11 Must Things You Should Do In Jaisalmer

Here, I am going to tell you must things to do when you are in Jaisalmer.

View Of Golden City

At the western fringe of India, Jaisalmer offers facts about the courageous rulers and citizens of the bygone era, tales of unequaled valor, unique in its beauty and undaunted spirit to keep us alive and kicking. Jaisalmer is named after Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king who founded the city in 1156 AD. "Jaisalmer" means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal".  Jaisalmer is also called as golden city of India which was located deep inside of the Thar Desert and one of the top tourists' destinations of India. The best time to visit this place is from October to February. I recommend that you visit Jaisalmer for at least 4 days to explore its rich heritage and culture including its famous Rajasthani cuisine.

Distance From Major Cities:

Delhi: 793 km's

Jaipur: 585 km's

Jodhpur: 294 km's

Udaipur: 522 km's

For travelers curious about their visit to Jaisalmer, here is the list of best 11 things to do in Jaisalmer.

1.  Explore The abandoned Village Of Kuldhara

Ruins Of Houses

Ruins Of Houses

Kuldhara is an abandoned village which was situated 34 Km from Jaisalmer city.  Established around the 13^th century, it was once a prosperous village inhabited by Palliwal Brahmins. It was abandoned by the early 19^th century due to unknown reasons, possibly because of lack of water and the atrocities of a Diwan named Salim Singh. The local legends claim that while deserting the village, the Palliwals imposed a curse that no one would be able to re-occupy the village.

You can see ruins of hundreds of buildings and some of the buildings are same as Palliwals left it. One can experience a mind blowing sight scene here. Apart from sight scene, it is a good place with horror stories.

Want to know more about Kuldhara See - Kuldhara: The Abandoned And Cursed Village Of Jaisalmer

2. Jeep Safari and Camel Safari at Sam Sand Dunes

Jeep Safari In Thar Desert

Camel Safari in the Thar Desert

You miss a big chunk of the fun that can be experienced in  Jaisalmer if you do not go for the thrilling desert safari. We had our moment of joy when the driver accelerated the Thar on the dunes and it rapidly descended on the dunes sideways.

3. Cultural Evening at Sam Sand Dunes

Cultural Evening at Sam Sand Dunes

Cultural programs included some music programs and folk dances. Overall it was exciting. Proceed to the camp and enjoy a traditional welcome followed by the Rajasthani folk music and dance while you enjoy evening tea and delicious snacks. Have a delicious Rajasthani buffet near the camp fire with your loved ones. A very simple traditional Rajasthani dinner was offered by them. It included Dal, Bati, Churma, Rice, Ker-Sangri, and a local vegetable.

4. Camp Stay at Sam Sand Dunes

Get ready to feel the essence of Rajasthan in a luxury camp at Jaisalmer. Enjoy the delicious meal and bask in the cultural program conducted in the camp.

For my travelogue of Jaisalmer SEE - When Three Days Were Not Enough For Us - Jaisalmer(Part1)

5. Visit The Jaisalmer War Museum

Jaisalmer War Museum

War Museum

Jaisalmer War Museum has located 10 km from Jaisalmer city on the Jaisalmer-Jodhpur Highway. It has been set up by the Indian Army to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers, specifically during the 1965 Indo-Pak War and the 1971 Longewala battle. There are many war trophies and vintage equipment on display, along with tanks, guns and military vehicles.

War Museum

The Jaisalmer War Museum is considered by the international online travel guide TripAdvisor to be one of the top war museums in Rajasthan.

6. Visit The Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake

Gadisar Lake is an artificial water tank made by Maharwal Jaisal in 1156 A.D. This lake was basically created for drinking and daily use because there is a scarcity of the water in the area. Lake was used as drinking water source till 1965. It has two umbrella structures.

See Also - When Three Days Were Not Enough For Us - Jaisalmer (Part 2)

7. Visit The Patwaon Ki Haveli

Patwaon Ki Havelis

Patwaon Ki Haveli which is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the Havelis in Jaisalmer. In Jaisalmer, Patwas were very rich traders along the old silk route. They built the Patwon Ki Haveli which took over 60 years to complete. This Haveli was started by Guman Chand Patwa, a wealthy banker in 1805. 

He ordered the construction of separate Havelis for each of his 5 sons. Presently one Haveli was owned by a businessman, one under Archaeological Survey Of India and other three are still owned by his sons. 

Guest House

Glass Works

Built in yellow sandstone, Patwon Ki Haveli, has exclusive intricate carving in the Jharokhas (balconies), windows, corridors, and archways.

8.Visit the Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli is a marvel in stone architecture. Maharawal Bairisal got this ornamental two storied haveli constructed in the year 1885 A. D. and gifted it to Nathimal, his Diwan. Stone elephants on both sides of the platform of the haveli signify the grandeur and position of diwan. The 7th generation of Nathimal lives in this haveli. Hence we were not allowed to go inside. But we can see the Haveli from outside.

9. Visit The Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort is popularly known as Sonar Quila. It is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. It was built by Bhati Rajputs in 1156 AD, has a height of 250 feet and 99 bastions in the Fort. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles with Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Mughals and Rathore rulers.

Narrow Paths Inside The Fort

The fort displays many facets of the Jaisalmer society of those years along with the skills of the artisans of that period. The fort is approached through four gateway- Ganesh, Akshay, Suraj and Hawa Pol.

Handicrafts

Beautiful Work of Jain Temples

Lord Tirthankara Inside Jain Temples

The architecture of Fort is amazing as it has many attractions spots inside in the Fort:  Raj Mahal of Fort, Laxminath temple of Fort, Jain temple of Fort, 4 Gateways of Fort and The Merchant Havelis of Fort.

SEE ALSO - When Three Days Were Not Enough For Us - Jaisalmer(Final Part)

10.Visit The Salim Singh Ji Ki Haveli

Saalim Singh Ki Haveli

Saalim Singh Ki Haveli

Salim Singh ki Haveli was built by Salim Singh, who was the formidable prime minister of Jaisalmer when it was the capital of the princely state. Present haveli has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta family of Jaisalmer. The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock. A part of the haveli is still occupied. Salim Singh ki Haveli is a must-visit, when in Jaisalmer. The haveli is situated beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort.

11. Visit The Indo-Pak Border

After a spiritual visit to the Tanot Mat Mandir and the museum, you can make it to the Indo-Pak Border and witness the international borderline between India and Pakistan. However, before visiting the border, one needs to get proper documentations and permissions from the Indian Military and the local authority.

I am sure that you will enjoy these 11 things in Jaisalmer. Every old city has facts to declare, tales to impress, uniqueness to wonder and spirit to live. The city may be in the heart of a desert but the heart of the city is vibrant and pleasant. Go ahead and enjoy these 11 things in Jaisalmer. I am sure that you will love every minute of your stay.

I hope this guide helped you to plan your trip to Jaisalmer. If you are stuck somewhere or have queries related to the above steps, let me know in the comments section below.
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