Jaisalmer is a breathtaking sight. It is like a scene from a fairytale with a grandly posed yellow, golden sandcastle on the hilltop and friendly locals in brightly coloured flowing dress and turbans.
In over six visits to India in the last few years it is Golden City we return to every time. There is just something about the people and the many things to do Jaisalmer that draws us to return and explore more of this exotic desert treasure.
Jaisalmer is known as the ‘Golden City’ in India’s desert state of Rajasthan. The title eludes fairytale-like images of gold and golden sand, and the city of Jaisalmer confidently lives up to its name.
Now after an accumulated several months in Jaisalmer its unanimous. This is our favourite place in India and somewhere that we know – just like in the fairytale – we will keep on returning to.
And so, in some hope to pay forward the joy this magical Golden City and its people bring to us on each trip, we have created what we hope to be the ultimate guide to all the best things to do in Jaisalmer and the sights not to miss during your visit.
- About Jaisalmer
- Best time to visit Jaisalmer
- 30 Best things to do in Jaisalmer
- Villagers Market
- Amar Sagar Gate
- Camel Safari in Thar Desert
- Mandir Palace
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Jain Temples
- Laxminath and Surya Temple
- Moti Mahal
- Patwa Haveli
- Nathmal Ki Haveli
- Bhatia Market and Jandani Chowk
- Gadisar Lake
- Vyas Chhatris
- Bada Bagh
- Thar Heritage Museum
- Pansari Bazar
- Chai Chowk
- Sunset Point
- Desert Cultural Centre
- Where to eat in Jaisalmer
- Getting to Jaisalmer
- Where to stay in Jaisalmer
An introduction to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer and the multi-turreted historic Jaisalmer Fort quite literally do rise from the Thar Desert plains in the form of a magical sandcastle on the hilltop.
There is nowhere in India like it. Jaisalmer was once an important part of the exotic Silk Road trading routes. And today, it is one of the tourist destinations in the flamboyant state of Rajasthan that implores much wonder at the incredible history of India.
For visitors to Jaisalmer one of the main attractions is the proximity to the incredible Thar Desert and the chance to take a camel safari and sleep under the stars. But there is lots more to Jaisalmer too.
The following is everything you need to know to plan a great trip and make the most of all the unique sights and things to do in Jaisalmer.
A little bit of history about Jaisalmer – the Golden City of Rajasthan
Jaisalmer was established in the 12th century by the Rajput king Rawal Jaisal as a fortress town rising from the sands of the Rajasthan Thar Desert.
Local craftsmen used the abundant yellow sandstone from the desert to fashion the solid ramparts of the fort.
During the 16th and 18th century the geographical location of Jaisalmer made it an important stop on the camel merchant trade lines between India and Central Asia on the historic Silk Road. At this time textiles were a big part of the trading that Jaisalmer is still famous for today.
In the centuries following the rise of shipping trade in the ever-growing port of what was then Bombay (Mumbai) saw the city decline as a vital stop on trading routes. After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 Jaisalmer became more isolated and seemingly the remoteness sealed the fate of the city.
However today tourism in Jaisalmer is steadily on the incline. And the growth of tourism rivals the military base as the centre of the city’s economy. There is history and a vibrant culture and lots of unique things to do in Jaisalmer.
When is the best time to visit Jaisalmer?
The best time to visit Jaisalmer is during the winter months from October to March. The temperature at this time of year is between 10°c to 27°c with a pleasant arid desert climate.
However, I admit I’m writing now from our sixth visit to Jaisalmer, and it is currently July. We have visited in March, June, July, October and November over the last five years. And while we found the temperature hot during the summer I can’t complain. May is the hottest month of the year and this season temperatures were up in the fifties.
The winter months are the best time to visit Jaisalmer. The sun is pleasant and perfect for all the sightseeing and all the things to do in Jaisalmer that the city is famous for.
30 Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
The Golden City is famed for overnight camel safaris in the Thar Desert and the majestic Jaisalmer Fort. But there is much more to this historic city too.
Here is our ultimate Jaisalmer travel guide and 30 of the best things to do in Jaisalmer.
1. Villagers Market / Maharana Pratap Maidan Market
Wherever we are traveling in the world we always find ourselves drawn to start any city explorations at the local marketplace. The market is a great way to find your feet in a new location. It is the heartbeat of any Indian city and offers visitors a first insight into local life in the region.
