If you are planning to spend 3 days in Jaisalmer and are you looking for a perfect Jaisalmer itinerary, read on!
Founded by and named after Rawal Jaisal in 1156, Jaisalmer (literally translates to the Hill Fort of Jaisal) attracts travelers from every corner of the world. They come here to explore the beauty of the Great Indian Desert aka the Thar Desert. Surrounded by silken golden sand of the desert and dotted by houses adorning the striking honey hue of Jaisalmer yellow stone gives Jaisalmer a moniker of the Golden City of India.
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Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located right in the heart of the Thar Desert so you can imagine how harsh summer will be in the desert city. Having said that, the winter months of November to March make for the best time to visit Jaisalmer.
You can enjoy the most prominent and vibrant cultural event of Rajasthan, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival if you plan around February.
How to Get to Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is located in the far western deserts of India close to the Pakistan border and thus, it’s a bit tricky to get here.
Although, Jaisalmer enjoys great road and rail connectivity with all the major cities in India, traveling by air to Jaisalmer isn’t possible as the city doesn’t have its own civil airport.
Jodhpur Airport, about 285 km, is the nearest airport serving the desert city. If you intend to travel by air, you’d need to book your flight to Jodhpur and continue your journey by road (rental car, bus, or taxi) or rail from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. There are regular flights to Jodhpur from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
Direct trains are available from Delhi (Shalimar Express, Corbet Prk Link, Dli Jsm Express, and Ranikhet Express) Mumbai (Bandra Terminus–Jaisalmer Superfast Express), Ahmedabad (Bandra Terminus–Jaisalmer Superfast Express), Jodhpur )Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express), and Jaipur (Dli Jsm Express). Check IRCTC for train routes, timetables, ticket prices, and availability.
Jaisalmer is reachable by bus from quite a few cities across. Redbus remains the best platform to check bus routes, timetables, ticket prices, and availability.
If you want to drive your own car or rental car or hire a taxi to travel by road from Delhi to Jaisalmer, you’d need to break your journey in Jaipur or Ajmer to save yourself from exhaustion.
How to Get Around Jaisalmer
The best way to explore the city and its attractions is by hiring an auto rickshaw. It’s readily available. Make sure to negotiate a fare beforehand.
For a visit to the sand dunes, it’s best to hire a taxi or a car with a driver for a day or two.
For travelers who want to make the most of their time in Jaisalmer without bothering about transportation options, guided tours are the way to go. Get Your Guide and Viator offer some amazing private and group tours.
Where to Stay in Jaisalmer
There are a ton of amazing accommodation options in Jaisalmer for all budgets. If you are looking for a budget hotel then The Gulal, Killa Bhawan, Hamari Haveli, Sonaar Haveli, Rang Mahal, Hotel Jasmin Home, Mud Mirror Guesthouse, and Sairafort Sarovar Portico are the perfect options.
For travelers who are looking for a mid-range hotel, we suggest Hotel Rawal Kot, Gorbandh Palace, Chokhi Dhani The Palace Hotel, and WelcomHeritage Mandir Palace.
And for those who want to taste the Rajasthani royalty, Suryagarh Jaisalmer, Hotel Jaisalkot, and Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa are great.
Staying in a camp or tent right in the middle of the Thar Desert is a requisite. It’s a not-to-be-missed experience in Jaisalmer. The best desert camps in Jaisalmer are SUJÁN The Serai, Rajwada Desert Camp, Winds Desert Camp, Le Royal Camps, Rajputana Desert Camp, Damodra Desert Camp, Pal Rajah Desert Camp, and The Mama’s Resort & Camp.
Booking.comWhat and Where to Eat in Jaisalmer
Mostly vegetarian, the cuisine in Jaisalmer is largely influenced by locally sourced ingredients. Though other cuisines like Italian and English are extensively available in the city, it’s wise to enjoy the traditional desert food here. Because you won’t get it anywhere.
Here’s a list of the best foods to try and where to try in Jaisalmer!
