Do you know Rajasthan was previously called Rajputana, which means ‘the Country of Rajputs?’ And, ever got curious about the Rajasthan city that still holding on to Rajputani roots? Well, the answer is the Golden City of Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer got its name after Rajputani ruler Rawal Jaisal. It is a place to many historical sites and havelis made of yellow sandstone, giving it a feel of Golden City. So, if planning your next getaway, Jaisalmer can be the perfect place if you are short on holidays yet wish to have a remarkable trip. Read on to this blog on amazing Jaisalmer tourist places that you shouldn’t miss on your Jaisalmer trip. You will also learn about the top 5 places near Jaisalmer with amazing history to make your trip more exciting.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is full-fledged with amazing art, cultural parks, heritage, temples, havelis, museums, and memorials to keep you exploring the city more. So, to ease out your selection, here are the top 10 Jaisalmer tourist places to make your trip best:
1. Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is also known as the Golden Fort of Jaisalmer. This fort is unlike any other in India. It is also one of Jaisalmer famous places. The fort was built back in the 12th century by Rawal Jaisal. Jaisalmer Fort is one of those rare ‘living forts’ where some population of the city still lives inside the fort. When you walk through those wide stone paths, you feel like you are stepping inside a royal affair.
Time required: 1 day
Visiting time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indians: ₹50 per person; Foreigners: ₹250 per person; Camera Fee: ₹50; Video Camera: ₹100
Key Highlights: Sunset & Sunrise, Visit Jain Temples, Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre, Shopping, Local Dishes
2. Maharaja’s Palace
Maharaja’s Palace is inside the Jaisalmer Fort. It is a sight to behold with its beautifully engraved stones, decorated balconies, stunning construction, and mind-blowing displays. Fort’s walls are about 30 feet high. It has several temples, havelis, and palaces within its premises. One mesmerizing structure is Durbar Hall, which shows fine mirror work and beautiful paintings. You can also learn more about rich royalty through historical weapons, clothes, and artwork.
Time required: 3-4 hours
Visiting time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indians: ₹250 per person; Foreigners: ₹500 per person; Guide cost: ₹100
Key Highlights: Architecture & Historical Collection
3. Kothari’s Patwon Ki Haveli
Jaisalmer is famous for its havelis. Patwon ki Haveli is a heritage museum and amongst the best places to visit in Jaisalmer. It is made of yellow sandstone. A collection of five havelis; each decorated with awesome carvings, paintings, and detailed mirror work on the haveli’s walls. It is a photographer’s paradise and a must-visit among Jaisalmer tourist places.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Visiting time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian: ₹20 | Foreigners: ₹100 per person
Key Highlights: Historical Site Seeing
4. Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is a man-made lake in Jaisalmer. It is near to Jaisalmer Fort. The lake was originally built as a reservoir to meet the water needs of Jaisalmer. The intricately carved entry gate, temples, mid-located chattris, and magnificent verandahs add charm to this amazing place to visit in Jaisalmer.
Time required: 2 hours
Visiting time: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Key Highlights: Boating, Birdwatching, and Site seeing
5. Folklore Museum
It is one of those Jaisalmer tourist places that were built in modern India. It was developed in 1984 and is very near to Gadsisar Lake. The special feature of the museum is a huge collection of old yet valuable items like jewellery, costumes, wall paintings, musical instruments, handicrafts, photography, coins, weapons, and religious items.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Visiting time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹5-₹10 per person
Key Highlights: Live folk performances, do traditional crafts like pottery, block printing, or Mirror Work, Sightseeing
6. Salim Singh Ki Haveli (Moti Mahal)
As the name suggests, this haveli is known for its distinctive architecture. The Haveli is built in the shape of a ship with a roof shaped like a peacock. With about 38 balconies, several courtyards, and a high upper floor, you can enjoy some wholesome views of Jaisalmer city and nearby areas from this Haveli. It’s one of the most unique places in Jaisalmer.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Visiting time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian: ₹20 | Foreigners: ₹100 per person | Camera: ₹50 | Video Camera: ₹100
Key Highlights: Sightseeing, Panoramic views of the city
7. Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh, as the name depicts, is a garden complex located about 6 km from Jaisalmer. The unique feature is chhatris built in the memories of Jaisalmer’s Maharajas (rulers). The chhatris are made of yellow sandstone giving them a golden texture. They are well-versed with detailed designs and carvings of Rajasthani-style architecture. All these features make it an interesting Jaisalmer tourist place.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Visiting time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian: ₹100 per person | For Camera: ₹150
Key Highlights: Historical Sightseeing
8. Nathmal ki Haveli
Yet another Haveli in Jaisalmer, but not like any other! Nathmal ki Haveli is unique in its architecture, and the reason why it still stands out from other historic buildings in Jaisalmer. It is a unique example of the Bhunga style (a combo of Rajput & Islamic architecture). The whole haveli is decorated with amazing carvings and paintings on balconies, windows, and gateways. It is said that it took 22 years to complete this masterpiece, making it one of the must-see places in Jaisalmer.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Visiting time: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Key Highlights: Historical sightseeing
9. Thar Heritage Museum
Thar Heritage Museum takes you on the historical and cultural tour of the Thar Desert. It is a private museum and is included in Jaisalmer best places to visit. The museum has a remarkable collection of traditional jewellery, pottery, and other artefacts arranged in several galleries on display. These galleries help visitors to get knowledge about the day-to-day life, history, rituals, and culture of the Thar people. Thar Heritage Museum gives you a deep understanding of Jaisalmer’s rich heritage.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Visiting time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian: ₹30 | Foreigners: ₹70 per person
Key Highlights: Touring the museum, Puppet show, Folk performances, Snakes & Ladders
10. Jaisalmer War Museum
Jaisalmer War Museum is one of the memorial tourist places in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The city is home to many museums and cultural centres but this war museum is the most exquisite of all. It was developed to pay honour to Indian Army soldiers and their heroic instances. It has a vast collection of war memorials, fighter jets, tanks, guns, and other army weapons. These collections are shown in two rooms, namely: Longewala Hall and Indian Army Hall.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Visiting time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹55 per person
Key Highlights: Audio-visual shows, Souvenir shop, Cafe
Top 5 Places To Visit Near Jaisalmer
To get the best out of your Jaisalmer trip, here is a quick rundown of the 5 most amazing places to visit near Jaisalmer City in Rajasthan:
1. Sam Sand Dunes (Nearby)
This quintessential desert is about 40 kilometres away from Jaisalmer. It is part of the infamous Thar desert and one of the most popular places near Jaisalmer. This famous Jaisalmer place offers overnight camping, camel rides, jeep safaris, and eye-catching sunset views. You will be lucky if it's the time of the Desert Festival. The desert festival usually takes place in the February month of the year for 2 days. You will be exploring cultural programs, fireworks, camel races, camel tattoo shows, and handicraft bazaars.
