Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden City, offers a glimpse into royal heritage places and the vast desert. Recognised for its rich architecture, impressive forts, bustling bazaars and strong culture, this city is situated inside the Thar Desert.
Even if your interests are in history, the outdoors or taking pictures, you’ll find endless memorable locations in Jaisalmer. In our guide, we’ll share the top attractions in Jaisalmer, to make your trip stand out.
1. The Jaisalmer Fort Is Home To Local Residents
Everyone can see why Jaisalmer Fort, often called Sonar Quila, is the great highlight of the city. A trip to this World Heritage Site enables you to see an entire fortress city and its beauty proves the interesting past of Rajasthan. Man Singh saw his ancestors’ work, then constructed the fort on top of Trikuta Hill in 1156 AD. Because the salmon wall is sandstone, the fortyard gleams in a golden colour at sunrise and sunset.
No wonder the fort, in addition to other wonderful attractions, is home to delightful old havelis, Jain temples and bustling streets. Unlike other forts, over 3,000 people now live at this one. Check out the variety of historic shops, cafes and homes that make up this community. Don’t miss Laxminath Temple and the Jain Temples because of their lovely sculptures and impressive designs.
2. The Patwon Ki Haveli Displays Amazing Architecture from Jaisalmer
A visit to the Patwon Ki Haveli is something anyone interested in architecture shouldn’t miss while in Jaisalmer. A wealthy businessman named Guman Chand Patwa built the site in the 1800s and gave it the name of five connected stone havelis, each with wonderful designs and small balconies. By using elements from the Rajput, Islamic and Jain styles within, the building looks particularly impressive.
You’ll find a collection of historic finds from the city at the haveli which include coins, fabrics and paintings. Haveli structures and the handiwork inside them tell us about the prosperity and lives of the traders.
3. A fun trip to see the Sam Sand Dunes – One Escape to the Desert
Seeing the enormous tracts of desert sand in Jaisalmer should be a key experience for everyone. Around 40 kilometres from Manama will lead you to Sam Sand Dunes, giving you a real experience of desert life. If you take a camel ride in these dunes, you’ll find a special and peaceful calm while the sun goes down.
In case you don’t do a camel safari, you can still have fun with jeep safaris, try sandboarding and be part of desert cultural shows. Traditional music and dances you’ll see at Sam Sand Dunes will help you enjoy and learn about the culture. Remembering your night in the desert will be easy if you point to one of the many excellent cams offered to stay in.
4. Gadsisar Lake Makes You Feel as Though It’s Just for You
Jaisalmer city gets water from the 14th-century Gadsisar Lake. With all the area’s temples, shrines and unique architecture, Gadsisar Lake offers a peaceful haven for taking a boat out. The lake’s bridges help keep the springs in check while bringing in rainwater which then attracts many types of migratory birds, meaning birdwatchers enjoy stopping at the lake as well.
Because this area is calm, walking along its edge and looking at the stunning Rajasthani architecture is a joy. Spending time by the river is soothing after seeing many sights and the setting sun over the water helps make the evening even more calm.
5. Many people are drawn to Jain temples thanks to their unusual looks
If you visit Jaisalmer, you will see some mesmerising Jain temples and the silence and craftsmanship inside make them extra special. You will find these temples inside Jaisalmer Fort and they pay tribute to the many Jain Tirthankaras. You can find beautiful marbles all over the temple, telling various Jain myth stories. So, visitors can take time out to relax and hold religious services.
You’ll find Jaisalmer’s most popular Jain temples to be the Parsvanath Temple and Rishabh Dev Temple. Both temples have stone carvings which tell us about how the Jains lived their spiritual lives. Considering they are quiet inside, all these temples are a good way to learn about the region’s religious practices.
6. This park is a feast for people who love nature
Anyone wanting to see the beauty of the Thar Desert should make a point of visiting the Desert National Park. The wildlife sanctuary is found about 40 kilometres from Jaisalmer and covers more than 3,000 square kilometres. Because of the desert setting, many bird observers visit this park.
The endangered Great Indian Bustard appears here, together with eagles, falcons and vultures. Desert fox, jackals and blackbuck are part of the animal species you will find here. Going to the desert park lets you see lots of native plants and animals and admire the surrounding open space.
7. Visitors to Bada Bagh come to see its Royal Cenotaphs first
The park Bada Bagh, about six kilometres from Jaisalmer, is home to royal tombs built for the area’s rulers. Sandstone cenotaphs are placed in land shaped by the surrounding fields and gardens.
There is information about Jaisalmer’s history here and it’s a wonderful place to take sunset photos of the cenotaphs. Because Bada Bagh is not as crowded, it’s a peaceful place to see the sights.
8. You won’t be disappointed by the beautiful design of Nathmal Ki Haveli
Because of how its design brings together Rajput and Islamic influences, Nathmal Ki Haveli is much loved in Jaisalmer. Built in the 19th century, the haveli has lovely carvings, handsome architecture and artistic arches, drawing in lovers of architecture.
Elephant carvings on Nathmal Ki Haveli are thought to symbolise strength and power. It is easy to recognise how skilled craftsmen of that era were by looking at the wooden doorways and colourful wall paintings in the haveli.
9. Vyas Chhatri – Place to See Sunset
You will find Vyas Chhatri when you reach the hill, where a number of impressive cenotaphs line the area and offer a fantastic view of the city. Many of them were built to honour scholars and saints from the city and today, travellers can use them to watch an evening sunset quietly or escape the busy streets.
When the sunlight fades at sunset, all the cenotaphs shine and because it’s not as busy as major sites, it’s a great place for anyone wanting some quiet alone time.
Conclusion
Discover the joy of magnificent views, fine forts, grand havelis and striking culture in Jaisalmer. Those visiting Jaisalmer can visit the fortress, find wildlife around Gadsisar Lake or experience the desert on a camel safari. Even though the area’s lovely buildings and nature attract plenty of visitors, many people also come for its special culture.
