Things to do in Jaisalmer, India's Golden City: fort, desert and local culture

The best time to travel to Jaisalmer is between October and March, when the temperatures are more pleasant for exploring the city and enjoying the desert. During these months the weather is cool, ideal for walks and tours.

Between April and June, temperatures can go over 40 °C, which makes any activity in the sun exhausting. During the monsoon season (July to September), Jaisalmer gets some rain, which cools things down but can complicate some transfers.

The most comfortable way to get to Jaisalmer is from Jodhpur, another key city in Rajasthan. There are several options:

• 🛏️ Overnight train: The option we chose. It's comfortable, safe and a practical way to save a night of accommodation. Here's our complete guide to traveling by train in India.
• 🚌 Bus: Another cheap, frequent option. You can check schedules and book your tickets online on 12Go Asia.
• ✈️ Plane: Jaisalmer has a small airport with limited flights. It can be useful if you're short on time, but we recommend checking availability ahead of time.

1. Visit Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila)

Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort, is the city's jewel and an essential stop. Built in 1156, it's the second-oldest fort in Rajasthan and one of the few “living forts” in the world, since a quarter of the local population still lives there.

Inside the fort you'll find Jain temples, havelis, traditional shops, hotels and restaurants. It's a place full of history and life. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend a free walking tour in English or a private tour in Spanish with a local guide.

2. Explore the Jain temples

Inside the fort is a complex of seven Jain temples, built between the 12th and 15th centuries by the city's prosperous merchant community. They're famous for their incredible carvings in yellow sandstone and their symbolic architecture.

Each temple is dedicated to a different tirthankara (the saints of Jainism). The Jains, who revere many tirthankaras, built these temples not only as places of worship but also as acts of devotion, which reflects their spiritual and cultural importance in the region.

Beyond their religious importance, the Jain temples are a cultural and architectural treasure.

Temples in the complex:

• Chandraprabhu
• Rishabhdev
• Sambhavanatha
• Parsvanatha
• Shitalnath
• Shantinath
• Kunthunath
• ⏰ Hours: from 7:00 until the afternoon
• 💸 Price: 200 rupees (includes entry to three temples)

3. Patwon Ki Haveli

First of all, what is a haveli? Havelis are traditional mansions built by wealthy families, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. They stand out for their intricate architecture, carved balconies and inner courtyards.

Patwon Ki Haveli is the most famous and best-preserved haveli in Jaisalmer. It's made up of five houses, the main one being Kothari's Patwa Haveli, known for its impressive façade and decoration.

• ⏰ Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
• 💸 Price: 100 rupees per person + 50 per camera

4. Nathmal Ki Haveli

Another architectural jewel in the city. It was built by two brothers who carved different wings of the building at the same time, which resulted in a slightly asymmetrical structure. The façade stands out for its carved elephants and unique details.

• 💸 Free entry

5. A walk around Gadisar Lake

This artificial lake from the 14th century was built as a water reservoir. Today it's a place full of spirituality and peace, surrounded by temples, shrines and cenotaphs (chhatris).

It's ideal to visit at sunrise, when the buildings are reflected in the water and create a magical scene. Perfect for taking photos.

• ⏰ Open 24 hours
• 💸 Free

6. Sunset at Bada Bagh

Just 6 km from Jaisalmer, this complex of cenotaphs is dedicated to the region's maharajas. It sits on a hill and is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Jaisalmer.

• ⏰ Hours: 8:00 to 18:00
• 💸 Price: 300 rupees

7. Thar Desert tour

One of the most sought-after experiences among people visiting Jaisalmer. Don't expect endless dunes like in the Sahara, but the Thar Desert has its magic: golden sunsets, starry skies and a window into local life.

Many tours include:

• Transfer by 4x4 or jeep
• A camel ride (we don't recommend it because of animal welfare concerns)
• A traditional dinner
• A night in a camp or tent under the stars

💡 Tip: Choose agencies with good reviews and avoid tours that exploit animals. You can also opt for walks or jeep tours.

Luxury options:

• Suryagarh Jaisalmer: A little outside the city, this luxury hotel is designed like a fort. It offers a quiet, exclusive experience with a spa, a pool and several restaurants.

Mid-range options:

• 1st Gate Home-Fusion: A boutique hotel with a blend of Indian and Italian styles. The restaurant has an impressive view of the fort. It scores 9.6 on Booking.
• Rupal Residency: A new hotel with a pool, close to the center and with incredible views of the fort.

Budget options:

• Hotel Lal Garh Fort And Palace: A hotel with comfortable rooms and very good service. It has a score of 9.4 on Booking.
• Zostel Jaisalmer: A good, nice-looking and very cheap hostel with shared and private rooms.

With 2 to 3 full days in Jaisalmer you can enjoy most of what there is to do without rushing, including the fort, the havelis, the temples, the lake and even a night in the desert. If you're on a route through Rajasthan, it's ideal to combine it with Jodhpur and Pushkar.

2-day itinerary for Jaisalmer

Day 1 – City and heritage

• Morning: Free walking tour of Jaisalmer Fort, the Jain temples and the markets.
• Afternoon: Visit Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli.
• Sunset: Bada Bagh.
• Night: Dinner with a view from a rooftop (we recommend trying a traditional thali).

Day 2 – Thar Desert

• Morning: Sunrise at Gadisar Lake
• Afternoon: Desert safari
• Night: Dinner and a night in a camp or tent under the stars.

Where is Jaisalmer?

It's at the far western end of the state of Rajasthan, very close to the border with Pakistan. It's known as the "Golden City" because of the color of its stone.

What's the best time to visit Jaisalmer?

Between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry. Avoid the summer (April–June) because of the extreme heat, and if you go during the monsoon (July–September), check the condition of the roads.

Can you visit the desert without doing a camel safari?

Yes! Many agencies offer jeep tours, walks or nights in a tent without having to ride animals.

Is it safe to travel to Jaisalmer?

Yes, it's a fairly safe city for tourists. As always in India, watch out for inflated prices and haggle at the markets.

Do I need a guide to explore the city?

You don't have to have one, but taking a guided tour (especially in the fort) helps you better understand the history and culture of the place. Here are a couple of options:

• Free walking tour in English
• Private tour in Spanish