Things To Do

Jaisalmer Attraction

If geology interests you, then Jaisalmer is where you need to journey. The Wood Fossil Park or Aakal is located about 15 kilometres away from the city. Here, one can discover and trace geologic tragedies that occurred in the Thar Desert 180 million years ago. The city of Jaisalmer also acts as the guard to western Rajasthan (and India’s) frontier. This 'Golden City’ is located close to the Pakistan border and in close proximity to the Thar Desert. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most other forts in India, Jaisalmer Fort is not just a tourist attraction. It houses shops, hotels and ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live.

Jaisalmer Fort

The Jaisalmer Fort also goes by the name Sonar Quila (Golden Fort) as it rises from the desert itself and seems to become one with the golden hues of the sand. The setting sun adds its own magic and shrouds the fort with mystique. The fort is constructed in the classic style of the royals by local craftsmen. This fort is a world heritage site and forms an important plot point in one of Satyajit Ray’s famous Feluda stories and corresponding movie, Sonar Kela (The Golden Fortress).

Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

Two architect brothers built Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli in the 19th century. They worked on the haveli from two sides and the outcome is a beautiful blend of the symmetrical construction. Miniature style paintings and mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone are used for decoration.

Gadisar Lake: Enjoy The View

One of the most well-liked Jaisalmer attractions is Gadisar Lake. Maharawal Gadsi Singh, after whom the reservoir was called, constructed it in 1367. One of the nicest things to do in Jaisalmer and one of the most rejuvenating pastimes is to go boating. Enjoy the breathtaking surroundings or go boating with friends and family on this lovely lake.

Patwon KI Haveli

Among the largest and the most elaborately carved havelis in Jaisalmer, this five-storey structure sits proudly in a narrow street. While the haveli has lost some of its early glory, a few paintings and mirror work art can still be seen on the inside walls.

Sam Sand Dunes

One of the most thrilling activities in Jaisalmer is quad biking. Take a quad bike ride through an enclosed circuit or explore the dune landscape. The excitement level is increased by the swirl of dust caused by the motion of the ATV. When it comes to adventure activities, quad-riding is one of the top things to do in Jaisalmer due to the ideal sandy terrain and space..

MANDIR PALACE)

The five-storeyed majesty of the Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace) is further enhanced by its pagoda-like Tazia Tower. Each floor of the palace has an intricately carved balcony. The Badal Palace owes its beauty to the skills of Muslim craftsmen who moulded the tower in the shape of a Tazia (a float that’s part of the procession of Muharram).

BADA BAGH

About 6 kilometres to the north of Jaisalmer lies Bada Bagh, also called Barabagh (literally Big Garden). This garden complex houses chhatris or royal cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Jaisalmer state, including that of Jai Singh II. The location of the garden is such that it offers wonderful sunset vistas to tourists.

KULDHARA

The underlying history of Kuldhara has piqued the curiosity of one visitor too many, and makes it one of the most enigmatic destinations to visit in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The story has a beautiful daughter, an unscrupulous minister, scared villagers, an exodus in the middle of the night, and no idea where the villagers vanished. This is not the story of a movie, but the unfathomable legend that lies behind the abandoned village of Kuldhara.

Khuri Dunes

Khuri Dunes, located 40 km southwest of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, offer a tranquil, authentic alternative to Sam Sand Dunes within the Thar Desert. Renowned for vast, unspoiled golden sands, this village provides a peaceful experience featuring camel safaris, traditional night-time folk music, and camping, especially popular from October to March