Ker Sangri, Gatte ki Sabji, and Dal Bati Churma at Desert Boy’s Dhani
Haldi ki Sabji (Turmeric Yogurt Curry) at Riddhi Siddhi Restaurant
Makhania Lassi at Kanchan Shree Ice Cream
Masala Chai and Kadhai Wala Doodh at Prabhu Tea Stall
Pyaaz ki Kachori, Ghotua Laddoo, Panchdhari Ladoo, and Mirchi Bhajiya at Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia Sweets
Mutton Saag at The Trio
Dal Pakwan at Shri Hinglaj Dal Pakwaan Center (they tasted instant success after being invited to prepare dal pakwan at Sonam Kapoor’s wedding)
Bhang Lassi at Bhang Shop
If you need a break from Rajasthani cuisine, you can head to Jaisal Italy for Italian cuisine (pasta, pizza, and bruschetta) and Gaji’s Restaurant for Korean food.
Other amazing restaurants and cafes worth trying are:
Jaisalmer Kitchen (when staying in Sam)
Killa Corner
Milan Restaurant
Kuku Coffee Shop
The Traveler’s Cup Premium Coffee Shop
German Bakery and Coffee Shop
Angaara Restaurant and Barbeque
Cafe+
Cafe Cavalli
Jaisal Treat
Halo Jaisalmer
The Wanderlust Cafe & Restaurant
KB Café
What and Where to Shop in Jaisalmer
Local handicrafts at Manak Chowk
Traditional outfits and colorful puppets at Pansari Market (aka Villager’s Market)
Gold, silver, semi-precious, and precious stone jewelry at Sonaron ka Bas
Embroidered (mirror work) cotton and silk fabrics at Bhatia Bazaar
Camel leather bags & footwear at Sadar Bazaar
Khadi products at Khadi Gramodyog Emporium (Seema Gram)
Habur Fossil Stone Products at stalls near Patwon ki Haveli
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Jaisalmer Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Jaisalmer
Sand dunes are, naturally, the major draw for travelers, however, Jaisalmer is teeming with many other historical and cultural gems that need your time and attention. Our itinerary for Jaisalmer covers the desert experience as well as all those gems.
Day 1 of 3 Days in Jaisalmer Itinerary
8 am: Breakfast @ Cafe Cavalli
Cafe Cavalli with its amazing setting is among the best cafes in Jaisalmer. It’s a perfect place to get a hearty breakfast and a good cup of coffee to start your morning off right. The food is toothsome, and the view of the fort is fantastic.
9 am: Jaisalmer Fort (Jain Temples and Tazia Tower)
One of the topmost things to do in Jaisalmer in 3 Days has to be exploring the majestic mud fort, Jaisalmer Fort. The city’s most adored landmark is also known as Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Looking at the yellow sandstone fort during the sunset, you’d know why it’s called so!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort is one of the last remaining living forts in the world. The fort houses over one-fourth of the city’s population within its walls. It’s, in fact, a hodgepodge of homes, temples, bazaars, shops, hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
It’s fun getting lost in the maze of alleyways inside the fort and chance upon the gems. Gopa Chowk and Dussehra Chowk are two important courtyards where you can find vibrant shops, nice cafes, local artists presenting traditional music and dance performances, and entertaining tourists with a puppet show.
The most beautiful attractions inside the fort include the Jain Temples (there are seven of them viz. Chandraprabhu, Rishabhdev, Parsvanatha, Shitalnath, Sambhavanath, Shantinath, and Kunthunath, each more beautiful than the next), Tazia Tower (a five-storey architectural marvel located inside the Badal Palace Complex at Amar Sagar Gate), Laxminath Temple, and the Raj Mahal Palace (former residence of the Maharawal of Jaisalmer now converted into a museum).
Then there are some epic viewpoints to luxuriate in the scenic views over the city of Jaisalmer. The old cannon viewpoint is one of the most talked-about viewpoints inside the fort.
You can walk up to the ramparts and bastions to discover the hidden viewpoints and soak up the stunning views of the city outside the fort.
As you navigate the quieter side streets, you’ll find a variety of items you can buy. The colorful display of traditional dresses, jewelry, shoes, bed sheets, puppets, and a range of souvenirs attract tourists.
Jaisalmer Fort Opening Timings: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Jaisalmer Fort Entry Ticket: Free
Jain Temples Opening Timings: 8 am to 12 pm
Jain Temples Entry Ticket: The entry is free for Indians but they need to pay INR 30 (USD 0.38) for a mobile camera and INR 50 (USD 0.63) for a still camera. Foreigners pay INR 250 (USD 3.13) for the entry that includes an audio guide and a still camera. The video camera fee is INR 100 (USD 1.25).