The main Jaisalmer market is more commonly known as the Villagers Market. It is named after Maharana Pratap Singh I who was the king of the Kingdom of Mewar in the present-day state of Rajasthan.
In Jaisalmer the location of the Villagers Market has always been central and of pivotal importance to the city. And the location near Mandir Palace saw the original market named after Maharana Pratap who was the king at the time.
It is a bustling and lively marketplace with everything from brightly coloured and perfectly stacked fruits and vegetables to jewellery and bangles in the iconic style of the Jaisalmeri women. See the huge stacks of clay water pots and metal tiffin tins near the entrance. And if you are going on a camel safari this is a good place to get a scarf and start your preparations to get desert-ready.
2. Amar Sagar Gate / Entrance to the Old City of Jaisalmer
The grandly imposing Amar Sagar Gate leading from the Villagers Market to Gandhi Chowk below the Jaisalmer Fort is one of the original historic gates into the old city of Jaisalmer.
The original gate was built around the same time as the Jaisalmer Fort in the 12th Century. And today a second gate has been added to accommodate the modern traffic needs in and out of the old city.
3. Jaisalmer Camel Safari overnight in Thar Desert
A visit to Jaisalmer isn’t complete without an excursion to the Thar Desert.
You can forget images of glamping and tents on the sand dunes. The best part about a camel safari in Jaisalmer is that it really is a local and non-touristic type experience. There are touristy ones too. But those are the ones popular with domestic tourism in the Sam Sand Dunes and that isn’t that the same thing at all!
Instead in Jaisalmer you get the opportunity to take a jeep ride out into the desert and start a short camel ride in the sunset. Camp for the night just beyond the small villages of the Thar Desert and sleep underneath the stars.
Pretty much every hotel and business in town will offer you a camel safari. It is one of the most popular things to do in Jaisalmer. But you definitely want to make sure you book a good one and also one that is ethical – to the camels, and to its workers.
We booked our camel safari through owner Padam at Wanderlust Guesthouse.
- Read our experience of a camel safari in Jaisalmer.
4. Mandir Palace and Badal Villas
Jaisalmer is well known for its palaces, elaborate temples and grand fort. But the most significant palace today is the Mandir Mahal and residence of the current King of Jaisalmer, Maharawal Chaitanya Raj Singh.
Part of the Mandir Palace has been transformed into a luxury heritage hotel and museum. The hotel is complete with a fine dining experience in the on-site restaurant and is one of the few properties in the inner city to have a swimming pool.
The museum showcases artefacts, furniture, documents, and royal possessions giving you a glimpse of what life was once like for the Maharaja of the Golden City.
- Tip: Tickets to Mandir Palace and museum cost 160 INR per adult.
5. Tazia Tower
Tazie Tower is visible from anywhere around Mandir Palace and the Villagers Market in the centre of town. It is a beautifully carved five-story tower that was constructed in the form of tazia.
Tazia are usually part of Muslim religious funerary festivities.
The tower was built in 1886 AD by Muslim carvers. It was presented it as a gift to the imperial Hindu king, Maharawal Berisal Singh.
6. Jaisalmer Fort
The fort is undisputably the main draw to visit Jaisalmer and lives up to all expectations. Jaisalmer Fort is one of the world’s largest fully preserved forts and one of the very few ‘living forts’ in the world. Nearly one fourth of the old city’s population still reside within the fort walls.
The fort was built in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal and derives its name from two words – Jaisal and Meru. The name Jaisal came from the king himself. And Meru is the name of an unassailable mythical mountain of the Gods in the Himalayas.
Inside are Jain temples that date back to the 14th century along with the ornately decorated Laxminath Hindu temple.
The main Maharajah Palace above the main entrance to the inner fort courtyard has a fantastic audio tour. For us this was the highlight of the fort and we recommend this as a first stop on your visit.
There are cafes and souvenir shops inside and an entire labyrinth of beautiful sandstone-surrounded lanes to get lost in.
7. Jain Temple / Shree Chandraprabhu Swami Ji Temple
Within the fort there are seven yellow sandstone Jain temples. Religion was another of Jaisalmer’s historic traits that flourished under the many rulers of the city. Although Hinduism was professed they were tolerant of Jainism and encouraged the construction of the beautiful Jain temples within the fort walls.
