Jaisalmer, once a medieval trading center and princely state in western Rajasthan, sits in the heart of the Thar Desert. People often call it the ‘Golden City’ because its yellow sandstone architecture dominates the skyline. Jaisalmer Fort, a sprawling hilltop citadel with 99 bastions, towers over the city. Behind its massive walls, visitors can explore the ornate Maharaja’s Palace and intricately carved Jain temples, which remain among the top attractions. This blog is all about the Top Places to Visit in Jaisalmer, where we can get all the necessary information and plan our trip accordingly.

List of Top Places To Visit In Jaisalmer in 2025

​Jaisalmer, the “Golden City” of Rajasthan, offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and desert landscapes. As of 2025, here are some top attractions to explore in and around Jaisalmer:

1. Jaisalmer Fort

This beautiful fort is located in the city of Jaisalmer, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, which is one of the very few “living forts” in the world, as nearly one-fourth of the old city’s population resides inside the fort. The first and most convenient settlements outside the fort walls, to accommodate the growing population of Jaisalmer, are said to have come up in the late 17th century. Jaisalmer Fort is the second historical fort in Rajasthan, built in 1156 AD by the Rawal Jaisal from whom it derives its name, and stands at the crossroads of important trade routes.

  • Time to visit: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Distance: 2 km

Read Also: Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan

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2. Patwon Ki Haveli

This haveli is a traditional townhouse, mansion, or manor house in the Indian subcontinent, usually one with historical and architectural significance, and situated in a town. The term ‘haveli’ comes from the Arabic word ‘hawali,’ meaning ‘partition’ or ‘private space.’ The Mughal Empire popularised this term without linking it to any specific architectural style. Over time, people began using ‘haveli’ as a general term for various styles of spiritual mansions, manor homes, and townhouses across the Indian subcontinent.

  • Time to visit: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Distance: 3 km

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3. Sam Sand Dunes

These dunes are 40 km away from Jaisalmer, and are the most popular excursion to see the sandy bush desert, which has a truly glorious stretch of sweeping dunes that is perfect to be here at sunrise or sunset, and many camel safaris spend a night at the dunes. The camels over there can be hired easily, and for that, we may be able to take our favourite picture with a lone camel and the setting sun in the backdrop. Despite being a tourist attraction, the place has not lost its magic to explore with loved ones.

  • Time to visit: 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
  • Distance: 40 km

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4. Gadisar Lake

This lake is an artificial lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India, which was built by the founder of Jaisalmer, King Rawal Jaisal in 1156 And later rebuilt by Gadsi Singh Bhati around 1367 AD. The lake is situated about 1.5 km from Jaisalmer Fort, which is said to have once provided water to the entire city. The water comes into the Gadisar Lake from the Indira Gandhi Canal, so it never gets above the place. Later on, the lake was redesigned by Gadisar Singh, and after that, it was renamed Gadisar Lake.

  • Time to visit: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Distance: 2 km

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5. Kuldhara Abandoned Village

Kuldhara is an abandoned village in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India. Established around the 13th century, it was once a prosperous village inhabited by Paliwal Brahmins. It was abandoned by the early 19th century for unknown reasons, possibly because of the Jaisalmer State’s minister, Salim Singh. Over the years, Kuldhara has acquired a reputation as a haunted site, and the Government of Rajasthan decided to develop it as a tourist spot in the 2010s.

  • Time to visit: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Distance: 18km

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6. Bada Bagh

This place is an abandoned village in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India. Paliwal Brahmins established it around the 13th century and once lived there in prosperity. However, they abandoned the village by the early 19th century, possibly due to pressure from Salim Singh, a minister of the Jaisalmer State. In the past few years, Kuldhara has gained a reputation as a haunted place, and the Government of Rajasthan decided to rebuild it as a tourist spot in the 2010s to visit the spot.

