Named after Maharaja Jaisal Singh, Jaisalmer is one of the most popular historical places in Rajasthan. Located amid the expansive Thar desert, the city is known for its rich heritage, traditions, and culture. And the exhilarating adventure sports, fascinating safaris, and camping are only a few of the many things to do in Jaisalmer that add to the rich experience here.

Top 35 Things To Do In Jaisalmer

November to March is the best time to visit Jaisalmer. These months offer comfortable weather to go for desert safari. The vibrant desert festival in February pulls tourists from all over the world. Check out the below given interesting list of best things to do in Jaisalmer and indulge in all of these on your next Rajasthan vacation.

• Jaisalmer Fort – See The Grandeur 
• Jaisalmer City – Witness The Scenic Beauty 
• Gadisar Lake – Enjoy The View 
• Jaisalmer Local Bazaar – Shopping
• Kanoi – Parasailing
• Paramotoring – Indulge Into Adventure 
• Sam Sand Dunes – Quad Biking
• Thar Desert – Dune Bashing
• Winds Desert Camp – Desert Safari And Camping
• Tanot Mata Temple – Indo-Pak Border
• Desert National Park – Admire The Wildlife
• Desert Culture Centre & Museum – Puppet Show
• Rajasthan Cuisine – Try Something New
• Desert Jeep Safari – An Enthralling Experience 
• Camel Safari – A Different Adventure 
• Salim Singh Ki Haveli – Marvelous Beauty 
• Jain Temple Tour – Extraordinary Architecture 
• Nathmal Ki Haveli – Marvel At The Architecture
• Kuldhara – Visit The Abandoned Village
• Bhang Lassi – Try A New Drink
• Khaba Fort – Explore The Heritage
• Vyas Chhatri – Watch The Sunset
• Suryagarh – Enjoy The Dinner Amidst Sand Dunes
• Jaisalmer Desert Festival – Experience The Festivities
• Indo-Pak Border – Look At The Other Side
• Sunset Palace – Enjoy A Romantic Dinner
• Local Food: Satiate The Inner Foodie In You
• Nightlife: Party Till You Drop
• Nightwalk Tour Of Jaisalmer: Night Sky Views
• Puppet Show: An Engaging Play
• Rooftop Dining: For An Elegant Night
• Cultural Tour Of Rajasthan: A Must-Have Experience
• Photo Tour: For Your Instagram
• Camping On Sand Dunes: An Overnight Adventure
• Visit Lodurva: A Historical Relic
• Light And Sound Show: A Glowing Showcase

1. Jaisalmer Fort – See The Grandeur 

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The city is known for the grand fort that fences the city and other tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. These include, inter alia, Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Patwon Ki Haveli, Sadar Bazar, and Desert National Park. Taking a city sightseeing tour is one of the most desired things to do in Jaisalmer. Depending on the time in hand, one can also plan to visit Desert Museum and Heritage Museum.
Jaisalmer Fort Tickets Charges: INR 50
Jaisalmer Fort Timings: 9AM – 5PM
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Sightseeing

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2. Jaisalmer City – Witness The Scenic Beauty 

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To capture the best glimpses of the royal Jaisalmer, take a guided photography tour of the favorite Jaisalmer attractions. This 2-hour fascinating tour will take you through the lanes, havelis, temples, & forts and will make you view the dunes and sand from never seen before perspective. Carry the best camera & wide-angle lenses that you have for amazing shots. And while you are touring the city, try a few cafes in Jaisalmer for tasty snacks.
Charges: INR 1300/person
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Rajasthani culture

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3. Gadisar Lake – Enjoy The View 

The Gadisar Lake is among the most popular Jaisalmer attractions. This man-made reservoir was built in 1367 by Maharawal Gadsi Singh, after whom it is named. Boating here is one of the refreshing activities in Jaisalmer and also one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer. Relish the spectacular surroundings or enjoy fun-filled boating in this sparkling lake with families and friends.
Opening Hours: 7 am – 7 pm
Charges: INR 100 for 2-seater pedal boat | INR 200 for 4-seater pedal boat | INR 300 for 6 seater rowing boats
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Boating

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4. Jaisalmer Local Bazaar – Shopping

There are many vibrant options for shopping in Rajasthan. And shopping in the fort city is definitely among the best things to do in Jaisalmer for the shopaholics. With so many options and varieties of handmade products including clothes, jewelry, accessories, bags, footwear, etc, shopping is one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer.