The largest and most extravagant of the Jain temples is Chandraprabhu built in 1509. Inside around the main inner courtyard (drum) are 12 statues of Ganesh. No mortar was used in the construction of the whole temple. Instead the blocks of masonry are held together by iron staples.
- Tip: A ticket for entrance to the Jain temple costs 300 INR. Shoes, all leather items and water bottles must be removed before entering.
8. Laxminath and Surya Temple
This is the central Hindu temple in the middle of Jaisalmer Fort. The Laxmi temple is recognisable by the brightly decorated dome although the style is much simpler than the neighbouring and iconic Jain temples.
The entrance is recognisable by the silver architrave around the doorway to the main inner sanctum. And both the external and internal doorways and the main shrine inside are heavily garlanded with brightly coloured offerings.
- Tip: There is no charge to enter the Laxminath Temple.
9. Desert Art Gallery / Jaisalmer Fort
Jaisalmer is famous for its textiles. The city itself was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road trading routes between India and Central Asia. And although Jaisalmer suffered a decline in trade after the expansion of Mumbai ports it still held onto the value of exchanging textiles as dowry within tribes in the region.
This place – the family-owned Desert Art Gallery – is one of the reasons we keep returning to Jaisalmer. Bhawani and his brother Sawai have created what is the largest collection of textiles and handicrafts, carpets, rugs, and patchwork wall hangings all from the nomadic tribes and gypsies of the region.
As any traveller to India knows there are many imitations and potential traps as far as souvenir shopping. But this gallery is something Jaisalmer can be very proud of. All these fragile antiques have been collected and lovingly repurposed to create original and unique items.
You will find Desert Art Gallery just inside the fort to the left of the original Ganesh Pol gate. Or if you ask, anyone will point you in their direction.
Step inside and see the incredible collection of dresses, generation-old traditional saris and handstitched dowry pieces. Bhawani and Sawai explain the stories of each piece giving new life to the history of these ancient customs and the colorful culture of the desert people of Rajasthan.
10. Gopa Chowk / Gopa Market
Gopa Chowk is the busy area just before the main entrance to Jaisalmer fort. It is one of the things to do in Jaisalmer that you can’t miss. Mostly due to the fact you walk right through to enter the fort.
The main or most famous attraction of Gopa Chowk is the Bhang Lassi shop. This small kiosk shop has been wooing backpackers for over twenty years.
But there is also the small undercover Gopa Market at the base of the fort walls which is worth a peep over the fence to see the brightly coloured and perfectly stacked vegetables.
11. Salam Singh Ki Haweli (Moti Mahal)
The havelis in and around Jaisalmer Fort deserve special mention. These were the elaborate homes of Jaisalmer’s rich merchants.
There are three historic havelis that top every list of things to do in Jaisalmer – Moto Mahal, Patwa Haveli, Nathmal Haveli.
Salam Singh ki Haveli (Moti Mahal) was built in 1815 and is believed to have been built on the core of an earlier building of the late seventeenth century. It was the residence of the influential Mahta family and has been beautifully carved with exquisite details in the roof and brackets decorated ornately with peacocks.
The entrance is guarded by a large stone elephant.
And interestingly the Salam Singh Haveli is often referred to as Jahaz Mahal (Vessel Palace) because the upper portion of the house over sails the lower quarter boldly like a ships prow.
Today the Moti Mahal is still occupied.
12. Patwa Haveli / Kothari’s Patwon Ki Haveli
Patwon Ki Haveli is the largest and the oldest mansion complex in Jaisalmer. It was built in 1805 as one of a group of five Haveli built for the Patwa brothers. The Haveli is built with the iconic yellow sandstone with the entire front carved in elaborate detail. The main gateway to the haveli, however, stands out with a brown colour.
- Tip: Entry to Patwa Haveli costs 200 INR ($2 USD) per adult.
Ignore the original hand painted tourist prices at the entrance. (They haven’t been updated in a decade). The Haveli is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Albeit Patwa Haveli doesn’t have the museum vibes or artefacts of Mandir Palace. (It is notably an empty-but-grand Haveli). But it is interesting to view and leaves much to imagine how life might have been 200 years before living as life was for the richest of Jaisalmer’s merchant families.
13. Nathmal Ki Haveli
Nathmal Haveli was built in the late 19th century and was once the residence of the prime minister. It is still an inhabited house today and occupied by descendants of the original owners.
