Jaisalmer packs an incredible amount into a small desert town: a fort people still live in, havelis carved like lace, haunted villages, war memorials and some of India's most beautiful sand dunes. Here are our favourite things to do, in roughly the order most visitors experience them.
In the city
1. Explore Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila)
Built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal, this golden sandstone fort is one of the few "living forts" in the world — thousands of people still live inside its walls. Wander the lanes, visit the palace and the Jain temples, and catch the view from the ramparts. Read our full Jaisalmer Fort guide.
2. Patwon Ki Haveli
A cluster of five connected havelis built by a wealthy merchant family in the 19th century. The intricate stone carving on the balconies and windows is breathtaking.
3. Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Nathmal Ki Haveli
Two more stunning mansions — Salim Singh's with its distinctive peacock-shaped roof brackets, and Nathmal's, famously carved by two brothers working on opposite halves.
4. Gadisar Lake at sunrise or sunset
A tranquil man-made lake dotted with chhatris (domed pavilions) and temples, entered through the carved Tilon Ki Pol gateway. Take a boat ride and feed the catfish.
5. Shop in the local markets
Look for mirror-work textiles, leather camel-hide goods, silver jewellery, embroidered quilts and puppets around Sadar Bazaar and the fort area.
6. Bada Bagh
A peaceful garden complex with the royal cenotaphs (chhatris) of Jaisalmer's rulers, just a short drive from the city. Magical at sunset.
Around Jaisalmer
7. Kuldhara, the abandoned village
About 18 km from the city, this mysterious village was abandoned overnight according to local legend. Read the story of Kuldhara.
8. Amar Sagar Jain Temple and lake
An elegant Jain temple on the banks of a seasonal lake, with beautiful carvings and a calm atmosphere.
9. Akal Wood Fossil Park
See fossilised tree trunks that are millions of years old — a reminder that this desert was once forest.
10. Jaisalmer War Museum
A well-presented museum on the Jodhpur road honouring the Indian Army, with displays on the 1965 and 1971 wars.
In the desert
11. Sunset camel and jeep safari at Sam
The quintessential Jaisalmer experience. See our desert safari guide.
12. A night at a desert camp
Folk music, Kalbeliya dancing, a fire show and dinner under the stars. Here's what to expect at a desert camp.
13. Paragliding and quad biking
For adrenaline lovers, the dunes double as an adventure playground.
The border region
14. Longewala War Memorial
The site of the legendary 1971 Battle of Longewala, with tanks and displays that tell the story.
15. Tanot Mata Temple and the Indo-Pak border area
A temple revered by soldiers and visitors alike, close to the international border. Read our Longewala & Tanot guide.
How many days do you need?
- 1 day: fort, haveli and a sunset safari — see our One Day Tour.
- 2 days: add a desert camp night and the border region — our 1 Night 2 Days package.
- 3–4 days: see everything at a relaxed pace — try the 2N/3D or 3N/4D packages.