What To Shop: Puppets, Rajasthani textiles, jootis, decorative items, local handicrafts, camel leather items, yellow sandstone showpieces, wooden items, and ornaments
Where: Sadar Bazaar, Bhatia Bazaar, Manak Chowk, Pansari Bazaar (oldest market of Jaisalmer), Sonaron ka Baas, and government-owned Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan in Seema Gram
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Artifacts

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5. Kanoi – Parasailing

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Fly high above the desert and enjoy an exhilarating bird’s eye view is a lavish treat to the mind and soul. This thrilling and brave heart parasailing activity is quite common in the desert areas and one of the offbeat things to do in Jaisalmer. Most of the desert camps organize this activity on prior requests. It is also one of the best activities in Jaiselmer that you can partake in.
Charges: INR 760
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Parasailing

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6. Paramotoring – Indulge Into Adventure 

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Paramotoring is among the must-try adventure activities in Jaisalmer for those who wish to make the Jaisalmer trip daring and adventurous. This motor-powered parasailing makes you view the golden sand dunes from high above the sky. You can also click fascinating pictures of the surroundings or just a crazy selfie. The pilot will be with you to control the vehicle so that the adventure sport is extremely safe and secured.
Charges: INR 2000
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Adventure sports

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7. Sam Sand Dunes – Quad Biking

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Quad Biking is also among the most thrilling things to do in Jaisalmer. Explore the dune topography or ride in an enclosed circuit in a quad-bike. The dusty whirlpool created by the ATV’s motion adds to the thrill factor. Perfect sandy terrain and space make quad biking one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer when it comes to adventure activities.
Charges: INR 1700
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Biking

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8. Thar Desert – Dune Bashing

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The sand dunes of the Thar Desert are perfect for bashing and off-roading activities. Exploring the desert in an SUV is one of the most pulsating things to do in Jaisalmer, India. A large sports utility vehicle, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser or the Fortuner 4X4, is used in this adventure sport. This is done under strict professional supervision as dune bashing and off-roading may include sharp overturn and competent maneuvering skills.
Charges: INR 3500/person
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Desert Safari

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9. Winds Desert Camp – Desert Safari And Camping

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Taking a desert safari and staying overnight in a desert camp are other popular things to do in Jaisalmer at night. Travelers can take evening safaris to explore the spectacular dunes and watch the sun setting behind the dunes. The desert camps are other major tourist attractions in Jaisalmer and offer all modern facilities needed for the stay. Travelers can also enjoy Rajasthani folk music & dance performances, followed by a sumptuous local cuisine buffet dinner while camping in Jaisalmer.
Popular desert camps: The Serai, Royal Desert Camp, and Prince Desert Camp
Charges: INR 5000 – INR 9000 for overnight camping | INR 1500 for camel safari and dinner
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Camping

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10. Tanot Mata Temple – Indo-Pak Border

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Visiting the Tanot Mata Temple is one of the most popular things to do at Jaisalmer Indo-Pak border. Located near the Tanot Mata Temple, the Indo-Pak border is among the most sought-after tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. Travelers can extend their desert safari and visit the Indo-Pak border area with prior permission and permit passes from the Indian Military.
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Sightseeing

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11. Desert National Park – Admire The Wildlife