The exterior is extraordinary. And I think if I had to choose a favourite Haveli in Jaisalmer it would be Nathmal Haveli.
There is a cool story to the design of the exterior facades. If you stand back and look at the front of the building you can notice (on a second look) the difference between the design on the right and the left sides.
The left and right wings of the haveli were the work of two brothers whose competitive spirit has been left preserved in the different details of the design. One architect carved the left side, and one carved the right but somehow the result is of perfect harmony and detail.
Look closely at the style of decorations on each side of the steps. The carvings are different. And the small windows above the entrance have protruding frames on one side and a reclining design on the other.
Each side of the haveli design is detailed and different.
14. Bhatia Market and Jandani Chowk
Bhatia Market is the main market lane that starts from Gandhi Chowk near the first gate into the old city and leads all the way to the base of the fort.
There is everything you can think of for sale in Bhatia Market. From tailors to shops selling brightly coloured garlands and offerings to the deities. And fabrics and textiles for locals and tourists alike. There are school uniform shops and stationery kiosks next to leatherwork galleries. And pharmacies and paan stalls and everything in between.
About halfway to the fort is a small central chowk with a humble looking market sprawled and spread across the square. Here the women sell vegetables and fruits from the nearby farms.
15. Gadisar Lake – Things to do in Jaisalmer
Gadisar Lake is a man-made lake surrounded by historic temples, shrines and ghats just on the outskirts of the city. It is a peaceful and scenic (and popular) site and one of the must-see things to do in Jaisalmer.
The lake was constructed by Raja Rawal Jaisal, the first ruler of Jaisalmer and later reconstructe by Maharawal Gadsi Singh in 1367 AD. It is said the lake once provided water to the entire town and thus has a long history of significance for Jaisalmer once serving as an integral water source for the city.
There is no entry fee to visit the lake. It is best to visit at sunrise or sunset when the crowds are (generally) less.
16. I LOVE JAISALMER sign at Gadisar Lake
If you are visiting Gadisar Lake, you can’t help but walk past the two metal camels and the ‘I LOVE JAISALMER’ sign on your way.
This is a popular place for photos (no surprises there) and likely you will be asked for a selfie or two (or more).
The camels and sign was created by the NGO ‘I Love Jaisalmer’ Foundation which is working to preserve the folk traditions of the Thar region as well as donating to rehabilitation of rural health care centres and supporting programs for female literacy.
17. Vyas Chhatri
Chhatris are a type of Indian funerary monument or chapel built over a tomb. The Vyas Chhatris in Jaisalmer are just on the city outskirts and are the tombs and cremation grounds for Brahmin.
The style of Chhatris are an important aspect of Rajasthani architecture and the memorial site is a peaceful and picturesque sunset point from which to view the fort.
- Tip: The cost to enter is 100 INR ($1.20 USD) per person.
18. Bada Bagh / Royal Chhatri Cenotaphs
Bada Bagh is another of the most iconic things to do in Jaisalmer.
The literal translation of Barabagh means ‘grand garden’. It is a garden complex about six kilometers north of Jaisalmer where a set of royal chhatri cenotaphs adorn the hilltop.
These are the royal tombs and the site of cremation for the Maharajas of the Jaisalmer State in the 18th, 19th and early 20thcenturies. But don’t expect to be alone at the tombs. The views at sunset are spectacular and the site is often popular for pre and post-wedding photoshoots. (And why not?!).
- Tip: The cost to enter is 300 INR ($3.60 USD).
19. Thar Heritage Museum
Next door (literally) to the Vyas Chhatris is the humble-on-the-outside Thar Heritage Museum. The museum was established in 2006 and highlights the special identity and culture of the Thar desert region through folk arts and craft, turbans, musical instruments and the odd fossil or two from the area.
The museum is small but worth popping in if you are visiting Vyas Chhatris.
20. Pansari Bazar – Things to do in Jaisalmer
The Golden City is known for its textiles and handicrafts and so it isn’t surprising that shopping is one of the most popular things to do in Jaisalmer.
Pansari Bazar is one of the oldest markets inside the original city walls. It starts from Gopa Ghowk near the main entrance to the fort and leads all the way down the narrow roads towards Gadisar Lake.
Like Bhatia Market there is plenty to see. But a few of the old shops stand out as places to stop by on your way through.
