If Rajasthan is a desert symphony, then Jaisalmer is the crescendo. Rising out of the Thar like a sun-kissed mirage, this golden-hued city is part history book, part fairytale, and part “I can’t believe I just rode a camel in 45°C heat for fun.” But hey, you came for the experience, not the comfort.
So, if you are a person who is very little aware about this Golden Sand Place and what to do on a Jaisalmer Trip, here is a handpicked list of the best things to do in Jaisalmer.
1. Explore Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila) – The Living Citadel
A non-regular, run-down historical fort- Jaisalmer Fort is alive with many families living inside and a bustling market with lots of things to shop. Over 3,000 people still live inside its sandstone walls. Imagine a medieval neighborhood with rooftop cafes, centuries-old temples, and shops selling embroidered everything. The five-story fort needs 3-4 hours to explore all hook and nook with precision.
What to do:
- Visit the Jain temples—ornately carved and suspiciously peaceful.
- Get lost in alleys that look like time forgot them.
- Eat a thali on a rooftop while the fort glows honey-gold at sunset.
Pro tip: Don’t ask for Wi-Fi. The fort is 850 years old. Let it live.
2. Do the Mandatory (but Actually Amazing) Camel Safari
You came all this way. Get on the camel.
The Thar Desert is hauntingly beautiful—an expanse of rippling dunes, where the wind hums and your inner peace finally texts you back. Camel safaris usually begin from Sam or Khuri dunes and end in star-lit camps that may or may not include awkward group dancing and surprise beetles. Camel Safari is one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer for fun-filled family trip.
What to do:
- Take the overnight option. Sunset, bonfire, desert silence = unmatched.
- Drink chai in the sand like a nomad with Wi-Fi.
Pro tip: Ask your guide how many tourists fell off camels last week or the story of people living there.
3. Wander Through Patwon Ki Haveli – The Desert’s Version of a Mansion
This is where wealthy merchants used to flex before Instagram. Built in the 19th century, Patwon Ki Haveli is a series of intricately carved townhouses that look like lace carved from sandstone.
What to do:
- Gawk at the architecture and pretend you understand heritage design.
- Take a million pictures. You’ll delete half, but still.
4. Shop for Stuff that looks too amazing
Jaisalmer’s markets are full of irresistible nonsense. Patchwork jackets, camel leather diaries, embroidered bags, puppets and silver jewellry. Will you ever wear that mirror-work vest again? No. Will you buy it anyway? Yes.
Best places for shopping in Jaisalmer:
- Sadar Bazaar
- Pansari Bazaar
Pro tip: Bargain. It is not rude, it is expected.
5. Eat Everything – Especially if It is Drenched in Ghee
Rajasthani food does not believe in restraint. It is hearty, flavourful, and designed to fuel warriors and wanderers (and you, the casual tourist looking for “authentic” on a Google map).
Must try:
- Ker Sangri (a desert veggie miracle)
- Laal Maas
- Mutton Saag and Bajra roti at Trio or Desert Boy’s Dhani
- Ghotua Ladoo from Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia Sweet Shop – your dentist will love this.
Pro tip: Order what the locals eat, not what your stomach is afraid of.
6. Sleep Under the Stars – Or at Least Pretend to
Camping in the Thar is not just about the camel rides and campfire performances. The real magic begins when the lights go out and the stars show up like they have got something to prove.
You can go budget, luxury, or “royal tent with AC” if your version of roughing it involves air mattresses and fairy lights.
Best spots: Sam Dunes, Khuri, or boutique desert camps like Rajputana Desert Camp or Winds Desert Camp
Pro tip: To not get lost in the barren land of Golden City, Hire Maharaja Tempo Traveller on Rent for a royal and premium travel expereince.
7. Hunt for Filmy Moments (and Maybe a Ghost Story)
Jaisalmer’s been the backdrop for countless films, from Sonar Kella to The Fall. Everything looks dramatic here. Even you, awkwardly posing on a camel.
Also, ghost alert: Kuldhara, a haunted village about 18 km from the city, is perfect for getting spooked and speculating about ancient curses.
8. Take a Walk at Gadisar Lake – Early Morning or Moonlight Only
Built in the 14th century, Gadisar Lake is the quiet, reflective side of Jaisalmer. Come early for solitude or after dark for some surprisingly poetic vibes.
What to do:
- Feed the catfish. They are like underwater pigeons.
- Rent a paddle boat and contemplate your place in the universe.
Pro tip: Avoid going at noon unless you enjoy being grilled alive.
Suggested Read: Golden Triangle Tour India Itinerary and Travel Guide
9. Visit to Jaisalmer War Memorial
Located just outside the city on the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur highway, the Jaisalmer War Memorial honours the Indian soldiers who fought in the Indo-Pak wars, especially the pivotal Battle of Longewala in 1971 (you know, the one Border was based on).
Why it is worth to visit?
- The memorial is maintained by the Indian Army and includes a museum, an audio-visual hall, and real military hardware like tanks and fighter planes used during the wars.
- You will find names of martyrs engraved in sandstone, alongside stories that could knock the wind out of your drama-loving lungs.
- The light and sound show in the evening (around sunset) is genuinely moving. And no, that was not a tear—it was just desert sand in your eye.
10. Visit to Tanot Mata Temple and Longewala
If the War Memorial was about valour, Tanot Mata Temple is about the strange, powerful intersection of faith and fate—because this temple stood unharmed during heavy bombing in the 1971 war. Not one of the 3,000+ Pakistani bombs exploded near it. Not. One. Coincidence? The army does not think so.
Highlights:
- Tanot Mata Temple is around 120 km from Jaisalmer, right near the Indo-Pak border, and maintained partially by the Border Security Force (BSF). It is best to hire a tempo traveller on rent from Delhi to enjoy a flexible itinerary.
- Inside the temple, you will find unexploded shells that landed nearby—now displayed like divine souvenirs.
- Longewala, just another 30 km from Tanot, is where the actual Battle of Longewala took place. There is a military museum and war bunker there that gives a vivid account of how 120 Indian soldiers held off a full-blown tank assault.
Why Jaisalmer Should Be on Your 2025 Bucket List
Jaisalmer is not just about checking off sights. It is about walking through sun-warmed stone streets, sipping masala chai on a rooftop, hearing a flute echo through the fort, and realizing that you have gone an hour without checking your phone. With majestic forts still alive with flourished markets, camel safaris across golden dunes, and rooftop dinners under starlit skies, Jaisalmer offers a travel experience that feels timeless yet thrillingly real. Explore intricately carved havelis, sip chai while watching the sun dip behind sandstone walls, and camp beneath galaxies untouched by city light. The Jaisalmer city tour is perfect for a history buff, culture lover, or adventure seeker to do dune bashing in Desert.
Final Thoughts
If you really want to make your Jaisalmer trip worth and happening, just do not get into trap of a short tour with desert camping only. The Golden City has more to explore and require 2-3 days to cover all attractions in and around city. So, pack your curiosity, your sense of humor, and probably some sunscreen. Jaisalmer will take care of the rest. Call us today to book Your Jaisalmer Trip from Delhi and enjoy a flexible trip itinerary. It is easy to book 3 Days Jaisalmer trip in budget with booking 45 Seater Volvo bus as it offers comfort for travelling this long distance and also cost per person get reduced.