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Admiring wildlife is one of the other top things to do in Jaisalmer city. Located on the western part of Rajasthan, Desert National Park is sprawled in an area of 3162 kms. They are made of rocky surfaces, sand dunes and salt lake bottoms. It is a commendable example of the Thar Desert and one can find different animals here like Indian Fox, Desert Cat, Chinkara, and many more. Apart from this, you will find the state bird of Rajasthan here, the Great Indian Bustard.
Location: Myajlar Road, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001
Opening Hours: 7 am to 5 pm
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Birdwatching

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12. Desert Culture Centre & Museum – Puppet Show

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When in Jaisalmer, you must watch a puppet show in the Desert Culture Centre and Museum. It is a 40 minutes incredible show that lets you take a sneak peek in the traditional times and know more about the culture of Jaisalmer. You must include puppet show in your list as it is one of the top things to do in Jaisalmer in 2 days.
Location: Gadisar Rd, Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001
Charges: INR 50 – 100 per head
Opening Hours: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Cultural tour

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13. Rajasthan Cuisine – Try Something New

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A trip to Jaisalmer is incomplete if you haven’t tried spicy dishes from the Rajasthan cuisine. Ditch fast food and try out something new to treat the epicurean in you. You cannot miss out on Mirchi, Bada, Pyaaj Kachori, Lauki ke Kofte, Kicha ki Sabji and the famous Dal Bati Churma. And to end your meal properly, Jaisalmer has Ghotua Laddoo which will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.

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14. Desert Jeep Safari – An Enthralling Experience 

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The Desert Jeep Safari in Jaisalmer takes one through deserts and villages of Rajasthan. One will drive through the serene golden Thar desert and get to see the small villages. Get an insight into the daily village life and if lucky you might even spot a Black Buck Antelope. Take a day out for a desert jeep safari tour and have a great time driving through the golden dunes. There are various tours that one can opt for in Jaisalmer.
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Adventure Safaris

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15. Camel Safari – A Different Adventure 

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There are various safaris that different places are famous for, and Jaisalmer, the desert city is known for one too, the camel safari. Enjoying a camel safari is one of the top things to do in Jaisalmer Rajasthan. An endless stretch of golden sand, the Thar desert is a beauty to witness. Enjoy the beautiful desert views during the safari that happens to be one of the must-experience activities in Jaisalmer. There are multiple operators offering desert safari in Jaisalmer and one can choose any from amongst them.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: Starting from INR 1000/-
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Desert sightseeing

Suggested Read: A Guide To Desert Safari In Jaisalmer

16. Salim Singh Ki Haveli – Marvelous Beauty

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Salim Singh ki Haveli is a mansion in Jaisalmer, famous for its architecture. The structure is an 18th-century building that has around 38 beautifully carved balconies. The distinct architecture of the Haveli sets it aside from the other structures of those times. The balconies and the roof are the prime focus of this building where the roof is inspired by a peacock. Head to this amazing place and marvel at the architecture on your trip to Jaisalmer. It is also one of the best places to observe New Year’s eve in Jaisalmer.
Location: Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 34500
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Architecture

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17. Jain Temple Tour – Extraordinary Architecture 

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Dating back to the 12th and 15th century, the Jain Temples are another set of architecturally beautiful structures in Jaisalmer. These temples aren’t just places of worship, but of beauty too. The intricate designs on the temple walls are the distinct features of the Jain temples in Jaisalmer. Marveling at the architecture is one of the top things to do in Jaisalmer Rajasthan.
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Temple tours

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18. Nathmal Ki Haveli – Marvel At The Architecture

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Another place to enjoy the marvelous architecture in Jaisalmer is Nathmal Ki Haveli. Open on all days of the week, one can visit the Haveli any time in between 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening. The beautiful design includes carvings of elephants on the yellow colored stone and other intricate designs on both the interior and exterior walls of the Haveli. Do add this to your list of places to visit so that you do not miss out on the beautiful architecture of this desert city.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM (all the days of the week)
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Historic tours

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19. Kuldhara – Visit The Abandoned Village

