Jaisalmer

Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

Come explore some of the must-see sights that make Jaisalmer so unique.

• Light and sound show at Gadisar Lake
  The Laser Water Show at Gadisar Lake is a spectacular event, featuring water screen projection mapping with 3-chip DLP projectors of 25,000 lumens. This show highlights the story of Jaisalmer’s founders and fort as well as invasions from outsiders and the sacrifices made by brave Rajputs to protect their land. It also gives viewers glimpses into other tourist attractions in the area such as Tanot Mata Temple, Lodruva Temple, Laxminarayan Temple and Longowala war scenes.
• Jaisalmer Fort
  The Jaisalmer Fort is known as the Sonar Quila (Golden Fort) due to its majestic presence in the desert, which glows with a golden hue under the setting sun. Constructed by local craftsmen in classic royal style, this world heritage site has been featured as an important plot point of Satyajit Ray’s Feluda story and movie – Sonar Kela (The Golden Fortress).
• Jaisalmer Government Museum
  Established by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Jaisalmer’s Government Museum is a must-visit for tourists. The museum houses an impressive display including the trophy of Rajasthan‘s state bird Godawan (the great Indian bustard) as well as traditional household items, rock-cut crockery, jewellery and statues from the 7th and 9th century AD – all remnants of Jaisalmer’s rich cultural heritage.
• Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli
  In the 19th century, two architect brothers constructed Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli. This symmetrical masterpiece was built by the brothers working on each side simultaneously and features intricate miniature style paintings and mighty tuskers carved from yellow sandstone for decoration.
• Salim Singh Ki Haveli
  This majestic haveli, constructed in the first half of the 18th century, still has some descendants of its original residents living there. Its high arched roof is supported by carved brackets shaped like peacocks and legend suggests that it was once as tall as a Maharaja’s palace with two additional wooden storeys; however, these were ordered to be demolished.
• Patwon Ki Haveli
  Nestled in a narrow street of Jaisalmer, the five-storey haveli is one of the largest and most intricately carved structures. Despite losing some of its original grandeur, it still features stunning paintings and mirror work art on its interior walls.
• Mandir Palace
  The Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace), a five-storeyed masterpiece, is further enhanced by its pagoda-like Tazia Tower. Each floor of the palace features an intricately carved balcony, showcasing the remarkable skill of Muslim craftsmen who shaped this structure in the form of a traditional Muharram procession float – known as a ‘Tazia’.
• Jaisalmer Fort Jain Temples
  The Jaisalmer Fort is home to two ancient Jain temples, dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdevji – renowned Tirthankars (wise teachers who taught people how to attain nirvana). Dating back to the 12th and 15th centuries, these beautiful structures are carved out of yellow sandstone in the iconic Dilwara style.
• Bada Bagh
  Located around 6 kilometers north of Jaisalmer, Bada Bagh (also known as Barabagh) is a beautiful garden complex with chhatris or royal cenotaphs dedicated to the Maharajas of Jaisalmer state. The most prominent among them is that of Jai Singh II. Tourists flock here for its stunning sunset views and other attractions like lush greenery and peaceful ambiance.
  
• Desert National Park
  The Desert National Park is an incredible display of the Thar desert’s unique ecosystem and its diverse wildlife. Featuring undulating sand dunes, jagged rocks, dense salt lake bottoms, and inter-medial areas, it is home to a variety of animals such as black bucks, chinkara, desert foxes and even the highly endangered Great Indian Bustard—one of the world’s heaviest flying birds. During winter months you can also observe a wide array of migratory raptors including Himalayan Griffon Vultures, Eurasian Imperial Eagles and Saker Falcons.
  
• Kuldhara Village
  Established in the 13th century, Kuldhara was once a prosperous village inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins. However, it suddenly became abandoned during the early 19th century for unknown reasons; some speculate that it may have been due to dwindling water supply or an earthquake while local legend claims that it was because of the atrocities committed by Jaisalmer State’s minister Salim Singh.
  kuldhara has long been known as a haunted site, and the Government of Rajasthan took steps to capitalize on its popularity in the 2010s by turning it into an attraction for tourists.
• Tanot Mata Temple
  Located 120 kilometers from Jaisalmer, the Tanot Mata Temple is a revered site believed to be a reincarnation of Goddess Hinglaj. During the 1965 India-Pakistan war, it was heavily attacked and shelled; however, none of the bombs or shells exploded near it – an event that strengthened people’s faith in its divine protection. Afterward, the Border Security Force (BSF) rebuilt the temple and now manages it through a Trust.
• Ramdevra Temple
  Situated 12 kilometres from Pokhran on the Jodhpur – Jaisalmer route lies Ramdevra Temple, dedicated to renowned saint Baba Ramdevji. It marks the eternal resting place of this revered figure and is visited by people of all faiths throughout the year. Every August – September, a large fair known as ‘Ramdevra Fair’ takes place here, drawing in huge numbers who come together to sing devotional songs all night long.
• Longewala
  Longewala is a small town located in the Thar Desert of Jaisalmer. According to the Census 2011, this border town has a population of 188 people.