Raj Mahal Palace (Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum) Opening Timings: All days of the week from 6 am to 5 pm
Raj Mahal Palace (Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum) Entry Ticket: INR 50 (USD 0.63)per Indian, INR 250 (USD 3.13) per foreigner, INR 50 (USD 0.63) for a still camera, and INR 100 (USD 1.25) for a video camera
12 pm: Pyaaz ki Kachori at Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia Sweets
It’s time to take your taste buds on a joy ride. Gorge on the most famous snack in Jaisalmer, pyaaz ki kachori (onion fritters) at Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia Sweets. Combine this hot, spicy, and lip-smacking snack with mint chutney for a wholesome treat to the tastebuds.
Dhanraj Ranmal Bhatia Sweets is also famous for its Ghotua Laddoo, Panchdhari Ladoo, and Mirchi Bhajiya.
12:30 pm: Salam Sing Ki Haveli
Commissioned in 1815 by Salam Singh, the erstwhile prime minister of Jaisalmer is a crumbling yet beautiful piece of architecture. Inspired by a dancing peacock, its arched roof does give an appearance of a peacock.
The haveli is divided into two parts – a part is occupied by the descendants of Salam Singh while another portion is converted into a shop and museum. As it’s a private residence(not managed by ASI), a resident guides the visitor for a small amount of fee.
Moti Mahal, located on the top floor, is the most beautiful room in the haveli. It’s where the homeowner and his guests used to enjoy dance and music performances.
Opening Timings: 8 am to 5 pm every day
Entry Ticket: INR 20 (USD 0.25) per Indian, INR 100 (USD 1.25) per foreigner, INR 50 (USD 0.63) for a still camera, and INR 100 (USD 1.25) for a video camera
1 pm: Nathmalji Ki Haveli
The former residence of the then prime minister of Jaisalmer, Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the haveli was designed by two Muslim jewelers (yes, surprisingly they weren’t builders) brothers who built their respective sides (left and right) that look similar but have differences if observed closely.
It’s a private property inhabited by the descendants of Nathmal and you can only admire the structure from outside or at most visit the ground floor courtyard that houses a tourist shop.
Opening Timings: 10 am to 7 pm daily
Entry Ticket: Free
1:30 pm: Patwon Ki Haveli
Patwon Ki Haveli or Mansion of Brocade Merchants is a remarkable historical piece and a fine example of traditional Rajasthani architecture. It also is
The most impressive and elaborate among all the Havelis in Jaisalmer, Patwon Ki Haveli is a group of five mansions (one for each of his 5 sons) commissioned by a rich Marwari merchant called Guman Chand Patwa in 1805 and completed over a period of 55 years.
Built with yellow sandstone, the multiple-storey mansions have incredible latticed carvings and over 60 jharokhas (balconies). Each haveli comprises a huge courtyard enclosed by rooms and arched doors and windows.
Out of 5 Havelis, 2 are operated by Archeological Survey of India, 2 are occupied by the family of Guman Chand Bapna, and 1 is bought and managed by Kothari’s.
Now the two of them are open to tourists wherein one is converted into a private museum called Kathori’s Patwa Haveli Museum after its owner, Jeevanlalji Kothari and the other one is kept in its original form (not well-maintained and inhabited by pigeons and bats) and is managed by ASI.
Kathori’s Patwa Haveli Museum with intricate carvings, exquisite mirrorwork, amazing paintings, exceptional artwork, and ancient exhibits is definitely worth your time and money and a must-visit for all, especially history and art lovers. A visit here literally takes you back in time!
Once you are done exploring the museum, make your way to the terrace for the stunning views of the fort.
Kathori’s Patwa Haveli Museum Opening Timings: 9 am to 6 pm daily
Kathori’s Patwa Haveli Museum Entrance Ticket: INR 100 (USD 1.25) per Indian tourist and INR 250 (USD 3.13) per foreign tourist
Government-Owned Haveli Opening Timings: 8:30 am to 6 pm daily
Government-Owned Haveli Entry Tickets: INR 10 (USD 0.13) per Indian tourist and INR 50 (USD 0.63) per foreign tourist
2:30 pm: Lunch @ The Jaisal Treat
A peaceful location, great food, nice ambiance, and exceptional service – that’s the Jaisal Treat for you. This multi-cuisine restaurant is sure to make your culinary experience in Jaisalmer unforgettable.
