Things to Do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

A short, practical guide to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan: what is worth your time, how long it takes, and when to go.

Why Jaisalmer is worth the stop

Jaisalmer is a living fort city in the Thar desert, built from yellow sandstone that turns gold at sunset, with people still living inside the fort walls.

Things to do in Jaisalmer

• Jaisalmer Fort - one of the few forts in the world still inhabited.
• Patwon ki Haveli, for the carved stone facades.
• Gadisar Lake at sunrise.
• A desert camel safari with an overnight camp at Sam or Khuri dunes.
• Kuldhara, the abandoned village outside town.

A sensible one-day plan

• Morning inside the fort before the day trippers.
• Havelis and the old town lanes at midday.
• Drive to the dunes in the late afternoon.
• Sunset camel ride and an overnight desert camp.

Getting around

The town is small and walkable. Desert trips run through hotels; compare camps since quality varies sharply.

What to eat here

Ker sangri, makhaniya lassi, and a strong desert-style masala chai at the fort gate.

When to come

The comfortable window is November to February. Avoid April to July unless you handle heat or heavy rain well. Nearest airport: Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), seasonal. A mid-range day in Jaisalmer, covering a room, food and local transport, runs about 2,500 to 6,000 rupees.

One thing most visitors miss

Water seepage from modern plumbing is the main threat to the inhabited fort, which is why conservation groups ask visitors to stay outside the walls rather than in fort hotels.

Common questions