged separately, including 150 rupees for audio guide and photography, and 250 rupees for video.
April to October 8:00-18:00; November to March 9:00-18:00
Jaisalmer, known as the "Golden City," is renowned for its stunning yellow sandstone architecture. The city’s fort was built in 1156 AD by Maharawal Jaisal Singh. The city has historical significance due to its strategic location on the Silk Route and has a rich cultural heritage with beautiful havelis, temples, and forts.
Jaisalmer is located in the western state of Rajasthan, India. The city is well-connected by train, bus, and road. The nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport, about 17 km from the city. You can travel by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local buses to reach the major attractions within the city.
Most attractions in Jaisalmer are open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is from October to March, during the cooler months, as the desert heat can be intense from April to September.
Jaisalmer Fort has an entry fee of around INR 50-100. Camel rides and safaris in the desert may cost INR 500-1500 depending on the duration. Tickets for attractions can typically be bought at the sites or via local tour operators, but booking in advance online is also possible for some services.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended for camel safaris and desert tours, especially during peak tourist seasons (October-March). For other attractions like the Jaisalmer Fort, you can buy tickets directly on-site.
Exploring the major attractions in Jaisalmer, including the fort, havelis, and temples, typically takes 1-2 days. A camel safari in the desert could take an additional 1-2 days, depending on the package you choose.
Key highlights include the Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes, Gadisar Lake, and the Jain Temples inside the fort. The desert safari to watch the sunset is also a must-see experience.
Yes, guided tours are available for most attractions in Jaisalmer, including the fort and desert safaris. These tours are generally offered in English, Hindi, and other languages upon request. Audio guides are available at the fort and major sites.
Best photography spots include the Jaisalmer Fort, especially during the golden hour, Patwon Ki Haveli, and the Sam Sand Dunes during a camel safari. The views from the fort offer stunning panoramic shots of the city and the surrounding desert.
Start your visit with the Jaisalmer Fort, explore the Jain Temples and the royal palace, then move on to Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli. Don’t forget to visit Gadisar Lake and end the day with a camel ride at Sam Sand Dunes for a memorable sunset.
There are no specific light shows at night, but the Jaisalmer Fort is beautifully lit at night, offering great opportunities for photography. Some desert tours offer a special night camping experience under the stars.
Jaisalmer can get crowded during the peak tourist season (October to March). The least crowded times to visit are during the summer months (April-June) or early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
There are public toilets at most major attractions, including the Jaisalmer Fort and Gadisar Lake. Water and food are available at the attractions and nearby markets. Local shops around the fort sell handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
While Jaisalmer Fort and other attractions are accessible, the narrow lanes and steps inside the fort may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, many areas are walkable for families with children.
Cash is widely accepted, and ATMs are available in Jaisalmer. Many hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payments like Google Pay and Paytm.
Popular restaurants near Jaisalmer Fort include "The Trio," "Cafe The Kaku," and "Suryagarh." Many rooftop cafes offer great views of the fort and desert landscapes.
Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available in Jaisalmer. Halal food is also widely available, especially in the city’s restaurants that cater to tourists.
Popular accommodations include "Suryagarh," a luxurious desert resort, "Hotel Jaisalmer Palace," and budget options like "Zostel" and "Desert Boy’s Guesthouse." There are also many boutique hotels near the fort.
Nearby attractions include the Kuldhara Village (an abandoned village), the desert town of Khuri, and the Longewala War Memorial. These can be easily combined into a day trip from Jaisalmer.
There are plenty of souvenir shops near the fort and in the local markets, selling items like Rajasthani textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, miniature paintings, and camel leather goods.
After visiting Jaisalmer, you can continue your trip by train or bus to nearby cities like Jodhpur, Bikaner, or even Jaipur. Taxis and private cars are also available for local or intercity travel.