Image Credit: Archan dave for Wikipedia

This village is located at a distance of 15 kilometers from Jaisalmer and known as an abandoned Indian village which has a rich history. In the present day it is in ruins, but there was a time when it was known for its large population. The settlement here was magnificently planned and the streets were designed to be wide and beautiful. According to the local folklore, the minister of the ruling kingdom was evil and wanted to marry the daughter of the village’s chief. To keep the valour of his daughter and protect her pride, he asked the entire village to leave Kuldhara and settle elsewhere in the nearby towns and villages. It is also one of the best getaways from Delhi.
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Village tourism

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20. Bhang Lassi – Try A New Drink

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This is one of the favorite drinks to have in Jaisalmer which is actually a cannabis-infused yogurt drink that has a slight hint of sweetness. The Bhang can be found in many places across Jaisalmer which also includes some of the government-approved stores. There are other varieties like Bhang infused soft drinks and rolls. The locals and Sadhus can be seen enjoying the variants of this cool and refreshing drink, but it is advisable to drink responsibly.

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21. Khaba Fort – Explore The Heritage

Image Credit: Jaisalmer Tourism

This beautiful fort is located at a distance of 35 kms from Jaisalmer and resting amidst the abandoned civilization. Abandoned for around 200 years, this place holds a heritage and also a local legend which makes it worth visiting. In the early times, this fort was the stoppage for the traders who traveled through the Silk Route. They used to stay a night here and pay their taxes. Holding its charismatic heritage, this place also has a museum to explore the artefacts of the past.
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Historic tours

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22. Vyas Chhatri – Watch The Sunset

Image Credit: Ankitponkia for Wikipedia

Watching the sunset standing at the Vyas Chhatri is one of the best experiences to include while traveling to Jaisalmer. Witnessing the incredible beauty of the place, there are umbrella-like structures that surround the entire area. These cenotaphs reflect the best of Rajasthan’s incredible architecture and make it one of the must-visit places in Jaisalmer.
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Architecture

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23. Suryagarh – Enjoy The Dinner Amidst Sand Dunes

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For the people traveling to Jaisalmer during the months of October to March, dinner at the Sand dunes at Suryagarh is one of the unique experiences to cherish. The visitors can experience the royalty and enjoy a meal just like the royals do amidst the lamps and bonfires. The entire menu boasts a nomadic hunt menu which is prepared on-site by a number of professional chefs. The visitors can enjoy the delicious food along with folk singers uplifting the ambiance.
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Night camps

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24. Jaisalmer Desert Festival – Experience The Festivities

Image Credit: (WT-en) Yogeshmankar for Wikipedia

This is one of the historic events in Jaisalmer which has been celebrated for many centuries. In the present day it is celebrated on a much bigger scale in the month of February and the entire desert brims with festivities. From camel races to polo, there are a lot of exciting activities to explore along with the Air Force display. They perform many fun and acrobatic performances followed by other activities. This is one of the extravagant events to witness in Jaisalmer.
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Annual traditions

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25. Indo-Pak Border – Look At The Other Side

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For the people who like to try out some not so exclusive activities, then they can plan a visit to the Indo-Pak border. While here one can witness a large number of Indian Army posts which includes the Longewala and the Tanot. Alongside that there are some awesome tank displays to see. Alongside that one can also plan to visit the Indira Gandhi canal from where one can enjoy some of the amazing views and also get the taste of the local delicacies.
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Border sightseeing

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26. Sunset Palace – Enjoy A Romantic Dinner

Image Credit: Anagoria for Wikipedia

Enjoy the perks of royalties while having a dinner at the Sunset Palace which is also known for offering an incredible experience of rooftop dining. Sitting here one can enjoy the beautiful sights of the bazaar and also the view of the Jaisalmer Fort. The restaurant is known for serving a wide variety of cuisines which includes local cuisine, and also food from the Northern part of India.
How To Reach: Auto, Taxi, Train
Famous For: Sunset views

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26. Local Food: Satiate The Inner Foodie In You