  • Time to visit: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Distance: 6 km

Read Also: Top Places to Visit in Ajmer

7. Nathmal Ki Haveli

Locals call this place Barabagh, a garden complex located about six kilometers north of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Overlooking the fruit plantations, the kings of the Jaisalmer State constructed a set of royal chhatri cenotaphs here during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries CE. After Jait Singh II’s death, his son Lunkaran built a beautiful garden by the lake and a memorial to the chhatri cenotaph on a hill that overlooks the lake.

  • Time to visit: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Distance: 3 km

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8. Tanot Mata Temple & Longewala War Memorial

This place is a Hindu temple in Jaisalmer district, situated in the heart of Rajasthan, India. The temple is situated near the border with Pakistan, near where the Longewala battle took place during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.  Our Goddess Aavad, the daughter of Mamadji Charan, is worshiped as Tanot Mata and was the predecessor of Karni Mata. As per the regulations of the oldest Charan literature, Tanot Mata is an incarnation of the divine Goddess Hinglaj Mata and thus is a Goddess of War.

  • Time to visit: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Distance: 120 km

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9. Desert National Park

This place is a national park situated in the heart of the Indian state of Rajasthan, near the towns of Jaisalmer and Barmer, as it is one of the biggest national parks, covering an area of 3,162 km2 in the Thar Desert. There is a situation of being a fragile ecosystem, which harbours an abundance of birdlife, both migratory, like short-toed eagle, laggar falcon, kestrel, sand grouse, and great Indian bustard. The beautiful desert National Park has a collection of fossils of flora and fauna that are 180 million years old, which we must explore while visiting Jaisalmer. 

  • Time to visit: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Distance: 40 km

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10. Salim Singh-ki Haveli  

This place is situated in the heart of Jaisalmer city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort. Salim Singh ki Haveli is one of the well-known palaces in Jaisalmer, and one of the top tourist spots at the top of the list. Salim Singh ki haveli was built in the location of a historical haveli. The old haveli was built in the late 17th century, and the new haveli was developed in the year 1815. An extreme desert city, Jaisalmer has a lot to offer to culture enthusiasts and lots of travelers.

  • Time to visit: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Distance: 2 km

Read Also: Top Places to Visit in Jaipur

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Conclusion 

Rawal Jaisal, also known as Jaisal Singh, founded Jaisalmer in 1156 AD and named the city after himself. The name ‘Jaisal’ represents the king, while the term ‘Mer’ or ‘Meru’—of Sanskrit origin—signifies a lush mountain. Historically, people have used this term in naming various geographical features and landmarks, such as Ajmer. The beautiful golden city signifies the beauty of Rajasthani culture and many more interesting things that we can explore over here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are the must-visit attractions in Jaisalmer for first-time travelers?

Ans: First-time visitors to Jaisalmer should explore the majestic Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Quila), admire the intricate architecture of Patwon Ki Haveli, enjoy a peaceful boat ride at Gadisar Lake, and experience the charm of the Sam Sand Dunes for an authentic desert adventure.

2. When is the best time to visit Jaisalmer?

Ans: The best time to visit Jaisalmer is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and ideal for sightseeing, desert safaris, and cultural festivals like the Jaisalmer Desert Festival.

3. Are there any offbeat or hidden places to explore in Jaisalmer?

Ans: Yes, consider visiting the mysterious Kuldhara Abandoned Village, exploring fossils at the Akal Wood Fossil Park, and enjoying lesser-known cenotaphs at Bada Bagh, especially during sunrise or sunset.

4. What unique experiences should tourists not miss in Jaisalmer?

Ans: Don’t miss a camel or jeep safari over the golden sand dunes, a cultural evening with Rajasthani music and dance under the stars, exploring Jain temples inside the fort, and tasting local delicacies like ker sangri and gatte ki sabzi.

5. How many days are enough to explore Jaisalmer fully?

Ans: Ideally, 2 to 3 days are enough to cover the main attractions of Jaisalmer, including fort tours, desert experiences, and cultural exploration at a relaxed pace.