Attractions

Jaisalmer Golden Fort

Jaisalmer Golden Fort Commonly referred to as Sonar Quila or Sone ka Quila (Golden Fort), Jaisalmer Fort is a stunning architectural wonder and one of the largest forts in the world, located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This fort, the second oldest in Rajasthan, proudly displays its majestic beauty. Constructed from yellow sandstone, its walls gleam bright gold under the daytime sun, softening into a rich honey-gold at sunset—earning it the title of Golden Fort.

Perched on Trikuta Hill amidst the vast Thar Desert, the fort has witnessed countless battles over the centuries. Jaisalmer, often called the Golden City, offers a unique blend of nomadic desert culture and royal heritage, promising an experience unlike any other.

Patwa Haveli

In the heart of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, stands a remarkable example of classical architecture—the Patwon Ki Haveli. Located near the Patwa Valley, this haveli consists of five separate palaces, originally built by a wealthy brocade merchant and jeweler for his five sons, hence earning the name “House of the Brocade Merchants.” Today, one of the havelis serves as accommodation for guests, while two others are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Constructed from yellow sandstone with a striking brown gateway, the haveli’s interiors are adorned with intricate mirror work and vibrant paintings. Its uniquely designed arches, along with the delicate lattice (jali) carvings, allow sunlight to flood the rooms, creating an enchanting atmosphere. With approximately 60 balconies, this grand structure is built in the traditional Jaisalmer style and is one of the region’s most well-preserved architectural treasures. Inside, visitors will find a museum showcasing the rich history of the mansion, along with a shop offering antique furniture.

Nathmal Haveli

Nathmalji Ki Haveli, built in 1885 CE by Maharawal Berisal, served as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. The haveli’s construction was led by two brothers, Hathi and Lulu, whose work has an intriguing backstory—each brother simultaneously built one side of the façade, resulting in two sides that are similar but not identical. This haveli is renowned for its architectural fusion of Rajput and Islamic styles. The layout revolves around two courtyards—the smaller one in the front and a larger one at the rear. The front section of the haveli, with three storeys, houses the main living quarters, while the two-storeyed rear portion provides ancillary accommodation. This unique blend of styles and craftsmanship makes Nathmalji Ki Haveli one of Jaisalmer’s architectural gems.

Gadisar Lake

Gadsisar Lake, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaisalmer, was originally constructed by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the city’s first ruler, and later renovated by Maharaja Garisisar Singh. Situated to the south of Jaisalmer, this historic lake is accessed through Tilon-Ki-Pol, an intricately carved yellow sandstone archway, which features an idol of the Hindu deity Vishnu, installed in 1908. The banks of Gadsisar Lake are adorned with beautifully carved chattris, temples, shrines, and ghats, adding to its serene ambiance. Once the primary source of water for the city, the lake holds great historical significance. Its charm is further enhanced by the presence of migratory birds that frequent its shores, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

Salim Ji Ki Haveli, located in the heart of Jaisalmer near the railway station, is a 300-year-old architectural marvel named after its owner, Salim Singh Mahto. Built on the remnants of a previous haveli from the late 17th century, it once served as the residence of Salim Singh Mahto, the Prime Minister of the princely state of Jaisalmer. Today, part of the haveli is still inhabited by his descendants. Nestled beside the hills near Jaisalmer Fort, the haveli is renowned for its distinctive architecture, showcasing intricate details and a unique design that sets it apart from other heritage structures in the city.

Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh offers a surprising contrast to the arid desert landscape of Jaisalmer with its lush greenery. This green oasis was intentionally created in the 16th century to introduce a verdant retreat in the desert region. Initially, Bada Bagh consisted of just a dam and a water reservoir, but over time, successive rulers added memorials and cenotaphs (chhatris) in honor of the region’s former rulers. Located just 5 km from Jaisalmer, this garden complex has become a prominent tourist attraction. The cenotaphs are adorned with intricately carved chhatris, featuring beautifully chiseled pillars and inscriptions on yellow sandstone. The surrounding landscape, with its serene garden and numerous mango trees, provides a refreshing and peaceful contrast to the desert, adding a touch of greenery to the region.

