10 Best places to visit in Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer is also called as golden city of Rajasthan and is a perfect place to explore the amazing history of India.
places to visit in Jaisalmer
1. Jaisalmer Fort
The Fort of Jaisalmer is famously known as “Golden Fort of Rajasthan.” It was built by Raja Jaisal, Rajput ruler in the year 1156 AD. This fort is among the largest in the world. There are 99 turrets on the Fort during night-time, which creates an illusion of gold and yellow mixed sandstone around the fort. The Golden Fort stands tall and proud with its green dome tiled roof displaying the magic of Rajasthani architecture.
- Famous for : History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets : 30 INR for Indians, 70 INR for other nationalities. 50 INR for still camera and 150 INR for videography.
- Opening Timings : Open all days (9 AM – 5 PM).
- Duration : 2-2.5 hours.
2. Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh refers to “Large Garden.” During the Mughal emperor’s reign, Maharawal Jait Singh ordered the construction of a garden here. Lunakaran finished the work after Maharawal Jait Singh died, and the garden served as a memorial courtyard where many nobles were cremated. The garden is steeped in history and provides breathtaking views when seen during sunrise or sunset. It is a place that can be reached only by crossing through a series of deserted passages with each one being narrow and winding, not to mention secluded.
- Famous for : History, Architecture, Photography, Gardens.
- Tickets : 50 INR for Indians and 100 INR for foreigners.
- Opening Timings : Open all days (9 AM – 6 PM).
- Duration : 45 min to 1 hour.
3. Patwon-Ki-Haveli
Patwon-Ki-Haveli is located in the main city and was built by a famous trader named Guman Chand, who had four sons. This massive five-storied construction has five intricately decorated huge suites. Its large corridors and its elaborately decorated walls are excellent representations of the art form that prevailed during that time. The entire construction is made of yellow sandstone, creating an atmosphere as grand as can be found anywhere else. Patwon-Ki-Haveli houses not only architectural value but increased cultural heritage in Rajasthan as well. Out of the five havelis, one is converted into a museum.
- Famous for : History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets : 20 INR for Indians and 100 INR for other nationalities plus 50 INR for still camera and 100 INR for videography.
- Opening Timings : Open all days (9 AM – 5 PM).
- Duration : 1-1.5 hours.
4. Sam Sand Dunes
To really understand what it is like to be in the desert, you need to sign up for Desert Safari. Sam Sand Dunes is the perfect place to do this. You are going to love watching the camelback safari across the hills and dales, with a view of the beautiful sunset following. Jeep tours are also available. The Deserts festival takes place during February and March � so make sure if you’re around at that time you don’t miss out on all the cultural events!
- Famous for : History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets : No entry fee.
- Opening Timings : Open all days.
- Duration: Depends upon the activity you perform here.
5. The Thar Heritage Museum
Thar Heritage Museum is located in the main market of the city and Laxmi Narayan Khatri, who was its founder, exhibits the history, culture and architecture of the famous Thar Desert. The museum shows sea fossils that are a million years old to help show how the sea eventually turned into a desert. It has unique ornaments of the ship and horses from Jaisalmer. It houses documents and coins from Jaisalmer’s rich past and weapons from bygone days.
- Famous for : History, Photography.
- Tickets : 30 INR for Indians and 70 INR for other nationalities.
- Opening Timings: Everyday (9AM – 8 PM).
- Duration : 2 hours.
6. Gadisar Lake
The Gadisar Lake is located a kilometer away from the fort and was constructed by the first ruler of the land, Raja Rawal Jaisal. The lake has been reconstructed by Maharawal Garsi in 1367 AD. Nearby temples, tiger’s dens, and Chattri can be found near its shores. The beautifully designed entrance made of yellow sandstone offers a great view.
- Famous for : History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets : Entry free. Boating charges (Row boat 10 INR, Paddle Boat 50 INR, Shikara- 100 INR) for a 30 min ride.
- Opening Timings : Open all days (8 AM – 8 PM).
- Duration : 2-2.5 hours.
7. Nathmal-ki-Haveli
Construction on Nathmal Ki Haveli, a 16th-century haveli in Jaisalmer, began long before it was first commissioned by Prime Minister of India, Lal Kishan. The temple-like building is known for its breathtaking outer carvings, as well as its beautiful interiors and amenities that are designed with modern architecture. Its cultural fusion of Islamic and Rajputana architecture make this haveli one of the most beautiful in Jaisalmer.
- Famous for : History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets : No fee.
- Opening Timings : Open all days (8 AM – 7 PM).
- Duration : 1-2 hours.
8. Jain Temples
Located inside Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Temples are a series of temples dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras and can be traced back to the 12th century. The temples are are known for their distinctive architectural style modelled after the Dilwara temple of Mt. Abu. Beautifully carved and well connected, these temples take your breath away but also seem totally natural.
- Famous for : History, Architecture, Photography, Pilgrimage.
- Tickets: No fee.
- Opening Timings : Open all days (7 AM – 12 PM).
- Duration : 1-2 hours.
9. Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Salim Singh Ki Haveli, formerly a royal haveli, is known for its beautiful architecture. Built by the then minister, Salim Singh, it was designed so high that it would extend past the fort to create a maximum height of the roof. The roof is in the shape of a peacock and the balconies are in different styles with their own architectural themes. Visitors will be impressed looking back at this photograph-worthy haveli because it showcases everything history can offer.
- Famous for : History, Architecture, Photography.
- Tickets : 10 INR for Indians and 15 INR for foreigners. Extra charges for photography (50 INR) and videography (100 INR).
- Opening Timings : Open all days (8 AM – 6 PM).
- Duration : 45 min.
10. Kuldhara
The reasons behind why a whole city was abandoned within a night are not clear, but many people believe that the then state minister Salim Singh is responsible for this. Mr. Singh wanted to marry the daughter of the village chief and made him an ultimatum: give in to his demands or risk facing dire consequences for the community. Rather than giving in, the entire village decided to move away from Kuldhara. Before leaving, they cursed it so well that no humans will ever be able to settle there again. Take a walk through Kuldhara and you’ll get a glimpse of what life was like at one point in history as well as feel its spooky presence deep inside of you.
- Famous for : Ruins, Ghost Town, History.
- Tickets : Entry free.
- Opening Timings : Open all days from 8am – 6pm.
- Duration : 1 hour.
- Distance from Jaisalmer : 49 min (32.0 km).