Ramgopal Bhatiya and Sons is the oldest spice shop in Pansari Bazar dating back to 1921. They sell every kind of spice you can think of and will happily show you through the different drums and tins and barrels of scented spices.
On the same stretch of the road are the side-by-side bangle shops. Here you can see the iconic arm bangles of the Jaisalmeri women. The larger now-plastic upper arm bangles were traditionally worn by the women to show they were married.
21. Ramesh Talkies / Jaisalmer Cinema
If you want the real-deal mod Indian experience, there is nothing like a Bollywood film at a typical Indian cinema. Ramesh Talkies has been the place to go in Jaisalmer since 1987 and is the main movie theatre in the city.
It’s a far contrast from the historic things to do in Jaisalmer. But – assuming you have a decent set of ear plugs – and you are ready for a Bollywood experience, there are films showing daily.
22. Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets and 23. Ghotua Factory
This place in Bhatia Market has been churning out traditional Rajasthani and Jaisalmeri sweets for 12 generations. You can’t miss it on the corner heading up from Gandhi Chowk towards the Fort and it won’t be mistaken for the queue outside or the bright yellow winds of sweet Jalebi stacked up above the cauldrons of sugar syrup.
If you haven’t yet tried Ghotua – the most famous of Jaisalmeri sweets – this is the place to do it.
Ghotua is a typical Indian sweet from Jaisalmer made with Gram flour (chickpea flour) and pounded by hand with pure Ghee (clarified butter), cardamon and saffron.
Owner Vinay Bhativa will proudly show you the handmade Ghotua and photos of his forefathers that made the delicious sweets before him.
- Tip: It costs 250 INR for a small box of Ghotua presented in a gift box or you can buy one to try.
24. Gandhi Memorial Statue / Hanuman Chowraha
Hanuman Chowraha is one of the busy central squares near the main roundabout in Jaisalmer.
It’s more of a landmark to get your bearings outside of the old city walls. But the revered Gandhi Memorial Statue pops up on any Google Maps search and is a point of noteworthy history for Jaisalmer with the statue – and for India.
25. Chai Chowk / Hanuman Chowraha
I’d call this busy public square one of the unofficial but must-see things to do in Jaisalmer. The huge chowk (square) is known by locals (and visitors like us) as ‘Chai Chowk’ because of the limitless number of chai wala stands and small chai cafes surrounding the edge.
Each morning these chai shops open at sunrise and the steady stream of punters starts from the early morning. The small plastic stools and bench seats fill continuously with men as chai is savoured over quick conversations.
Over our many visits to Jaisalmer one shop has stood out. Gavin joins the morning crowds daily in our stays and even reckons it might be worthy of the ‘best chai in India’ award of any that we have tried.
Check it out. And enjoy a cup of truly traditional Indian chai for just 10 INR (0.12 USD).
26. Suli Dungri / Sunset Point – Things to do in Jaisalmer
There are several surrounding sunset viewpoints that end your day in Jaislamer with the vibrant warm golden glow that is so akin to this historic city.
Some of the viewpoints are just beyond the city and you need a rickshaw to get there. But Suli Dungri is a small local viewing platform on the small hill above the Artist Colony off Maka Pol.
This is a beautiful spot to watch the incredible sunset over Jaisalmer Fort and see the full panorama of the Golden City.
- Tip: If you are staying at Wanderlust Guesthouse in Jaisalmer (where we always stay) then Suli Dungri is just a few hundred metres up behind the property.
27. Jain Temple Bhavan Dharamshala Jaisalmer
This is another ornately carved Jain Temple not far from the Jaisalmer Cinema. And this one is also a Dharamshala.
Jain Dharamshalas serve as peaceful retreats for spiritual seekers, providing them with a conducive environment for meditation and spiritual growth.
It is interesting to see inside the Dharamshala complex and you will be welcomed in to have a look around.
28. Desert Cultural Centre & Museum / Jaisalmer Puppet Theatre
The small museum at the Desert Cultural Centre tells the history of the princely state of Rajasthan with exhibits of traditional culture and folklore. You can see textiles and learn about Rajsthani music (with a video) as well as live music and costumes, with colourful and entertaining puppetry.
There is a nightly half-hour puppet show with an English commentary using traditional puppetry and storytelling. Or short puppet shows can be performed on request.
Kathputli is a string puppet theatre, native to Rajasthan, India, and is the most popular form of Indian puppetry.