Desert National Park

Desert National Park is one of the best places to explore the unique ecosystem and wildlife of the Thar Desert. Featuring a diverse landscape of rolling sand dunes, rugged rocks, and salt lakes, this protected area spans around 3,162 sq km and lies between the districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer, making it one of the largest national parks in India. This remote sanctuary is home to thriving populations of blackbucks, chinkaras, and desert foxes. It is also a critical habitat for the endangered Great Indian Bustard. During winter, the park becomes a birdwatcher’s paradise, with migratory raptors like Himalayan and Eurasian Griffon vultures, eastern imperial eagles, and saker falcons flocking to its warmer climate.

Tanot Mata Temple

Tanot Mata Temple, located in the village of Tanot in Jaisalmer district, is a significant attraction for visitors to the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Steeped in legends, the temple is revered for its sacred power and purity. Since the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, it has been preserved and maintained by the Border Security Force (BSF) of India. Locals hold deep faith in Tanot Mata, believed to be an incarnation of the Hinglaj Mata Goddess, and regularly visit the temple for blessings. The temple’s proximity to the strategic Longewala border—an area restricted to civilians without government permission—adds to its importance. The region’s windy landscape is also home to several wind energy power plants, visible to visitors.

Jain Temples Jaisalmer

The Jain Temples within Jaisalmer Fort, dating back to the 12th and 15th centuries, are dedicated to the revered Jain Tirthankars, Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdevji, spiritual teachers who guided people towards attaining nirvana. Carved from the region’s signature yellow sandstone, these temples showcase intricate craftsmanship. Built in the renowned Dilwara style, the temples are celebrated for their exquisite architecture, making them an important religious and architectural highlight within the fort. Their detailed carvings and serene atmosphere attract devotees and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into the rich Jain heritage of Jaisalmer.

Kuldhara

The intriguing history of Kuldhara has captivated countless visitors, making it one of the most enigmatic destinations in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The tale involves a beautiful daughter, a greedy minister, terrified villagers, a midnight exodus, and a lingering mystery about where the villagers disappeared. This is not merely a story from a film but the fascinating legend behind the abandoned village of Kuldhara. Situated about 18 km from Jaisalmer, Kuldhara was deserted by its inhabitants in the 1800s, seemingly vanishing overnight. With around 85 villages full of people, the mystery remains as to how no one witnessed their departure, and even today, the fate of these villagers is unknown. The village has remained uninhabited for centuries, preserved in the same state it was left in by its former residents.

Jaisalmer War Museum

This exhibit is dedicated to honoring the soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the 1965 India-Pakistan war and the 1971 Battle of Longewala. A visit to this museum offers a chance to view a variety of captured tanks and memorabilia from these significant battles, instilling a profound sense of pride in the country and its armed forces. The museum features an audio-visual room that screens films about the battles, including an insightful interview with Major Kuldip Singh Chandpuri, a key figure in the Longewala engagement. In this video, he recounts the fierce struggle faced by the soldiers during the battle. In addition, the museum boasts a war memorial filled with trophies, vintage equipment, tanks, guns, and military vehicles. It also displays murals honoring the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives, along with weapons used in the conflict.

Vyas Chhatri

Vyas Chhatri, an exquisite structure made of golden sandstone, exemplifies the beauty of Rajasthani architecture. It was built to honor Sage Vyasa, the compiler of the 300,000 verses of the epic Mahabharata, with his cenotaph located to the north of the main edifice. Often referred to as the city’s sunset point, it offers a stunning panoramic view of Jaisalmer. Nestled within Bada Bagh, Vyas Chhatri is one of the most recognizable landmarks in this desert city. It lies on the northwestern edge of town, situated within a Brahmin cemetery—historically, the burial grounds of kings managed by the Royal family of Jaisalmer. The intricate carvings and elevated dome-shaped pavilions are truly breathtaking, showcasing the craftsmanship of the region.

Ramdevra Temple

Ramdevra is a village located about 12 km north of Pokhran in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its association with Ramdev Pir, or Baba Ramdev, a revered Hindu deity of the region. Ramdev Pir is believed to have ruled during the 14th century and is said to possess miraculous powers, dedicating his life to the welfare of the poor. He was the son of King Ajmal, who initially struggled with childlessness. In his desperation, King Ajmal prayed to Lord Krishna at Dwarka, seeking a son. His prayers were answered, and he was blessed with two sons: Viramdev and the younger Ramdev. At the temple of Ramdev Pir, a toy horse made of cloth is considered a significant offering. This symbolizes Ramdev’s childhood, during which he was known to play with a toy horse crafted from cloth, reflecting the fond memories of his early years.