Jaisalmer rises from the Thar Desert. The city is made from yellow sandstone. Sunlight turns it a golden color. That is why it’s called the Golden City. Long ago, camel caravans stopped here to trade. Today, it mixes history, culture, and adventure.
Your Jaisalmer travel will be special. Here are seven clear things to do in Jaisalmer. You will remember them.
1. Walk Inside a Living Fort: Jaisalmer Fort
Most forts are empty monuments. Jaisalmer Fort is different. It is a living neighborhood. Thousands of people live and work inside its walls. You enter through huge, ancient gates. The main palace, Raj Mahal, shows how the royal family lived. The real magic is in the lanes. You will pass homes, temples, guesthouses, and small shops. It feels like a working village in the sky.
Visit early. Go in the morning when the light is soft and the streets are quiet. This is the heart of the city. Exploring this fort is the first of many essential things to do in Jaisalmer.
2.Wander the Old City Lanes
The area below the fort is just as important. This is the Old City. It is a maze of narrow streets. These streets are full of history. The most famous places in Jaisalmer here are the havelis. These are old merchants’ houses. They show off incredible stone carving.
- Patwon Ki Haveli is the largest and most detailed.
- Salim Singh Ki Haveli has a unique, arched roof.
- Nathmal Ki Haveli was built by two brothers. Its two sides are not identical.
The bazaars are full of color. You can buy bright textiles here. They also sell leather goods and silver jewelry. Getting lost in these lanes can be fun. It shows you more of what to do in Jaisalmer.
3.Ride a Camel into the Thar Desert
You cannot come to Jaisalmer and miss the desert. A camel safari is a signature experience. You travel from the city to the rolling sand dunes. The ride has a slow, steady rhythm. The best safaris go to the Sam or Khuri dunes. A short sunset ride is good. But an overnight trip is better. You watch the sun set over the sand. At a desert camp, you eat traditional food. Local musicians play songs under the stars. You sleep in a simple hut or under the open sky. The desert is very quiet at night.
Choose a responsible safari company. Make sure they treat their camels well. This adventure is on every list of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer for a reason.
Read More –10 Places to Visit in Rajasthan This Winter
4.Visit the Jain Temples Inside the Fort
The ancient AJin temples inside Jaisalmer Fort were built from the 12th to 15th centuries. The stone work is very detailed. Every surface has carvings. You will see plants, animals, gods, and goddesses. The temples are quiet and calm. They give you a break from the busy lanes. The artists’ skill is easy to see. These are active places of worship. Dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
5.Relax at Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake is a peaceful oasis. It was built long ago to store rainwater. It is one of the more relaxed Jaisalmer tourist places.
Temples and shrines stand around the water. You can walk along the shore. You can also take a short boat ride. This shows you the lakeside buildings well. Many birds come here in winter. This makes it good for bird watching. People visit to relax, especially at sunset. Visit in the morning. It is less crowded then. This is the best time to see the birds.
6.Learn at the Desert Cultural Centre
This museum explains the local culture. The Desert Cultural Centre has a collection of artifacts. You will see old coins. You will see traditional clothes and musical instruments. It teaches you about desert life and history. In the evening, there are live shows. You can watch folk dances. You can listen to local music. The performances are full of energy.
Visit in the late afternoon. You can see the museum first. Then stay for the evening show. This way, you learn and are entertained. It helps you understand your Jaisalmer travel experience better.
7.See the Ruins of Kuldhara Village
Kuldhara is 18 kilometers from the city. It is an abandoned village. A group called the Paliwal Brahmins lived here. They were wealthy. A story says they all left in one night long ago. They are said to have left a curse behind. Now, only broken walls and empty houses remain. Visiting is a unique experience. It is very quiet. The story is interesting. The ruins look striking against the desert sky.
Take a guide with you. They will explain the full story. This makes the visit more meaningful. It is often a stop on desert safari trips. This makes it one of the notable places in Jaisalmer nearby.
Final Thoughts
Your visit is more than seeing sights. It is about the feeling of Jaisalmer. Feel the golden stone in the sun. Hear the folk music in the desert air. Walk the narrow lanes full of history. These seven things to do in Jaisalmer are a full guide. They include the fort, the desert, the culture, and the past.
When planning what to do in Jaisalmer, split your time. Spend time in the busy city. Then spend time in the open desert. The best places to visit in Jaisalmer give you both wonder and knowledge. Talk to local people. Try the local food. Let the slow desert pace guide your day. Jaisalmer is a city you will remember.