29. Lunch with a local family in Jaisalmer
All forts and historical things to do in Jaisalmer aside, one of the most memorable parts of each visit for us is the opportunity to share lunch in a local family home.
India is huge. And there are endless sights to see in the country. But travel is made special by the connections that we make. And in India it is the people that really make this huge and colourful subcontinent shine.
The experience of lunch with Bhawani, Sawai and family is one of the things to do in Jaisalmer that we can’t recommend enough. Meet the family and see what it is like in a family home. Try some new foods and have a go at making chapati or chai in their kitchen. And sit down and share lunch the traditional way. Finish with some Jaisalmeri sweets and enjoy the process of henna. A truly special experience.
- Tip: Contact Bhawani +91 94147 63000 for lunch in their family home in Jaisalmer or a personalised tour of Jaisalmer Fort.
30. Rajwadi Safa House / Rajasthani Turbans
This busy small shop specializes in the brightly coloured traditional turbans of Rajasthan. The owner and his brother can show you all the different styles for weddings and ceremonies and explain which part of the state they originate from.
Even if you don’t plan on trading your traveling style to include a highlighter vibrant turban it is worth popping in for a look at the impressive array of brightly coloured turban styles. And certainly, the chance to try on a Rajasthani turban is one of the things to do in Jaisalmer that is truly unique.
Where to eat in Jaisalmer / Cafes, restaurants and food-things to do in Jaisalmer
Like with any Indian city there is a seemingly limitless choice of new foods to try, places to eat and chai to drink in Jaisalmer.
But if it is your first time to the Golden City then it can be understandably overwhelming to narrow down the choices. Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Jaisalmer and be sure to try ‘Ghotua’ – the traditional Jaisalmeri sweet that the city is famous for.
Dhanraj Bhatia Sweets / Bhatia Market
This place in Bhatia Market has been churning out traditional Rajasthani and Jaisalmeri sweets for 12 generations. You can’t miss it on the corner heading up from Gandhi Chowk towards the Fort and it won’t be mistaken for the queue outside or the birhgt yellow winds of sweet Jalebi stacked up above the cauldrons of sugar syrup.
If you haven’t yet tried Ghotua – the most famous of Jaisalmeri sweets – this is the place to do it.
Bhang Shop / Gopa Chowk
Below the Little Italy Hotel (same owners) is the iconic Jaisalmer Bhang Shop. This Lassi shop has been situated in the same spot below the First Fort Gate offering lassis of different strength as well as bhang cookies, cakes and chocolates for over twenty years.
Enjoy with caution. (We are remaining impartial as to whether or not we have tried this shop but can confirm it does get popular with backpackers!).
Natraj Restaurant
Natraj Restaurant is listed every year in the Lonely Planet guide for Jaisalmer and is a long-running local restaurant serving Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine. The rooftop has a great view over the upper part of the Salim Singh ki Haveli and across the south of town.
Natti’s Chai Shop / Natraj Restaurant in Gandhi Chowk
We first discovered Natti’s small chai shop on our first trip to Jaisalmer and it has become a favourite place to stop and cool down with a cold drink or a tasty chai on every visit.
Natti is well known in town and is a real character, coming up with magic tricks and puzzles that keeps all of us on our toes and coming back to find out the answer!
- Tip: The small Natraj Restaurant is just off Gandhi Chowk. Call in and say hi to Natti.
Ice-cream Shop / Kum Kum Sophty Corner
The shop might be small but if you are visiting Jaisalmer at any time of year it can get hot, hot. (It is the desert state after all). Kum Kum Sophty Corner is just below the fort walls and sells ice blocks for 20 INR (20 cents).
Bharat Juice Shop / Pansari Bazar
This juice shop is one of the oldest drink cafes in Jaisalmer and is situated brilliantly between the Fort and Gadisar Lake. It sells assorted interesting lassis and fresh juices. And if juices in India aren’t (yet) your thing it also offers fresh drinking coconuts (as pure as it comes).
Wanderlust Guesthouse Café and Restaurant
Every time we visit Jaisalmer we stay at Wanderlust Guesthouse. It is officially our favourite place to stay in India. Not only for the comfortable, clean rooms but because of the small restaurant and delicious meals that Padam and his team deliver every time.
If you are nervous about trying street food or news foods in India, this is the perfect place to do it.
