When looking beyond the regal cities of Rajasthan, there lies a beautiful city of Jaisalmer that encompasses a vast stretch of golden sand dunes making the city notable for its desert lifestyle. Jaisalmer is always the best retreat for travel enthusiasts, adventure lovers, and history buffs, where they can get indulge in enjoying the desert activities after exploring the historical attractions of the city. The city is well-known as the “Golden City of Rajasthan” because of its ultimate combination of golden sand dunes and yellowish sandstone structures that spread golden hues all over the city. Bestowed with many artistic structures, temples, and monuments of a bygone era, and abandoned villages, Jaisalmer emerges as a slice of royal heritage charm of Rajasthan. Out of all the key attractions of Jaisalmer, below listed are those which you cannot afford to miss while exploring the city in Jaisalmer Trip. So, let’s check out the list of places you must not ignore in Jaisalmer –
Places you must cover in Jaisalmer Sightseeing:
01: Jaisalmer Fort –
The most notable Golden Fort of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer Fort is also known as Sonar Quila which was constructed by a Rajput ruler - Raja Jaisal Singh in 1156 AD. The fortress ranked as one of the largest forts all over the world and it is the only lively fort in Asia. A perfect blend of golden and yellow sandstone makes it shine like a jewel in the dark.
· Entry fees – INR 30 for Indians, INR 70 for other nationalities, INR 50 for the camera, and INR 150 for videography.
· Timings – throughout the week (from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)
· Things to do – shopping and savoring cuisines of different varieties
02: Bada Bagh –
The word Bada Bagh stands for “Huge Garden”, and was dated back to Maharawal Jait Singh’s period in the 16th century. After his death, his son Lunakaran completed the construction. This garden served as a memorial site for nobles and royal families of Jaisalmer who were cremated here. It offers a stunning view of capturing sunrise and sunset.
· Entry fees – INR 50 for Indians & INR 100 for foreigners
· Timings – throughout the week (from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm)
· Things to do – enjoy a sunset view from here
03: Patwon ki Haveli –
Situated in the main city of Jaisalmer, Patwon ki Haveli was built by a famous trader of Jaisalmer named Guman Chand and his sons. This impressive five-storey structure has five intricately decorated huge suites. Right from the large corridors to the decorated walls, each and everything is excellent which will leave you awe-struck.
· Entry fees – INR 20 for Indians, INR 100 for other’s, INR 50 for the camera, and INR 100 for videography
· Timings – throughout the week (from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)
· Things to do – photography and historic walk throughout the mansion
04: The Thar Heritage Museum –
Situated in the main market of Jaisalmer city, the Thar Heritage Museum was founded by Laxmi Narayan Khatri. This museum showcases the great historic culture, art, and architecture of the famous Thar Desert. It houses unique ornaments of the ship of the desert & horses; you will also find ancient manuscripts and weapons in the museum.
· Entry fees – INR 30 for Indians & INR 70 for other’s
· Timings – throughout the week (from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm)
· Things to do – enjoy a puppet show and visit Silk Route Art Gallery
05: Gadsisar Lake –
An artificial lake located a few kilometers away from the fort; Gadsisar Lake was previously constructed by the founder of the city, Maharaja Rawal Jaisal singh and then later reconstructed by Maharawal Gadsi Singh after whom the lake was named. The lake is beautifully surrounded by temples, shrines, and chattris. Enjoying a boat ride in the evening is the most highlighted part of this lake.
· Entry fees – boating charges (row boat 10 INR, paddle boat 50 INR, and shikara 100 INR) for 30 minutes boat ride.
· Timings – throughout the day (boating starts from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm)
· Things to do – boat riding, bird watching, visit the historic Tilon ki Pol gate and visit the Folklore Museum
06: Nathmalji ki Haveli –
Constructed by two Muslim brothers on the order of the then prime minister of Jaisalmer, Nathmalji ki Haveli was started from the opposite sides of the building which lead to similar but non-identical designs from left and right side. Besides of extraordinary level of carvings, this haveli is widely famous for its alluring interiors filled with paintings and equipped with modern facilities.
· Entry fees – free
· Timings – throughout the week (from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm)
· Things to do - photography and historic walk throughout the mansion
07: Jain Temples –
Located inside the Jaisalmer Fort, Jain temples are a devoting series of temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras dated back to the 12th century. The stunning temples are also known for its distinctive architectural style mock-up of Dilwara Jain Temples of Mt. Abu. It’s fascinating carvings and well interconnected, these temples are fully made up of yellow sandstone.
· Entry fees – free
· Timings – throughout the week (from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm)
· Things to do – visit the Gyan Bhandar Library and Jaisalmer Fort
08: Salim Singh ki Haveli –
Among all the Havelis in Jaisalmer, Salim singh ki Havelis is famous for its distinctive and eye-catching architecture. The mansion was constructed by the then minister of Salim Singh, who was willing to make this attraction as high as that of the fort but was denied by the king. It is adorned with 38 balconies with their own distinctive style of architecture and peacock-like a roof.
· Entry fees – INR 10 for Indians, INR 15 for foreigners, INR 50 for photography, and INR 100 for videography
· Timings – throughout the week (from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm)
· Things to do - photography and historic walk throughout the mansion
09: Kuldhara Village –
The most popular abandoned village in Rajasthan, Kuldhara village was once a prosperous town owned by Paliwal Brahmins. It is believed that the city was abandoned within a night because of getting cursed off by villagers that no one will ever live in the city. This activity was done due to the minister Salim Singh who wanted to marry the village chief’s daughter and therefore delivered an order to the village that if anyone will say anything against it will be punished with heavy taxes.
· Entry fees – free
· Timings – throughout the week (from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm)
· Things to do – experience the eerie in the atmosphere, and reveal the history
10: Sam Sand Dunes –
Last but not the least, Golden Sand dunes are a star-attraction of Jaisalmer which one must not miss while on a tour to Jaisalmer. To experience the charm of desert lifestyle all you just need to do is enjoy the desert safari Jaisalmer and Sam Sand Dunes sets an ideal location that remains crowded during the peak season. Enjoy different desert activities like jeep safari, dune bashing and more especially the delight of camping in Jaisalmer.
· Entry fees – free, charges are applicable for desert activities only
· Timings – throughout the day
· Things to do – desert safari, jeep safari, paragliding, visit to Desert National Park, and desert camping
All these are the top-most attractions to cover in Jaisalmer sightseeing that might take around 2 days to complete along with an excursion to the great Thar Desert. So, plan your Jaisalmer holidays with your family and friends and spend your memorable time in the city.