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm: Relax at your Hotel
If you have time (because you’ve planned well) and you can afford to let up a bit then why not? This becomes even more relevant to families traveling with kids. They need time off.
5 Pm: Relish Makhania Lassi at Kanchan Shree Ice Cream
Makhania Lassi with its creamy and buttery taste and texture is sure to leave you wanting more. The best place to try this tasty drink is Kanchan Shree Ice Cream.
You can’t leave the outlet before you try their signature dessert called Gaba Gab. It’s prepared using fruit cream (whipped cream and fresh fruits) and rabri (semi-liquid condensed milk) and then topped with a scoop of your favorite flavor of ice cream, and finally garnished with dry fruits like raisins, cherries, and cashews.
5:30 pm: Sunset @ Gadisar Lake
Built in 1400 AD by Maharwal Gadsi Singh to deal with the shortage of water in the region, Gadisar Lake is a perfect spot to spend some quiet time in Jaisalmer thanks to its cool and calm surroundings.
The banks of the lake feature beautifully carved chhatris (cenotaphs), temples, and holy shrines. The intricately carved yellow sandstone arched gateway called Tilon Ki Pol marks the entrance of the lake.
It looks mesmerizing during sunrise and sunset. The lake turns into a magical place as the setting sun spreads its orange and red hue on its waters. No surprise that it’s the favorite sunset spot in the city. And a favorite photoshoot spot too.
You can paddleboat and rowboat the waters of the lake or spot the migratory birds or enjoy the view of the majestic fort bathed in the last rays of the sun or take a refreshing walk around the lake or just sit and relax and watch the sun go down.
Opening Timings: 7 am to 7 pm on all days
Entry Ticket: Free
Boating Charges: INR 100 (USD 1.25) for a 2-seater paddle boat, INR 200 (USD 2.50) for a 4-seater paddle boat, and INR 300 (USD 3.75) for a 6-seater rowboat
6:30 pm: Evening Tea @ HALO Jaisalmer
A cup of evening tea or coffee with snacks at this beautiful little cafe called Halo Jaisalmer with an uninterrupted view of Gadisar Lake comes highly recommended.
8 pm: Dinner @ Desert Boy’s Dhani
When it comes to authentic Rajasthani food in Jaisalmer, Desert Boy’s Dhani should be on your go-to list. You can feast on rich traditional dishes like Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Gatte ki sabzi, Marwadi Kadhi, Bajre ki Roti, and much more. They also host folk music and dance performances in the evenings.
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Day 2 of 3 Days in Jaisalmer Itinerary
9 am: Breakfast @ The Wanderlust Cafe & Restaurant
The Wanderlust Cafe & Restaurant is a cozy and lovely place with a rooftop setting that affords a view over the city and the fort. We had a delish breakfast here!
10:30 am: Lodurva
Just about 7 km from the city of Jaisalmer lies the ancient capital of Bhatti Rajputs – Lodurva. The village isn’t just known for being the old capital of Bhatis but pulls travelers from around the world for its architectural ruins and Jain Temples.
The main temple in the complex is Parshvanath Jain Temple. As the name suggests, it’s dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar. Made out of yellow sandstone, the exterior, as well as the interior of the temple, showcases exceptional works of art. It certainly exhibits a fine example of intricate craftsmanship.
Other temples in the complex are Ajitanath Jain Temple, Rishabhnath Jain Temple, Shambhavnath Jain Temple
The temple complex also houses Kalpavriksha or Kalpatru, a wish-fulfilling divine tree. The eternal tree of life is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees.
There’s a hole or crevice in the wall of the temple that’s believed to be inhabited by a snake. Locals worship the snake and offer a bowl of milk in the evening. They say that the snake comes out of the hole every evening to accept the offer. Surprisingly, the bowl is empty by morning. The sight of this snake is considered a blessing. I waited for some time for the snake to grace me by making an appearance but all in vain!
