The mirage-like golden city of Jaisalmer conjures up images of an Arabian Nights fable. Located in Rajasthan's Thar desert, this former medieval trading centre's most notable characteristic is the abundance of structures built using distinctive yellow sandstone, making any location here a picture-perfect spot. To avoid the searing summer desert heat, visit between September and mid-March; the best time to experience the full splendour of the city is during the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, typically held in February. Here’s how to make the most of your time in the "Golden City of India."

Two Types of Safaris in Jaisalmer Desert

Do you wish to explore safaris on your vacation and want to experience an amazing ride on a camel or a Jeep? Here is the list of Safaris you may consider on your next trip.

Camel Safari: Enjoy your ride on the ship of the desert

Comprising all major attractions in the desert, the camel safari in Jaisalmer is the most sought after activity as you plan for a desert safari in the dunes of the ‘golden city’. Sit on the back of a camel holding on to its hump as it takes you on a bumpy ride across the Thar.

The ride takes you to the remote areas of the desert and presents you with the best of flora and fauna. Also, you come across various settlements where the indigenous residents of the place live. Explore the wide riches of the desert and enjoy the picturesque sunset, which makes it certain that camel safari is the best desert safari in Jaisalmer.

A complete full day ride takes around 5-6 hours, which is usually spread across two sessions of camel safari, one in the morning and the other one in the evening. The afternoon burns like a furnace, therefore, people often take a rest during the afternoon by the oasis.

Jeep Safari: A ride along with the gusty wind

The most popular activity after camel safari in Jaisalmer, jeep safari takes you across the unexplored beauty of the Thar Desert with much ease and comfort. Jeeps, as compared to camels, are swift and make for a fun ride along the glittering sand dunes. The fact that jeep safari is the most popular activity among most of the tourists headed for a desert safari camp in Jaisalmer, speaks a lot about it.

Usually, the jeeps used for the safari are 4×4, with an open-top. Mostly it begins with a visit to the Fossil Park or Desert National Park followed by a pit stop at Sam Sand Dunes (given in detail below) and finally taking the visitors to Padholi Sanctuary while covering the best that the desert has to offer.

Things to do in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer has no dearth of things to do and places to eat. This city is blessed with serene surroundings, colourful history, and culture. So what are some of the important things to do in Jaisalmer? Also, Jaisalmer hotel bookings need to be made in advance as the place is a tourist’s paradise.

Jaisalmer Fort- The Glory and The Grandeur

Jaisalmer is known for the majestic Jaisalmer fort that fences the city. The most amazing thing about this fort is that it is a living urban centre. The walls of this fort house approximately 3000 residents of Jaisalmer. It is lined with houses and temples and woven beautifully in narrow winding lanes. Scattered along the route are a large number of handicraft shops selling some exquisite traditional items, guesthouses, and restaurants serving mouthwatering Rajasthani cuisine. The entry to the fort is from the east, near Gopa chowk, and then you pass through four massive gates zigzagging your way to the upper section. The final gate opens to the Dashera Chowk, the square situated in the centre. The fort was founded in 1156 by the Rajput ruler Jaisal, and reinforced many times thereafter. The fort never lost its importance and was a focal point during numerous battles between the Bhatis, the Mughals, and the Rathores of Jaipur.

Boating in the Gadisar Lake

The Gadisar Lake is a man-made reservoir built-in 1367 by Maharawal Gadsi Singh, after whom it has been named. This stately tank served as Jaisalmer’s vital water supply until 1965. Since it was so important and vital to the people of Jaisalmer, small temples and shrines were built around it that exist to date. The Tilon-ki-Pol gateway that lines the road to the lake was said to be constructed by a famous prostitute of that area. Fearing that the Maharawal would tear it down, considering it to be beneath his dignity, she added a Krishna temple on the top. Also, Jaisalmer hotel bookings need to be made in advance as the place is a popular tourist attraction.

Patwa Ki Haveli

This traditionally, ornately decorated haveli is one of the most famous buildings in Jaisalmer. Situated in a narrow lane, the haveli overshadows the relatively modest surroundings. But people there do not seem to mind, because it does greatly enhance the aesthetic of the locality. The haveli was built between 1860 and 1865 and is divided into five sections. The exteriors are quite impressive, and the first of the five sections of the haveli is privately owned. Kothari’s Patwa ki Haveli museum, which gives us an insight into the lives of the royals in the nineteenth century is a must-visit.

Jain Temples

Nestled between the maze of the fort walls, these interconnecting Jain temples form a beautiful vision. Built from yellow sandstone and dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, these temples carry with them memories of the bygone eras. Time has not been able to impact their spiritual relevance, and neither has it obliterated the intricate carvings that decorate the insides of the temple walls. These temples are extraordinarily beautiful with architecture that resembles the marble Jain temples found in Mount Abu and Ranakpur. Also, Jaisalmer hotels near the temple can be found in abundance.

Sam Sand Dunes

Located at a distance of 41kms from the main city of Jaisalmer, these silky sand dunes are one of the most popular excursions from the city. They are spread over an area of 2 km and form one of the most beautiful sights that can be seen by human eyes. From late afternoon until the evening, the atmosphere of the place suddenly changes. It ceases to be a beautiful, lonely place, rather it turns into a big extravagant carnival with food, fun, and frolic all around. If you want to immerse yourself in a complete desert experience, stay in one of the several tent resorts near the dunes.

Tanot Mata Temple

Situated on the Indo Pak border, the Tanot Mata Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jaisalmer. Located close to the battle site of Longewala, It is believed that the deity worshipped here has magical powers that protect this village from Pakistani intrusions. In order to visit this area, travellers need prior permission and permit passes from the Indian Armed Forces. The best hotels in Jaisalmer are around this temple.

Admire the Wildlife at Desert National Park

Desert National Park, sprawled over an area of 3162 square km, is an exciting place for lovers of flora and fauna. The lush green surroundings, and an impressive number of birds, animals, and plant species found here, make this place one of the major tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. Desert National Park is also home to the state bird of Rajasthan- The Great Indian Bustard.