8 Places That You Must Visit in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer, the land of desert and colorful culture has tons of places to see. There is something for every tourist and the energy of each place is infectious. Overall, to help you plan your trip better, here is a list of places you must visit in Jaisalmer and a 3-day itinerary for you to make the best out of your holiday.

1. Jaisalmer War Museum

On the outskirts of the city lies a modern war museum. It displays memoirs of 1971 Indo-Pak, models of war tanks and aircraft, real ammunition used in the war, general information about Army operations and more. Interestingly, this war museum is a newly constructed site where no war took place. On the whole, it was built to honor the armed forces and their valuable contribution towards the nation.

Entry fee– Rs 55 per person

Timings– 9 am to 5 pm

2. Gadisar Lake

Built in 1367 A.D, the artificial lake was once the source of water for Jaisalmer city. Gadisar lake is dotted with cenotaphs and temples of Hindu Gods. The lake view is stunning. Small food shops around and vendors selling Rajasthani attires make the place so lively. Make a stop here, even if for half an hour and you’d love the place. The soothing view of the lake will stay with you forever.

Entry- Free, Parking fee- Rs 30

Timings– Open 24 hours. Lights are turned off post 8 pm.

3. Jaisalmer Fort

Also known as the Golden Fort, this perhaps the only fort where people reside in. It’s almost like a different city wherein the brick pavers, towering gates, old havelis, and historic cannons have retained their charm. Don’t forget to visit the ornate Patwon ki haveli inside the fort with separate entry fee.

Besides dining in fancy cafes or putting up in homestays, one can indulge in shopping. Just park your car outside the fort and cover the fort city on foot, exploring the colorful shops and authentic Rajasthani art. This is definitely tops among the places you must visit in Jaisalmer.

Entry fee- None for the fort city. Rs 100 for haveli tour.

Timings– Cafes and shops are open till late night. The havelis close at 5 pm.

4. Great Indian Thar Desert and safari

Who doesn’t get fascinated by the visuals of the Thar desert? The unforgiving sand dunes turn pleasant October onwards, inviting hordes of tourists for desert safari and camp stay.

A large part of the desert area houses tented accommodation where you can spend a day in the luxurious camps, enjoy hearty meals, cultural shows in the evening, and desert safari at your choice of time.

Safari timings- Morning or evening. Check in time for resorts is mid-day.

Entry fee- Rs 20 as maintenance fee of the desert.

5. Kuldhara

On the way to the Thar Desert, a short detour would lead you to Kuldhara. Once a thriving village is now an archaeological site open for tourists. Wondering what’s special about the village? Well, it is said to be haunted. Legends have it that the village was cursed which forced the villagers to abandon the village overnight. Whereas other folklore talks about an evil ruler who lusted the village chief’s daughter and the tribe abandoned the village to protect her. ASI has recreated some structures of the houses and the rest of the structures lie in ruins. Kuldhara doesn’t feel spooky during the day, yet it is exciting to be there.

Entry fee- Rs 10 per person and Rs 50 for car parking

Timings- It’s open 24 hours. Some hotels include the night safari of Kuldhara in their package.

6. Badaa Bagh

This privately owned site rose to fame after a scene from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was filmed here. Remember where the protagonists enact their dream wedding? In reality, that gorgeous backdrop was of Badaa Bagh. The beautiful cluster of cenotaphs and carved temples is a bewitching site against the golden sand. The place also featured in the recent Bollywood movie Bhootpolice. Badaa Bagh is the most Instagrammable place in the city and among the must visit places in Jaisalmer.

Entry fee- Rs 100 for mobile phones and DSLR, Rs 100 per person

Timing– 8 am to 6 pm

7. Longewala War memorial

The Longewala memorial has its name written in golden letters. 125 km (77 miles) from Jaisalmer Fort, this is the post that Pakistan had attempted to capture in 1971. However, they faced a shameful defeat from the Indian Army. This place narrates the stories of valor and indomitable spirit of soldiers who fought with limited resources, some till their last breath.

The memorial has a war museum, captured battle tanks, and arms on display. The museum also showcases a war film that gives a real-life experience of war situations in an almost real set-up. For the sake of the country, the fallen heroes and for the sacrifices made, Longewala is an important place you must visit in Jaisalmer. Overall, your trip to Jaisalmer isn’t complete without going to Longewala.

Entry fee- No fee for the museum. Rs 40 per person for the movie ticket.

Timings– 9 am to 6 pm

8. Tanot Mata Temple

40 km (25 miles) from the Longewala Memorial, stands Tanot Rai Mandir. The temple preserves its unique history since the time of the 1971 war as it remained intact even amid the heavy bomb shelling. Hence, it is believed that the blessings of the Goddess protected the temple. And we kind of agree. In effect, the humble interiors of the temple have unexploded bombs and ammunitions on display. It’s a sensitive area quite close to the Pakistan border. Your identity can be checked multiple times, and you must cooperate.

Entry fee- None

Timing- 5 am to 7:30 pm

Jaisalmer in a nutshell

Apart from the above mentioned, there are a number of palaces and museums in Jaisalmer to explore. Few of them are a part of heritage hotels though. Moreover, Rajasthan upholds the best of its culture and heritage, and we believe there is no other state as colorful and hospitable as Rajasthan. Perhaps, this is why we ended up visiting this state more than any other Indian state. We hope this post helps you plan your trip to Jaisalmer.

Here is a 3-day itinerary for Jaisalmer in case you are planning to visit this city any time soon.