Rajasthan ·
Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", is on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert.
Jaisalmer at a Glance
Why Jaisalmer?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Gadisar Lake
- Bada Bagh
- Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples
- Jaisalmer Folklore Museum
- Jaisalmer War Museum
Jaisalmer at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Jaisalmer before planning your visit.
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Explore Jaisalmer
Places to Visit
- Jaisalmer Fort: Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the very few "living forts" in the world (such as Carcassonne, France), as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort.
- Gadisar Lake: Gadisar Lake (also called Gadsisar Lake) is an artificial lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. It was built by the founder of Jaisalmer, Rawal Jaisal Bhati in 1156 AD and later rebuilt by his successor Rawal Gadsi Bhati around 1367 AD.
- Bada Bagh: Bada Bagh, also called Barabagh (lit. "grand garden" in Hindi) is a garden complex located about six kilometers north of Jaisalmer in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
- Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples: Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples is a group of seven Śvetāmbara Jain temples inside Jaisalmer Fort in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO as part of Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
- Jaisalmer Folklore Museum: A museum showcasing Rajasthan's folk heritage, arts and customs. There are two nightly half-hour long traditional puppet shows, starting at 6:30PM and 7:30 respectively, which is the highlight in the museum.
- Jaisalmer War Museum: A museum displaying India's modern military history. There is a hall dedicated to the noted Battle of Longewala fought near Jaisalmer during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Things to Do
- Jaisalmer Fort: Also known as the “Sonar Quila” or "Sonal Kella" or "Sonar Kila" as pronounced differently in parts of India. Colourful shades of the setting sun and golden hues of the desert ambience give a fairy tale look to this mega structured fort.
- Gadisar Lake: This is a rainwater lake which supplies water to the city. It is surrounded by temples and tombs of saints.
- Jaisalmer War Museum: A museum displaying India's modern military history. There is a hall dedicated to the noted Battle of Longewala fought near Jaisalmer during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
- Jaisalmer Folklore Museum: A museum showcasing Rajasthan's folk heritage, arts and customs. There are two nightly half-hour long traditional puppet shows, starting at 6:30PM and 7:30 respectively, which is the highlight in the museum.
- Sam Sand Dunes: These sand dunes are around 50 km from Jaisalmer city but one has to go there to have this altogether different experience. This is an amazing sight and the sunset view from there is stunning.
- Suryagarh: It's "only" a hotel, but you still wonder how they built it in the middle of the desert. Lush gardens, lovely pools and fountains, impressive stone carving techniques.
Sightseeing Places
- Jaisalmer Fort: Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the very few "living forts" in the world (such as Carcassonne, France), as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort.
- Gadisar Lake: Gadisar Lake (also called Gadsisar Lake) is an artificial lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. It was built by the founder of Jaisalmer, Rawal Jaisal Bhati in 1156 AD and later rebuilt by his successor Rawal Gadsi Bhati around 1367 AD.
- Bada Bagh: Bada Bagh, also called Barabagh (lit. "grand garden" in Hindi) is a garden complex located about six kilometers north of Jaisalmer in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
- Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples: Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples is a group of seven Śvetāmbara Jain temples inside Jaisalmer Fort in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO as part of Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
- Jaisalmer Folklore Museum: A museum showcasing Rajasthan's folk heritage, arts and customs. There are two nightly half-hour long traditional puppet shows, starting at 6:30PM and 7:30 respectively, which is the highlight in the museum.
- Jaisalmer War Museum: A museum displaying India's modern military history. There is a hall dedicated to the noted Battle of Longewala fought near Jaisalmer during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Temples
- Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples: Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples is a group of seven Śvetāmbara Jain temples inside Jaisalmer Fort in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO as part of Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
Places That Define Jaisalmer
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer Fort is situated in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the very few "living forts" in the world (such as Carcassonne, France), as nearly one fourth of the old city's population still resides within the fort.
Gadisar Lake
Gadisar Lake (also called Gadsisar Lake) is an artificial lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. It was built by the founder of Jaisalmer, Rawal Jaisal Bhati in 1156 AD and later rebuilt by his successor Rawal Gadsi Bhati around 1367 AD.
Bada Bagh
Bada Bagh, also called Barabagh (lit. "grand garden" in Hindi) is a garden complex located about six kilometers north of Jaisalmer in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples
Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples is a group of seven Śvetāmbara Jain temples inside Jaisalmer Fort in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO as part of Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer Folklore Museum
A museum showcasing Rajasthan's folk heritage, arts and customs. There are two nightly half-hour long traditional puppet shows, starting at 6:30PM and 7:30 respectively, which is the highlight in the museum.
Jaisalmer War Museum
A museum displaying India's modern military history. There is a hall dedicated to the noted Battle of Longewala fought near Jaisalmer during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Sam Sand Dunes
These sand dunes are around 50 km from Jaisalmer city but one has to go there to have this altogether different experience. This is an amazing sight and the sunset view from there is stunning.
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Jaisalmer on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Jaisalmer Your Way
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Jaisalmer: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Jaisalmer: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), about 6 km from Jaisalmer.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Jaisalmer railway station, about 1 km from central Jaisalmer.
- By Road: Buses from Jodhpur and Bikaner are available. A daily bus runs to and from Jaipur.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Jaisalmer (Apr, May, Jun) averages 27–39°C with about 9 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Jaisalmer (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 26–35°C with about 28 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Jaisalmer (Oct, Nov) averages 19–31°C with about 2 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Jaisalmer (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 12–25°C with about 3 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 39°C and lows of 27°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 35°C and lows of 26°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C.
Travel Tips
- Staying safe: Jaisalmer is a very safe city and security is high compared to other cities in Rajasthan. Though it is very close to the Pakistan border, visitors are not allowed to wander around the border areas.
- Getting around: The small city can be easily covered by foot but bikes are also available for rent (near Desert Boy's) to explore the city and some outside places. Auto rickshaw and bicycles are other commonly used transportation medium at Jaisalmer.
- Climate: Jaisalmer has a hot arid climate, and is thus prone to extremes of temperature. The temperature varies greatly from day to night in both summer and winter.
- Heat: Daytime highs reach about 42°C in May; carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
- Timings: Jaisalmer War Museum: Wed-Mon 9:30AM-8PM
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Jaisalmer trip.
Spiritual & Religious
Festivals
- Overview: Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", is on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. A desert safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience.
- Best Festival Time: The most comfortable months are January, February, October, November and December.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", is on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. A desert safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience.
- Accommodation: Moonlight Khuri Resort, 40 km from Jaisalmer at Khuri village, surrounded by natural sand dunes. Accommodation in mud cottages, huts and tents with campfire, dinner, music, folk dance & camel rides. Listed options include Desert Haveli Guest House, Garh Jaisal and Hotel Fort View.
- Best Way To Explore: The small city can be easily covered by foot but bikes are also available for rent (near Desert Boy's) to explore the city and some outside places. Auto rickshaw and bicycles are other commonly used transportation medium at Jaisalmer.
The Sacred Heart of Jaisalmer
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Jaisalmer, the "Golden City", is on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the border with Pakistan, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jaisalmer is most comfortable in January, February, October, November and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is May (average high 42°C).
The nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), about 6 km away. The nearest railway station is Jaisalmer railway station, about 1 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer Fort Jain temples, Jaisalmer Folklore Museum and Jaisalmer War Museum.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 20°C to 42°C over the year, with about 136 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Jaisalmer
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Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.