Visiting Time: 8 am to 12 pm every day
Entry Ticket: Free for Indians and INR 10 (USD 0.13) for foreigners
11:30 am: Kuldhara
Kuldhara, a ghost town is one of the famous haunted places in Rajasthan. Once (around the 13th century) home to Paliwal Brahmins, the village was abandoned ( in the early 19th century) overnight by the entire community for untold reasons. It could be due to a pandemic or an earthquake or water shortage or the inhumanity of Salam Singh (prime minister to the Maharwal of Jaisalmer), as locals claim.
The villagers left a curse on the village that no one will ever be able to settle here. It is said that from then on whenever someone tries to stay here, strange paranormal activities chase them away. Consequently, it remains deserted and haunted to this date. 84 other villages were also abandoned the same night.
The village is now managed by ASI. They have restored it so tourists could get an insight into how life must have been then.
It didn’t look spooky to me but I could smell sadness in the air.
Opening Timings: 8 am to 6 pm daily
Entry Ticket: INR 10 (USD 0.13) per person and INR 50 (USD 0.63) per vehicle
PS: It’s time to head for the most awaited experience. Yes, exploring the Thar Desert! Most tourists head to Sam Sand Dunes, counted among one of the best places to visit in Jaisalmer. They are the most famous sand dunes and thus, more commercial and more crowded. And all the activities and camps are pricey here. We chose Khuri Sand Dunes. They are lesser known sand dunes and thus, less commercial and more peaceful, and less expensive. Appearance-wise, both look the same.
Book a Day Tour to the Haunted Village of Kuldhara from Jaisalmer
1:30 pm: Check-in at Pal Rajah Desert Camp
Located inside the Thar Desert National Park, Pal Rajah Desert Camp is one of the best luxury tented accommodations right on the sand dunes of Thar Desert. The resort gives a feel of a traditional desert village and is equipped with modern amenities. It’s rated highly for its beautiful location, good food, amazing facilities, and super hospitality and stands out as one of the highly recommended resorts for a desert experience in Jaisalmer.
We stayed in a super deluxe swiss tent. It was spacious, comfortable, and clean and had heating and cooling systems in place. The ensuite bathroom had running hot and cold water. My favorite part of the stay? I loved having a cup of tea on the patio overlooking the vast expanse of beautiful golden sand dunes.
Our package included one night’s stay in a luxury tent with breakfast, dinner, and high tea, a camel safari, and a cultural program of Rajasthani folk music and dance. We paid extra for dune bashing and stargazing desert camping.
Once the check-in formalities were completed, we had a hearty lunch at the onsite restaurant and retired for a little rest in our tent. The concerned person informed us to reach the reception by 4:30 pm for a camel safari (our first ever) and dune bashing.
5 pm: Thar Desert Safari
As you’d come out of the resort, the camels with their masters will be waiting for you. Camels and their saddle seats are beautifully adorned with a traditional patchwork fabric and vibrant pompons. If it’s your first time riding a camel (like us), don’t worry. The camel rider will help you sit on and ride the camel. I personally found getting on the camel rather comical. And the most fun part is when the camel gets up while you’re on its back ;) Mind you, a camel stands up with its back legs first.
Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed the camel safari and you are gonna too. We trotted up and down the dunes before we finally made it to the vast expanse of sand dunes. The sight of rolling sand dunes stretching to the horizon is awe-inspiring.
Mini-me jumped away on sands and raced her up the dunes while I and hubby lounged on the sand as we waited for the sun to set. As the sun slid down and cast a deep orange glow over the desert horizon, we could only gaze in awe. We were so engrossed in enjoying the beauty of the moment that almost forgot to capture the mesmerizing desert sunset.
Our guide called us to experience the thrill of dune bashing. It’s crazy I mean the way the jeep zooms over the dunes at rapid speed and drops suddenly as it comes down the dunes. I felt as if the jeep’s gonna fall off the dunes. It’s sheer madness. You must try it!
6 pm: High Tea and Dinner with Cultural Program
By the time we came back to the resort, the stage was set for the cultural program. The seating arrangement was done around the campfire and the snacks and tea were served to the guests.
The men and women dressed in traditional attire put together a charismatic Rajasthani folk music and dance performance. The women mesmerize the guests by exhibiting different forms of folk dances of Rajasthan like Kalbelia, Bhavai, Chakri, and Ghoomar.
The program continues till you have your dinner. The dinner buffet includes tasty and authentic local delicacies like Ker Sangri, Dal Bati Churma, and Bajre ki Roti.