Wanderlust has a great menu with homecooked Indian dishes and the best lassis in town.
If you want to try some region-specific dishes that are local to Jaisalmer, ask for a gatta curry (Gatte Ki Sabji) or try desert beans (Ker Sangri).
Or if you are feeling the need for something familiar there are options for simple but tasty pasta and toasted sandwiches.
The Trio Restaurant / Gandhi Chowk
Trio Restaurant is a popular and long-running eatery right in the heart of Gandhi Chowk and next to Mandir Palace. The restaurant was started by three friends and serves Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines and offers reliably good veg and non-veg traditional dishes.
There is a small museum room at the entrance of the restaurant with a glimpse of the past. Check out the beautiful old chapati boxes stacked above the photo wall.
Mandir Palace Restaurant / Gandhi Chowk
Mandir Palace is one of the main sights and things to do in Jaisalmer. As well as a heritage museum in the palace grounds there is also a two-story restaurant serving a menu of Indian and international dishes. The rooftop restaurant has a great vantage point and lookout above the palace grounds.
Prabhu Tea Sall / Hanuman Chowk
This chai shop – Prabhu Tea Stall – is a firm favourite on our trips to Jaisalmer and our India Group Trips. Every morning this small shop is absolutely buzzing from sunrise with cups and flasks of hot tea being poured and boiled in huge pots on the outside stove.
The best time to visit to take it all in is in the early morning. So, if you are feeling the jetlag, you are in luck this time.
- Tip: A cup of chai costs just 10 INR (10 cents) and – this is a bold statement – but Gavin reckons this might be the best chai we’ve tried in India.
Getting TO Jaisalmer
Despite being the end of the line and quite literally the furthest west city in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is connected by road, rail and air and there are options to choose from as far as getting to Jaisalmer.
Getting to Jaisalmer by bus / buses to Jaisalmer
Buses are another good way to get to Jaisalmer if the arrival hours of the trains don’t appeal. Because Jaisalmer is the end of the line many of the trains arrive and depart during the night and wee hours of the morning connecting with the larger cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur during the daytime.
By bus, Jodhpur is the closest major city connecting Jaisalmer. There are hourly buses from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur departing during the day. The journey is around 6 hours by bus.
There are two daily buses (06:00H and 14:00H) that depart from Jaisalmer to Bikaner.
- Tip: There are two main bus stops along Gadisar Road and on the road to the airport. Check with the bus company which stop you are departing from.
Getting to Jaisalmer by train / trains to Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer Railway Station (JSM) is the end of the railway line, but the city is well connected with daily trains to and from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi and beyond.
There are three main trains to Jaisalmer:
- RANIKHET EXP (15014)
- SHALIMAR EXP (14646)
- LEELAN EXP (12468)
Traveling from Jaipur to Jaisalmer by train takes between 12 – 15 hours. From Delhi the journey is 18 – 20 hours.
The train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer should take around 6 – 7 hours.
- Read about taking the train from Jaipur to Jaisalmer or from Delhi to Jaisalmer and how to book train tickets for India here.
Getting to Jaisalmer by air / flights to Jaisalmer
Flights to Jaisalmer are a sought-after commodity in the tourist season (winter) from October to March. But for the rest of the year there are no commercial flights to Jaisalmer.
Usually, the flights to Jaisalmer start around the time of Diwali – in October or November – and once flights are running for the season there are daily flights from Delhi, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
- Tip: Jaisalmer Airport is 12km from the city. The airport also operates as a civil enclave on an Indian Air Force base, so photographs are prohibited.
Accommodation / Where to stay in Jaisalmer
This is our favourite place to stay in all of India. Wanderlust Guesthouse is a small accommodation outside of the Fort and in walking distance to all the things to do in Jaisalmer within the old city.
Padam and his team at Wanderlust Guesthouse do an amazing job of hospitality with beautifully clean rooms, delicious food and the best camel safari in Jaisalmer. The view from the terrace restaurant of the setting sun over Jaisalmer Fort is the kind that memories are made of. It is a great place to stay, and no doubt will become a favourite of yours in India too.
Final thoughts? The best things to do in Jaisalmer?
Jaisalmer is our favourite place in India and somewhere we know we will keep returning to. We hope our travel guide to Jaisalmer has given you inspiration for your trip.
Let us know in the comments which were your favourite things to do in Jaisalmer!
More about travel planning for India and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