Distance from Jaisalmer: 45 kilometres
Time required: 1-2 days
Visiting time: Sunrise: 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM & Sunset: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Staying Cost: ₹3000 - ₹7000 per night for 2 person
Key Highlights: Sunset & Sunrise, Cultural Programs, Desert Festival
2. Desert National Park (Nearby)
Desert National Park is a unique National Park famous for its flora and fauna. It is one of the largest national parks in India. There are about 40 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, and some species of reptiles. You can enjoy watching camel races, folk dance & arts, and other things of Rajasthani Culture.
Distance from Jaisalmer: 51 kilometres
Time required: 1-2 hours
Visiting time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Indian: ₹100 | Foreigners: ₹300
Key Highlights: Sunset & Sunrise, Jeep Safari, Sightseeing
3. The Abandoned Village Of Kuldhara
Kuldhara is lately regarded as a haunted village. It is an interesting place to visit near Jaisalmer. The village’s past is a bit mysterious, making it one of the spookiest Jaisalmer tourist places. The ruins and legends about this village make it one of the most interesting places to see in Jaisalmer. As per a most famous story, the village was abandoned in one night along with other neighbouring villages. You don’t have much to do but yes exploring the sight is an experience altogether. Several movies were shot here.
Distance from Jaisalmer: 20 kilometres
Time required: 1-2 hours
Visiting time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Cost: Indian: ₹10 per person | With Car: ₹50 per person
Key Highlights: Explore the Temple & Ruins, History & Legends, Inscriptions, Cafe, Night Stay lodging
4. Longewala War Memorial
Longewala War Memorial is one of the most amazing Jaisalmer near tourist places. Mainly because you will be able to easily connect with the place if you have seen the infamous movie ‘Border’. The movie is based on the Longewala War. The memorial commemorates the sacrifices and acts of bravery of soldiers of the armed forces in the Longewala War. The complex has a museum, a gallery, weapons, uniforms, personal belongings, photographs, and artefacts of the soldiers who fought the war. It also has a memorial pillar and eternal flame.
Distance from Jaisalmer city: 112 kilometres
Time required: 2 hours
Visiting time: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free | Watching War Film Fee: ₹40 per person
Key Highlights: See T59, Sherman Tanks, & Vijayanta Tanks, Enjoy War film show
5. Tanot Mata Temple
The temple is located near on Indian-Pakistan Border in the Thar Desert. It is dedicated to Tanot Mata (avatar of Maa Durga). Tanot Mata Temple is not just a place of worship but a symbol of supernatural faith, courage, and resilience. The temple gained fame during the 1965 India-Pakistan war when 3000 bombs were dropped nearby but none exploded. Later on Pakistani General paid respect to the temple. Certainly, one of Jaisalmer best places to visit near the city.
Distance from Jaisalmer city: 120 kilometres
Time required: 1 hour
Visiting time: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Aarti time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Key Highlights: Participate in Aarti, Sightseeing
Conclusion
Tourist places in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan like Jaisalmer Fort, Patwaon ki Haveli, Nathmal ki Haveli, Folklore Museum, etc are examples of utmost creativity and finest architecture. Jaisalmer Fort is even recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Not only in the city but even the Jaisalmer near tourist places are so enriched with history and legends that you will feel curious to know more about each. Your visit would be pure bliss here. And, if you are on your way to Jaisalmer, explore our tour package for Rajasthan for a hassle-free trip.
FAQs
1. What is the famous of Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer is famous for its enormous Jaisalmer fort, amazing deserts, rich cultural heritage, folk music & dances, and of course, the historical sites proudly showcasing rich Rajputani culture and traditions.
2. Are 2 days enough in Jaisalmer?
A 3 to 4-day trip is okay for covering all major Jaisalmer tourist places and even a few places near Jaisalmer.
3. How many places to visit in Jaisalmer?
Tourist places in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, include the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake, Nathmal Ki Haveli, and. Overall, there are 10-15 tourist places to visit in Jaisalmer.
4. What is the best time to visit Jaisalmer?
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is in the winter season. Remarkably, between October and March. Good weather helps you to fully enjoy the outdoor Jaisalmer tourist places.
