jaisalmer

Tourist Attractions jaisalmer

Located in the heart of the mighty Thar Desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer is among the best places to visit for a tour. With enchanting lakes, an enormous fort, and beautiful palaces, Jaisalmer is a tourist magnet, attracting visitors from all over the world. One of the best ways to experience the essence of Jaisalmer is to opt for a stay amongst its vast desert, or simply set out to explore it on a jeep safari through its dunes. Experience the best of Rajasthan’s desert culture and live out an adventurous vacation amidst the Thar. With numerous popular tourist attractions to choose from, your time spent at Jaisalmer is bound to create everlasting memories.

About Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

Boasting of a rich and royal heritage and culture, Jaisalmer is a popular tourist destination of Rajasthan. From sightseeing to adventurous safaris to extensive shopping, Jaisalmer has loads to offer to its tourists. A small town, settled around the glorious Jaisalmer Fort, or the Sonar Quila, Jaisalmer is called the ‘Golden City’ for its many buildings made of yellow sandstone, as well as its widely spread honey dipped sand dunes of the Thar desert. Built in 1156 AD by Rajput Ruler Rao Jaisal, Jaisalmer fort is a huge sandstone fort located at Trikuta Hills. The fort houses many monuments and temples within it, which are counted among some of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer. A delight for the history buffs, other popular places of interest in Jaisalmer include the Salim Singh ki Haveli, with its distinctive architecture, Patwon Ki Haveli, made up of a cluster of five Havelis, Khaba Fort, a ruined citadel set amid a deserted village, and the Mandir Palace, for its intricate sculptural carvings.

Apart from the forts and other historical monuments, Jaisalmer offers many things to do for the tourists traveling here. Going for a jeep safari in the desert, camel safari, or camping at the Sam Sand Dunes are some of the best things to do in Jaisalmer, where you can experience being in a desert with unending stretches of golden sand around you.

The Jaisalmer Fort

The Jaisalmer Fort

Set aside the desert landscape of Jaisalmer, the Jaisalmer Fort is considered one of the largest forts in the world. Built in 1156, the fort lies on the Trikuta Hills and houses a museum, restaurants, residential houses and many other important centres. During the reign of Rawal Jaisalmer, the construction started with a fusion of Islamic and Rajput architecture.

Tazia Tower, Jaisalmer

Tazia Tower Jaisalmer

A five-storied architecture is the Tazia Tower of Jaisalmer famous for its charming architecture, minarets and numerous balconies. Located above the Badal Palace of Jaisalmer, the Tazia Tower was built in the year 1886 AD in the shape of Tazia to carry out the various Muslim festivities. The Muslim carvers presented it as a gift to the Hindu king, Maharawal Berisal Singh.

Gadsisar Lake, Jaisalmer

Gadsisar Lake

Constructed in 1400 AD under the reign of Maharwal Gadai Singh, the Gadsisar Lake was built as a water conservation tank. The lake is surrounded by monuments, temples, and chattris that beautify the area and reflect the art and culture of Jaisalmer City. Along with birdwatching in the area, tourists can also witness the catfish in the lake.

Jain Temples, Jaisalmer

Jain Temples

Within the vicinity of the Jaisalmer Fort, lies seven alluring Jain temples that are adorned with mirrors, fresco paintings, carvings and other elements. The Jain temples were built in the 12th and 15th centuries and are dedicated to the various Jain Tirthankars. With numerous carvings on the walls and ceilings, the temple structures are famous for their Dilwara architecture style.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

The enormous mansion was built by Salim Singh in the year 1815 and stands testament to the Rajasthani architecture and art forms. Salim Singh ki Haveli is built in the shape of a ship with a unique curved look in the front. The Haveli consists of numerous courtyards, balconies and rooms which reflect the craftsmanship of the carvers.

Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer

Patwon Ki Haveli

A perfect blend of culture, architecture and harmony, Patwon ki Haveli comprises five different palaces which are also said to be the house of brocade merchants. The Haveli lies close to the Patwa Valley and the mansions are linked to the five Patwa brothers. Currently, some sections of the Haveli are open to the public and the rest to the ASI

Nathmalji Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer

Nathmalji Ki Haveli

Nathmalji ki Haveli was built by two famous artisans brothers in the 19th century who started constructing the mansion from two different sides. The palace features comparable but not identical left and right appearance. This planned asymmetry enhances the architectural splendour of the haveli. The Haveli was built to serve as the house of Jaisalmer's then-Prime Minister, Diwan Mohata Nathmal.

Desert Cultural Center, Jaisalmer

Desert Cultural Center

The Desert Cultural Centre and Museum of Jaisalmer serve as a landmark of the city as it houses ancient currencies, historical musical instruments, traditional jewellery, armours and tales of the rulers and their lineage. The cultural centre also includes a museum which was built by N.K. Sharma in 1997 and the place is now maintained by the Jaisalmer Tourism.

Government Museum, Jaisalmer

Government Museum

The Government Museum of Jaisalmer is a perfect hub for history buffs and artists as the place is a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and relics that tell about the history of the city especially featuring the rare sculptures of Kiradu and Lodurva community. The museum was established in 1984 and displays a huge collection of marine and wood fossils.

Desert Safari, Jaisalmer

Desert Safari in Jaisalmer

One of the popular activities to enjoy in the city of Jaisalmer is the breathtaking Desert safari which should be experienced once in a lifetime. People get to explore the different lifestyles of the local tribes by riding on camels or desert cars. During the bumpy safari rides, tourists can even enjoy live music and folk in the deserts of Jaisalmer.

Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer

Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh which translates to 'big garden' features a set of cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Jaisalmer. People visit to witness the beautiful sunset along with the intricate carving designs on the chhatris. The various Cenotaphs will depict the cremation land of the members of the royal families of Jaisalmer City including Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.

Kuldhara, Jaisalmer

Kuldhara

Popularly known to be one of the most haunted villages in India whose deserted and cursed land is filled with stories, myths and spooky incidents. The village of Kuldhara is believed to have been established by the Paliwal Brahmins in the 13th century CE who lived for around 5 centuries but suddenly all the villagers abandoned their homes overnight by leaving a curse.

Ramdevra Temple, Jaisalmer

Ramdevra Temple

The sacred site of Baba Ramdevji who is the folk deity of Rajasthan is worshipped at the Ramdevra Temple. The saint was believed to be the incarnation of Lord Krishna by Hindus and Ramshah Pir by Muslims. After taking samadhi at Ramdevra in 1459 AD, Maharaja Ganga Singh constructed the temple around his samadhi.